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Naidich A, Gutierrez AM, Camicia F. Molecular characterization of EcCLP1, a new putative cathepsin L protease from Echinococcus canadensis. Parasite 2024; 31:39. [PMID: 38995112 PMCID: PMC11242924 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a platyhelminth parasite and the etiological cause of cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic and neglected disease that infects animals and humans worldwide. As a part of the biological arsenal of the parasite, cathepsin L proteases are a group of proteins that are believed to be essential for parasite penetration, immune evasion, and establishment in the tissues of the host. In this work, we have cloned and sequenced a new putative cathepsin L protease from Echinococcus canadensis (EcCLP1). The bioinformatic analysis suggests that EcCLP1 could be synthesized as a zymogen and activated after proteolytic cleavage. The multiple sequence alignment with other cathepsin proteases reveals important functional conserved features like a conserved active site, an N-linked glycosylation residue, a catalytic triad, an oxyanion hole, and three putative disulfide bonds. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that EcCLP1 could indeed be a cathepsin L cysteine protease from clade 1 as it grouped with cathepsins from other species in this clade. Modeling studies suggest that EcCLP1 has two domains forming a cleft where the active site is located and an occluding role for the propeptide. The transcriptomic analysis reveals different levels of cathepsin transcript expression along the different stages of the parasite life cycle. The whole-mount immunohistochemistry shows an interesting superficial punctate pattern of staining which suggests a secretory pattern of expression. The putative cathepsin L protease characterized here may represent an interesting tool for diagnostic purposes, vaccine design, or a new pharmacological target for antiparasitic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Naidich
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, INEI-ANLIS "Dr Carlos G. Malbrán", Av. Vélez Sársfield 563, 1282 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariana M Gutierrez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, INEI-ANLIS "Dr Carlos G. Malbrán", Av. Vélez Sársfield 563, 1282 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Camicia
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, INEI-ANLIS "Dr Carlos G. Malbrán", Av. Vélez Sársfield 563, 1282 Buenos Aires, Argentina - Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), José E. Uriburu 950, 5to piso, 1114 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Drescher G, dos Santos HG, Pinto MMDG, Morello LG, Figueiredo FB. Diagnosis of fasciolosis antibodies in Brazilian cattle through ELISA employing both native and recombinant antigens. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0009524. [PMID: 38534120 PMCID: PMC11064638 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00095-24] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine fasciolosis is a parasitic disease with a global reach. Coprological based on egg detection in fecal samples and liver inspection to evaluate the presence of the parasite is currently the gold standard for diagnosing chronic fasciolosis in cattle. However, these techniques are labor-intensive and ineffective during the acute phase of the disease. Serodiagnosis using native and recombinant antigens has become an interesting alternative in efforts to identify cattle fasciolosis. We evaluated cattle from abattoir (n = 139) and farms (n = 500) through liver inspection and coprological examination, respectively. Our laboratory team optimized and validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests based on somatic antigen, excretory/secretory proteins, and the recombinant antigen cathepsin L-1 to detect serum antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle. For animals from abattoir, 10 were positive for fasciolosis according to liver inspection. Both FhES and FhrCL-1 presented an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.80, with a sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.46-0.95) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.38-0.90) and specificity of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73-0.87) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80-0.92), respectively. For those cattle from farms, 28 were positive only for fasciolosis according to coprological examination. In this scenario, FhES gave the best performance, with an AUROC of 0.84, sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.60-0.90), and specificity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82-0.89). In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of serodiagnosis for accurately screening cattle fasciolosis. The promising sensitivity and specificity values of FhES when compared to liver inspection or coprological examination enhance its importance for cattle fasciolosis diagnosis. IMPORTANCE The aim of this article was to identify antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle in Brazil. The methodology was reproduced in our laboratory and applied for the first time to the Brazilian cattle herd. The antigens tested can be used as a screening test and thus speed up the diagnosis of bovine fascioliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Drescher
- Cellular Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luis Gustavo Morello
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Parana Institute of Molecular Biology, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Cellular Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Hasanpour H, Falak R, Mokhtarian K, Sadeghi F, Masoumi E, Asadollahi P, Badirzadeh A, Azami SJ, Gholami MD, Pashangzadeh S, Gharagozlou MJ, Naserifar R, Mowlavi G. The effects of Fasciola hepatica recombinant proteins (peroxiredoxin and cathepsin L1) on Crohn's disease experimental model. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13019. [PMID: 38275199 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory potential of the excretory-secretory (E/S) proteins of the helminths has been shown in previous investigations. This study evaluated the effects of the recombinants and excretory-secretory proteins of the Fasciola hepatica on induced colitis in Balb/c mice. The F. hepatica Recombinant proteins, Cathepsin L1 and Peroxiredoxin, and E/S proteins were intraperitoneally injected into the three mice groups as the case groups, while the control groups received PBS. Colitis was induced in mice by intraluminal administration of the 2, 4, 6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution (TNBS). After 8 h, the case groups received the second dosage of the treatments, and it was repeated 24 h later. The immunological, pathological, and macroscopic changes were evaluated 3 days after colitis induction. The macroscopic evaluation revealed significantly lower inflammatory scores in the mice treated with recombinant Peroxiredoxin (rPRX) and recombinant Cathepsin L1 (rCL1). Despite the macroscopic observation, the pathological finding was insignificant between the groups. IFN-γ secretion was significantly lower in splenocytes of the groups that received rPRX, rCL1, and E/S than the controls. IL-10 showed significantly higher levels in groups treated with rPRX and rCL1 than controls, whereas the level of IL-4 was not statistically significant. Excretory-secretory proteins of the F. hepatica showed immunomodulatory potency and the main effects observed in this study were through the reduction of inflammatory cytokine and inflammation manifestation as well as induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Hasanpour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kobra Mokhtarian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Elham Masoumi
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Parisa Asadollahi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Alireza Badirzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Salar Pashangzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Razi Naserifar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Mowlavi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Artía Z, Ferraro F, Sánchez C, Cerecetto H, Gil J, Pareja L, Alonzo MN, Freire T, Cabrera M, Corvo I. In vitro and in vivo studies on a group of chalcones find promising results as potential drugs against fascioliasis. Exp Parasitol 2023; 255:108628. [PMID: 37776969 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108628] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
About a third of the world population is infected by helminth parasites implicated in foodborne trematodiasis. Fascioliasis is a worldwide disease caused by trematodes of the genus Fasciola spp. It generates huge economic losses to the agri-food industry and is currently considered an emerging zoonosis by the World Health Organization (WHO). The only available treatment relies on anthelmintic drugs, being triclabendazole (TCBZ) the drug of choice to control human infections. The emergence of TCBZ resistance in several countries and the lack of an effective vaccine to prevent infection highlights the need to develop new drugs to control this parasitosis. We have previously identified a group of benzochalcones as inhibitors of cathepsins, which have fasciolicidal activity in vitro and are potential new drugs for the control of fascioliasis. We selected the four most active compounds of this group to perform further preclinical studies. The compound's stability was determined against a liver microsomal enzyme fraction, obtaining half-lives of 34-169 min and low intrinsic clearance values (<13 μL/min/mg), as desirable for potential new drugs. None of the compounds were mutagenic or genotoxic and no in vitro cytotoxic effects were seen. Compounds C31 and C34 showed the highest selectivity index against liver fluke cathepsins when compared to human cathepsin L. They were selected for in vivo efficacy studies observing a protective effect, similar to TCBZ, in a mouse model of infection. Our findings strongly encourage us to continue the drug development pipeline for these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoraima Artía
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Ferraro
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Carina Sánchez
- Grupo de Química Orgánica Medicinal, Instituto de Química Biológica & Área de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Hugo Cerecetto
- Grupo de Química Orgánica Medicinal, Instituto de Química Biológica & Área de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Jorge Gil
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Producción y Reproducción de Rumiantes, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte-Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Pareja
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Paysandú, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - María Noel Alonzo
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Paysandú, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Teresa Freire
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11800, Uruguay
| | - Mauricio Cabrera
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay.
| | - Ileana Corvo
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay.
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Peptidomics as a Tool to Assess the Cleavage of Wine Haze Proteins by Peptidases from Drosophila suzukii Larvae. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030451. [PMID: 36979386 PMCID: PMC10046487 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermolabile grape berry proteins such as thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) and chitinases (CHIs) promote haze formation in bottled wines if not properly fined. As a natural grapevine pest, the spotted-wing fly Drosophila suzukii is a promising source of peptidases that break down grape berry proteins because the larvae develop and feed inside mature berries. Therefore, we produced recombinant TLP and CHI as model thermolabile wine haze proteins and applied a peptidomics strategy to investigate whether D. suzukii larval peptidases were able to digest them under acidic conditions (pH 3.5), which are typically found in winemaking practices. The activity of the novel peptidases was confirmed by mass spectrometry, and cleavage sites within the wine haze proteins were visualized in 3D protein models. The combination of recombinant haze proteins and peptidomics provides a valuable screening tool to identify optimal peptidases suitable for clarification processes in the winemaking industry.
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Collett CF, Phillips HC, Fisher M, Smith S, Fenn C, Goodwin P, Morphew RM, Brophy PM. Fasciola hepatica Cathepsin L Zymogens: Immuno-Proteomic Evidence for Highly Immunogenic Zymogen-Specific Conformational Epitopes to Support Diagnostics Development. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:1997-2010. [PMID: 35849550 PMCID: PMC9361350 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica, the common liver fluke and causative agent of zoonotic fasciolosis, impacts on food security with global economic losses of over $3.2 BN per annum through deterioration of animal health, productivity losses, and livestock death and is also re-emerging as a foodborne human disease. Cathepsin proteases present a major vaccine and diagnostic target of the F. hepatica excretory/secretory (ES) proteome, but utilization in diagnostics of the highly antigenic zymogen stage of these proteins is surprisingly yet to be fully exploited. Following an immuno-proteomic investigation of recombinant and native procathepsins ((r)FhpCL1), including mass spectrometric analyses (DOI: 10.6019/PXD030293), and using counterpart polyclonal antibodies to a recombinant mutant procathepsin L (anti-rFhΔpCL1), we have confirmed recombinant and native cathepsin L zymogens contain conserved, highly antigenic epitopes that are conformationally dependent. Furthermore, using diagnostic platforms, including pilot serum and fecal antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests, the diagnostic capacities of cathepsin L zymogens were assessed and validated, offering promising efficacy as markers of infection and for monitoring treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare F Collett
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, U.K
| | - Helen C Phillips
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, U.K
| | - Maggie Fisher
- Ridgeway Research Ltd., Park Farm Buildings, Park Lane, St. Briavels, Gloucestershire GL15 6QX, U.K
| | - Sian Smith
- Ridgeway Research Ltd., Park Farm Buildings, Park Lane, St. Briavels, Gloucestershire GL15 6QX, U.K
| | - Caroline Fenn
- Ridgeway Research Ltd., Park Farm Buildings, Park Lane, St. Briavels, Gloucestershire GL15 6QX, U.K
| | - Phil Goodwin
- Bio-Check UK, Spectrum House, Llys Edmund Prys, St. Asaph Business Park, St. Asaph, Denbighshire LL17 0LJ, U.K
| | - Russell M Morphew
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, U.K
| | - Peter M Brophy
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, U.K
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Recombinant Cathepsin L of Tribolium castaneum and Its Potential in the Hydrolysis of Immunogenic Gliadin Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137001. [PMID: 35806001 PMCID: PMC9266932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137001] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wheat gliadins contain a large amount of glutamine- and proline-rich peptides which are not hydrolyzed by human digestive peptidases and can cause autoimmune celiac disease and other forms of gluten intolerance in predisposed people. Peptidases that efficiently cleave such immunogenic peptides can be used in enzyme therapy. The stored product insect pest Tribolium castaneum efficiently hydrolyzes gliadins. The main digestive peptidase of T. castaneum is cathepsin L, which is from the papain C1 family with post-glutamine cleavage activity. We describe the isolation and characterization of T. castaneum recombinant procathepsin L (rpTcCathL1, NP_001164001), which was expressed in Pichia pastoris cells. The activation of the proenzyme was conducted by autocatalytic processing. The effects of pH and proenzyme concentration in the reaction mixture on the processing were studied. The mature enzyme retained high activity in the pH range from 5.0 to 9.0 and displayed high pH-stability from 4.0 to 8.0 at 20 °C. The enzyme was characterized according to electrophoretic mobility under native conditions, activity and stability at various pH values, a sensitivity to various inhibitors, and substrate specificity, and its hydrolytic effect on 8-, 10-, 26-, and 33-mer immunogenic gliadins peptides was demonstrated. Our results show that rTcCathL1 is an effective peptidase that can be used to develop a drug for the enzyme therapy of various types of gluten intolerance.
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Bennett APS, de la Torre-Escudero E, Dermott SSE, Threadgold LT, Hanna REB, Robinson MW. Fasciola hepatica Gastrodermal Cells Selectively Release Extracellular Vesicles via a Novel Atypical Secretory Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105525. [PMID: 35628335 PMCID: PMC9143473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, is an obligate blood-feeder, and the gastrodermal cells of the parasite form the interface with the host’s blood. Despite their importance in the host–parasite interaction, in-depth proteomic analysis of the gastrodermal cells is lacking. Here, we used laser microdissection of F. hepatica tissue sections to generate unique and biologically exclusive tissue fractions of the gastrodermal cells and tegument for analysis by mass spectrometry. A total of 226 gastrodermal cell proteins were identified, with proteases that degrade haemoglobin being the most abundant. Other detected proteins included those such as proton pumps and anticoagulants which maintain a microenvironment that facilitates digestion. By comparing the gastrodermal cell proteome and the 102 proteins identified in the laser microdissected tegument with previously published tegument proteomic datasets, we showed that one-quarter of proteins (removed by freeze–thaw extraction) or one-third of proteins (removed by detergent extraction) previously identified as tegumental were instead derived from the gastrodermal cells. Comparative analysis of the laser microdissected gastrodermal cells, tegument, and F. hepatica secretome revealed that the gastrodermal cells are the principal source of secreted proteins, as well as showed that both the gastrodermal cells and the tegument are likely to release subpopulations of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Microscopical examination of the gut caeca from flukes fixed immediately after their removal from the host bile ducts showed that selected gastrodermal cells underwent a progressive thinning of the apical plasma membrane which ruptured to release secretory vesicles en masse into the gut lumen. Our findings suggest that gut-derived EVs are released via a novel atypical secretory route and highlight the importance of the gastrodermal cells in nutrient acquisition and possible immunomodulation by the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P. S. Bennett
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
| | - Eduardo de la Torre-Escudero
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
| | - Susan S. E. Dermott
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
| | - Lawrence T. Threadgold
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
| | - Robert E. B. Hanna
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK;
| | - Mark W. Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)28-9097-2120
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Cwiklinski K, Drysdale O, López Corrales J, Corripio-Miyar Y, De Marco Verissimo C, Jewhurst H, Smith D, Lalor R, McNeilly TN, Dalton JP. Targeting Secreted Protease/Anti-Protease Balance as a Vaccine Strategy against the Helminth Fasciola hepatica. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:155. [PMID: 35214614 PMCID: PMC8878381 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica is an economically important global pathogen of humans and their livestock. To facilitate host invasion and migration, F. hepatica secretes an abundance of cathepsin peptidases but prevents excessive damage to both parasite and host tissues by co-secreting regulatory peptidase inhibitors, cystatins/stefins and Kunitz-type inhibitors. Here, we report a vaccine strategy aimed at disrupting the parasite's protease/anti-protease balance by targeting these key inhibitors. Our vaccine cocktail containing three recombinant stefins (rFhStf-1, rFhStf-2, rFhStf-3) and a Kunitz-type inhibitor (rFhKT1) formulated in adjuvant Montanide 61VG was assessed in two independent sheep trials. While fluke burden was not reduced in either trial, in Trial 1 the vaccinated animals showed significantly greater weight gain (p < 0.05) relative to the non-vaccinated control group. In both trials we observed a significant reduction in egg viability (36-42%). Multivariate regression analyses showed vaccination and increased levels of IgG2 antibodies specific for the F. hepatica peptidase inhibitors were positive indicators for increased weight gain and levels of haemoglobin within the normal range at 16 weeks post-infection (wpi; p < 0.05). These studies point to the potential of targeting peptidase inhibitors as vaccine cocktails for fasciolosis control in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 DK59 Galway, Ireland; (J.L.C.); (C.D.M.V.); (H.J.); (R.L.); (J.P.D.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (O.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Orla Drysdale
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (O.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Jesús López Corrales
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 DK59 Galway, Ireland; (J.L.C.); (C.D.M.V.); (H.J.); (R.L.); (J.P.D.)
| | - Yolanda Corripio-Miyar
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (Y.C.-M.); (T.N.M.)
| | - Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 DK59 Galway, Ireland; (J.L.C.); (C.D.M.V.); (H.J.); (R.L.); (J.P.D.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (O.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Heather Jewhurst
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 DK59 Galway, Ireland; (J.L.C.); (C.D.M.V.); (H.J.); (R.L.); (J.P.D.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (O.D.); (D.S.)
| | - David Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (O.D.); (D.S.)
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (Y.C.-M.); (T.N.M.)
| | - Richard Lalor
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 DK59 Galway, Ireland; (J.L.C.); (C.D.M.V.); (H.J.); (R.L.); (J.P.D.)
| | - Tom N. McNeilly
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (Y.C.-M.); (T.N.M.)
| | - John P. Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 DK59 Galway, Ireland; (J.L.C.); (C.D.M.V.); (H.J.); (R.L.); (J.P.D.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (O.D.); (D.S.)
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Barbour T, Cwiklinski K, Lalor R, Dalton JP, De Marco Verissimo C. The Zoonotic Helminth Parasite Fasciola hepatica: Virulence-Associated Cathepsin B and Cathepsin L Cysteine Peptidases Secreted by Infective Newly Excysted Juveniles (NEJ). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123495. [PMID: 34944270 PMCID: PMC8698070 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fasciolosis, caused by the worm parasite Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke), is a global disease of farm animals and a neglected disease of humans. Infection arises from the ingestion of resistant metacercariae that contaminate vegetation. Within the intestine, the parasite excysts as an active larvae, the newly excysted juvenile (NEJ), that borrows through the intestinal wall to infect the host and migrates to the liver. NEJ release, tissue penetration and migration are facilitated by enzymes secreted by the parasite, namely, cathepsin B1 (FhCB1), cathepsin B2 (FhCB2), cathepsin B3 (FhCB3) and cathepsin L3 (FhCL3). While our knowledge of these enzymes is growing, we have yet to understand why the parasites require all four of them to invade the host. In this study, we produced functional recombinant forms of these enzymes and demonstrated that they vary greatly in terms of activity, optimal pH and substrate specificity, suggesting that, combined, these enzymes provide the parasite with an efficient digestion system for different host tissues and molecules. We also identified several compounds that inhibited the activity of these enzymes, but did not affect the ability of the larvae to excyst or survive. However, this does not exclude these enzymes as targets for development of drugs or vaccines. Abstract Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a major global disease of livestock and an important neglected helminthiasis of humans. Infection arises when encysted metacercariae are ingested by the mammalian host. Within the intestine, the parasite excysts as a newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) that penetrates the intestinal wall and migrates to the liver. NEJ excystment and tissue penetration are facilitated by the secretion of cysteine peptidases, namely, cathepsin B1 (FhCB1), cathepsin B2 (FhCB2), cathepsin B3 (FhCB3) and cathepsin L3 (FhCL3). While our knowledge of these peptidases is growing, we have yet to understand why multiple enzymes are required for parasite invasion. Here, we produced functional recombinant forms of these four peptidases and compared their physio-biochemical characteristics. Our studies show great variation of their pH optima for activity, substrate specificity and inhibitory profile. Carboxy-dipeptidase activity was exhibited exclusively by FhCB1. Our studies suggest that, combined, these peptidases create a powerful hydrolytic cocktail capable of digesting the various host tissues, cells and macromolecules. Although we found several inhibitors of these enzymes, they did not show potent inhibition of metacercarial excystment or NEJ viability in vitro. However, this does not exclude these peptidases as targets for future drug or vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Barbour
- School of Biological Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (T.B.); (K.C.); (J.P.D.)
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- School of Biological Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (T.B.); (K.C.); (J.P.D.)
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Richard Lalor
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - John Pius Dalton
- School of Biological Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (T.B.); (K.C.); (J.P.D.)
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- School of Biological Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (T.B.); (K.C.); (J.P.D.)
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- Correspondence:
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11
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López Corrales J, Cwiklinski K, De Marco Verissimo C, Dorey A, Lalor R, Jewhurst H, McEvoy A, Diskin M, Duffy C, Cosby SL, Keane OM, Dalton JP. Diagnosis of sheep fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica using cathepsin L enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109517. [PMID: 34271318 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Fasciolosis, a global parasitic disease of agricultural livestock, is caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. Management and strategic control of fasciolosis on farms depends on early assessment of the extent of disease so that control measures can be implemented quickly. Traditionally, this has relied on the detection of eggs in the faeces of animals, a laborious method that lacks sensitivity, especially for sub-clinical infections, and identifies chronic infections only. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) offer a quicker and more sensitive serological means of diagnosis that could detect early acute infection before significant liver damage occurs. The performance of three functionally-active recombinant forms of the major F. hepatica secreted cathepsins L, rFhCL1, rFhCL2, rFhCL3, and a cathepsin B, rFhCB3, were evaluated as antigens in an indirect ELISA to serologically diagnose liver fluke infection in experimentally and naturally infected sheep. rFhCL1 and rFhCL3 were the most effective of the four antigens detecting fasciolosis in sheep as early as three weeks after experimental infection, at least five weeks earlier than both coproantigen and faecal egg tests. In addition, the rFhCL1 and rFhCL3 ELISAs had a very low detection limit for liver fluke in lambs exposed to natural infection on pastures and thus could play a major role in the surveillance of farms and a 'test and treat' approach to disease management. Finally, antibodies to all three cathepsin L proteases remain high throughout chronic infection but decline rapidly after drug treatment with the flukicide, triclabendazole, implying that the test may be adapted to trace the effectiveness of drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús López Corrales
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Amber Dorey
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Richard Lalor
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Heather Jewhurst
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Amanda McEvoy
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael Diskin
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway, Ireland
| | - Catherine Duffy
- Virology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK
| | - S Louise Cosby
- Virology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK
| | - Orla M Keane
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - John Pius Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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12
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Pérez-Caballero R, Martínez-Moreno FJ, Corripio-Miyar Y, McNeilly TN, Cwiklinski K, Dalton JP, Zafra R, Pérez J, Martínez-Moreno Á, Buffoni L. Antigen-specific response of CD4 + T cells and hepatic lymph node cells to Fasciola hepatica-derived molecules at the early and late stage of the infection in sheep. Vet Res 2021; 52:99. [PMID: 34215335 PMCID: PMC8254349 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00963-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunomodulatory capacity of F. hepatica antigens is probably one of the main reasons for the development of a driven non-protective Th2 immune response. In this study, we analysed the cellular response of hepatic lymph node cells and CD4+ T cells in terms of proliferative response, efficiency of antigen presentation and cytokine production, to F. hepatica-derived molecules, at early and late stages of the infection. Thirty-one sheep were allocated into five groups and were slaughtered at 16 dpi and 23 wpi. In order to analyse antigen-specific response, the following F. hepatica recombinant molecules were used: rFhCL1, rFhCL2, rFhCL3, rFhCB1, rFhCB2, rFhCB3, rFhStf-1, rFhStf-2, rFhStf-3 and rFhKT1. A cell proliferation assay using hepatic lymph node cells and an antigen presentation cell assay using CD4+ T cells were performed. At 16 dpi, all molecules but rFhStf-2 and rFhKT1 elicited a significant cell proliferative response on hepatic lymph node cells of infected animals. At both early and late stage of the infection, antigen presentation of rFhCB3 and rFhCL2 resulted in higher stimulation index of CD4+ T cells which was IL-2 mediated, although no statistically significant when compared to uninfected animals. Significant cytokine production (IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ) was conditioned by the antigen-specific cell stimulation. No CD4+ T cell exhaustion was detected in infected sheep at the chronic stage of the infection. This study addressed antigen-specific response to F. hepatica-derived molecules that are involved in key aspects of the parasite survival within the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Pérez-Caballero
- Department of Animal Health (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra.Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - F Javier Martínez-Moreno
- Department of Animal Health (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra.Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Yolanda Corripio-Miyar
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Midlothian, UK
| | - Tom N McNeilly
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Midlothian, UK
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - John P Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Rafael Zafra
- Department of Animal Health (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra.Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- Department of Anatomy, Comparative Pathology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Department of Animal Health (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra.Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Leandro Buffoni
- Department of Animal Health (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra.Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
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Caña-Bozada V, Chapa-López M, Díaz-Martín RD, García-Gasca A, Huerta-Ocampo JÁ, de Anda-Jáuregui G, Morales-Serna FN. In silico identification of excretory/secretory proteins and drug targets in monogenean parasites. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104931. [PMID: 34023509 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The Excretory/Secretory (ES) proteins of parasites are involved in invasion and colonization of their hosts. In addition, since ES proteins circulate in the extracellular space, they can be more accessible to drugs than other proteins, which makes ES proteins optimal targets for the development of new and better pharmacological strategies. Monogeneans are a group of parasitic Platyhelminthes that includes some pathogenic species problematic for finfish aquaculture. In the present study, 8297 putative ES proteins from four monogenean species which genomic resources are publicly available were identified and functionally annotated by bioinformatic tools. Additionally, for comparative purposes, ES proteins in other parasitic and free-living platyhelminths were identified. Based on data from the monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris, 15 ES proteins are considered potential drug targets. One of them showed homology to 10 cathepsins with known 3D structure. A docking molecular analysis uncovered that the anthelmintic emodepside shows good affinity to these cathepsins suggesting that emodepside can be experimentally tested as a monogenean's cathepsin inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Caña-Bozada
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán 82112, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Martha Chapa-López
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán 82112, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Rubén D Díaz-Martín
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán 82112, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | - José Ángel Huerta-Ocampo
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Hermosillo 83304, Sonora, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Guillermo de Anda-Jáuregui
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - F Neptalí Morales-Serna
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán 82112, Sinaloa, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT), Ciudad de México, Mexico; Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán 82040, Sinaloa, Mexico.
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14
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Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant Fasciola cathepsin L1 for the diagnosis of human fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica/gigantica hybrid type. Parasitol Int 2021; 82:102311. [PMID: 33621657 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant Fasciola cathepsin L-1 (rCatL1) was evaluated in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serodiagnosis of human fasciolosis in Japan. Quality characteristics of the test were accessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, with sera from fasciolosis patients (n = 10), patients with no evidence of parasitic infections (n = 29), and patients with other helminth infections (n = 119). Both the sensitivity and specificity of the test achieved 100% with the control samples. To test the performance of the assay in an authentic situation, 311 serum samples, which had been sent to our laboratory for the diagnosis of parasitic infections from January 2018 to February 2019, were re-assessed using the rCatL1 ELISA. In this case, the sensitivity of the rCatL1 ELISA was 100%, giving positive results to all fasciolosis sera (n = 7), and the specificity was 99.0%, in which three of the 304 non-fasciolosis samples were judged positive. Careful re-examination of the laboratory data and medical imaging of these three patients revealed that one of the patients, who had been diagnosed as having larva migrans syndrome, was judged to be infected with Fasciola, in addition to ascarid nematodes. Thus the true specificity of the assay in the authentic reached 99.3% (302/304). As the rCatL1 ELISA exhibited a highly significant positive likelihood ratio (152.0) and negative likelihood ratio (0.0), calculated from the 311 sample data, this rCatL1 ELISA can be used for routine screening and definitive diagnosis test for fasciolosis in reference laboratories.
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15
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Pritsch IC, Tikhonova IG, Jewhurst HL, Drysdale O, Cwiklinski K, Molento MB, Dalton JP, Verissimo CDM. Regulation of the Fasciola hepatica newly excysted juvenile cathepsin L3 (FhCL3) by its propeptide: a proposed 'clamp-like' mechanism of binding and inhibition. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:90. [PMID: 33287692 PMCID: PMC7720491 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-020-00335-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zoonotic worm parasite Fasciola hepatica secretes an abundance of cathepsin L peptidases that are associated with virulence, invasiveness, feeding and migration. The peptidases are produced as inactive zymogens that activate at low pH by autocatalytic removal of their N-terminal pro-domain or propeptide. Propeptides bind to their cognate enzyme with high specificity. Little is known, however, about the mechanism by which the propeptide of FhCL3, a cathepsin L peptidase secreted by the infective newly excysted juveniles (NEJs), regulates the inhibition and activation of the mature enzyme before it is secreted into host tissues. RESULTS Immunolocalisation/immunoblotting studies show that the FhCL3 zymogen is produced and secreted by gastrodermal cells of the NEJs gut. A recombinant propeptide of FhCL3 (ppFhCL3) was shown to be a highly potent and selective inhibitor of native and recombinant F. hepatica FhCL3 peptidase, and other members of the cathepsin L family; inhibition constant (Ki) values obtained for FhCL1, FhCL2 and FhCL3 were 0.04 nM, 0.004 nM and < 0.002 nM, respectively. These values are at least 1000-fold lower than those Ki obtained for human cathepsin L (HsCL) and human cathepsin K (HsCK) demonstrating the selectivity of the ppFhCL3 for parasite cathepsins L. By exploiting 3-D structural data we identified key molecular interactions in the specific binding between the ppFhCL3 and FhCL3 mature domain. Using recombinant variants of ppFhCL3 we demonstrated the critical importance of a pair of propeptide residues (Tyr46Lys47) for the interaction with the propeptide binding loop (PBL) of the mature enzyme and other residues (Leu66 and Glu68) that allow the propeptide to block the active site. CONCLUSIONS The FhCL3 peptidase involved in host invasion by F. hepatica is produced as a zymogen in the NEJs gut. Regulation of its activation involves specific binding sites within the propeptide that are interdependent and act as a "clamp-like" mechanism of inhibition. These interactions are disrupted by the low pH of the NEJs gut to initiate autocatalytic activation. Our enzyme kinetics data demonstrates high potency and selectivity of the ppFhCL3 for its cognate FhCL3 enzyme, information that could be utilised to design inhibitors of parasite cathepsin L peptidases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izanara C Pritsch
- Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, 81531-970, Brazil.,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Irina G Tikhonova
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Heather L Jewhurst
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Orla Drysdale
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Marcelo B Molento
- Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, 81531-970, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - John P Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Carolina De M Verissimo
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. .,Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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16
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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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Walsh TR, Ainsworth S, Armstrong S, Hodgkinson J, Williams D. Differences in the antibody response to adult Fasciola hepatica excretory/secretory products in experimentally and naturally infected cattle and sheep. Vet Parasitol 2020; 289:109321. [PMID: 33276290 PMCID: PMC7840588 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Antibody response is different in animals experimentally and naturally infected with F. hepatica. Experimentally infected animals specifically recognised cathepsin proteins. Naturally infected animals showed poor recognition of a recombinant cathepsin L1. Antibody response of naturally infected animals is against multiple antigens. Diagnostic tests based on a single antigen may not be suitable for use in field.
Fasciola hepatica (the liver fluke) is a common, global parasite of livestock. It can be highly pathogenic and has health and welfare implications for infected individuals. Typically, in ruminants, infections are sub-clinical, but if undiagnosed, they can lead to significant production losses. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to identify infection. Antibody detection ELISAs are commonly used to diagnose infection due to their high sensitivity and specificity and are typically based on native fluke excretory/secretory (ES) products or cathepsin L1 (CL1), the immunodominant antigen within ES products. These tests have been developed based on the antibody response of experimentally infected animals; however, this response has not been well characterised in naturally infected animals. We compared the antibody recognition of a recombinant CL1 (rCL1) antigen and native adult fluke ES products. Whilst samples from experimentally infected animals showed strong recognition of rCL1, serum antibodies from naturally infected animals did not. These results were confirmed by peptide array. Immunoblotting sera against ES products showed that experimentally infected animals had a strong, specific response to CL1/CL2 proteins whilst antibodies from naturally infected animals recognised multiple proteins and had a variable response to CL1/CL2. Mass spectrometry of proteins separated by 2D SDS PAGE, identified several antigens recognised by serum antibodies from a naturally infected cow, including cathepsins L1, L2 and L5, glutathione S-transferase and a dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase. Overall, these results show that the antibody response in naturally infected animals to adult fluke ES products is qualitatively different to experimentally infected animals. This suggests that a diagnostic test based on CL1 alone may not be appropriate for diagnosis of natural F. hepatica infections in sheep and cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa R Walsh
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK.
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
| | - Stuart Armstrong
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
| | - Jane Hodgkinson
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
| | - Diana Williams
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
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18
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Specific Antibodies and Arachidonic Acid Mediate the Protection Induced by the Schistosoma mansoni Cysteine Peptidase-Based Vaccine in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040682. [PMID: 33207535 PMCID: PMC7712720 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several reports have documented the reproducible and considerable efficacy of the cysteine peptidase-based schistosomiasis vaccine in the protection of mice and hamsters against infection with Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosomahaematobium, respectively. Here, we attempt to identify and define the protection mechanism(s) of the vaccine in the outbred CD-1 mice-S. mansoni model. Mice were percutaneously exposed to S. mansoni cercariae following immunization twice with 0 or 10 μg S. mansoni recombinant cathepsin B1 (SmCB1) or L3 (SmCL3). They were examined at specified intervals post infection (pi) for the level of serum antibodies, uric acid, which amplifies type 2 immune responses and is an anti-oxidant, lipids, in particular, arachidonic acid (ARA), which is an endoschistosomicide and ovocide, as well as uric acid and ARA in the lung and liver. Memory IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies to the cysteine peptidase immunogen were detectable at and following day 17 pi. Serum, lung, and liver uric acid levels in immunized mice were higher than in naïve and unimmunized mice, likely as a consequence of cysteine peptidase-mediated catabolic activity. Increased circulating uric acid in cysteine peptidase-immunized mice was associated with elevation in the amount of ARA in lung and liver at every test interval, and in serum starting at day 17 pi. Together, the results suggest the collaboration of humoral antibodies and ARA schistosomicidal potential in the attrition of challenge S. mansoni (p < 0.0005) at the liver stage, and ARA direct parasite egg killing (p < 0.005). The anti-oxidant and reactive oxygen species-scavenger properties of uric acid may be responsible for the cysteine peptidase vaccine protection ceiling. This article represents a step towards clarifying the protection mechanism of the cysteine peptidase-based schistosomiasis vaccine.
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Sloan S, Jenvey C, Cairns C, Stear M. Cathepsin F of Teladorsagia circumcincta is a recently evolved cysteine protease. Evol Bioinform Online 2020; 16:1176934320962521. [PMID: 33100828 PMCID: PMC7549167 DOI: 10.1177/1176934320962521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic cysteine proteases are involved in parasite stage transition, invasion
of host tissues, nutrient uptake, and immune evasion. The cysteine protease
cathepsin F is the most abundant protein produced by fourth-stage larvae (L4) of
the nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta, while its transcript is
only detectable in L4 and adults. T. circumcincta cathepsin F
is a recently evolved cysteine protease that does not fall clearly into either
of the cathepsin L or F subfamilies. This protein exhibits characteristics of
both cathepsins F and L, and its phylogenetic relationship to its closest
homologs is distant, including proteins of closely related nematodes of the same
subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sloan
- AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caitlin Jenvey
- AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Callum Cairns
- AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Stear
- AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Mokhtarian K, Falak R, Heidari Z. Evaluation of Gelatinolytic and Collagenolytic Activity of Fasciola hepatica Recombinant Cathepsin-L1. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 18:e2357. [PMID: 32884958 PMCID: PMC7461709 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2020.143160.2357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Cysteine proteases of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, participate in catabolism of proteins, migration of the fluke through host tissues and combat host immune system Objectives: In this study, we evaluated proteolytic activity of F. hepatica recombinant cathepsin L1 (rCL1) against gelatin and collagen as common substrates Material and Methods: The coding sequences of F. hepatica CL1 were cloned and expressed in E. coli, in our previous study. The rCL1 was purified by nickel affinity chromatography
with a HisTrap Column. The protein concentrations of the purified fractions were determined by Bradford assay. Rat collagen type-1 was treated with distinct amounts of rCL1
at 37 °C, overnight, and the byproduct was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, we used bovine skin gelatin as zymography substrate to evaluate the gelatinolytic activity of the purified rCL1. Results: Recombinant CL1 was capable to digest intact type-1 collagen within 24 h and the gelatinlytic activity of rCL1 was visible at approximately 37 kDa region,
with optimal activity at acidified conditions (pH 4) Conclusion: Findings provide a possible mechanism by which a major secretory molecule of F. hepatica could be involved in parasite survival as well as its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobra Mokhtarian
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Heidari
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences
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Adjuvant-free schistosome cathepsin L3 is an efficacious schistosomiasis vaccine–comment on Huang et al.: Characteristics and function of cathepsin L3 from Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2747-2748. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06737-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Buffoni L, Garza-Cuartero L, Pérez-Caballero R, Zafra R, Javier Martínez-Moreno F, Molina-Hernández V, Pérez J, Martínez-Moreno Á, Mulcahy G. Identification of protective peptides of Fasciola hepatica-derived cathepsin L1 (FhCL1) in vaccinated sheep by a linear B-cell epitope mapping approach. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:390. [PMID: 32736582 PMCID: PMC7393625 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fasciolosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of livestock. The need for better control strategies gave rise to the identification of various vaccine candidates. The recombinant form of a member of the cysteine
protease family, cathepsin L1 of Fasciola hepatica (FhCL1) has been a vaccine target for the past few decades since it has been shown to behave as an immunodominant antigen. However, when FhCL1 was used as vaccine, it has been observed to elicit significant protection in some trials, whereas no protection was provided in others. Methods In order to improve vaccine development strategy, we conducted a linear B-cell epitope mapping of FhCL1 in sheep vaccinated with FhCL1, FhHDM, FhLAP and FhPrx plus Montanide and with significant reduction of the fluke burden, sheep vaccinated with FhCL1, FhHDM, FhLAP and FhPrx plus aluminium hydroxide and with non-significant reduction of the fluke burden, and in unvaccinated-infected sheep. Results Our study showed that the pattern and dynamic of peptide recognition varied noticeably between both vaccinated groups, and that the regions 55–63 and 77–84, which are within the propeptide, and regions 102–114 and 265–273 of FhCL1 were specifically recognised only by vaccinated sheep with significant reduction of the fluke burden. In addition, these animals also showed significant production of specific IgG2, whereas none was observed in vaccinated-Aluminium hydroxide and in infected control animals. Conclusions We have identified 42 residues of FhCL1 that contributed to protective immunity against infection with F. hepatica in sheep. Our results provide indications in relation to key aspects of the immune response. Given the variable outcomes of vaccination trials conducted in ruminants to date, this study adds new insights to improve strategies of vaccine development.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Buffoni
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Laura Garza-Cuartero
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Raúl Pérez-Caballero
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.,Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rafael Zafra
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - F Javier Martínez-Moreno
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Shiels J, Cwiklinski K, Alvarado R, Thivierge K, Cotton S, Gonzales Santana B, To J, Donnelly S, Taggart CC, Weldon S, Dalton JP. Schistosoma mansoni immunomodulatory molecule Sm16/SPO-1/SmSLP is a member of the trematode-specific helminth defence molecules (HDMs). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008470. [PMID: 32644998 PMCID: PMC7373315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sm16, also known as SPO-1 and SmSLP, is a low molecular weight protein (~16kDa) secreted by the digenean trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni, one of the main causative agents of human schistosomiasis. The molecule is secreted from the acetabular gland of the cercariae during skin invasion and is believed to perform an immune-suppressive function to protect the invading parasite from innate immune cell attack. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show that Sm16 homologues of the Schistosomatoidea family are phylogenetically related to the helminth defence molecule (HDM) family of immunomodulatory peptides first described in Fasciola hepatica. Interrogation of 69 helminths genomes demonstrates that HDMs are exclusive to trematode species. Structural analyses of Sm16 shows that it consists predominantly of an amphipathic alpha-helix, much like other HDMs. In S. mansoni, Sm16 is highly expressed in the cercariae and eggs but not in adult worms, suggesting that the molecule is of importance not only during skin invasion but also in the pro-inflammatory response to eggs in the liver tissues. Recombinant Sm16 and a synthetic form, Sm16 (34-117), bind to macrophages and are internalised into the endosomal/lysosomal system. Sm16 (34-117) elicited a weak pro-inflammatory response in macrophages in vitro but also suppressed the production of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokines. Evaluation of the transcriptome of human macrophages treated with a synthetic Sm16 (34-117) demonstrates that the peptide exerts significant immunomodulatory effects alone, as well as in the presence of LPS. Pathways most significantly influenced by Sm16 (34-117) were those involving transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and liver X receptors/retinoid X receptor (LXR/RXR) which are intricately involved in regulating the cellular metabolism of macrophages (fatty acid, cholesterol and glucose homeostasis) and are central to inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results offer new insights into the structure and function of a well-known immunomodulatory molecule, Sm16, and places it within a wider family of trematode-specific small molecule HDM immune-modulators with immuno-biotherapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Shiels
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Airway Innate Immunity Group (AiiR), Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM), School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Center of One Health (COH) and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Raquel Alvarado
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Karine Thivierge
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophie Cotton
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Joyce To
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Sheila Donnelly
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Clifford C. Taggart
- Airway Innate Immunity Group (AiiR), Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM), School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Sinead Weldon
- Airway Innate Immunity Group (AiiR), Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM), School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - John P. Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Center of One Health (COH) and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Serodiagnosis of Fasciola gigantica Infection in Buffaloes with Native Cathepsin-L Proteases and Recombinant Cathepsin L1-D. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:413-421. [PMID: 32077036 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00177-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM Serodiagnosis of Fasciola gigantica natural infection in buffaloes with recombinant cathepsin L1-D and native cathepsin-L protease antigens. METHODS The recombinant cat L1-D antigen was expressed in prokaryotic expression system and native cathepsin-L proteases were purified by alcoholic fractionation from adult F. gigantica flukes. Buffaloes (n = 325) were screened for anti-Fasciola antibodies with the above antigens in immunoglobulin-G-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (IgG-ELISA). RESULTS The recombinant cat L1-D antigen showed positive reactivity with 101/122 necropsy positive animals but 21/122 necropsy confirmed positive animals were negative in this ELISA (sensitivity 82.8%). However, 30/203 (14.8%) necropsy negative animals for Fasciola were seropositive with specificity of 85.2%. With native cat-L protease, 104/122 necropsy confirmed positive animals were ELISA positive but 18/122 necropsy positive animals were seronegative, thereby depicting the sensitivity of 85.2%. But ELISA with this antigen showed 27/203 (13.3%) necropsy negative animals as positive (specificity 86.7%). CONCLUSIONS Comparative evaluation of both the antigens showed that they are suitable for serodiagnosis of F. gigantica infection in buffalo herds.
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Quigley A, Sekiya M, Garcia-Campos A, Paz-Silva A, Howell A, Williams DJL, Mulcahy G. Horses are susceptible to natural, but resistant to experimental, infection with the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. Vet Parasitol 2020; 281:109094. [PMID: 32344146 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a common parasite of livestock in Ireland, causing significant economic losses and affecting animal welfare. A previous abattoir study of 200 horses led to an estimated 9.5 % prevalence of infection in horses slaughtered in Ireland. However, the epidemiology and pathogenic significance of this infection in this species is not well-described. The objectives of this study were to determine the susceptibility of horses to oral challenge infection with F. hepatica metacercariae, and to document the course of the infection along with serological and biochemical response. We attempted an experimental infection of horses (n = 10; 9 geldings and 1 mare) with F. hepatica. Four were given 1000 metacercariae, four 500 metacercariae and two were sham-infected. Blood and faecal samples were taken at intervals up to 18 weeks post-infection (wpi). ELISA assays were used to assess sero-conversion in the experimental horses and also in a panel of sera from horses of known fluke status. No flukes were recovered from any of the livers, and neither were any lesions that could be attributed to F. hepatica infection observed. Coproantigen ELISA was negative throughout for all horses. Three antibody detection ELISAs, useful in diagnosing fasciolosis in other species, had limitations as diagnostic aids as determined using a panel of sera from horses of known F. hepatica infection status. This study is limited by the relatively small number of animals included, and the relatively short duration of the study period. Failure to establish infection after oral challenge raises fundamental questions on the pathophysiology and epidemiology of equine fasciolosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Quigley
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Sekiya
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - A Paz-Silva
- Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Howell
- Veterinary Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - D J L Williams
- Veterinary Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - G Mulcahy
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, Dublin, Ireland.
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Munita MP, Rea R, Martinez-Ibeas AM, Byrne N, Kennedy A, Sekiya M, Mulcahy G, Sayers R. Comparison of four commercially available ELISA kits for diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica in Irish cattle. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:414. [PMID: 31752880 PMCID: PMC6873750 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fasciola hepatica is a liver parasite of mammals and it results in poor welfare outcomes and economic losses in ruminants. While faecal egg count is the test most commonly used for diagnosis, it does not indicate presence of migrating immature stages. Serological techniques increase sensitivity at all stages of the liver fluke infection. The aim of this study was to compare four commercially available ELISA tests for the diagnosis of F. hepatica. For this purpose, we tested three sample types; (i) known F. hepatica status sera from an experimental infection for the comparison of sensitivities and specificities, (ii) sera from pre- and post-flukicide-treated (albendazole, closantel, nitroxynil and triclabendazole) beef cattle to contrast the differences of seropositivity before and after treatment, and (iii) bulk tank milk samples from dairy herds sampled during high and low F. hepatica exposure periods for assessing seasonal variations with the four tests available. Samples were tested using ELISA kits supplied by four manufacturers (Ildana Biotech, IDEXX, Svanova, and Bio-X). Samples were analysed simultaneously and in duplicate. Results In the control population Ildana, IDEXX and Bio-X presented 100% sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp), Svanovir presented a Se of 59% and a Sp of 96%. In flukicide-treated beef cattle, kits highlighted decreasing antibody levels 90 days post-treatment in variable degrees. Finally, bulk milk showed a significant decrease in ELISA value between high and low fluke exposure periods with all tests studied. Conclusions Se and Sp found in the present study, confirm that Ildana, IDEXX and Bio-X are accurate for the detection of F. hepatica exposure in Irish cattle. Svanovir Se and Sp in this population, indicate that a larger study is necessary to confirm this test characteristic in Irish herds. In post-treatment use, Bio-X showed a consistent and significant decrease of ELISA value in all groups treated, denoting to be a reliable tool for assessing treatment effect at 90 days post-treatment. Finally, all tests showed to be a reliable tool for the F. hepatica monitoring of high and low exposure seasons, using bulk tank milk samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Munita
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. .,Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Rosemary Rea
- Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ana Maria Martinez-Ibeas
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Noel Byrne
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Aideen Kennedy
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Mary Sekiya
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Riona Sayers
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
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Cortés A, Mikeš L, Muñoz-Antolí C, Álvarez-Izquierdo M, Esteban JG, Horák P, Toledo R. Secreted cathepsin L-like peptidases are involved in the degradation of trapped antibodies on the surface of Echinostoma caproni. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3377-3386. [PMID: 31720841 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antibody trapping is a recently described strategy for immune evasion observed in the intestinal trematode Echinostoma caproni, which may aid to avoiding the host humoral response, thus facilitating parasite survival in the presence of high levels of local-specific antibodies. Parasite-derived peptidases carry out the degradation of trapped antibodies, being essential for this mechanism. Herein, we show that cathepsin-like cysteine endopeptidases are active in the excretory/secretory products (ESPs) of E. caproni and play an important role in the context of antibody trapping. Cysteine endopeptidase activity was detected in the ESPs of E. caproni adults. The affinity probe DCG-04 distinguished a cysteine peptidase band in ESPs, which was specifically recognized by an anti-cathepsin L heterologous antibody. The same antibody localized this protein in the gut and syncytial tegument of adult worms. Studies with cultured parasites showed that in vivo-bound antibodies are removed from the parasite surface in the absence of peptidase inhibitors, while addition of cathepsin L inhibitor prevented their degradation. These results indicate that cathepsin L-like peptidases are involved in the degradation of surface-trapped antibodies and suggest that cysteine peptidases are not only crucial for tissue-invading trematodes, but they can be equally relevant at the parasite-host interface in gut-dwelling flukes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Cortés
- Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, Avda. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Carla Muñoz-Antolí
- Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, Avda. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Álvarez-Izquierdo
- Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, Avda. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Guillermo Esteban
- Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, Avda. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Rafael Toledo
- Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, Avda. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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Development and evaluation of a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay based on recombinant protein CatL1D for serodiagnosis of sheep fasciolosis. J Helminthol 2019; 94:e98. [PMID: 31679525 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Fasciolosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that seriously endangers the development of animal husbandry and human health. In order to develop a rapid serological diagnostic method for fasciolosis in ruminants, the CatL1D and CatB4 genes of Fasciola hepatica were amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned, respectively, and then the CatL-B fusion gene (MeCatL-B) was constructed by gene splicing by overlap extension PCR technique. The recombinant rCatL1D, rCatB4 and rMeCatL-B proteins were then prepared by prokaryotic expression, respectively, and the recombinant protein with high specificity and sensitivity was screened via indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using the selected recombinant protein rCatL1D as a diagnostic antigen, we developed a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (CGIA) for detecting F. hepatica-specific antibodies, and 426 serum samples of slaughtered sheep were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of F. hepatica CGIA assay. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of rCatL1D protein (100%, 96.67%) were higher than those of rCatB4 (94.29%, 80%) and rMeCatL-B (91.43%, 90%). Compared with the gold standard post-mortem inspection, the specificity and sensitivity of the CGIA method was 100% and 97%, respectively, and the consistency rate between these two methods was 99.3%. These results confirmed that the CGIA method based on rCatL1D protein could be a promising approach for rapid diagnosis of sheep fasciolosis because of its high sensitivity and specificity.
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Moderate protection is induced by a chimeric protein composed of leucine aminopeptidase and cathepsin L1 against Fasciola hepatica challenge in sheep. Vaccine 2019; 37:3234-3240. [PMID: 31036453 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leucine aminopeptidase (FhLAP) and cathepsin L1 (FhCL1) of Fasciola hepatica play a critical role in parasite feeding, migration through host tissue, and immune evasion. These antigens have been tested for immune protection as single components with variable degrees of success. The chimeric-protein approach could improve protection levels against fasciolosis. Previously, we reported the design and construction of a chimeric protein composed of antigenic sequences of FhLAP and FhCL1 of F. hepatica. The goal of the present study was to express and evaluate the immune-protective capacity of this chimeric protein (rFhLAP-CL1) in sheep. Animals were randomly allocated into five groups with five animals in each group. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were immunized twice with 100 μg, 200 μg and 400 μg of rFhLAP-CL1 emulsified with Quil A adjuvant, whereas groups 4 and 5 were the adjuvant control and infection control groups, respectively. The animals were then challenged with 200 metacercariae two weeks after the rFhLAP-CL1 booster. The fluke burden was reduced by 25.5%, 30.7% (p < 0.05) and 46.5% (p < 0.01) in sheep immunized with 100 μg, 200 μg and 400 μg of chimeric protein, respectively, in comparison to the infection control group. There was a reduction of 22.7% (p < 0.05) and 24.4% (p < 0.01) in fecal egg count in groups 2 and 3, respectively, compared to the infection control group. Sheep immunized with chimeric protein produced F. hepatica excretion-secretion product-specific total IgG antibody, which were increased after challenge. Moreover, the levels of rFhLAP-CL1-specific IgG1 and IgG2 isotypes in immunized sheep increased rapidly two weeks after the first immunization and were significantly more elevated than those of the control groups, indicating a mixed Th1/Th2 response. This is a preliminary evaluation of the chimeric protein rFhLAP-CL1 as a possible immunogen against F. hepatica infection in sheep.
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Cwiklinski K, Donnelly S, Drysdale O, Jewhurst H, Smith D, De Marco Verissimo C, Pritsch IC, O'Neill S, Dalton JP, Robinson MW. The cathepsin-like cysteine peptidases of trematodes of the genus Fasciola. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2019; 104:113-164. [PMID: 31030768 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fasciolosis caused by trematode parasites of the genus Fasciola is a global disease of livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, water buffalo and goats. It is also a major human zoonosis with reports suggesting that 2.4-17 million people are infected worldwide, and 91.1 million people currently living at risk of infection. A unique feature of these worms is their reliance on a family of developmentally-regulated papain-like cysteine peptidases, termed cathepsins. These proteolytic enzymes play central roles in virulence, infection, tissue migration and modulation of host innate and adaptive immune responses. The availability of a Fasciola hepatica genome, and the exploitation of transcriptomic and proteomic technologies to probe parasite growth and development, has enlightened our understanding of the cathepsin-like cysteine peptidases. Here, we clarify the structure of the cathepsin-like cysteine peptidase families and, in this context, review the phylogenetics, structure, biochemistry and function of these enzymes in the host-parasite relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Cwiklinski
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Donnelly
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom; The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Orla Drysdale
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Jewhurst
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - David Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Izanara C Pritsch
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom; Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Sandra O'Neill
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - John P Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mark W Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
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Pérez-Caballero R, Buffoni L, Martínez-Moreno FJ, Zafra R, Molina-Hernández V, Pérez J, Martínez-Moreno Á. Expression of free radicals by peritoneal cells of sheep during the early stages of Fasciola hepatica infection. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:500. [PMID: 30189903 PMCID: PMC6127906 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3072-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of vaccination studies against infection with F. hepatica in a natural host have been conducted at the late stage of the infection when the host's immune response is already immunomodulated by the parasite towards a Th2 non-protective response. This study was aimed at analysing the dynamic of the cell populations present in peritoneal liquid and the production of free radicals by the peritoneal leukocytes in infected and vaccinated sheep with recombinant cathepsin L1 of F. hepatica (rFhCL1) in early stages of the infection. METHODS Forty-five sheep were divided into three groups: Group 1 remained as negative control (n = 5), Group 2 (n = 20) was challenged with F. hepatica and Group 3 (n = 20) was vaccinated with rFhCL1 and challenged with F. hepatica. After the slaughtering, peritoneal lavages were carried out at 1, 3, 9 and 18 days post-infection (dpi) to isolate peritoneal cell populations. Flow cytometry was conducted to assess levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO). RESULTS There was a significant increase in the total number of leukocytes at 9 and 18 dpi in infected and vaccinated groups. Production of H2O2 was significantly increased in peritoneal granulocytes in both infected and vaccinated groups. Production of nitric oxide showed a significant rise in the granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in infected and vaccinated sheep. The NO production by granulocytes at 3 and 9 dpi was significantly higher in the vaccinated than in the infected animals. CONCLUSIONS Experimental infection induced an increase in the total number of leukocytes within the abdominal cavity at 9 and 18 dpi, being more noticeable in vaccinated animals. Production of H2O2 occurred mainly in granulocytes of vaccinated and infected animals. Production of NO was incremented in vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals in all peritoneal cells. Vaccinated animals produced significant higher level of H2O2 and NO than infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Pérez-Caballero
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Leandro Buffoni
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - F Javier Martínez-Moreno
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael Zafra
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
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Meshgi B, Jalousian F, Fathi S, Jahani Z. Design and synthesis of a new peptide derived from Fasciola gigantica cathepsin L1 with potential application in serodiagnosis of fascioliasis. Exp Parasitol 2018; 189:76-86. [PMID: 29679594 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fascioliasis is a global parasitic disease that affects domestic animals and causes considerable economic losses in the process of domestic animal breeding in endemic regions. The cause of the disease involves a liver trematode of the genus Fasciola, which secretes materials into a host's body (mainly proteins) in order to protect it from the host's immune system. These materials can be involved in the migration, growth, and nutrition of the parasite. Among the expressive proteins of Fasciola, proteases have been introduced as the appropriate targets for diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination against parasites. Cathepsin L (CL) is a member of cysteine proteases; it is widely expressed in the Fasciola species. The aim of this study was to evaluate two synthetic peptides from F. gigantica CL1 for improving serological diagnosis of the Fasciola infection. Therefore, the potential diagnostic value of the surface epitopes of CL1 was assessed using ELISA. In the current study, bioinformatics tools were applied to select two appropriate epitopes of Fasciola Cathepsin L1 as synthetic antigens. Their diagnostic values were evaluated by two methods of indirect ELISA and dot blot analysis. The findings revealed that the first peptide at a dilution ratio of 1:400 and the second peptide at a dilution ratio of 1:100 had the best results and the best concentration of antigens was introduced at 4 μg/ml. Moreover, 191 sera samples were analyzed by both peptides by using the ELISA method, including fascioliasis sera, other parasitic sera and negative sera. The sensitivity of the peptides 1-ELISA and peptide 2-ELISA for the diagnosis of the various cases was 100%. The specificity of the first peptide was 87.3% and its efficacy was determined to be 93.65%. The specificity and the efficacy of the second peptide were 79% and 89.5%, respectively. The positive predictive values of the first and second peptides were obtained to be 86.27% and 79.27% respectively, and the negative predictive values of both peptides was calculated as 100%. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that the peptide 1 from CL1 may be used as an appropriate antigen for the diagnosis of fascioliasis if the findings are backed up by using other serodiagnostic methods for checking serological cross-reactivity linked to other parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Meshgi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran (Center of Excellent of Ecosystem and Ultrastructural Changes of Helminthes), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Jalousian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran (Center of Excellent of Ecosystem and Ultrastructural Changes of Helminthes), Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Fathi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran (Center of Excellent of Ecosystem and Ultrastructural Changes of Helminthes), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Jahani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran (Center of Excellent of Ecosystem and Ultrastructural Changes of Helminthes), Tehran, Iran
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Garza-Cuartero L, Geurden T, Mahan SM, Hardham JM, Dalton JP, Mulcahy G. Antibody recognition of cathepsin L1-derived peptides in Fasciola hepatica-infected and/or vaccinated cattle and identification of protective linear B-cell epitopes. Vaccine 2018; 36:958-968. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Martínez-Sernández V, Perteguer MJ, Mezo M, González-Warleta M, Gárate T, Valero MA, Ubeira FM. Fasciola spp: Mapping of the MF6 epitope and antigenic analysis of the MF6p/HDM family of heme-binding proteins. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188520. [PMID: 29161330 PMCID: PMC5697881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MF6p/FhHDM-1 is a small cationic heme-binding protein which is recognized by the monoclonal antibody (mAb) MF6, and abundantly present in parenchymal cells and secreted antigens of Fasciola hepatica. Orthologs of this protein (MF6p/HDMs) also exist in other causal agents of important foodborne trematodiasis, such as Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini and Paragonimus westermani. Considering that MF6p/FhHDM-1 is relevant for heme homeostasis in Fasciola and was reported to have immunomodulatory properties, this protein is expected to be a useful target for vaccination. Thus, in this study we mapped the epitope recognized by mAb MF6 and evaluated its antigenicity in sheep. The sequence of the MF6p/FhHDM-1 ortholog from F. gigantica (MF6p/FgHDM-1) was also reported. By means of ELISA inhibitions with overlapping synthetic peptides, we determined that the epitope recognized by mAb MF6 is located within the C-terminal moiety of MF6p/FhHDM-1, which is the most conserved region of MF6p/HDMs. By immunoblotting analysis of parasite extracts and ELISA inhibitions with synthetic peptides we also determined that mAb MF6 reacted with the same intensity with F. hepatica and F. gigantica, and in decreasing order of intensity with C. sinensis, O.viverrini and P. westermani orthologs. On the contrary, mAb MF6 showed no reactivity against Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Schistosoma mansoni. The study of the recognition of peptides covering different regions of MF6p/FhHDM-1 by sera from immunized sheep revealed that the C-terminal moiety is the most antigenic, thus being of potential interest for vaccination. We also demonstrated that the production of antibodies to MF6p/FhHDM-1 in sheep infected by F. hepatica occurs relatively early and follows the same pattern as those produced against L-cathepsins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Martínez-Sernández
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María J. Perteguer
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, INGACAL, Abegondo (A Coruña), Spain
| | - Marta González-Warleta
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, INGACAL, Abegondo (A Coruña), Spain
| | - Teresa Gárate
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Adela Valero
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Florencio M. Ubeira
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Hemici A, Benerbaiha RS, Bendjeddou D. Purification and biochemical characterization of a 22-kDa stable cysteine- like protease from the excretory-secretory product of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica by using conventional techniques. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2017; 1068-1069:268-276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2017.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Functional characterization of single-domain cystatin-like cysteine proteinase inhibitors expressed by the trematode Fasciola hepatica. Parasitology 2017; 144:1695-1707. [PMID: 28697819 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cystatins are small, phylogenetically conserved proteins that are tight-binding inhibitors of cysteine proteinases. The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica uses a diverse set of cysteine proteinases of the papain superfamily for host invasion, immune evasion and nutrition, but little is known about the regulation of these enzymes. The aim of this work is to characterize the cystatin repertoire of F. hepatica. For this purpose, we first surveyed the available sequence databases, identifying three different F. hepatica single-domain cystatins. In agreement with the in silico predictions, at least three small proteins with cysteine proteinase binding activity were identified. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the three cystatins (named FhStf-1, -2 and -3) are members of the I25A subfamily (stefins). Whereas FhStf-1 grouped with classical stefins, FhStf-2 and 3 fell in a divergent stefin subgroup unusually featuring signal peptides. Recombinant rFhStf-1, -2 and -3 had potent inhibitory activity against F. hepatica cathepsin L cysteine proteinases but differed in their capacity to inhibit mammalian cathepsin B, L and C. FhStf-1 was localized in the F. hepatica reproductive organs (testes and ovary), and at the surface lamella of the adult gut, where it may regulate cysteine proteinases related with reproduction and digestion, respectively. FhStf-1 was also detected among F. hepatica excretion-secretion (E/S) products of adult flukes. This suggests that it is secreted by non-classical secretory pathway and that it may interact with host lysosomal cysteine proteinases.
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37
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Ruiz-Campillo MT, Molina Hernandez V, Escamilla A, Stevenson M, Perez J, Martinez-Moreno A, Donnelly S, Dalton JP, Cwiklinski K. Immune signatures of pathogenesis in the peritoneal compartment during early infection of sheep with Fasciola hepatica. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2782. [PMID: 28584245 PMCID: PMC5459796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune signatures of sheep acutely-infected with Fasciola hepatica, an important pathogen of livestock and humans were analysed within the peritoneal compartment to investigate early infection. Within the peritoneum, F. hepatica antibodies coincided with an intense innate and adaptive cellular immune response, with infiltrating leukocytes and a marked eosinophilia (49%). However, while cytokine qPCR analysis revealed IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-23 and TGFβ were elevated, these were not statistically different at 18 days post-infection compared to uninfected animals indicating that the immune response is muted and not yet skewed to a Th2 type response that is associated with chronic disease. Proteomic analysis of the peritoneal fluid identified infection-related proteins, including several structural proteins derived from the liver extracellular matrix, connective tissue and epithelium, and proteins related to the immune system. Periostin and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1), molecules that mediate leukocyte infiltration and are associated with inflammatory disorders involving marked eosinophilia (e.g. asthma), were particularly elevated in the peritoneum. Immuno-histochemical studies indicated that the source of periostin and VCAM-1 was the inflamed sheep liver tissue. This study has revealed previously unknown aspects of the immunology and pathogenesis associated with acute fascioliasis in the peritoneum and liver.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronica Molina Hernandez
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - Michael Stevenson
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jose Perez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Sheila Donnelly
- The i3 Institute & School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - John P Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
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38
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Nascimento Santos L, Carvalho Pacheco LG, Silva Pinheiro C, Alcantara-Neves NM. Recombinant proteins of helminths with immunoregulatory properties and their possible therapeutic use. Acta Trop 2017; 166:202-211. [PMID: 27871775 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The inverse relationship between helminth infections and the development of immune-mediated diseases is a cornerstone of the hygiene hypothesis and studies were carried out to elucidate the mechanisms by which helminth-derived molecules can suppress immunological disorders. These studies have fostered the idea that parasitic worms may be used as a promising therapeutic alternative for prevention and treatment of immune-mediated diseases. We discuss the current approaches for identification of helminth proteins with potential immunoregulatory properties, including the strategies based on high-throughput technologies. We also explore the methodological approaches and expression systems used for production of the recombinant forms of more than 20 helminth immunomodulatory proteins, besides their performances when evaluated as immunotherapeutic molecules to treat different immune-mediated conditions, including asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. Finally, we discuss the perspectives of using these parasite-derived recombinant molecules as tools for future immunotherapy and immunoprophylaxis of human inflammatory diseases.
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39
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de la Torre-Escudero E, Bennett AP, Clarke A, Brennan GP, Robinson MW. Extracellular Vesicle Biogenesis in Helminths: More than One Route to the Surface? Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:921-929. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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40
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Munita MP, Rea R, Bloemhoff Y, Byrne N, Martinez-Ibeas AM, Sayers RG. Six-year longitudinal study of Fasciola hepatica bulk milk antibody ELISA in the dairy dense region of the Republic Ireland. Prev Vet Med 2016; 134:16-25. [PMID: 27836038 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Completion of the F. hepatica lifecycle is dependent on suitable climatic conditions for development of immature stages of the parasite, and its snail intermediate host. Few investigations have been conducted regarding temporal variations in F. hepatica status in Irish dairy herds. The current study aimed to conduct a longitudinal study examining annual and seasonal trends in bulk milk seropositivity over six years, while also investigating associations with soil temperature, rainfall and flukicide treatment. Monthly bulk milk samples (BTM) were submitted by 28 herds between March 2009 and December 2014. In all, 1337 samples were analysed using a Cathepsin L1 ELISA. Soil temperature, rainfall and management data were obtained for general estimating equation and regression analyses. A general decrease in milk seropositivity was observed over the six year study period and was associated with an increased likelihood of treating for liver fluke (OR range=2.73-6.96). Annual and seasonal analyses of rainfall and F. hepatica BTM status yielded conflicting results. Higher annual rainfall (>1150mm) yielded a lower likelihood of being BTM positive than annual rainfall of <1000mm (OR=0.47; P=0.036). This was most likely due to farmers being more proactive in treating for F. hepatica in wetter years, although a 'wash effect' by high rainfall of the free living stages and snails cannot be ruled out. Higher seasonal rainfall (>120mm), however, was associated with increased ELISA S/P% values (Coefficient=9.63S/P%; P=0.001). Soil temperature was not found to influence F. hepatica to the same extent as rainfall and may reflect the lack of severe temperature fluctuations in Ireland. Flukicides active against both immature and mature F. hepatica were approximately half as likely to record a positive F. hepatica herd BTM status than a flukicide active against only the mature stage of the parasite (OR≅0.45; P<0.01). This study highlights the importance of examining both annual and seasonal F. hepatica data, which can vary significantly. Additionally, it highlights the progress that can be achieved in fluke control by application of a continuous BTM monitoring program.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Munita
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland; Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
| | - R Rea
- Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
| | - Y Bloemhoff
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - N Byrne
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - A M Martinez-Ibeas
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - R G Sayers
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
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Yoonuan T, Nuamtanong S, Dekumyoy P, Phuphisut O, Adisakwattana P. Molecular and immunological characterization of cathepsin L-like cysteine protease of Paragonimus pseudoheterotremus. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4457-4470. [PMID: 27562899 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5232-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cathepsin L is a cysteine protease belonging to the papain family. In parasitic trematodes, cathepsin L plays essential roles in parasite survival and host-parasite interactions. In this study, cathepsin L of the lung fluke Paragonimus pseudoheterotremus (PpsCatL) was identified and its molecular biological and immunological features characterized. A sequence analysis of PpsCatL showed that the gene encodes a 325-amino-acid protein that is most similar to P. westermani cathepsin L. The in silico three-dimensional structure suggests that PpsCatL is a pro-enzyme that becomes active when the propeptide is cleaved. A recombinant pro-PpsCatL lacking the signal peptide (rPpsCatL), with a molecular weight of 35 kDa, was expressed in E. coli and reacted with P. pseudoheterotremus-infected rat sera. The native protein was detected in crude worm antigens and excretory-secretory products and was localized in the cecum and in the lamellae along the intestinal tract of the adult parasite. Enzymatic activity of rPpsCatL showed that the protein could cleave the fluorogenic substrate Z-Phe-Arg-AMC after autocatalysis but was inhibited with E64. The immunodiagnostic potential of the recombinant protein was evaluated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and suggested that rPpsCatL can detect paragonimiasis with high sensitivity and specificity (100 and 95.6 %, respectively). This supports the further development of an rPpsCatL-ELISA as an immunodiagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tippayarat Yoonuan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Nuamtanong
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Paron Dekumyoy
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Orawan Phuphisut
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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Changklungmoa N, Phoinok N, Yencham C, Sobhon P, Kueakhai P. Vaccine potential of recombinant cathepsinL1G against Fasciola gigantica in mice. Vet Parasitol 2016; 226:124-31. [PMID: 27514897 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.07.009] [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: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we characterized and investigated the vaccine potential of FgCatL1G against Fasciola gigantica infection in mice. Recombinant mature FgCatL1G (rmFgCatL1G) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The vaccination was performed in Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice (n=10) by subcutaneous injection with 50μg of rmFgCatL1G combined with Freund's adjuvant. Two weeks after the second boost, mice were infected with 15 metacercariae by the oral route. The percents of protection of rmFgCatL1G vaccine were estimated to be 56.5% and 58.3% when compared with non vaccinated-infected and adjuvant-infected controls, respectively. Antibodies in the immune sera of vaccinated mice were shown by immunoblot to react with the native FgCatL1s in the extract of all stages of parasites and rmFgCatL1H, recombinant pro - FgCatL1 (rpFgCatL1). By immunohistochemistry, the immune sera also reacted with FgCatL1s in the caecal epithelial cells of the parasites. The levels of IgG1 and IgG2a in the immune sera, which are indicative of Th2 and Th1 immune responses, were also increased with IgG1 predominating. The levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in rmFgCatL1G-immunized group showed no significant difference from the control groups, but pathological lesions of livers in rmFgCatL1G-immunized group showed significant decrease when compared to the control groups. This study indicates that rmFgCatL1G has a vaccine potential against F. gigantica in mice, and this potential will be tested in larger livestock animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narin Changklungmoa
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Mueang District, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
| | - Natthacha Phoinok
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Mueang District, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
| | - Chonthicha Yencham
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Mueang District, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
| | - Prasert Sobhon
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Mueang District, Chonburi 20131, Thailand; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Pornanan Kueakhai
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Mueang District, Chonburi 20131, Thailand.
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Quigley A, Sekiya M, Egan S, Wolfe A, Negredo C, Mulcahy G. Prevalence of liver fluke infection in Irish horses and assessment of a serological test for diagnosis of equine fasciolosis. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:183-188. [PMID: 27037816 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little information on the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in the horse population in Ireland or the potential impact of fluke infection on animal health. OBJECTIVES To investigate F. hepatica infection in the Irish horse population and to assess the diagnostic potential of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the F. hepatica recombinant cathepsin L1 (CL1) antigen. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional abattoir survey of horses for liver fluke status. METHODS Animals (n = 200) were examined at an abattoir between May 2013 and April 2014. Horses were graded ante mortem for body condition score. Blood and faeces were collected and livers were examined post mortem by gross morphology. A cohort (n = 35) of livers were also examined histologically. Haematology and blood biochemistry, including serum liver enzyme activities, were measured and faeces were sedimented for egg counts. Serum was assayed by indirect ELISA using a recombinant CL1. RESULTS The prevalence of liver fluke infection was 9.5%. There was no correlation between liver fluke status and time of year, breed classification, age group, sex, body condition score, ante mortem assessment, strongyle infection status, serum liver enzyme activities or CL1 concentration. A comparison of the CL1 ELISA in horse sera compared with a reference standard diagnosis showed high specificity of 95.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91.5-98.0%), but low sensitivity of 42.1% (95% CI 20.2-66.5%). MAIN LIMITATIONS This study is limited by its nature as an abattoir study, the relatively small number of animals examined (n = 200), and the absence of a known negative group of horses. CONCLUSIONS Blood biomarkers are not good indicators of liver fluke infection and the CL1 ELISA is not a sensitive tool for diagnosis of fluke infection in the horse. The prevalence of F. hepatica in horses indicates that further research is required to assess the potential impact of liver fluke on equine liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Quigley
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Sekiya
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Egan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - A Wolfe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Negredo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
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Tegument Glycoproteins and Cathepsins of Newly Excysted Juvenile Fasciola hepatica Carry Mannosidic and Paucimannosidic N-glycans. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004688. [PMID: 27139907 PMCID: PMC4854454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in some areas has increased considerably and the availability of a vaccine to protect livestock from infection would represent a major advance in tools available for controlling this disease. To date, most vaccine-target discovery research on this parasite has concentrated on proteomic and transcriptomic approaches whereas little work has been carried out on glycosylation. As the F. hepatica tegument (Teg) may contain glycans potentially relevant to vaccine development and the Newly Excysted Juvenile (NEJ) is the first lifecycle stage in contact with the definitive host, our work has focused on assessing the glycosylation of the NEJTeg and identifying the NEJTeg glycoprotein repertoire. After in vitro excystation, NEJ were fixed and NEJTeg was extracted. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of released N-glycans revealed that oligomannose and core-fucosylated truncated N-glycans were the most dominant glycan types. By lectin binding studies these glycans were identified mainly on the NEJ surface, together with the oral and ventral suckers. NEJTeg glycoproteins were affinity purified after targeted biotinylation of the glycans and identified using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). From the total set of proteins previously identified in NEJTeg, eighteen were also detected in the glycosylated fraction, including the F. hepatica Cathepsin B3 (FhCB3) and two of the Cathepsin L3 (FhCL3) proteins, among others. To confirm glycosylation of cathepsins, analysis at the glycopeptide level by LC-ESI-ion-trap-MS/MS with collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) was carried out. We established that cathepsin B1 (FhCB1) on position N80, and FhCL3 (BN1106_s10139B000014, scaffold10139) on position N153, carry unusual paucimannosidic Man2GlcNAc2 glycans. To our knowledge, this is the first description of F. hepatica NEJ glycosylation and the first report of N-glycosylation of F. hepatica cathepsins. The significance of these findings for immunological studies and vaccine development is discussed.
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Verma S, Dixit R, Pandey KC. Cysteine Proteases: Modes of Activation and Future Prospects as Pharmacological Targets. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:107. [PMID: 27199750 PMCID: PMC4842899 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolytic enzymes are crucial for a variety of biological processes in organisms ranging from lower (virus, bacteria, and parasite) to the higher organisms (mammals). Proteases cleave proteins into smaller fragments by catalyzing peptide bonds hydrolysis. Proteases are classified according to their catalytic site, and distributed into four major classes: cysteine proteases, serine proteases, aspartic proteases, and metalloproteases. This review will cover only cysteine proteases, papain family enzymes which are involved in multiple functions such as extracellular matrix turnover, antigen presentation, processing events, digestion, immune invasion, hemoglobin hydrolysis, parasite invasion, parasite egress, and processing surface proteins. Therefore, they are promising drug targets for various diseases. For preventing unwanted digestion, cysteine proteases are synthesized as zymogens, and contain a prodomain (regulatory) and a mature domain (catalytic). The prodomain acts as an endogenous inhibitor of the mature enzyme. For activation of the mature enzyme, removal of the prodomain is necessary and achieved by different modes. The pro-mature domain interaction can be categorized as protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and may be targeted in a range of diseases. Cysteine protease inhibitors are available that can block the active site but no such inhibitor available yet that can be targeted to block the pro-mature domain interactions and prevent it activation. This review specifically highlights the modes of activation (processing) of papain family enzymes, which involve auto-activation, trans-activation and also clarifies the future aspects of targeting PPIs to prevent the activation of cysteine proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Verma
- Host-Parasite Interaction Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research New Delhi, India
| | - Rajnikant Dixit
- Host-Parasite Interaction Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research New Delhi, India
| | - Kailash C Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry, National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research Bhopal, India
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Ravidà A, Aldridge AM, Driessen NN, Heus FAH, Hokke CH, O’Neill SM. Fasciola hepatica Surface Coat Glycoproteins Contain Mannosylated and Phosphorylated N-glycans and Exhibit Immune Modulatory Properties Independent of the Mannose Receptor. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004601. [PMID: 27104959 PMCID: PMC4841591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fascioliasis, caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, is a neglected tropical disease infecting over 1 million individuals annually with 17 million people at risk of infection. Like other helminths, F. hepatica employs mechanisms of immune suppression in order to evade its host immune system. In this study the N-glycosylation of F. hepatica’s tegumental coat (FhTeg) and its carbohydrate-dependent interactions with bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were investigated. Mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated that FhTeg N-glycans comprised mainly of oligomannose and to a lesser extent truncated and complex type glycans, including a phosphorylated subset. The interaction of FhTeg with the mannose receptor (MR) was investigated. Binding of FhTeg to MR-transfected CHO cells and BMDCs was blocked when pre-incubated with mannan. We further elucidated the role played by MR in the immunomodulatory mechanism of FhTeg and demonstrated that while FhTeg’s binding was significantly reduced in BMDCs generated from MR knockout mice, the absence of MR did not alter FhTeg’s ability to induce SOCS3 or suppress cytokine secretion from LPS activated BMDCs. A panel of negatively charged monosaccharides (i.e. GlcNAc-4P, Man-6P and GalNAc-4S) were used in an attempt to inhibit the immunoregulatory properties of phosphorylated oligosaccharides. Notably, GalNAc-4S, a known inhibitor of the Cys-domain of MR, efficiently suppressed FhTeg binding to BMDCs and inhibited the expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) 3, a negative regulator the TLR and STAT3 pathway. We conclude that F. hepatica contains high levels of mannose residues and phosphorylated glycoproteins that are crucial in modulating its host’s immune system, however the role played by MR appears to be limited to the initial binding event suggesting that other C-type lectin receptors are involved in the immunomodulatory mechanism of FhTeg. Fascioliasis, caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, is a neglected tropical disease infecting over 1 million individuals annually with 17 million people at risk of infection. These worms infect the liver and can survive for many years in its animal or human host because they supress the host’s immune system that is important in clearing worm infection. Worms are similar to humans in that they are made of proteins, fats and sugars, and while there are many studies on worm proteins, few studies have examined the sugars. We are interested in the sugars because we believe that they help the parasite survive for many years within its host. To examine this, we have used a technique called mass spectrometric analysis to characterise the sugars present in F. hepatica. We also have developed systems in the laboratory to test if these sugars can suppress the host’s immune system. We conclude that F. hepatica sugars are crucial in suppressing its host’s immune system; however, the exact way the sugars can do this requires further studies. These studies are important for the development of worm vaccines or therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ravidà
- Parasite Immune Modulation Group, School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Allison M. Aldridge
- Parasite Immune Modulation Group, School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nicole N. Driessen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ferry A. H. Heus
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H. Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra M. O’Neill
- Parasite Immune Modulation Group, School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Leontovyč R, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Hall RS, Tan P, Mikeš L, Kašný M, Horák P, Gasser RB. Comparative Transcriptomic Exploration Reveals Unique Molecular Adaptations of Neuropathogenic Trichobilharzia to Invade and Parasitize Its Avian Definitive Host. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004406. [PMID: 26863542 PMCID: PMC4749378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, most molecular investigations of schistosomatids have focused principally on blood flukes (schistosomes) of humans. Despite the clinical importance of cercarial dermatitis in humans caused by Trichobilharzia regenti and the serious neuropathologic disease that this parasite causes in its permissive avian hosts and accidental mammalian hosts, almost nothing is known about the molecular aspects of how this fluke invades its hosts, migrates in host tissues and how it interacts with its hosts’ immune system. Here, we explored selected aspects using a transcriptomic-bioinformatic approach. To do this, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the transcriptome representing two consecutive life stages (cercariae and schistosomula) of T. regenti involved in the first phases of infection of the avian host. We identified key biological and metabolic pathways specific to each of these two developmental stages and also undertook comparative analyses using data available for taxonomically related blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Detailed comparative analyses revealed the unique involvement of carbohydrate metabolism, translation and amino acid metabolism, and calcium in T. regenti cercariae during their invasion and in growth and development, as well as the roles of cell adhesion molecules, microaerobic metabolism (citrate cycle and oxidative phosphorylation), peptidases (cathepsins) and other histolytic and lysozomal proteins in schistosomula during their particular migration in neural tissues of the avian host. In conclusion, the present transcriptomic exploration provides new and significant insights into the molecular biology of T. regenti, which should underpin future genomic and proteomic investigations of T. regenti and, importantly, provides a useful starting point for a range of comparative studies of schistosomatids and other trematodes. Despite the clinical importance of Trichobilharzia regenti in bird hosts and as a cause of cercarial dermatitis in humans, almost nothing is known about the molecular aspects of this fluke and its interactions with its hosts. Here, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the transcriptome representing two life stages (cercariae and schistosomula) of T. regenti involved in the first phases of infection of the bird host. We identified key biological and metabolic pathways specific to each of these two developmental stages and also undertook comparative analyses using data available for related flukes. Detailed analyses showed the unique involvement of carbohydrate metabolism, translation and amino acid metabolism, and calcium in T. regenti cercariae during invasion and in growth and development, as well as cell adhesion molecules, microaerobic metabolism (citrate cycle and oxidative phosphorylation), peptidases (cathepsins) and other histolytic and lysozomal proteins in schistosomula during migration in neural tissues. These molecular insights into T. regenti biology should support future genomic and proteomic investigations of T. regenti, and comparative studies of flatworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Leontovyč
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Neil D. Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross S. Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Tan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kašný
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Anuracpreeda P, Chawengkirttikul R, Sobhon P. Immunodiagnosis of Fasciola gigantica Infection Using Monoclonal Antibody-Based Sandwich ELISA and Immunochromatographic Assay for Detection of Circulating Cathepsin L1 Protease. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0145650. [PMID: 26731402 PMCID: PMC4701485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tropical fasciolosis caused by Fasciola gigantica infection is one of the major diseases infecting ruminants in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia including Thailand. Parasitological diagnosis of fasciolosis is often unreliable and possesses low sensitivity. Therefore, the detection of circulating parasite antigens is thought to be a better alternative for diagnosis of fasciolosis, as it reflects the real parasite burden. METHODS In this study, we have produced a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against recombinant F. gigantica cathepsin L1 (rFgCatL1), and developed both sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sandwich ELISA) and immunochromatographic (IC) test for rapid detection of circulating cathepsin L1 protease (CatL1) in the sera from mice experimentally and cattle naturally infected with Fasciola gigantica. MoAb 4E3 and biotinylated rabbit anti-recombinant CatL1 antibody were selected due to their high reactivities and specificities. RESULTS The lower detection limits of sandwich ELISA and IC test were 3 pg/ml and 0.256 ng/ml, respectively. Sandwich ELISA and IC test could detect F. gigantica infection from day 1 to 35 post infection. In experimental mice, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 95%, 100% and 98.6% (for sandwich ELISA), and 93%, 100% and 98.2% (for IC test), while in natural cattle they were 98.3%, 100% and 99.5% (for sandwich ELISA), and 96.7%, 100% and 99.1% (for IC test). CONCLUSIONS These two assay methods showed high efficiencies and precisions for diagnosis of fasciolosis by F. gigantica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panat Anuracpreeda
- Division of Agricultural Science, Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi Campus, Saiyok, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Prasert Sobhon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok, Thailand
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Rivera F, Espino AM. Adjuvant-enhanced antibody and cellular responses to inclusion bodies expressing FhSAP2 correlates with protection of mice to Fasciola hepatica. Exp Parasitol 2015; 160:31-8. [PMID: 26632503 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica saposin-like protein-2 (FhSAP2) is a protein differentially expressed in various developmental stages of F. hepatica. Recombinant FhSAP2 has demonstrated the induction of partial protection in mice and rabbits when it is administered subcutaneously (SC) in Freund's adjuvant. Because FhSAP2 is overexpressed in bacteria in the form of inclusion bodies (IBs), we isolated IBs expressing FhSAP2 and tested their immunogenicity when administered SC in mice emulsified in two different adjuvants: QS-21 and Montanide TM ISA720. Animals received three injections containing 20 μg of protein two weeks apart and 4 weeks after the third injection, mice were infected with 10 F. hepatica metacercariae by oral route. The percentages of protection induced by FhSAP2-IBs were estimated to be between 60.0 and 62.5% when compared with adjuvant-vaccinated, infected controls. By determining the levels of IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies and IL-4 and IFNγ cytokines in the serum of experimental animals, it was found that both Th1 and Th2 immune responses were significantly increased in the FhSAP2-IBs vaccinated groups compared with the adjuvant-vaccinated, infected control groups. The adjuvant-vaccinated groups had significantly lower IgG1 to IgG2a ratios and lower IL-4 to IFNγ ratios than the FhSAP2-IBs vaccinated animals, which is indicative of higher levels of Th2 immune responses. Irrespective to the adjuvant used, animals vaccinated with FhSAP2-IBs exhibited significantly higher survival percentage and less liver damage than the adjuvant-control groups. This study suggests that FhSAP2 has potential as vaccine against F. hepatica and that the protection elicited by this molecule could be linked to a mechanism driven by the CD4-Th1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francheska Rivera
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, Puerto Rico
| | - Ana M Espino
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, Puerto Rico.
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Cwiklinski K, de la Torre-Escudero E, Trelis M, Bernal D, Dufresne PJ, Brennan GP, O'Neill S, Tort J, Paterson S, Marcilla A, Dalton JP, Robinson MW. The Extracellular Vesicles of the Helminth Pathogen, Fasciola hepatica: Biogenesis Pathways and Cargo Molecules Involved in Parasite Pathogenesis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:3258-73. [PMID: 26486420 PMCID: PMC4762619 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.053934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by parasites have important roles in establishing and maintaining infection. Analysis of the soluble and vesicular secretions of adult Fasciola hepatica has established a definitive characterization of the total secretome of this zoonotic parasite. Fasciola secretes at least two subpopulations of EVs that differ according to size, cargo molecules and site of release from the parasite. The larger EVs are released from the specialized cells that line the parasite gastrodermus and contain the zymogen of the 37 kDa cathepsin L peptidase that performs a digestive function. The smaller exosome-like vesicle population originate from multivesicular bodies within the tegumental syncytium and carry many previously described immunomodulatory molecules that could be delivered into host cells. By integrating our proteomics data with recently available transcriptomic data sets we have detailed the pathways involved with EV biogenesis in F. hepatica and propose that the small exosome biogenesis occurs via ESCRT-dependent MVB formation in the tegumental syncytium before being shed from the apical plasma membrane. Furthermore, we found that the molecular “machinery” required for EV biogenesis is constitutively expressed across the intramammalian development stages of the parasite. By contrast, the cargo molecules packaged within the EVs are developmentally regulated, most likely to facilitate the parasites migration through host tissue and to counteract host immune attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Cwiklinski
- From the ‡School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Maria Trelis
- §Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Parasitología, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; ¶Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Universitat de València-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Bernal
- ‖Departmento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Gerard P Brennan
- From the ‡School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Sandra O'Neill
- ‡‡School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Republic of Ireland
| | - Jose Tort
- §§Departmento de Genética. Facultad de Medicina, UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Steve Paterson
- ¶¶Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- §Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Parasitología, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; ¶Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Universitat de València-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - John P Dalton
- From the ‡School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Mark W Robinson
- From the ‡School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland; ‖‖Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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