1
|
Nation CS, Stephany-Brassesco I, Kelly BL, Pizarro JC. Transgenic overexpression of heat shock protein (HSP83) enhances protein kinase A activity, disrupts GP63 surface protease expression and alters promastigote morphology in Leishmania amazonensis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2023; 255:111574. [PMID: 37150327 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111574] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites undergo morphological changes during their infectious life cycle, including developmental transitions within the sandfly vector, culminating in metacyclic stages that are pre-adapted for infection. Upon entering vertebrate host phagocytes, Leishmania differentiate into intracellular amastigotes, the form that is ultimately transmitted back to the vector to complete the life cycle. Although environmental conditions that induce these cellular transitions are well-established, molecular mechanisms governing Leishmania morphologic differentiation in response to these cues remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies indicate a key role for HSP83 in both promastigote metacyclogenesis and amastigote differentiation. To further elucidate HSP83 functions in the Leishmania lifecycle, we examined the biological impact of experimentally elevating HSP83 gene expression in Leishmania. Significantly, HSP83 overexpression was associated with altered metacyclic morphology, increased protein kinase A (PKA) activity and decreased expression of the Leishmania major surface protease, GP63. Corroborating these findings, overexpression of the L. amazonensis PKA catalytic subunit resulted in a largely similar phenotype. Our findings demonstrate for the first time in Leishmania, a functional link between HSP83 and PKA in the control of Leishmania gene expression, replication and morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Nation
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University,1440 Canal St., Suite 2301, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Isabel Stephany-Brassesco
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ben L Kelly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Juan C Pizarro
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University,1440 Canal St., Suite 2301, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bhattacharjee M, Banerjee M, Mukherjee A. In silico designing of a novel polyvalent multi-subunit peptide vaccine leveraging cross-immunity against human visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis: an immunoinformatics-based approach. J Mol Model 2023; 29:99. [PMID: 36928431 PMCID: PMC10018593 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05503-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Leishmaniasis is a group of vector-borne infectious diseases caused by over 20 pathogenic Leishmania species that are endemic in many tropical and subtropical countries. The emergence of drug-resistant strains, the adverse side effects of anti-Leishmania drugs, and the absence of a preventative vaccination strategy threaten the sensitive population. Recently, many groups of researchers have exploited the field of reverse vaccinology to develop vaccines, focusing chiefly on inducing immunity against either visceral or cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS This present work involves retrieving twelve experimentally validated leishmanial antigenic protein sequences from the UniProt database, followed by their antigenicity profiling employing ANTIGENpro and Vaxijen 2.0 servers. MHC-binding epitopes for the same were predicted using both NetCTL 1.2 and SYFPEITHI servers, while epitopes for B cell were computed using ABCpred and BepiPred 2.0 servers. The screened epitopes with significantly higher scores were utilized for designing the vaccine construct with appropriate linkers and natural adjuvant. The secondary and tertiary structures of the synthetic peptide were determined by conditional random fields, shallow neural networks, and profile-profile threading alignment with iterative structure assembly simulations, respectively. The 3-D vaccine model was validated through CASP10-tested refinement and the MolProbity web server. Molecular docking and multi-scale normal mode analysis simulation were performed to analyze the best vaccine-TLR complex. Finally, computational immune simulation findings revealed promising cellular and humoral immune responses, suggesting that the engineered chimeric peptide is a potential broad-spectrum vaccine against visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mainak Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Heritage Institute of Technology, 994, Madurdaha, Kolkata, 700107, India
| | - Monojit Banerjee
- Department of Zoology, Triveni Devi Bhalotia College, Raniganj, 713347, India
| | - Arun Mukherjee
- Department of Zoology, Triveni Devi Bhalotia College, Raniganj, 713347, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bandi C, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D, Alvaro A, Louzada-Flores VN, Pajoro M, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Brilli M, Manenti A, Montomoli E, Zuccotti G, Epis S. Leishmania tarentolae: a vaccine platform to target dendritic cells and a surrogate pathogen for next generation vaccine research in leishmaniases and viral infections. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 36703216 PMCID: PMC9879565 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Leishmania are unusual unicellular microorganisms in that they are characterized by the capability to subvert in their favor the immune response of mammalian phagocytes, including dendritic cells. Thus, in overt leishmaniasis, dendritic cells and macrophages are converted into a niche for Leishmania spp. in which the parasite, rather than being inactivated and disassembled, survives and replicates. In addition, Leishmania parasites hitchhike onto phagocytic cells, exploiting them as a mode of transport to lymphoid tissues where other phagocytic cells are potentially amenable to parasite colonization. This propensity of Leishmania spp. to target dendritic cells has led some researchers to consider the possibility that the non-pathogenic, reptile-associated Leishmania tarentolae could be exploited as a vaccine platform and vehicle for the production of antigens from different viruses and for the delivery of the antigens to dendritic cells and lymph nodes. In addition, as L. tarentolae can also be regarded as a surrogate of pathogenic Leishmania parasites, this parasite of reptiles could possibly be developed into a vaccine against human and canine leishmaniases, exploiting its immunological cross-reactivity with other Leishmania species, or, after its engineering, for the expression of antigens from pathogenic species. In this article we review published studies on the use of L. tarentolae as a vaccine platform and vehicle, mainly in the areas of leishmaniases and viral infections. In addition, a short summary of available knowledge on the biology of L. tarentolae is presented, together with information on the use of this microorganism as a micro-factory to produce antigens suitable for the serodiagnosis of viral and parasitic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bandi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alvaro
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Pajoro
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Brilli
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Montomoli
- grid.511037.1VisMederi, Siena, Italy ,grid.9024.f0000 0004 1757 4641Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini-Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Martí-Carreras J, Carrasco M, Gómez-Ponce M, Noguera-Julián M, Fisa R, Riera C, Alcover MM, Roura X, Ferrer L, Francino O. Identification of Leishmania infantum Epidemiology, Drug Resistance and Pathogenicity Biomarkers with Nanopore Sequencing. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2256. [PMID: 36422326 PMCID: PMC9697816 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant strains of the parasite Leishmania infantum infecting dogs and humans represents an increasing threat. L. infantum genomes are complex and unstable with extensive structural variations, ranging from aneuploidies to multiple copy number variations (CNVs). These CNVs have recently been validated as biomarkers of Leishmania concerning virulence, tissue tropism, and drug resistance. As a proof-of-concept to develop a novel diagnosis platform (LeishGenApp), four L. infantum samples from humans and dogs were nanopore sequenced. Samples were epidemiologically typed within the Mediterranean L. infantum group, identifying members of the JCP5 and non-JCP5 subgroups, using the conserved region (CR) of the maxicircle kinetoplast. Aneuploidies were frequent and heterogenous between samples, yet only chromosome 31 tetrasomy was common between all the samples. A high frequency of aneuploidies was observed for samples with long passage history (MHOM/TN/80/IPT-1), whereas fewer were detected for samples maintained in vivo (MCRI/ES/2006/CATB033). Twenty-two genes were studied to generate a genetic pharmacoresistance profile against miltefosine, allopurinol, trivalent antimonials, amphotericin, and paromomycin. MHOM/TN/80/IPT-1 and MCRI/ES/2006/CATB033 displayed a genetic profile with potential resistance against miltefosine and allopurinol. Meanwhile, MHOM/ES/2016/CATB101 and LCAN/ES/2020/CATB102 were identified as potentially resistant against paromomycin. All four samples displayed a genetic profile for resistance against trivalent antimonials. Overall, this proof-of-concept revealed the potential of nanopore sequencing and LeishGenApp for the determination of epidemiological, drug resistance, and pathogenicity biomarkers in L. infantum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Martí-Carreras
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Carrasco
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcel Gómez-Ponce
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Noguera-Julián
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Fisa
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia Sanitat i Mediambient, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Riera
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia Sanitat i Mediambient, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Magdalena Alcover
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia Sanitat i Mediambient, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Roura
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluís Ferrer
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Francino
- Nano1Health S.L. (N1H), Edifici EUREKA, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tandon R, Reyaz E, Roshanara, Jadhav M, Gandhi M, Dey R, Salotra P, Nakhasi HL, Selvapandiyan A. Identification of protein biomarkers of attenuation and immunogenicity of centrin or p27 gene deleted live vaccine candidates of Leishmania against visceral leishmaniasis. Parasitol Int 2022; 92:102661. [PMID: 36049661 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Currently, no licensed vaccine is available for human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a fatal disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani. Two of our live attenuated L. donovani vaccine candidates, either deleted for Centrin1 (LdCen1-/-) or p27 gene (Ldp27-/-), that display reduced growth in macrophages were studied to be safe, immunogenic and protective against VL in various animal models. This report involves the identification of differentially expressed proteins, their related pathways and its underlying mechanism in the intracellular stage of these parasites, using Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) methods. Out of 50-60 proteins, found to be differentially expressed in these mutant parasites, 36 were found to be common in both the parasites. Such proteins mainly belong to the functional categories viz. metabolic enzymes, chaperones and stress proteins, proteins involved in translation, processing and transport and proteins involved in nucleic acid processing. Proteins known to be host protective, like Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), cytochrome c, calreticulin and those responsible for inducing immune response, namely tubulins, DEAD box RNA helicases, HSP70 and tryparedoxin, have been detected to be modulated in these parasites. Such proteins could be predicted as biomarkers, with further scope of study for their role in growth attenuation. SIGNIFICANCE: This study aims at predicting proteomic biomarkers of Leishmania parasite growth attenuation, that have immunomodulatory role in the disease leishmaniasis. Advanced studies could be helpful in establishing the role of these identified proteins in parasitic virulence and to predict the host interaction at molecular level. Also, these proteins could be exploited as attenuation markers during the development of genetically modified live attenuated parasites as vaccine candidates. These could be cross validated in varied species of Leishmania and other tyrpanosomatids for similar response towards identifying them as universal biomarkers of attenuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rati Tandon
- JH-Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Enam Reyaz
- JH-Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Roshanara
- JH-Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Manali Jadhav
- Centre for Research in Nanotechnology & Science, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Mayuri Gandhi
- Centre for Research in Nanotechnology & Science, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Ranadhir Dey
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Poonam Salotra
- National Institute of Pathology (ICMR), Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Hira L Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Angamuthu Selvapandiyan
- JH-Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Salari S, Bamorovat M, Sharifi I, Almani PGN. Global distribution of treatment resistance gene markers for leishmaniasis. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24599. [PMID: 35808933 PMCID: PMC9396204 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pentavalent antimonials (Sb(V)) such as meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®) and sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam®) are used as first‐line treatments for leishmaniasis, either alone or in combination with second‐line drugs such as amphotericin B (Amp B), miltefosine (MIL), methotrexate (MTX), or cryotherapy. Therapeutic aspects of these drugs are now challenged because of clinical resistance worldwide. Methods We reviewedthe recent original studies were assessed by searching in electronic databases such as Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Results Studies on molecular biomarkers involved in drug resistance are essential for monitoring the disease. We reviewed genes and mechanisms of resistance to leishmaniasis, and the geographical distribution of these biomarkers in each country has also been thoroughly investigated. Conclusion Due to the emergence of resistant genes mainly in anthroponotic Leishmania species such as L. donovani and L. tropica, as the causative agents of ACL and AVL, respectively, selection of an appropriate treatment modality is essential. Physicians should be aware of the presence of such resistance for the selection of proper treatment modalities in endemic countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Salari
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Proteomic Analysis of Leishmania donovani Membrane Components Reveals the Role of Activated Protein C Kinase in Host-Parasite Interaction. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091194. [PMID: 34578226 PMCID: PMC8465321 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091194] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), mainly caused by the Leishmania donovani parasitic infection, constitutes a potentially fatal disease, for which treatment is primarily dependent on chemotherapy. The emergence of a resistant parasite towards current antileishmanial agents and increasing reports of relapses are the major concerns. Detailed research on the molecular interaction at the host-parasite interface may provide the identification of the parasite and the host-related factors operating during disease development. Genomic and proteomic studies highlighted several essential secretory and cytosolic proteins that play vital roles during Leishmania pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify membrane proteins from the Leishmania donovani parasite and the host macrophage that interact with each other using 2-DE/MALDI-TOF/MS. We identified membrane proteins including activated protein C kinase, peroxidoxin, small myristoylated protein 1 (SMP-1), and cytochrome C oxidase from the parasite, while identifying filamin A interacting protein 1(FILIP1) and β-actin from macrophages. We further investigated parasite replication and persistence within macrophages following the macrophage-amastigote model in the presence or absence of withaferin (WA), an inhibitor of activated C kinase. WA significantly reduced Leishmania donovani replication within host macrophages. This study sheds light on the important interacting proteins for parasite proliferation and virulence, and the establishment of infection within host cells, which can be targeted further to develop a strategy for chemotherapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
8
|
Corrales RM, Vaselek S, Neish R, Berry L, Brunet CD, Crobu L, Kuk N, Mateos-Langerak J, Robinson DR, Volf P, Mottram JC, Sterkers Y, Bastien P. The kinesin of the flagellum attachment zone in Leishmania is required for cell morphogenesis, cell division and virulence in the mammalian host. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009666. [PMID: 34143858 PMCID: PMC8244899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania parasites possess a unique and complex cytoskeletal structure termed flagellum attachment zone (FAZ) connecting the base of the flagellum to one side of the flagellar pocket (FP), an invagination of the cell body membrane and the sole site for endocytosis and exocytosis. This structure is involved in FP architecture and cell morphogenesis, but its precise role and molecular composition remain enigmatic. Here, we characterized Leishmania FAZ7, the only known FAZ protein containing a kinesin motor domain, and part of a clade of trypanosomatid-specific kinesins with unknown functions. The two paralogs of FAZ7, FAZ7A and FAZ7B, display different localizations and functions. FAZ7A localizes at the basal body, while FAZ7B localizes at the distal part of the FP, where the FAZ structure is present in Leishmania. While null mutants of FAZ7A displayed normal growth rates, the deletion of FAZ7B impaired cell growth in both promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania. The kinesin activity is crucial for its function. Deletion of FAZ7B resulted in altered cell division, cell morphogenesis (including flagellum length), and FP structure and function. Furthermore, knocking out FAZ7B induced a mis-localization of two of the FAZ proteins, and disrupted the molecular organization of the FP collar, affecting the localization of its components. Loss of the kinesin FAZ7B has important consequences in the insect vector and mammalian host by reducing proliferation in the sand fly and pathogenicity in mice. Our findings reveal the pivotal role of the only FAZ kinesin as part of the factors important for a successful life cycle of Leishmania. Leishmania are flagellated trypanosomatid parasites causing worldwide human and animal diseases. As ’divergent eukaryotes’, their biology presents unique features and structures, of which the specific functions constitute potential drug targets. Among others, they possess a unique cytoskeletal structure termed the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ) attaching the base of their flagellum to one side of the flagellar pocket (FP), which is the sole site for endocytosis and exocytosis. The FP together with other unique flagellum-associated structures are crucial for parasite survival, but the functioning of this whole remains largely enigmatic. Leishmania also possess an expanded repertoire of kinesins (>55), including two trypanosomatid-specific families. Here, we show that the deletion of the sole kinesin among FAZ proteins disrupts cell morphogenesis, FP organisation and cell division. Furthermore, the ability to proliferate in the insect vector and mammalian host is reduced in parasites lacking the kinesin FAZ7B. This study helps elucidate the factors contributing to the successful lifecycle and pathogenicity of the parasite. It also highlights the functional diversification of motor proteins during evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Milagros Corrales
- Research Unit “MiVEGEC”, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Academic Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (RMC); (PB)
| | - Slavica Vaselek
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rachel Neish
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence Berry
- Research Unit “LPHI” (Laboratory of Pathogen Host Interactions), University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Camille D. Brunet
- Research Unit “MiVEGEC”, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Academic Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucien Crobu
- Research Unit “MiVEGEC”, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Academic Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nada Kuk
- Research Unit “MiVEGEC”, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Academic Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Derrick R. Robinson
- Research Unit “Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity”, “Protist Parasite Cytoskeleton (ProParaCyto)”, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5234, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Yvon Sterkers
- Research Unit “MiVEGEC”, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Academic Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Bastien
- Research Unit “MiVEGEC”, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Academic Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (RMC); (PB)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shaheen F, Stephany-Brassesco I, Kelly BL. Dynamic modulation of Leishmania cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (LmCOX4) expression in response to mammalian temperature. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 244:111391. [PMID: 34144085 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The Leishmania LACK antigen is a ribosome-associated protein that facilitates expression of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (LmCOX4) to support parasite mitochondrial fitness and virulence within the vertebrate host. To further examine the relationship between LACK, its putative ribosome binding motif and LmCOX4, we compared the kinetics of LmCOX4 expression following temperature elevation in wildtype LACK (LACK WT) and LACK-putative ribosome-binding mutant (LACKDDE) L. major. We found that, after initial exposure to mammalian temperature, LmCOX4 levels became undetectable in LACKDDE L. major and also, surprisingly, in wild type (WT) control strains. Upon sustained exposure to mammalian temperature, LmCOX4 expression returned in WT control strains only. The initial loss of LmCOX4 in WT L. major was substantially reversed by treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Our findings indicate that initial loss of LmCOX4 under mammalian conditions is dependent upon proteasome degradation and LmCOX4 re-expression is dependent upon LACK possessing a WT putative ribosome binding motif.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Shaheen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Isabel Stephany-Brassesco
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ben L Kelly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zayats R, Uzonna JE, Murooka TT. Visualizing the In Vivo Dynamics of Anti- Leishmania Immunity: Discoveries and Challenges. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671582. [PMID: 34093571 PMCID: PMC8172142 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravital microscopy, such as 2-photon microscopy, is now a mainstay in immunological research to visually characterize immune cell dynamics during homeostasis and pathogen infections. This approach has been especially beneficial in describing the complex process of host immune responses to parasitic infections in vivo, such as Leishmania. Human-parasite co-evolution has endowed parasites with multiple strategies to subvert host immunity in order to establish chronic infections and ensure human-to-human transmission. While much focus has been placed on viral and bacterial infections, intravital microscopy studies during parasitic infections have been comparatively sparse. In this review, we will discuss how in vivo microscopy has provided important insights into the generation of innate and adaptive immunity in various organs during parasitic infections, with a primary focus on Leishmania. We highlight how microscopy-based approaches may be key to providing mechanistic insights into Leishmania persistence in vivo and to devise strategies for better parasite control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romaniya Zayats
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jude E Uzonna
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Thomas T Murooka
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pandey RK, Dikhit MR, Lokhande KB, Pandey K, Das P, Bimal S. An immunoprophylactic evaluation of Ld-ODC derived HLA-A0201 restricted peptides against visceral leishmaniasis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:6086-6096. [PMID: 33602055 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1876773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Five (5) HLA-A 0201 restricted epitopes of ornithine decarboxylase derived from Leishmania donovani (Ld-ODC) were examined by reverse vaccinology to develop prophylactics against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). These consensus epitopes comprising (P1: RLMPSAHAI, P2: LLDQYQIHL, P3: GLYHSFNCI, P4: AVLEVLSAL and P5: RLPASPAAL) were observed and presented by diverse HLA alleles screened by immune-informatics tools. These epitopes were also observed for strong stability for appropriate immune response in in silico screening and molecular dynamics. Top five selected epitopes filtered from population coverage analysis and TAP binding affinity were identified and evaluated against treated cases of VL subjects. Experiments were run individually with synthetic peptides or as the cocktail of peptides. A major population of CD8+ T cells were predominantly IFN-γ producers but not the IL-10 cytokines and shown with granzyme-B activity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the screened HLA-A0201 restricted epitope hotspots derived from Leishmania ODC can trigger CD8+ T cells, which can skew other immune cells functions toward protection. However, a detailed analysis can explore its potentiality as a vaccine candidate.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kishor Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hajipur, India.,Division of Immunology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Manas Ranjan Dikhit
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Kiran Bharat Lokhande
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Pradeep Das
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Sanjiva Bimal
- Division of Immunology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the chronic debilitating vector-borne diseases caused by obligate intracellular protozoa. The global burden of disease although not increasing but potential risk of spread is there. At least 20 species of Leishmania are pathogenic to human beings. The transmission is from female sandfly through a blood meal. The disease pathogenesis is dependent on parasite and host mechanism-primarily cell-mediated immunity. The three common forms are visceral, cutaneous, and mucocutaneous. The diagnostic tests are mainly based on aspiration from the spleen or bone marrow. The use of K39 antibodies is the best serodiagnostic test. Antimonial, amphotericin B, miltefosine, and paromomycin are the drugs used to treat leishmaniasis. Amphotericin therapy shows the response within 7 to 10 days in most subjects, and 2 weeks of therapy is sufficient. However, those going into relapse need new treatment regimes. There is a definite benefit of combination therapy. However, there is still no breakthrough on a vaccine for prophylaxis. How to cite this article: Daga MK, Rohatgi I, Mishra R. Leishmaniasis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(Suppl 2):S166-S170.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mradul K Daga
- Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Ishan Rohatgi
- Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Rashmi Mishra
- Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cardenas D, Sylvester C, Cao B, Nation CS, Pizarro JC, Lu H, Guidry J, Wojcik EJ, Kelly BL. Disruption of the Putative Ribosome-Binding Motif of a Scaffold Protein Impairs Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit Expression in Leishmania major. mSphere 2019; 4:e00644-18. [PMID: 30842271 PMCID: PMC6403457 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00644-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During their parasitic life cycle, through sandflies and vertebrate hosts, Leishmania parasites confront strikingly different environments, including abrupt changes in pH and temperature, to which they must rapidly adapt. These adaptations include alterations in Leishmania gene expression, metabolism, and morphology, allowing them to thrive as promastigotes in the sandfly and as intracellular amastigotes in the vertebrate host. A critical aspect of Leishmania metabolic adaptation to these changes is maintenance of efficient mitochondrial function in the hostile vertebrate environment. Such functions, including generation of ATP, depend upon the expression of many mitochondrial proteins, including subunits of cytochrome c oxidase (COX). Significantly, under mammalian temperature conditions, expression of Leishmania major COX subunit IV (LmCOX4) and virulence are dependent upon two copies of LACK, a gene that encodes the ribosome-associated scaffold protein, LACK (Leishmania ortholog of RACK1 [receptor for activated C kinase]). Targeted replacement of an endogenous LACK copy with a putative ribosome-binding motif-disrupted variant (LACKR34D35G36→LACKD34D35E36) resulted in thermosensitive parasites that showed diminished LmCOX4 expression, mitochondrial fitness, and replication in macrophages. Surprisingly, despite these phenotypes, LACKD34D35E36 associated with monosomes and polysomes and showed no major impairment of global protein synthesis. Collectively, these data suggest that wild-type (WT) LACK orchestrates robust LmCOX4 expression and mitochondrial fitness to ensure parasite virulence, via optimized functional interactions with the ribosome.IMPORTANCELeishmania parasites are trypanosomatid protozoans that persist in infected human hosts to cause a spectrum of pathologies, from cutaneous and mucocutaneous manifestations to visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani The latter is usually fatal if not treated. Persistence of L. major in the mammalian host depends upon maintaining gene-regulatory programs to support essential parasite metabolic functions. These include expression and assembly of mitochondrial L. major cytochrome c oxidase (LmCOX) subunits, important for Leishmania ATP production. Significantly, under mammalian conditions, WT levels of LmCOX subunits require threshold levels of the Leishmania ribosome-associated scaffold protein, LACK. Unexpectedly, we find that although disruption of LACK's putative ribosome-binding motif does not grossly perturb ribosome association or global protein synthesis, it nonetheless impairs COX subunit expression, mitochondrial function, and virulence. Our data indicate that the quality of LACK's interaction with Leishmania ribosomes is critical for LmCOX subunit expression and parasite mitochondrial function in the mammalian host. Collectively, these findings validate LACK's ribosomal interactions as a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daviel Cardenas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Charity Sylvester
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Bo Cao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Catherine S Nation
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Juan C Pizarro
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jessie Guidry
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Edward J Wojcik
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ben L Kelly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Amiri Dashatan N, Rezaie Tavirani M, Zali H, Koushki M, Ahmadi N. Prediction of Leishmania major Key Proteins Via Topological Analysis of Protein-Protein Interaction Network. Galen Med J 2018; 7:e1129. [PMID: 34466438 PMCID: PMC8344062 DOI: 10.22086/gmj.v0i0.1129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although leishmaniasis is regarded as a public health problem, no effective vaccine or decisive treatment has been introduced for this disease. Therefore, representing novel therapeutic proteins is essential. Protein-protein Interaction network analysis is a suitable tool to discover novel drug targets for leishmania major. To this aim, gene and protein expression data is used for instructing protein network and the key proteins are highlighted. Materials and Methods: In this computational and bioinformatics study, the protein/gene expression data related to leishmania major were studied, and 252 candidate proteins were extracted. Then, the protein networks of these proteins were explored and visualized by using String database and Cytoscape software. Finally, clustering and gene ontology were performed by MCODE and PANTHER databases, respectively. Results: Based on gene ontology analysis, most of the leishmania major proteins were located in cell compartments and membrane. Catalytic activity and binding were regarded as the relevant molecular functions and metabolic and cellular processes were the significant biological process. In this network analysis, UB-EP52, EF-2, chaperonin, Hsp70.4, Hsp60, tubulin alpha and beta chain, and ENOL and LACK were introduced as hub-bottleneck proteins. Based on clustering analysis, Lmjf.32.3270, ENOL and Lmjf.13.0290 were determined as seed proteins in each cluster. Conclusion: The results indicated that hub proteins play a significant role in pathogenesis and life cycle of leishmania major. Further studies of hubs will provide a better understanding of leishmaniasis mechanisms. Finally, these key hub proteins could be a suitable and helpful potential for drug targets and treating leishmaniasis by considering their validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Amiri Dashatan
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hakimeh Zali
- Advanced Technologies in Medicine. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Koushki
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nayebali Ahmadi
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Evaluation of LACK Gene Diversity in Leishmania major Using PCR and Sequencing Methods. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.14606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
16
|
JEIBOUEI S, BANDEHPOUR M, KAZEMI B, HAGHIGHI A. Designing a DNA Vaccine-based Leishmania major Polytope (Preliminary Report). IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 12:441-445. [PMID: 28979355 PMCID: PMC5623925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The treatment of the disease is hampered due to high cost, toxicity and the crisis of drug resistance. Polytope approaches of genetic immunization could be a strategy for prevention of infectious diseases. Furthermore, the identification of Leishmania genome sequence and the application of bioinformatics assist us to devise an effective vaccine's candidate. METHODS A linear sequence from predicted epitopes of GP63, LACK and CPC antigens was designed and was optimized using online available algorithms. The synthesized sequence (LAKJB93) was ligated to pEGFP-N1 plasmid. RESULTS The 264bp sequence was cloned at N terminal of GFP into pEGFP_N1 expression vector and transfect into CHO cell line. Construct was efficient expressed in CHO cells. CONCLUSION The protein of LAKJB93 cosnstruct was expressed in CHO cells successfully.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam JEIBOUEI
- Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan BANDEHPOUR
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram KAZEMI
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Ali HAGHIGHI
- Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Roles of Rack1 Proteins in Fungal Pathogenesis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:4130376. [PMID: 27656651 PMCID: PMC5021465 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4130376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi cause diseases on various organisms. Despite their differences in life cycles, fungal pathogens use well-conserved proteins and pathways to regulate developmental and infection processes. In this review, we focus on Rack1, a multifaceted scaffolding protein involved in various biological processes. Rack1 is well conserved in eukaryotes and plays important roles in fungi, though limited studies have been conducted. To accelerate the study of Rack1 proteins in fungi, we review the functions of Rack1 proteins in model and pathogenic fungi and summarize recent progress on how Rack1 proteins are involved in fungal pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
18
|
Hajjaran H, Kazemi-Rad E, Mohebali M, Oshaghi MA, Khadem-Erfan MB, Hajaliloo E, Reisi Nafchi H, Raoofian R. Expression analysis of activated protein kinase C gene (LACK1) in antimony sensitive and resistant Leishmania tropica clinical isolates using real-time RT-PCR. Int J Dermatol 2016; 55:1020-6. [PMID: 27336481 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to pentavalent antimonial drugs has become a serious problem in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in some endemic areas. Investigations on molecular markers involved in drug resistance are essential for monitoring of the disease. Leishmania-activated C kinase gene (LACK1) is involved in multiple central processes such as signal transduction. According to the probable role of the LACK1 gene in antimony resistance, we used real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate the expression of this gene in clinical L. tropica strains, which were resistant or sensitive to meglumine antimoniate. METHODS We analyzed the expression level of LACK in 18 sensitive and 14 resistant L. tropica isolates collected from patients with anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. After cDNA synthesis, gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative real-time PCR using SYBR Green. In addition, the full length of the LACK gene from six reference strains was cloned and sequenced then deposited in the NCBI database to confirm our strains. RESULTS Real-time reverse transcription-PCR revealed that the average RNA expression level of LACK in isolates from unresponsive and responsive patients were 0.479 and 4.583, respectively, and expression of LACK was significantly downregulated (9.56-fold) in resistant isolates compared to sensitive ones. CONCLUSION Results of the present study suggest the probable role of the LACK gene in antimony resistance. Moreover, it can be considered as a potential marker for monitoring antimony resistance in clinical isolates. However, further studies are required to exploit the biological functions of it in antimony resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Kazemi-Rad
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad A Oshaghi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad B Khadem-Erfan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Elham Hajaliloo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Reisi Nafchi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Raoofian
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Qvit N, Schechtman D, Pena DA, Berti DA, Soares CO, Miao Q, Liang LA, Baron LA, Teh-Poot C, Martínez-Vega P, Ramirez-Sierra MJ, Churchill E, Cunningham AD, Malkovskiy AV, Federspiel NA, Gozzo FC, Torrecilhas AC, Manso Alves MJ, Jardim A, Momar N, Dumonteil E, Mochly-Rosen D. Scaffold proteins LACK and TRACK as potential drug targets in kinetoplastid parasites: Development of inhibitors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2016; 6:74-84. [PMID: 27054066 PMCID: PMC4805777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases cause ∼500,000 deaths annually and remain a major challenge for therapeutic development. Using a rational design based approach, we developed peptide inhibitors with anti-parasitic activity that were derived from the sequences of parasite scaffold proteins LACK (Leishmania's receptor for activated C-kinase) and TRACK (Trypanosomareceptor for activated C-kinase). We hypothesized that sequences in LACK and TRACK that are conserved in the parasites, but not in the mammalian ortholog, RACK (Receptor for activated C-kinase), may be interaction sites for signaling proteins that are critical for the parasites' viability. One of these peptides exhibited leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activity in culture. Moreover, in infected mice, this peptide was also effective in reducing parasitemia and increasing survival without toxic effects. The identified peptide is a promising new anti-parasitic drug lead, as its unique features may limit toxicity and drug-resistance, thus overcoming central limitations of most anti-parasitic drugs. Identified unique short sequences conserved in parasite but not in host orthologue. Peptides corresponding to these sequences are active anti-parasitic drug lead. Cyclization of the peptides generates drug leads for in vivo proof of concept.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nir Qvit
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Deborah Schechtman
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Qianqian Miao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Liying Annie Liang
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lauren A Baron
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Christian Teh-Poot
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Pedro Martínez-Vega
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Maria Jesus Ramirez-Sierra
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Eric Churchill
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Anna D Cunningham
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrey V Malkovskiy
- Biomaterials and Advanced Drug Delivery Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nancy A Federspiel
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Fabio Cesar Gozzo
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Armando Jardim
- Institute of Parasitology and Centre for Host-Parasite Interactions, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| | - Ndao Momar
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Daria Mochly-Rosen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Qvit N, Kornfeld OS. Development of a Backbone Cyclic Peptide Library as Potential Antiparasitic Therapeutics Using Microwave Irradiation. J Vis Exp 2016:e53589. [PMID: 26863382 DOI: 10.3791/53589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are intimately involved in almost all biological processes and are linked to many human diseases. Therefore, there is a major effort to target PPIs in basic research and in the pharmaceutical industry. Protein-protein interfaces are usually large, flat, and often lack pockets, complicating the discovery of small molecules that target such sites. Alternative targeting approaches using antibodies have limitations due to poor oral bioavailability, low cell-permeability, and production inefficiency. Using peptides to target PPI interfaces has several advantages. Peptides have higher conformational flexibility, increased selectivity, and are generally inexpensive. However, peptides have their own limitations including poor stability and inefficiency crossing cell membranes. To overcome such limitations, peptide cyclization can be performed. Cyclization has been demonstrated to improve peptide selectivity, metabolic stability, and bioavailability. However, predicting the bioactive conformation of a cyclic peptide is not trivial. To overcome this challenge, one attractive approach it to screen a focused library to screen in which all backbone cyclic peptides have the same primary sequence, but differ in parameters that influence their conformation, such as ring size and position. We describe a detailed protocol for synthesizing a library of backbone cyclic peptides targeting specific parasite PPIs. Using a rational design approach, we developed peptides derived from the scaffold protein Leishmania receptor for activated C-kinase (LACK). We hypothesized that sequences in LACK that are conserved in parasites, but not in the mammalian host homolog, may represent interaction sites for proteins that are critical for the parasites' viability. The cyclic peptides were synthesized using microwave irradiation to reduce reaction times and increase efficiency. Developing a library of backbone cyclic peptides with different ring sizes facilitates a systematic screen for the most biological active conformation. This method provides a general, fast, and facile way to synthesize cyclic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nir Qvit
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine;
| | - Opher S Kornfeld
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The ability of Leishmania parasites to infect and persist in the antigen-presenting cell population of their mammalian hosts is dependent on their ability to gain entry to their host and host cells, to survive the mammalian cell environment, and to suppress or evade the protective immune response mechanisms of their hosts. A multitude of genes and their products have been implicated in each of these virulence-enhancing strategies to date, and we present an overview of the nature and known function of such virulence genes.
Collapse
|
22
|
Daviel C, Carter PM, Nation CS, Pizarro JC, Guidry J, Aiyar A, Kelly BL. LACK, a RACK1 ortholog, facilitates cytochrome c oxidase subunit expression to promote Leishmania major fitness. Mol Microbiol 2015; 96:95-109. [PMID: 25582232 PMCID: PMC6055511 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania are kinetoplastid parasites that cause the sandfly-transmitted disease leishmaniasis. To maintain fitness throughout their infectious life cycle, Leishmania must undergo rapid metabolic adaptations to the dramatically distinct environments encountered during transition between sandfly and vertebrate hosts. We performed proteomic and immunoblot analyses of attenuated L. major strains deficient for LACK, the Leishmania ortholog of the mammalian receptor for activated c kinase (RACK1), that is important for parasite thermotolerance and virulence. This approach identified cytochrome c oxidase (LmCOX) subunit IV as a LACK-dependent fitness protein. Consistent with decreased levels of LmCOX subunit IV at mammalian temperature, and in amastigotes, LmCOX activity and mitochondrial function were also impaired in LACK-deficient L. major under these conditions. Importantly, overexpression of LmCOX subunit IV in LACK-deficient L. major restored thermotolerance and macrophage infectivity. Interestingly, overexpression of LmCOX subunit IV enhanced LmCOX subunit VI expression at mammalian temperature. Collectively, our data suggest LACK promotes Leishmania adaptation to the mammalian host environment by sustaining LmCOX subunit IV expression and hence energy metabolism in response to stress stimuli such as heat. These findings extend the repertoire of RACK1 protein utility to include a role in mitochondrial function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cardenas Daviel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Pamela M. Carter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Catherine S. Nation
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Juan C. Pizarro
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jessie Guidry
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ashok Aiyar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ben L. Kelly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
SHIRALI S, HADDADZADEH H, MOHEBALI M, KAZEMI B, AMINI N. Cloning and Expression of Recombinant Plasmid Containing P36/LACK Gene of Leishmania infantum Iranian Strain. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 10:164-70. [PMID: 26246813 PMCID: PMC4522291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are several methods, such as vaccination, to control visceral leishmaniasis. Although there is no efficient vaccine, it seem DNA vaccination with stimulates both cellular and humoral immunity apparently is the best way. The aim of this study was cloning and expression of LACK gene, a 36kD protein, as a candidate protein for vaccination against Iranian L. infantum. METHODS Iranian strain of L. infantum [MCAN/IR/07/Moheb-gh] was used as a template for PCR to amplify LACK gene. The LACK gene was cloned in pTZ57R/T vector and after confirmation it was digested by restriction enzymes (BamH1) and cloned in pcDNA3.1 expression vector. Recombinant plasmid was extracted and analyzed by sequencing, restriction digestion analysis and PCR reaction. The pc- LACK recombinant plasmid was purified from transformed E.coli (DH5α) and its expression was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. RESULTS The results of sequencing, restriction digestion analysis and PCR reaction revealed that LACK gene was cloned correctly in pcDNA3.1 vector and the results of SDS PAGE and Western blot emphasized that LACK protein of Iranian L. infantum is a well-expressed protein. CONCLUSION We amplified, cloned and expressed Iranian L. infantum LACK gene successfully.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saloomeh SHIRALI
- Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Basic science, Ahvaz branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran,Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza HADDADZADEH
- Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Mehdi MOHEBALI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram KAZEMI
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges AMINI
- Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease spread by an arthropod vector. It remains a significant health problem with an incidence of 0.2–0.4 million visceral leishmaniasis and 0.7–1.2 million cutaneous leishmaniasis cases each year. There are limitations associated with the current therapeutic regimens for leishmaniasis and the fact that after recovery from infection the host becomes immune to subsequent infection therefore, these factors force the feasibility of a vaccine for leishmaniasis. Publication of the genome sequence of Leishmania has paved a new way to understand the pathogenesis and host immunological status therefore providing a deep insight in the field of vaccine research. This review is an effort to study the antigenic targets in Leishmania to develop an anti-leishmanial vaccine.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ali KS, Rees RC, Terrell-Nield C, Ali SA. Virulence loss and amastigote transformation failure determine host cell responses to Leishmania mexicana. Parasite Immunol 2014; 35:441-56. [PMID: 23869911 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The effect of alterations in virulence and transformation by long-term in vitro culture of Leishmania mexicana promastigotes on infectivity and immune responses was investigated. Fresh parasite cultures harvested from Balb/c mice were passaged 20 times in vitro. Infectivity was decreased and was completely avirulent after 20 passages. The qPCR results showed a down-regulation of GP63, LPG2, CPC, CPB2, CPB2.8, CHT1, LACK and LDCEN3 genes after passage seven concomitant with a reduced and absence of infectivity by passages seven and 20, respectively. Parasites at passages one and 20 are referred to as virulent and avirulent, respectively. The growth of avirulent and virulent parasite was affected by conditioned media derived from macrophages or monocytes infected with parasites for 2 h. Giemsa staining showed the failure of avirulent but not virulent parasites to transform to the amastigote stage in infected host cells with both virulent and avirulent modulating the expression of CCL-22, Tgad51, Cox2, IL-1, IL-10, TGF-β, TNF-α, Rab7, Rab9 and A2 genes; virulent but not avirulent L. mexicana significantly up-regulated Th2-associated cytokines, but down-regulated Rab7 and Rab9 gene expression. In conclusion, a model for L. mexicana is reported, which is of potential value in studying host-parasite interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K S Ali
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Nirujogi RS, Pawar H, Renuse S, Kumar P, Chavan S, Sathe G, Sharma J, Khobragade S, Pande J, Modak B, Prasad TSK, Harsha HC, Patole MS, Pandey A. Moving from unsequenced to sequenced genome: reanalysis of the proteome of Leishmania donovani. J Proteomics 2014; 97:48-61. [PMID: 23665000 PMCID: PMC4710096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The kinetoplastid protozoan parasite, Leishmania donovani, is the causative agent of kala azar or visceral leishmaniasis. Kala azar is a severe form of leishmaniasis that is fatal in the majority of untreated cases. Studies on proteomic analysis of L. donovani thus far have been carried out using homology-based identification based on related Leishmania species (L. infantum, L. major and L. braziliensis) whose genomes have been sequenced. Recently, the genome of L. donovani was fully sequenced and the data became publicly available. We took advantage of the availability of its genomic sequence to carry out a more accurate proteogenomic analysis of L. donovani proteome using our previously generated dataset. This resulted in identification of 17,504 unique peptides upon database-dependent search against the annotated proteins in L. donovani. These peptides were assigned to 3999 unique proteins in L. donovani. 2296 proteins were identified in both the life stages of L. donovani, while 613 and 1090 proteins were identified only from amastigote and promastigote stages, respectively. The proteomic data was also searched against six-frame translated L. donovani genome, which led to 255 genome search-specific peptides (GSSPs) resulting in identification of 20 novel genes and correction of 40 existing gene models in L. donovani. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Leishmania donovani genome sequencing was recently completed, which permitted us to use a proteogenomic approach to map its proteome and to carry out annotation of it genome. This resulted in mapping of 50% (3999 proteins) of L. donovani proteome. Our study identified 20 novel genes previously not predicted from the L. donovani genome in addition to correcting annotations of 40 existing gene models. The identified proteins may help in better understanding of stage-specific protein expression profiles in L. donovani and to identify novel stage-specific drug targets in L. donovani which could be used in the treatment of leishmaniasis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Trends in Microbial Proteomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raja Sekhar Nirujogi
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; Bioinformatics Centre, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Harsh Pawar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore 560041, India
| | - Santosh Renuse
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; Department of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam 690525, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India
| | - Sandip Chavan
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Gajanan Sathe
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Jyoti Sharma
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, India
| | | | | | - Bhakti Modak
- National Centre for Cell Sciences, Pune 411007, India
| | - T S Keshava Prasad
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; Bioinformatics Centre, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India; Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, India
| | - H C Harsha
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India
| | | | - Akhilesh Pandey
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sequencing and Gene Expression Analysis of Leishmania tropica LACK Gene. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 9:574-83. [PMID: 25759740 PMCID: PMC4345098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania Homologue of receptors for Activated C Kinase (LACK) antigen is a 36-kDa protein, which provokes a very early immune response against Leishmania infection. There are several reports on the expression of LACK through different life-cycle stages of genus Leishmania, but only a few of them have focused on L.tropica. METHODS The present study provides details of the cloning, DNA sequencing and gene expression of LACK in this parasite species. First, several local isolates of Leishmania parasites were typed in our laboratory using PCR technique to verify of Leishmania parasite species. After that, LACK gene was amplified and cloned into a vector for sequencing. Finally, the expression of this molecule in logarithmic and stationary growth phase promastigotes, as well as in amastigotes, was evaluated by Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) technique. RESULTS The typing result confirmed that all our local isolates belong to L.tropica. LACK gene sequence was determined and high similarity was observed with the sequences of other Leishmania species. Furthermore, the expression of LACK gene in both promastigotes and amastigotes forms was confirmed. CONCLUSION Overall, the data set the stage for future studies of the properties and immune role of LACK gene products.
Collapse
|
28
|
Hassani K, Olivier M. Immunomodulatory impact of leishmania-induced macrophage exosomes: a comparative proteomic and functional analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2185. [PMID: 23658846 PMCID: PMC3642089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Released by many eukaryotic cells, the exosomes are 40-100 nm vesicles shown to operate over the complex processes of cell-cell communication. Among the metazoan cell lineages known to generate exosomes is the mononuclear phagocyte lineage, a lineage that parasites such as Leishmania are known to subvert as host cells. We previously reported that mouse macrophage signaling and functions are modified once co-incubated with exoproteome of Leishmania promastigotes. Using mass spectrometry analysis, we were curious to further compare the content of purified exosomes released by the J774 mouse macrophage cell line exposed or not to either LPS or to stationary phase Leishmania mexicana promastigotes. Collectively, our analyses resulted in detection of 248 proteins, ∼50-80% of which were shared among the three sources studied. Using exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI) and network analyses, we found that the macrophage exosomes display unique signatures with respect to composition and abundance of many functional groups of proteins, such as plasma membrane-associated proteins, chaperones and metabolic enzymes. Moreover, for the first time, L. mexicana surface protease GP63 is shown to be present in exosomes released from J774 macrophages exposed to stationary phase promastigotes. We observed that macrophage exosomes are able to induce signaling molecules and transcription factors in naive macrophages. Finally, using qRT-PCR, we monitored modulation of expression of multiple immune-related genes within macrophages exposed to exosomes. We found all three groups of exosomes to induce expression of immune-related genes, the ones collected from macrophages exposed to L. mexicana sharing properties with exosomes collected from macrophage left unexposed to any agonist. Overall, our results allowed depicting that protein sorting into macrophage-derived exosomes depends upon the cell status and how such distinct protein sorting can in turn impact the functions of naive J774 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Hassani
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine for Infectious Diseases. OMICS FOR PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2013. [PMCID: PMC7122342 DOI: 10.1007/978-81-322-1184-6_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Humans have been plagued by the scourge of invasion by pathogens leading to infectious diseases from the time in memoriam and are still the cause of morbidity and mortality among millions of individuals. Trying to understand the disease mechanisms and finding the remedial measures have been the quest of humankind. The susceptibility to disease of an individual in a given population is determined by ones genetic buildup. Response to treatment and the disease prognosis also depends upon individual’s genetic predisposition. The environmental stress induces mutations and is leading to the emergence of ever-increasing more dreaded infectious pathogens, and now we are in the era of increasing antibiotic resistance that has thrown up a challenge to find new treatment regimes. Discoveries in the science of high-throughput sequencing and array technologies have shown new hope and are bringing a revolution in human health. The information gained from sequencing of both human and pathogen genomes is a way forward in deciphering host-pathogen interactions. Deciphering the pathogen virulence factors, host susceptibility genes, and the molecular programs involved in the pathogenesis of disease has paved the way for discovery of new molecular targets for drugs, diagnostic markers, and vaccines. The genomic diversity in the human population leads to differences in host responses to drugs and vaccines and is the cause of poor response to treatment as well as adverse reactions. The study of pharmacogenomics of infectious diseases is still at an early stage of development, and many intricacies of the host-pathogen interaction are yet to be understood in full measure. However, progress has been made over the decades of research in some of the important infectious diseases revealing how the host genetic polymorphisms of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters affect the bioavailability of the drugs which further determine the efficacy and toxicology of the drugs used for treatment. Further, the field of structural biology and chemistry has intertwined to give rise to medical structural genomics leading the way to the discovery of new drug targets against infectious diseases. This chapter explores how the advent of “omics” technologies is making a beginning in bringing about a change in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatments of the infectious diseases and hence paving way for personalized medicine.
Collapse
|
30
|
Pawar H, Sahasrabuddhe NA, Renuse S, Keerthikumar S, Sharma J, Kumar GSS, Venugopal A, Sekhar NR, Kelkar DS, Nemade H, Khobragade SN, Muthusamy B, Kandasamy K, Harsha HC, Chaerkady R, Patole MS, Pandey A. A proteogenomic approach to map the proteome of an unsequenced pathogen - Leishmania donovani. Proteomics 2012; 12:832-44. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Pawar
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - Nandini A. Sahasrabuddhe
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- Manipal University; Madhav Nagar Manipal Karnataka India
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Santosh Renuse
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Biotechnology; Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham; Kollam Kerala India
| | | | - Jyoti Sharma
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- Manipal University; Madhav Nagar Manipal Karnataka India
| | - Ghantasala. S. Sameer Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- Department of Biotechnology; Kuvempu University; Shimoga Karnataka India
| | - Abhilash Venugopal
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- Department of Biotechnology; Kuvempu University; Shimoga Karnataka India
| | - Nirujogi Raja Sekhar
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- Bioinformatics Centre; School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University; Puducherry India
| | - Dhanashree S. Kelkar
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- Department of Biotechnology; Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham; Kollam Kerala India
| | - Harshal Nemade
- National Centre for Cell Sciences; Pune Maharashtra India
| | | | - Babylakshmi Muthusamy
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- Bioinformatics Centre; School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University; Puducherry India
| | - Kumaran Kandasamy
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - H. C. Harsha
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - Raghothama Chaerkady
- Institute of Bioinformatics; International Technology Park; Bangalore Karnataka India
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
| | | | - Akhilesh Pandey
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Oncology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
- Department of Pathology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Singh B, Sundar S. Leishmaniasis: vaccine candidates and perspectives. Vaccine 2012; 30:3834-42. [PMID: 22475861 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania is a protozoan parasite and a causative agent of the various clinical forms of leishmaniasis. High cost, resistance and toxic side effects of traditional drugs entail identification and development of therapeutic alternatives. The sound understanding of parasite biology is key for identifying novel drug targets, that can induce the cell mediated immunity (mainly CD4+ and CD8+ IFN-gamma mediated responses) polarized towards a Th1 response. These aspects are important in designing a new vaccine along with the consideration of the candidates with respect to their ability to raise memory response in order to improve the vaccine performance. This review is an effort to identify molecules according to their homology with the host and their ability to be used as potent vaccine candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhawana Singh
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, UP, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hugentobler F, Yam KK, Gillard J, Mahbuba R, Olivier M, Cousineau B. Immunization against Leishmania major infection using LACK- and IL-12-expressing Lactococcus lactis induces delay in footpad swelling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30945. [PMID: 22348031 PMCID: PMC3277590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania is a mammalian parasite affecting over 12 million individuals worldwide. Current treatments are expensive, cause severe side effects, and emerging drug resistance has been reported. Vaccination is the most cost-effective means to control infectious disease but currently there is no vaccine available against Leishmaniasis. Lactococcus lactis is a non-pathogenic, non-colonizing Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium commonly used in the dairy industry. Recently, L. lactis was used to express biologically active molecules including vaccine antigens and cytokines. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We report the generation of L. lactis strains expressing the protective Leishmania antigen, LACK, in the cytoplasm, secreted or anchored to the bacterial cell wall. L. lactis was also engineered to secrete biologically active single chain mouse IL-12. Subcutaneous immunization with live L. lactis expressing LACK anchored to the cell wall and L. lactis secreting IL-12 significantly delayed footpad swelling in Leishmania major infected BALB/c mice. The delay in footpad swelling correlated with a significant reduction of parasite burden in immunized animals compared to control groups. Immunization with these two L. lactis strains induced antigen-specific multifunctional T(H)1 CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and a systemic LACK-specific T(H)1 immune response. Further, protection in immunized animals correlated with a Leishmania-specific T(H)1 immune response post-challenge. L. lactis secreting mouse IL-12 was essential for directing immune responses to LACK towards a protective T(H)1 response. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This report demonstrates the use of L. lactis as a live vaccine against L. major infection in BALB/c mice. The strains generated in this study provide the basis for the development of an inexpensive and safe vaccine against the human parasite Leishmania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Hugentobler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Karen K. Yam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Joshua Gillard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Raya Mahbuba
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Member of the Centre for Host-Parasite Interaction (CHPI), Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | - Benoit Cousineau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Member of the Centre for Host-Parasite Interaction (CHPI), Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kelly BL, Singh G, Aiyar A. Molecular and cellular characterization of an AT-hook protein from Leishmania. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21412. [PMID: 21731738 PMCID: PMC3121789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AT-rich DNA, and the proteins that bind it (AT-hook proteins), modulate chromosome structure and function in most eukaryotes. Unlike other trypanosomatids, the genome of Leishmania species is unusually GC-rich, and the regulation of Leishmania chromosome structure, replication, partitioning is not fully understood. Because AT-hook proteins modulate these functions in other eukaryotes, we examined whether AT-hook proteins are encoded in the Leishmania genome, to test their potential functions. Several Leishmania ORFs predicted to be AT-hook proteins were identified using in silico approaches based on sequences shared between eukaryotic AT-hook proteins. We have used biochemical, molecular and cellular techniques to characterize the L. amazonensis ortholog of the L. major protein LmjF06.0720, a potential AT-hook protein that is highly conserved in Leishmania species. Using a novel fusion between the AT-hook domain encoded by LmjF06.0720 and a herpesviral protein, we have demonstrated that LmjF06.0720 functions as an AT-hook protein in mammalian cells. Further, as observed for mammalian and viral AT-hook proteins, the AT-hook domains of LmjF06.0720 bind specific regions of condensed mammalian metaphase chromosomes, and support the licensed replication of DNA in mammalian cells. LmjF06.0720 is nuclear in Leishmania, and this localization is disrupted upon exposure to drugs that displace AT-hook proteins from AT-rich DNA. Coincidentally, these drugs dramatically alter the cellular physiology of Leishmania promastigotes. Finally, we have devised a novel peptido-mimetic agent derived from the sequence of LmjF06.0720 that blocks the proliferation of Leishmania promastigotes, and lowers amastigote parasitic burden in infected macrophages. Our results indicate that AT-hook proteins are critical for the normal biology of Leishmania. In addition, we have described a simple technique to examine the function of Leishmania chromatin-binding proteins in a eukaryotic context amenable to studying chromosome structure and function. Lastly, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of compounds directed against AT-hook proteins in Leishmania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben L. Kelly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Lousiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Gyanendra Singh
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Lousiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Ashok Aiyar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Lousiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Lousiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Trypanosomatid RACK1 Orthologs Show Functional Differences Associated with Translation Despite Similar Roles in Leishmania Pathogenesis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20710. [PMID: 21677780 PMCID: PMC3108995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RACK1 proteins belong to the eukaryote WD40-repeat protein family and function as spatial regulators of multiple cellular events, including signaling pathways, the cell cycle and translation. For this latter role, structural and genetic studies indicate that RACK1 associates with the ribosome through two conserved positively charged amino acids in its first WD40 domain. Unlike RACK1s, including Trypanosoma brucei RACK1 (TbRACK1), only one of these two positively-charged residues is conserved in the first WD40 domain of the Leishmania major RACK1 ortholog, LACK. We compared virulence-attenuated LACK single copy (LACK/-) L. major, with L. major expressing either two LACK copies (LACK/LACK), or one copy each of LACK and TbRACK1 (LACK/TbRACK1), to evaluate the function of these structurally distinct RACK1 orthologs with respect to translation, viability at host temperatures and pathogenesis. Our results indicate that although the ribosome-binding residues are not fully conserved in LACK, both LACK and TbRACK1 co-sedimented with monosomes and polysomes in LACK/LACK and LACK/TbRACK1 L. major, respectively. LACK/LACK and LACK/TbRACK1 strains differed in their sensitivity to translation inhibitors implying that minor sequence differences between the RACK1 proteins can alter their functional properties. While biochemically distinguishable, both LACK/LACK and LACK/TbRACK1 lines were more tolerant of elevated temperatures, resistant to translation inhibitors, and displayed robust pathogenesis in vivo, contrasting to LACK/- parasites.
Collapse
|
35
|
Gómez-Arreaza A, Acosta H, Barros-Álvarez X, Concepción JL, Albericio F, Avilan L. Leishmania mexicana: LACK (Leishmania homolog of receptors for activated C-kinase) is a plasminogen binding protein. Exp Parasitol 2011; 127:752-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
36
|
Lapara NJ, Kelly BL. Suppression of LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages infected with Leishmania. JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION-LONDON 2010; 7:8. [PMID: 20205812 PMCID: PMC2824668 DOI: 10.1186/1476-9255-7-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Chronic inflammation activated by macrophage innate pathogen recognition receptors such as TLR4 can lead to a range of inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, Crohn's disease, arthritis and cancer. Unlike many microbes, the kinetoplastid protozoan pathogen Leishmania has been shown to avoid and even actively suppress host inflammatory cytokine responses, such as LPS-induced IL-12 production. The nature and scope of Leishmania-mediated inflammatory cytokine suppression, however, is not well characterized. Advancing our knowledge of such microbe-mediated cytokine suppression may provide new avenues for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory disease. Methods We explored the kinetics of a range of cytokine and chemokine responses in primary murine macrophages stimulated with LPS in the presence versus absence of two clinically distinct species of Leishmania using sensitive multiplex cytokine analyses. To confirm that these effects were parasite-specific, we compared the effects of Leishmania uptake on LPS-induced cytokine expression with uptake of inert latex beads. Results Whilst Leishmania uptake alone did not induce significant levels of any cytokine analysed in this study, Leishmania uptake in the presence of LPS caused parasite-specific suppression of certain LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-12, IL-17 and IL-6. Interestingly, L. amazonensis was generally more suppressive than L. major. We also found that other LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α, TNF-α and the chemokines MIP-1α and MCP-1 and also the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, were augmented during Leishmania uptake, in a parasite-specific manner. Conclusions During uptake by macrophages, Leishmania evades the activation of a broad range of cytokines and chemokines. Further, in the presence of a strong inflammatory stimulus, Leishmania suppresses certain proinflammatory cytokine responses in a parasite-specific manner, however it augments the production of other proinflammatory cytokines. Our findings highlight the complexity of inflammatory cytokine signalling regulation in the context of the macrophage and Leishmania interaction and confirm the utility of the Leishmania/macrophage infection model as an experimental system for further studies of inflammatory regulation. Such studies may advance the development of therapies against inflammatory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Lapara
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology, LSU Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Todolí F, Pérez-Filgueira M, Galindo I, Gómez-Sebastián S, Escribano JM, Rodríguez-Cortés A, Alberola J. Seroreactivity against raw insect-derived recombinant KMPII, TRYP, and LACK Leishmania infantum proteins in infected dogs. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:154-61. [PMID: 19570612 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Revised: 05/25/2009] [Accepted: 05/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The recombinant proteins KMPII, TRYP, and LACK of Leishmania infantum were produced in baculovirus-infected Trichoplusia ni larvae and used to analyze the seroreactivity of 165 dog serum samples by the multiple-well ELISA technique (57 infected dogs with clinical signs, 46 naturally infected and 11 experimentally infected; and 108 non-infected dogs, 76 from non-endemic areas and 32 from endemic areas). Recombinant (r) KMPII was the most recognized antigen, as the majority of infected dogs seroreacted against it (0.75). This is the first report of seroreactivity against rTRYP (0.51) and rLACK (0.42) in L. infantum-infected dogs, since previous studies using recombinant TRYP and LACK proteins produced in prokaryotic systems failed to detect specific seroreactivity. All non-infected dogs were negative for rTRYP and rLACK, and only one of the 32 from endemic areas seroreacted against rKMPII. The results demonstrate that L. infantum-infected dogs develop humoral immunity against rKMPII, rTRYP, and rLACK antigens. There was substantial agreement between crude total L. infantum antigen (CTLA)-based ELISA and rKMPII ELISA (kappa=0.664), although this was higher than that found between the CTLA-based ELISA and rTRYP (kappa=0.427) or rLACK (kappa=0.343) ELISA, which can be interpreted as fair and moderate agreement, respectively. Ninety-three percent of the infected dogs analyzed developed specific antibodies against at least one of these three recombinant antigens. When the three recombinant antigen-based ELISA techniques were evaluated in parallel, almost perfect agreement (kappa=0.880) with CTLA-based ELISA was observed, with a specificity of 0.97 and a sensitivity of 0.93 in relation to CTLA-based ELISA. Further studies using purified recombinant antigens in a single-well test or individually, depending on the objective of the study, are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicitat Todolí
- Unitat de Farmacologia Veterinària and LeishLAB-Servei d'Anàlisi de Fàrmacs, Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Edifici V, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ameen M. Cutaneous leishmaniasis: disease susceptibility and pharmacogenetic implications. Pharmacogenomics 2009; 10:451-61. [PMID: 19290793 DOI: 10.2217/14622416.10.3.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major tropical infection of public health importance caused by a number of vector-borne Leishmania protozoa species. Evidence supports a highly complex etiology. Environmental, parasite and host factors determine pathogenesis, and result in a diverse clinical spectrum of disease. Disease susceptibility, clinical course, prognosis and therapy response are highly variable, suggesting a genetic basis. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated familial aggregation, and family and association studies have identified HLA and non-HLA gene associations. Further progress in susceptibility gene identification for leishmaniasis would require genome-wide scans and candidate gene-association studies in large cohorts. Correlation between host genotype and therapy response has important pharmacogenetic implications, especially as current therapies for leishmaniasis are inadequate and progress in new drug development has been poor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahreen Ameen
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas'Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE17EH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Regmi S, Rothberg KG, Hubbard JG, Ruben L. The RACK1 signal anchor protein from Trypanosoma brucei associates with eukaryotic elongation factor 1A: a role for translational control in cytokinesis. Mol Microbiol 2008; 70:724-45. [PMID: 18786142 PMCID: PMC2581647 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06443.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RACK1 is a WD-repeat protein that forms signal complexes at appropriate locations in the cell. RACK1 homologues are core components of ribosomes from yeast, plants and mammals. In contrast, a cryo-EM analysis of trypanosome ribosomes failed to detect RACK1, thus eliminating an important translational regulatory mechanism. Here we report that TbRACK1 from Trypanosoma brucei associates with eukaryotic translation elongation factor-1a (eEF1A) as determined by tandem MS of TAP-TbRACK1 affinity eluates, co-sedimentation in a sucrose gradient, and co-precipitation assays. Consistent with these observations, sucrose gradient purified 80S monosomes and translating polysomes each contained TbRACK1. When RNAi was used to deplete cells of TbRACK1, a shift in the polysome profile was observed, while the phosphorylation of a ribosomal protein increased. Under these conditions, cell growth became hypersensitive to the translational inhibitor anisomycin. The kinetoplasts and nuclei were misaligned in the postmitotic cells, resulting in partial cleavage furrow ingression during cytokinesis. Overall, these findings identify eEF1A as a novel TbRACK1 binding partner and establish TbRACK1 as a component of the trypanosome translational apparatus. The synergy between anisomycin and TbRACK1 RNAi suggests that continued translation is required for complete ingression of the cleavage furrow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandesh Regmi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Azeredo-Coutinho RBG, Matos DCS, Armôa GGR, Maia RM, Schubach A, Mayrink W, Mendonça SCF. Contrasting human cytokine responses to promastigote whole-cell extract and the Leishmania analogue receptor for activated C kinase antigen of L. amazonensis in natural infection versus immunization. Clin Exp Immunol 2008; 153:369-75. [PMID: 18627399 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03705.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that the same antigen can induce different immune responses, depending upon the way that it is presented to the immune system. The objective of this study was to compare cytokine responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from cutaneous leishmaniasis patients and subjects immunized with a first-generation candidate vaccine composed of killed Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes to a whole-cell promastigote antigen extract (La) and to the recombinant protein LACK (Leishmania analogue receptor for activated C kinase), both from L. amazonensis. Thirty-two patients, 35 vaccinees and 13 healthy subjects without exposure to Leishmania, were studied. Cytokine production was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The interferon (IFN)-gamma levels stimulated by La were significantly higher and the levels of interleukin (IL)-10 significantly lower than those stimulated by LACK in the patient group, while LACK induced a significantly higher IFN-gamma production and a significantly lower IL-10 production compared with those induced by La in the vaccinated group. LACK also induced a significantly higher frequency of IFN-gamma-producing cells than did La in the vaccinated group. The contrast in the cytokine responses stimulated by LACK and La in PBMC cultures from vaccinated subjects versus patients indicates that the human immune response to crude and defined Leishmania antigens as a consequence of immunization differs from that induced by natural infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R B G Azeredo-Coutinho
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Genetic manipulation of single-celled organisms such as the Leishmania parasite enables in depth analysis of the consequences of genotypic change on biological function. In probing the immune responses to infection, use of transgenic Leishmania has the potential to unravel both the contribution of the parasite to the infection process and the cellular interactions and mechanisms that characterize the innate and adaptive immune responses of the host. Here, we briefly review recent technical advances in parasite genetics and explore how these methods are being used to investigate parasite virulence factors, elucidate immune regulatory mechanisms and contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for the leishmaniases. Recent developments in imaging technology, such as bioluminescence and intravital imaging, combined with parasite transfection with fluorescent or enzyme-encoding marker genes, provides a rich opportunity for novel assessment of intimate, real-time host-parasite interactions at a previously unexplored level. Further advances in transgenic technology, such as the introduction of robust inducible gene cassettes for expression in intracellular parasite stages or the development of RNA interference methods for down-regulation of parasite gene expression in the host, will further advance our ability to probe host-parasite interactions and unravel disease-promoting mechanisms in the leishmaniases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Beattie
- Immunology and Infection Unit, Department of Biology, University of York, Hull York Medical School, Heslington, York, UK
| | - K J Evans
- Immunology and Infection Unit, Department of Biology, University of York, Hull York Medical School, Heslington, York, UK
| | - P M Kaye
- Immunology and Infection Unit, Department of Biology, University of York, Hull York Medical School, Heslington, York, UK
| | - D F Smith
- Immunology and Infection Unit, Department of Biology, University of York, Hull York Medical School, Heslington, York, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
gp63 in stable cationic liposomes confers sustained vaccine immunity to susceptible BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania donovani. Infect Immun 2008; 76:1003-15. [PMID: 18195029 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00611-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is deadly if not treated, and development of a vaccine with long-term immunity remains a challenge. In this study, we showed that cationic distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) liposomes, when used as vaccine adjuvant with the immunodominant 63-kDa glycoprotein (gp63) of Leishmania donovani promastigotes, induced significant protection against progressive visceral leishmaniasis in susceptible BALB/c mice. gp63 used without adjuvant elicited partial protection but in association with liposomes exhibited marked resistance in both the livers and spleens of the mice challenged 10 days after the last vaccination. The protective efficacy of liposomal gp63 vaccination was dose dependent, with 2.5 mug of protein showing optimal protection. The immunity conferred by this vaccine formulation was durable, as mice challenged 12 weeks after immunization were still protected, and the infection was controlled for at least 3 months postchallenge. Production of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) by splenic T cells, and of serum immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a following immunization, suggested that a mixed Th1/Th2 response had been induced following immunization. However, control of disease progression and parasitic burden in mice vaccinated with gp63 in cationic DSPC liposomes was associated with enhancement of antigen-specific IFN-gamma and downregulation of IL-4, demonstrating a Th1 bias. Long-term immunity elicited by this vaccine corresponded to, in addition to the presence of antigen-specific Th1, CD8+ T-cell responses. Our results demonstrated that stable cationic liposomes containing gp63 acted as a potent adjuvant for protein antigen to induce long-term protection against L. donovani that represents an alternative to DNA vaccination.
Collapse
|
43
|
Ameen M. Cutaneous leishmaniasis: therapeutic strategies and future directions. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2007; 8:2689-99. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.8.16.2689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahreen Ameen
- Consultant Dermatologist, Royal Free Hospital, Department of Dermatology, London NW3 2QG, UK ;
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Launois P, Pingel S, Himmelrich H, Locksley R, Louis J. Different epitopes of the LACK protein are recognized by V beta 4 V alpha 8 CD4+ T cells in H-2b and H-2d mice susceptible to Leishmania major. Microbes Infect 2007; 9:1260-6. [PMID: 17890126 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2007.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2007] [Revised: 04/18/2007] [Accepted: 05/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
After inoculation of Leishmania major, a rapid production of IL-4 by LACK-specific CD4+ T cells has been shown to drive Th2 cell development in susceptible mice i.e. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice rendered susceptible by neutralization of IFN-gamma at the onset of infection. Here, we showed that peptide AA 156-173 induced an early IL-4 mRNA expression not only in BALB/c mice but also in resistant B10.D2 mice when IFN-gamma is neutralized. Epitope mapping of LACK protein demonstrated that peptide containing AA 293-305 induced early IL-4 mRNA transcripts in susceptible H-2b mice i.e. BALB/b and resistant C57BL/6 mice when IFN-gamma is neutralized. Stringently, the early IL-4 response to the H-2d (AA 156-173) or the H-2b (AA 293-305) epitopes occurred in V beta 4 V alpha 8 CD4+ T cells from either H-2d or H-2b susceptible mice, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Launois
- WHO Immunology Research and Training Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
After traveling into regions endemic for leishmaniasis all patients presenting with generalized febrile symptoms, pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly and symptoms as well as laboratory parameters also seen in autoimmune diseases should be screened for leishmaniasis even after a longer time period. Doctors should bear in mind that especially immunosuppressed patients can present with atypical and abortive symptoms and that in this group of patients immune diagnosis is unreliable. A diagnosis of a lymphoma related only to the spleen should not be made and splenectomy must not be carried out before reliable exclusion of kala azar, using modern diagnostic tools like PCR. Patients should be referred to specialized centers e.g. institutes for tropical medicine and therapy must follow actual guidelines, such as the German guidelines published by the AWMF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Sudeck
- Sektion Tropenmedizin/Bernhard-Nocht-Ambulanz, Zentrum für Innere Medizin am Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rothberg KG, Burdette DL, Pfannstiel J, Jetton N, Singh R, Ruben L. The RACK1 homologue from Trypanosoma brucei is required for the onset and progression of cytokinesis. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:9781-90. [PMID: 16469736 PMCID: PMC1997280 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m600133200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is a conserved scaffold protein that helps regulate a range of cell activities including cell growth, shape, and protein translation. We report that a homologue of RACK1 is required for cytokinesis in pathogenic Trypanosoma brucei. The protein, referred to as TRACK, is comprised of WD repeat elements and can complement cpc2 null mutants of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. TRACK is expressed throughout the trypanosome life cycle and is distributed predominantly in a perinuclear region and the cytoplasm but not along the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrion, or cleavage furrow of dividing cells. When tetracycline-inducible RNA interference (RNAi) is used to deplete the cellular content of TRACK, the cells remain metabolically active, but growth is inhibited. In bloodstream forms, growth arrest is due to a delay in the onset of cytokinesis. By contrast, procyclic forms are able to initiate cytokinesis in the absence of TRACK but arrest midway through cell cleavage. The RNAi cells undergo multiple rounds of partial cytokinesis and accumulate nuclei and cytoplasmic extensions with attached flagella. The TRACK RNAi construct is also inducible within infected mice. Under these conditions parasites are eliminated from peripheral blood within 3 days post-infection. Taken as a whole, these data indicate that trypanosomes utilize a RACK1 homologue to regulate the final stages of mitosis. Moreover, disrupting the interaction between TRACK and its partners might be targeted in the design of novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen G Rothberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Governed by parasite and host factors and immunoinflammatory responses, the clinical spectrum of leishmaniasis encompasses subclinical (inapparent), localised (skin lesions), and disseminated infection (cutaneous, mucosal, or visceral). Symptomatic disease is subacute or chronic and diverse in presentation and outcome. Clinical characteristics vary further by endemic region. Despite T-cell-dependent immune responses, which produce asymptomatic and self-healing infection, or appropriate treatment, intracellular infection is probably life-long since targeted cells (tissue macrophages) allow residual parasites to persist. There is an epidemic of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Afghanistan and Pakistan and of visceral infection in India and Sudan. Diagnosis relies on visualising parasites in tissue or serology; culture and detection of parasite DNA are useful in the laboratory. Pentavalent antimony is the conventional treatment; however, resistance of visceral infection in India has spawned new treatment approaches--amphotericin B and its lipid formulations, injectable paromomycin, and oral miltefosine. Despite tangible advances in diagnosis, treatment, and basic scientific research, leishmaniasis is embedded in poverty and neglected. Current obstacles to realistic prevention and proper management include inadequate vector (sandfly) control, no vaccine, and insufficient access to or impetus for developing affordable new drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry W Murray
- Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Liu Z, Liu Q, Hamed H, Anthony RM, Foster A, Finkelman FD, Urban JF, Gause WC. IL-2 and autocrine IL-4 drive the in vivo development of antigen-specific Th2 T cells elicited by nematode parasites. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:2242-9. [PMID: 15699158 PMCID: PMC1978543 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.4.2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal nematode parasite, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, triggers potent type 2 immunity. Using OVA peptide as a model Ag, we have examined the adjuvant effects of this parasite on the in vivo development of Ag-specific Th2 cells from naive DO11.10 T cells. Our findings show that Th2 cells can develop from transferred naive OVA-specific DO11.10 T cells in recipient IL-4-/- mice inoculated with N. brasiliensis plus OVA. However, autocrine IL-4 is required for in situ Th2 cell differentiation since transferred IL-4Ralpha-deficient DO11.10 T cells showed greatly reduced Th2 cell development in inoculated IL-4-/- recipient mice. Surprisingly, we also found that IL-2 blockade promoted B7-dependent T cell cycling, but inhibited the development of OVA-specific Th2 cells. Furthermore, the effects of IL-2 occurred independently of CD25+ T regulatory cells. These studies establish a previously unrecognized requirement for autocrine IL-4 and IL-2 in Th2 responses elicited by nematode parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhugong Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Hossein Hamed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Robert M. Anthony
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Anthony Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Fred D. Finkelman
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Joseph F. Urban
- Nutrient Requirements and Functions Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705
| | - William C. Gause
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. William C. Gause, Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, 185 South Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07101. E-mail address:
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kelly BL, Locksley RM. The Leishmania major LACK antigen with an immunodominant epitope at amino acids 156 to 173 is not required for early Th2 development in BALB/c mice. Infect Immun 2004; 72:6924-31. [PMID: 15557613 PMCID: PMC529165 DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.12.6924-6931.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Leishmania major LACK antigen contains an immunodominant epitope at amino acids 156 to 173 (LACK(156-173)) that is believed to nucleate the pathological Th2 immune response in susceptible BALB/c mice. To test this hypothesis, we generated L. major parasites that express a mutated LACK that fails to activate Vbeta4/Valpha8 T-cell receptor transgenic T cells specific for this epitope. Although mutant parasites attenuated the expansion of endogenous LACK-specific, interleukin-4 (IL-4)-expressing, CD4 T cells compared to wild-type parasites in vivo, the overall frequency of IL-4 and gamma interferon-secreting lymphocytes was similar to that elicited by wild-type L. major. Mutant parasites demonstrated diminished amastigote viability and delayed lesion development in mice, although parasites could be recovered over 200 days after infection. Complementation with a wild-type lack fusion construct partially rescued these defects, indicating a role for endogenous LACK in parasitism. Mice inoculated with mutant parasites were not protected against subsequent infection with wild-type L. major.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben L Kelly
- Departmrnt of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California-San Francisco, UCSF Medical Center, Room C-443, 521 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0654, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
McMahon-Pratt D, Alexander J. Does the Leishmania major paradigm of pathogenesis and protection hold for New World cutaneous leishmaniases or the visceral disease? Immunol Rev 2004; 201:206-24. [PMID: 15361243 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2004.00190.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic protozoa of the genus Leishmania have provided a useful perspective for immunologists in terms of host defense mechanisms critical for the resolution of infection caused by intracellular pathogens. These organisms, which normally reside in a late endosomal, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II(+) compartment within host macrophages cells, require CD4(+) T-cell responses for the control of disease. The paradigm for the CD4(+) T-helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 dichotomy is largely based on the curing/non-curing responses, respectively, to Leishmania major infection. However, this genus of parasitic protozoa is evolutionarily diverse, with the cutaneous disease-causing organisms of the Old World (L. major) and New World (Leishmania mexicana/ Leishmania amazonensis) having diverged 40-80 million years ago. Further adaptations to survive within the visceral organs (for Leishmania donovani, Leishmania chagasi, and Leishmania infantum) must have been required. Consequently, significant differences in host-parasite interactions have evolved. Different virulence factors have been identified for distinct Leishmania species, and there are profound differences in the immune mechanisms that mediate susceptibility/resistance to infection and in the pathology associated with disease. These variations not only point to interesting features of the host-pathogen interaction and immunobiology of this genus of parasitic protozoa, but also have important implications for immunotherapy and vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane McMahon-Pratt
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|