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Chen J, Zhang C, Yang Z, Wu W, Zou W, Xin Z, Zheng S, Liu R, Yang L, Peng H. Intestinal microbiota imbalance resulted by anti-Toxoplasma gondii immune responses aggravate gut and brain injury. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:284. [PMID: 38956725 PMCID: PMC11221008 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06349-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection affects a significant portion of the global population, leading to severe toxoplasmosis and, in immunocompromised patients, even death. During T. gondii infection, disruption of gut microbiota further exacerbates the damage to intestinal and brain barriers. Therefore, identifying imbalanced probiotics during infection and restoring their equilibrium can regulate the balance of gut microbiota metabolites, thereby alleviating tissue damage. METHODS Vimentin gene knockout (vim-/-) mice were employed as an immunocompromised model to evaluate the influence of host immune responses on gut microbiota balance during T. gondii infection. Behavioral experiments were performed to assess changes in cognitive levels and depressive tendencies between chronically infected vim-/- and wild-type (WT) mice. Fecal samples were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing, and serum metabolites were analyzed to identify potential gut probiotics and their metabolites for the treatment of T. gondii infection. RESULTS Compared to the immunocompetent WT sv129 mice, the immunocompromised mice exhibited lower levels of neuronal apoptosis and fewer neurobehavioral abnormalities during chronic infection. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a significant decrease in the abundance of probiotics, including several species of Lactobacillus, in WT mice. Restoring this balance through the administration of Lactobacillus murinus and Lactobacillus gasseri significantly suppressed the T. gondii burden in the intestine, liver, and brain. Moreover, transplantation of these two Lactobacillus spp. significantly improved intestinal barrier damage and alleviated inflammation and neuronal apoptosis in the central nervous system. Metabolite detection studies revealed that the levels of various Lactobacillus-related metabolites, including indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) in serum, decreased significantly after T. gondii infection. We confirmed that L. gasseri secreted much more ILA than L. murinus. Notably, ILA can activate the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway in intestinal epithelial cells, promoting the activation of CD8+ T cells and the secretion of interferon-gamma. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that host immune responses against T. gondii infection severely disrupted the balance of gut microbiota, resulting in intestinal and brain damage. Lactobacillus spp. play a crucial role in immune regulation, and the metabolite ILA is a promising therapeutic compound for efficient and safe treatment of T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiating Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiling Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihao Zou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Xin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyu Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Runchun Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjuan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Uzelac A, Klun I, Djurković-Djaković O. Early immune response to Toxoplasma gondii lineage III isolates of different virulence phenotype. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1414067. [PMID: 38912206 PMCID: PMC11190176 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite of importance to human and veterinary health. The structure and diversity of the genotype population of T. gondii varies considerably with respect to geography, but three lineages, type I, II and III, are distributed globally. Lineage III genotypes are the least well characterized in terms of biology, host immunity and virulence. Once a host is infected with T.gondii, innate immune mechanisms are engaged to reduce the parasite burden in tissues and create a pro-inflammatory environment in which the TH1 response develops to ensure survival. This study investigated the early cellular immune response of Swiss-Webster mice post intraperitoneal infection with 10 tachyzoites of four distinct non-clonal genotypes of lineage III and a local isolate of ToxoDB#1. The virulence phenotype, cumulative mortality (CM) and allele profiles of ROP5, ROP16, ROP18 and GRA15 were published previously. Methods Parasite dissemination in different tissues was analyzed by real-time PCR and relative expression levels of IFNγ, IL12-p40, IL-10 and TBX21 in the cervical lymph nodes (CLN), brain and spleen were calculated using the ΔΔCt method. Stage conversion was determined by detection of the BAG1 transcript in the brain. Results Tissue dissemination depends on the virulence phenotype but not CM, while the TBX21 and cytokine levels and kinetics correlate better with CM than virulence phenotype. The earliest detection of BAG1 was seven days post infection. Only infection with the genotype of high CM (69.4%) was associated with high T-bet levels in the CLN 24 h and high systemic IFNγ expression which was sustained over the first week, while infection with genotypes of lower CM (38.8%, 10.7% and 6.8%) is characterized by down-regulation and/or low systemic levels of IFNγ. The response intensity, as assessed by cytokine levels, to the genotype of high CM wanes over time, while it increases gradually to genotypes of lower CM. Discussion The results point to the conclusion that the immune response is not correlated with the virulence phenotype and/or allele profile, but an early onset, intense pro-inflammatory response is characteristic of genotypes with high CM. Additionally, high IFNγ level in the brain may hamper stage conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Uzelac
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Effective factors in the pathogenesis of Toxoplasmagondii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31558. [PMID: 38818168 PMCID: PMC11137575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31558] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite in humans and animals. It infects about 30 % of the human population worldwide and causes potentially fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts and neonates. For this study, five English-language databases (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar were searched. This review was accomplished to draw a global perspective of what is known about the pathogenesis of T. gondii and various factors affecting it. Virulence and immune responses can influence the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis and these factors are in turn influenced by other factors. In addition to the host's genetic background, the type of Toxoplasma strain, the routes of transmission of infection, the number of passages, and different phases of parasite life affect virulence. The identification of virulence factors of the parasite could provide promising insights into the pathogenesis of this parasite. The results of this study can be an incentive to conduct more intensive research to design and develop new anti-Toxoplasma agents (drugs and vaccines) to treat or prevent this infection. In addition, further studies are needed to better understand the key agents in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Sardinha-Silva A, Gazzinelli-Guimaraes PH, Ajakaye OG, Ferreira TR, Alves-Ferreira EV, Tjhin ET, Gregg B, Fink MY, Coelho CH, Singer SM, Grigg ME. Giardia intestinalis reshapes mucosal immunity toward a Type 2 response that attenuates inflammatory bowel-like diseases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.02.583119. [PMID: 38903060 PMCID: PMC11188066 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.02.583119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of death in children worldwide. Epidemiological studies show that co-infection with Giardia intestinalis decreases the severity of diarrhea. Here, we show that Giardia is highly prevalent in the stools of asymptomatic school-aged children. It orchestrates a Th2 mucosal immune response, characterized by increased antigen-specific Th2 cells, IL-25, Type 2-associated cytokines, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Giardia infection expanded IL-10-producing Th2 and GATA3+ Treg cells that promoted chronic carriage, parasite transmission, and conferred protection against Toxoplasma gondii-induced lethal ileitis and DSS-driven colitis by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines, decreasing Th1/Th17 cell frequency, and preventing collateral tissue damage. Protection was dependent on STAT6 signaling, as Giardia-infected STAT6-/- mice no longer regulated intestinal bystander inflammation. Our findings demonstrate that Giardia infection reshapes mucosal immunity toward a Type 2 response, which confers a mutualistic protection against inflammatory disease processes and identifies a critical role for protists in regulating mucosal defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Sardinha-Silva
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pedro H. Gazzinelli-Guimaraes
- Helminth Immunology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Oluwaremilekun G. Ajakaye
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Tiago R. Ferreira
- Intracellular Parasite Biology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Eliza V.C. Alves-Ferreira
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Erick T. Tjhin
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Beth Gregg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marc Y. Fink
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Camila H. Coelho
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Steven M. Singer
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Taghipour A, Javanmard E, Rahimi HM, Abdoli A, Matin S, Haghbin M, Olfatifar M, Mirjalali H, Zali MR. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in patients with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Health 2024; 16:23-34. [PMID: 37052134 PMCID: PMC10759288 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). We evaluated the pooled prevalence and OR of IPIs in patients with diabetes through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol for studies reporting IPIs in patients with diabetes through 1 August 2022. The collected data were analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis software version 2. Thirteen case-control studies and nine cross-sectional studies were included in this study. The overall prevalence of IPIs in patients with diabetes was calculated to be 24.4% (95% CI 18.8 to 31%). Considering the case-control design, the prevalence of IPIs in case (25.7%; 95% CI 18.4 to 34.5%) was higher than controls (15.5%; 95% CI 8.4 to 26.9%) and a significant correlation was observed (OR, 1.80; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.97%). Moreover, a significant correlation was seen in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. (OR, 3.30%; 95% CI 1.86 to 5.86%), Blastocystis sp. (OR, 1.57%; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.22%) and hookworm (OR, 6.09%; 95% CI 1.11 to 33.41%) in the cases group. The present results revealed a higher prevalence of IPIs in patients with diabetes than in controls. Therefore, the results of this study suggest a proper health education program to preventing measures for the acquisition of IPIs in patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 74148-46199, Iran
| | - Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 4739-19395, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 74148-46199, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 74148-46199, Iran
| | - Sara Matin
- Department of Pediatrics, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 74148-46199, Iran
| | - Marzieh Haghbin
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Peymanieh Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 3713649373, Iran
| | - Meysam Olfatifar
- Gastroenterology and Hepataology Diseases Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom 4739-19395, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 4739-19395, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 4739-19395, Iran
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Silva TL, Lopes CS, Silva MC, Ferreira FB, Barros HLS, Silva MF, Silva NM, Oliveira F, Mineo TWP, Mineo JR. Ileal inflammation is reduced due to treatment with a metalloprotease from BmooMP-α-I snake venom in an experimental model of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:65. [PMID: 38133827 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08033-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The selection process for advanced therapies in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) must prioritize safety, especially when considering new biologic agents or oral molecule modulators. In C57BL/6 mice, oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii induces intestinal inflammation through excessive tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, making TNF neutralization a potential therapeutic intervention. Considering this, the present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of BmooMP-α-I, a snake venom metalloprotease isolated from Bothrops moojeni, which could promote TNF hydrolysis, in treating T. gondii-induced ileitis. The results showed that C57BL/6 mice orally infected with 50 cysts of T. gondii from the Me49 strain and treated with BmooMP-α-I exhibited prolonged survival and improved morbidity scores. Additionally, the treatment ameliorated both the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the intestine, reduced macrophage influx, and decreased the production of inflammatory mediators by mesenteric lymph node cells. These findings provide compelling experimental evidence supporting the ability of BmooMP-α-I to alleviate ileal inflammation. Considering that the currently available therapeutic protocols are not completely effective and often result in side effects, the exploration of alternative strategies involving novel therapeutic agents, as demonstrated in this study, has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires Lopes Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina Salomão Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maraisa Cristina Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia Batista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Heber Leão Silva Barros
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ferreira Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabio Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Nano-Biopharmaceutical (N-Biofar), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Yang J, Liu S, Zhao Q, Li X, Jiang K. Gut microbiota-related metabolite alpha-linolenic acid mitigates intestinal inflammation induced by oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:273. [PMID: 38087373 PMCID: PMC10714487 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01681-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral infection with cysts is the main transmission route of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which leads to lethal intestinal inflammation. It has been widely recognized that T. gondii infection alters the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota, thereby affecting the progression of toxoplasmosis. However, the potential mechanisms remain unclear. In our previous study, there was a decrease in the severity of toxoplasmosis after T. gondii α-amylase (α-AMY) was knocked out. Here, we established mouse models of ME49 and Δα-amy cyst infection and then took advantage of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis to identify specific gut microbiota-related metabolites that mitigate T. gondii-induced intestinal inflammation and analyzed the underlying mechanism. RESULTS There were significant differences in the intestinal inflammation between ME49 cyst- and Δα-amy cyst-infected mice, and transferring feces from mice infected with Δα-amy cysts into antibiotic-treated mice mitigated colitis caused by T. gondii infection. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the relative abundances of gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, [Prevotella], Paraprevotella and Macellibacteroides, were enriched in mice challenged with Δα-amy cysts. Spearman correlation analysis between gut microbiota and metabolites indicated that some fatty acids, including azelaic acid, suberic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and citramalic acid, were highly positively correlated with the identified bacterial genera. Both oral administration of ALA and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and restrained the MyD88/NF-κB pathway, which mitigated colitis and ultimately improved host survival. Furthermore, transferring feces from mice treated with ALA reshaped the colonization of beneficial bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae, Proteobacteria, Shigella, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus. CONCLUSIONS The present findings demonstrate that the host gut microbiota is closely associated with the severity of T. gondii infection. We provide the first evidence that ALA can alleviate T. gondii-induced colitis by improving the dysregulation of the host gut microbiota and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines via the MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Our study provides new insight into the medical application of ALA for the treatment of lethal intestinal inflammation caused by Toxoplasma infection. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Songhao Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
| | - Kangfeng Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
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El Saftawy EA, Turkistani SA, Alghabban HM, Albadawi EA, Ibrahim BEA, Morsy S, Farag MF, Al Hariry NS, Shash RY, Elkazaz A, Amin NM. Effects of Lactobacilli acidophilus and/or spiramycin as an adjunct in toxoplasmosis infection challenged with diabetes. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2023; 32:e00201. [PMID: 37719029 PMCID: PMC10504688 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00201] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study assessed the anti-parasitic impact of probiotics on Toxoplasma gondii infection either solely or challenged with diabetes in Swiss albino mice. The study design encompassed group-A (diabetic), group-B (non-diabetic), and healthy controls (C). Each group was divided into infected-untreated (subgroup-1); infected and spiramycin-treated (subgroup-2); infected and probiotic-treated (subgroup-3); infected and spiramycin+ probiotic-treated (subgroup-4). Diabetic-untreated animals exhibited acute toxoplasmosis and higher cerebral parasite load. Overall, various treatments reduced intestinal pathology, improved body weight, and decreased mortalities; nevertheless, probiotic + spiramycin exhibited significant differences. On day 7 post-infection both PD-1 and IL-17A demonstrated higher scores in the intestine of diabetic-untreated mice compared with non-diabetics and healthy control; whereas, claudin-1 revealed worsening expression. Likewise, on day 104 post-infection cerebral PD-1 and IL-17A showed increased expressions in diabetic animals. Overall, treatment modalities revealed lower scores of PD-1 and IL-17A in non-diabetic subgroups compared with diabetics. Intestinal and cerebral expressions of IL-17A and PD-1 demonstrated positive correlations with cerebral parasite load. In conclusion, toxoplasmosis when challenged with diabetes showed massive pathological features and higher parasite load in the cerebral tissues. Probiotics are a promising adjunct to spiramycin by ameliorating IL-17A and PD-1 in the intestinal and cerebral tissues, improving the intestinal expression of claudin-1, and efficiently reducing the cerebral parasite load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas A. El Saftawy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Hadel M. Alghabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad A. Albadawi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma EA Ibrahim
- Physiological Sciences Department, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Suzan Morsy
- Pathological Sciences Department, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed F. Farag
- Medical Physiology Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Rania Y. Shash
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aly Elkazaz
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Amin
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Brito RMDM, da Silva MCM, Vieira-Santos F, de Almeida Lopes C, Souza JLN, Bastilho AL, de Barros Fernandes H, de Miranda AS, de Oliveira ACP, de Almeida Vitor RW, de Andrade-Neto VF, Bueno LL, Fujiwara RT, Magalhães LMD. Chronic infection by atypical Toxoplasma gondii strain induces disturbance in microglia population and altered behaviour in mice. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100652. [PMID: 37396335 PMCID: PMC10308216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii chronic infection is characterized by the establishment of tissue cysts in the brain and increased levels of IFN-γ, which can lead to brain circuitry interference and consequently abnormal behaviour in mice. In this sense, the study presented here sought to investigate the impact of chronic infection by two T. gondii strains in the brain of infection-resistant mice, as a model for studying the involvement of chronic neuroinflammation with the development of behavioural alterations. For that, male BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: non-infected (Ni), infected with T. gondii ME49 clonal strain (ME49), and infected with TgCkBrRN2 atypical strain (CK2). Mice were monitored for 60 days to establish the chronic infection and then submitted to behavioural assessment. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for measurement of specific IgG in the blood and levels of inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors in the brain, and the cell's immunophenotype was determined by multiparametric flow cytometry. Mice infected with ME49 clonal strain displayed hyperlocomotor activity and memory deficit, although no signs of depressive- and/or anxiety-like behaviour were detected; on the other hand, chronic infection with CK2 atypical strain induced anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour. During chronic infection by CK2 atypical strain, mice displayed a higher number of T. gondii brain tissue cysts and inflammatory infiltrate, composed mainly of CD3+ T lymphocytes and Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes, compared to mice infected with the ME49 clonal strain. Infected mice presented a marked decrease of microglia population compared to non-infected group. Chronic infection with CK2 strain produced elevated levels of IFN-γ and TNF-ɑ in the brain, decreased NGF levels in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, and altered levels of fractalkine (CX3CL1) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The persistent inflammation and the disturbance in the cerebral homeostasis may contribute to altered behaviour in mice, as the levels of IFN-γ were shown to be correlated with the behavioural parameters assessed here. Considering the high incidence and life-long persistence of T. gondii infection, this approach can be considered a suitable model for studying the impact of chronic infections in the brain and how it impacts in behavioural responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Machado da Silva
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Vieira-Santos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila de Almeida Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jorge Lucas Nascimento Souza
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Lazoski Bastilho
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Heliana de Barros Fernandes
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Aline Silva de Miranda
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Antônio Carlos Pinheiro de Oliveira
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner de Almeida Vitor
- Laboratory of Toxoplasmosis, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luísa Mourão Dias Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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10
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El-kady AM, Alzahrani AM, Elshazly H, Alshehri EA, Wakid MH, Gattan HS, Al-Megrin WAI, Alfaifi MS, Mohamed K, Alharbi W, Elshabrawy HA, Younis SS. Pancreatic Pathological Changes in Murine Toxoplasmosis and Possible Association with Diabetes Mellitus. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010018. [PMID: 36672526 PMCID: PMC9856159 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010018] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported involvement of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infections in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases, such as polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, and Crohn's disease. However, data on the association between T. gondii infections and Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are still controversial. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the pancreatic pathological changes in mouse models with acute and chronic toxoplasmosis and their association with T1DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three groups (10 mice each) of male Swiss Albino mice were used. One group of mice was left uninfected, whereas the second and third groups were infected with the acute virulent T. gondii RH strain and the chronic less virulent Me49 T. gondii strain, respectively. T. gondii-induced pancreatic pathological changes were evaluated by histopathological examination of pancreatic tissues. Moreover, the expression of insulin, levels of caspase-3, and the pancreatic infiltration of CD8+ T cells were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Pancreatic tissues of T. gondii-infected animals showed significant pathological alterations and variable degrees of insulitis. Mice with acute toxoplasmosis exhibited marked enlargement and reduced numbers of islets of Langerhans. However, mice with chronic toxoplasmosis showed considerable reduction in size and number of islets of Langerhans. Moreover, insulin staining revealed significant reduction in β cell numbers, whereas caspase-3 staining showed induced apoptosis in islets of Langerhans of acute toxoplasmosis and chronic toxoplasmosis mice compared to uninfected mice. We detected infiltration of CD8+ T cells only in islets of Langerhans of mice with chronic toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS Acute and chronic toxoplasmosis mice displayed marked pancreatic pathological changes with reduced numbers of islets of Langerhans and insulin-producing-β cells. Since damage of β cells of islets of Langerhans is associated with the development of T1DM, our findings may support a link between T. gondii infections and the development of T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M. El-kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
- Correspondence: (A.M.E.-k.); (H.A.E.)
| | - Amal M. Alzahrani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences & Arts in Almandaq, Al Baha University, Al Baha 65779, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences-Scientific Departments, Qassim University, Buraidah 52571, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Eman Abdullah Alshehri
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed H. Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan S. Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa Abdullah I. Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael S. Alfaifi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca 21961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalil Mohamed
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca 21961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waheeb Alharbi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca 21961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem A. Elshabrawy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University, Conroe, TX 77304, USA
- Correspondence: (A.M.E.-k.); (H.A.E.)
| | - Salwa S. Younis
- Departments of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21131, Egypt
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11
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Casagrande L, Pastre MJ, Trevizan AR, Cuman RKN, Bersani-Amado CA, Garcia JL, Gois MB, de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana D, Nogueira-Melo GDA. Moderate intestinal immunopathology after acute oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts is associated with expressive levels of serotonin. Life Sci 2022; 309:120985. [PMID: 36150462 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120985] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasion of the intestinal mucosa by T. gondii elicits a local immune response of variable intensity. These reactions can be lethal in C57BL/6 mice. The tissue damage caused by inflammation and the functional effects depend on the host immunity, strain, and developmental form of the parasite. We investigated the effects of acute oral infection with T. gondii on histoarchitecture, enteric nervous system (ENS), and inflammatory markers in the jejunum and ileum of mice. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into a control group and a group orally infected with 1000 sporulated T. gondii oocysts (ME-49 strain). After 5 days, jejunum and ileum were collected and processed for analyzes (e.g., histological and histopathological examinations, ENS, cytokine dosage, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide activity). MAIN RESULTS In infected mice, we observed a significant increase in serotonin-immunoreactive cells (5-HT IR) in the intestinal mucosa, as well as cellular infiltrates in the lamina propria, periganglionitis, and ganglionitis in the myenteric plexus. We also noted decreased neuron density in the jejunum, increased population of enteric glial cells in the ileum, histomorphometric changes in the intestinal wall, villi, and epithelial cells, remodeling of collagen fibers, and increased myeloperoxidase activity, cytokines, and nitric oxide in the intestine. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Acute infection of female mice with T. gondii oocysts resulted in changes in ENS and a marked increase in 5-HT. These changes are consistent with its modulatory role in the development of moderate acute inflammation. The use of this experimental model may lend itself to studies aimed at understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of intestinal inflammation in humans involving ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Casagrande
- Biosciences and Pathophysiology Postgraduate Program, State University of Maringá, Brazil
| | - Maria José Pastre
- Biosciences and Pathophysiology Postgraduate Program, State University of Maringá, Brazil
| | - Aline Rosa Trevizan
- Biosciences and Pathophysiology Postgraduate Program, State University of Maringá, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marcelo Biondaro Gois
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Brazil; Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
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12
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French T, Steffen J, Glas A, Osbelt L, Strowig T, Schott BH, Schüler T, Dunay IR. Persisting Microbiota and Neuronal Imbalance Following T. gondii Infection Reliant on the Infection Route. Front Immunol 2022; 13:920658. [PMID: 35898505 PMCID: PMC9311312 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.920658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly successful parasite capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals. The natural way of infection in intermediate hosts is the oral ingestion of parasite-contaminated water or food. In murine experimental models, oral infection (p.o.) of mice with T. gondii is applied to investigate mucosal and peripheral immune cell dynamics, whereas intraperitoneal infection (i.p.) is frequently used to study peripheral inflammation as well as immune cell – neuronal interaction in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the two infection routes have not yet been systematically compared along the course of infection. Here, C57BL/6 mice were infected p.o. or i.p. with a low dose of T. gondii cysts, and the acute and chronic stages of infection were compared. A more severe course of infection was detected following i.p. challenge, characterized by an increased weight loss and marked expression of proinflammatory cytokines particularly in the CNS during the chronic stage. The elevated proinflammatory cytokine expression in the ileum was more prominent after p.o. challenge that continued following the acute phase in both i.p. or p.o. infected mice. This resulted in sustained microbial dysbiosis, especially after p.o. challenge, highlighted by increased abundance of pathobionts from the phyla proteobacteria and a reduction of beneficial commensal species. Further, we revealed that in the CNS of i.p. infected mice CD4 and CD8 T cells displayed higher IFNγ production in the chronic stage. This corresponded with an increased expression of C1q and CD68 in the CNS and reduced expression of genes involved in neuronal signal transmission. Neuroinflammation-associated synaptic alterations, especially PSD-95, VGLUT, and EAAT2 expression, were more pronounced in the cortex upon i.p. infection highlighting the profound interplay between peripheral inflammation and CNS homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy French
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Steffen
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Albert Glas
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Osbelt
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Till Strowig
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Björn H. Schott
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schüler
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ildiko Rita Dunay,
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13
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Eid RK, Arafa MF, Ashour DS, Essa EA, Zoghroban HS, Issa YA, Nomeir HM, Abo Safia HS, El Maghraby GM. Eudragit coated microemulsion for enhanced efficacy of spiramycin against toxoplasmic encephalitis. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Sánchez-López EF, Corigliano MG, Oliferuk S, Ramos-Duarte VA, Rivera M, Mendoza-Morales LF, Angel SO, Sander VA, Clemente M. Oral Immunization With a Plant HSP90-SAG1 Fusion Protein Produced in Tobacco Elicits Strong Immune Responses and Reduces Cyst Number and Clinical Signs of Toxoplasmosis in Mice. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:726910. [PMID: 34675949 PMCID: PMC8525317 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.726910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant 90kDa heat shock protein (HSP90) is a potent adjuvant that increases both humoral and cellular immune responses to diverse proteins and peptides. In this study, we explored whether Arabidopsis thaliana HSP90 (AtHsp81.2) can improve the immune effects of a Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1). We designed two constructs containing the sequence of mature antigen (SAG1m), from aa77 to aa322, and B- and T-cell antigenic epitope-containing SAG1HC, from aa221 to aa319 fused to AtHsp81.2 sequence. When comparing the transient expression in Nicotiana tabacum X-27-8 leaves, which overexpress the suppressor helper component protease HC-Pro-tobacco etch virus (TEV), to that in N. benthamiana leaves, co-agroinfiltrated with the suppressor p19, optimal conditions included 6-week-old N. benthamiana plants, 7-day time to harvest, Agrobacterium tumefaciens cultures with an OD600nm of 0.6 for binary vectors and LED lights. While AtHsp81.2-SAG1m fusion protein was undetectable by Western blot in any of the evaluated conditions, AtHsp81.2-SAG1HC was expressed as intact fusion protein, yielding up to 90μg/g of fresh weight. Besides, the AtHsp81.2-SAG1HC mRNA was strongly expressed compared to the endogenous Nicotiana tabacum elongation factor-alpha (NtEFα) gene, whereas the AtHsp81.2-SAG1m mRNA was almost undetectable. Finally, mice were orally immunized with AtHsp81.2-SAG1HC-infiltrated fresh leaves (plAtHsp81.2-SAG1HC group), recombinant AtHsp81.2-SAG1HC purified from infiltrated leaves (rAtHsp81.2-SAG1HC group), non-infiltrated fresh leaves (control group), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS group). Serum samples from plAtHsp81.2-SAG1HC-immunized mice had significantly higher levels of IgGt, IgG2a, and IgG2b anti-SAG1HC antibodies than serum from rAtHsp81.2-SAG1HC, control, and PBS groups. The number of cysts per brain in the plAtHsp81.2-SAG1HC-immunized mice was significantly reduced, and the parasite load in brain tissue was also lower in this group compared with the remaining groups. In an immunoblot assay, plant-expressed AtHsp81.2-SAG1HC was shown to react with antibodies present in sera from T. gondii-infected people. Therefore, the plant expression of a T. gondii antigen fused to the non-pathogenic adjuvant and carrier plant HSP90 as formulations against T. gondii can improve the vaccine efficacy, and plant extract can be directly used for vaccination without the need to purify the protein, making this platform a suitable and powerful biotechnological system for immunogenic antigen expression against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin F. Sánchez-López
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Mariana G. Corigliano
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Sonia Oliferuk
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Victor A. Ramos-Duarte
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Maximiliano Rivera
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Luisa F. Mendoza-Morales
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Sergio O. Angel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Valeria A. Sander
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Marina Clemente
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Chascomús, Argentina
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15
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Saraav I, Cervantes-Barragan L, Olias P, Fu Y, Wang Q, Wang L, Wang Y, Mack M, Baldridge MT, Stappenbeck T, Colonna M, Sibley LD. Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection enhances susceptibility to colitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2106730118. [PMID: 34462359 PMCID: PMC8433586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106730118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii results in dysbiosis and enteritis, both of which revert to normal during chronic infection. However, whether infection leaves a lasting impact on mucosal responses remains uncertain. Here we examined the effect of the chemical irritant dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) on intestinal damage and wound healing in chronically infected mice. Our findings indicate that prior infection with T. gondii exacerbates damage to the colon caused by DSS and impairs wound healing by suppressing stem cell regeneration of the epithelium. Enhanced tissue damage was attributable to inflammatory monocytes that emerge preactivated from bone marrow, migrate to the intestine, and release inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide. Tissue damage was reversed by neutralization of inflammatory monocytes or nitric oxide, revealing a causal mechanism for tissue damage. Our findings suggest that chronic infection with T. gondii enhances monocyte activation to increase inflammation associated with a secondary environmental insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iti Saraav
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Luisa Cervantes-Barragan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Philipp Olias
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yong Fu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Qiuling Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Leran Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Matthias Mack
- Department of Nephrology, University of Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Megan T Baldridge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Thaddeus Stappenbeck
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110;
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16
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Moreira-Souza ACA, Coutinho-Silva R. The Complexity of Purinergic Signaling During Toxoplasma Infection. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:205-212. [PMID: 33319661 DOI: 10.2174/1568026621999201211202533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a neglected disease caused by infection by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. One-third of the global population is expected to be by infected T. gondii. In Europe and North America, most infections do not induce disease, except in the context of immunosuppression. However, in endemic regions such Central and South America, infections induce severe ocular and potentially lethal disease, even in immunocompetent individuals. The immune response against T. gondii infection involves components of innate immunity even in the chronic phase of the disease, including dangerous signal molecules such as extracellular nucleotides. Purinergic signaling pathways include ionotropic and metabotropic receptors activated by extracellular nucleotides that are divided into P2X, P2Y, and A1 receptor families. The activation of purinergic signaling impacts biological systems by modulating immune responses to intracellular pathogens such as T. gondii. Ten years ago, purinergic signaling in the T. gondii infection was reported for the first time. In this review, we update and summarize the main findings regarding the role of purinergic signaling in T. gondii infection; these include in vitro findings: the microbicidal effect of P2Y and P2X7 activation phagocytic cells and parasite control by P2X7 activation in non-phagocytic cells; and in vivo findings: the promotion of early pro-inflammatory events that protect the host in acute and chronic models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Sikorski PM, Commodaro AG, Grigg ME. A Protective and Pathogenic Role for Complement During Acute Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:634610. [PMID: 33692968 PMCID: PMC7937796 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.634610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The infection competence of the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii is critically dependent on the parasite’s ability to inactivate the host complement system. Toxoplasma actively resists complement-mediated killing in non-immune serum by recruiting host-derived complement regulatory proteins C4BP and Factor H (FH) to the parasite surface to inactivate surface-bound C3 and limit formation of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC). While decreased complement activation on the parasite surface certainly protects Toxoplasma from immediate lysis, the biological effector functions of C3 split products C3b and C3a are maintained, which includes opsonization of the parasite for phagocytosis and potent immunomodulatory effects that promote pro-inflammatory responses and alters mucosal defenses during infection, respectively. In this review, we discuss how complement regulation by Toxoplasma controls parasite burden systemically but drives exacerbated immune responses locally in the gut of genetically susceptible C57BL/6J mice. In effect, Toxoplasma has evolved to strike a balance with the complement system, by inactivating complement to protect the parasite from immediate serum killing, it generates sufficient C3 catabolites that signal through their cognate receptors to stimulate protective immunity. This regulation ultimately controls tachyzoite proliferation and promotes host survival, parasite persistence, and transmissibility to new hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Sikorski
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alessandra G Commodaro
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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18
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Mukhopadhyay D, Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. Influence of the Host and Parasite Strain on the Immune Response During Toxoplasma Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:580425. [PMID: 33178630 PMCID: PMC7593385 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.580425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an exceptionally successful parasite that infects a very broad host range, including humans, across the globe. The outcome of infection differs remarkably between hosts, ranging from acute death to sterile infection. These differential disease patterns are strongly influenced by both host- and parasite-specific genetic factors. In this review, we discuss how the clinical outcome of toxoplasmosis varies between hosts and the role of different immune genes and parasite virulence factors, with a special emphasis on Toxoplasma-induced ileitis and encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - David Arranz-Solís
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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19
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Marcon CF, Ferreira PTM, Franco PS, Ribeiro M, Silva RJ, Sousa RAP, Oliveira CJF, Rodrigues Junior V, Gomes MLM, Lazo Chica JE, Mineo TWP, Mineo JR, Barbosa BF, Ferro EAV, Gomes AO. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and pregnancy may impact the balance of intestinal cytokines and the development of intestinal pathology caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Cytokine 2020; 136:155283. [PMID: 32947151 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155283] [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: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasite responsible for causing toxoplasmosis. When infection occurs during pregnancy, it can produce severe congenital infection with ocular and neurologic damage to the infant. From the oral infection parasite reaches the intestine, causing inflammatory response, damage in tissue architecture and systemic dissemination. Macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) is a cytokine secreted from both immune and non-immune cells, including gut epithelial cells. MIF is described to promote inflammatory responses, to be associated in colitis pathogenesis and also to play role in maintaining the intestinal barrier. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the pregnancy and MIF deficiency on T. gondii infection in the intestinal microenvironment and to address how these factors can impact on the intestinal architecture and local cytokine profile. For this purpose, small intestine of pregnant and non-pregnant C57BL/6 MIF deficient mice (MIF-/-) and Wild-type (WT) orally infected with 5 cysts of ME-49 strain of T. gondii were collected on day 8th of infection. Intestines were processed for morphological and morphometric analyses, parasite quantification and for cytokines mensuration. Our results showed that the absence of MIF and pregnancy caused an increase in T. gondii infection index. T. gondii immunolocalization demonstrated that segments preferentially infected with T. gondii were duodenum and ileum. The infection caused a reduction in the size of the intestinal villi, whereas, infection associated with pregnancy caused an increase in villi size due to edema caused by the infection. Also, the goblet cell number was increased in the ileum of MIF-/- mice, when compared to the corresponding WT group. Analyses of cytokine production in the small intestine showed that MIF was up regulated in the gut of pregnant WT mice due to infection. Also, infection provoked an intense Th1 response that was more exacerbated in pregnant MIF-/- mice. We also detected that the Th2/Treg response was more pronounced in MIF-/- mice. Altogether, our results demonstrated that pregnancy and MIF deficiency interferes in the balance of the intestinal cytokines and favors a Th1-immflamatory profile, which in turn, impact in the development of pathology caused by T. gondii infection in the intestinal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ferreira Marcon
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paula Tatiana Mutão Ferreira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Priscila Silva Franco
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Mayara Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Roberto Augusto Pereira Sousa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Virmondes Rodrigues Junior
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos Lucca Moreira Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Javier Emílio Lazo Chica
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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20
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Marcon CF, Ferreira PTM, Franco PS, Ribeiro M, Silva RJ, Sousa RAP, Oliveira CJF, Junior VR, Gomes MLM, Chica JEL, Mineo TWP, Mineo JR, Barbosa BF, Ferro EAV, Gomes AO. WITHDRAWN: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and pregnancy may impact the balance of intestinal cytokines and the development of intestinal pathology caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Cytokine X 2020; 2:100034. [PMID: 33604559 PMCID: PMC7885889 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ferreira Marcon
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paula Tatiana Mutão Ferreira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Priscila Silva Franco
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Mayara Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Roberto Augusto Pereira Sousa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Virmondes Rodrigues Junior
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos Lucca Moreira Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Javier Emílio Lazo Chica
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais (ICBN), Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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21
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Melchor SJ, Saunders CM, Sanders I, Hatter JA, Byrnes KA, Coutermarsh-Ott S, Ewald SE. IL-1R Regulates Disease Tolerance and Cachexia in Toxoplasma gondii Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2020; 204:3329-3338. [PMID: 32350081 PMCID: PMC7323938 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that establishes life-long infection in a wide range of hosts, including humans and rodents. To establish a chronic infection, pathogens often exploit the trade-off between resistance mechanisms, which promote inflammation and kill microbes, and tolerance mechanisms, which mitigate inflammatory stress. Signaling through the type I IL-1R has recently been shown to control disease tolerance pathways in endotoxemia and Salmonella infection. However, the role of the IL-1 axis in T. gondii infection is unclear. In this study we show that IL-1R-/- mice can control T. gondii burden throughout infection. Compared with wild-type mice, IL-1R-/- mice have more severe liver and adipose tissue pathology during acute infection, consistent with a role in acute disease tolerance. Surprisingly, IL-1R-/- mice had better long-term survival than wild-type mice during chronic infection. This was due to the ability of IL-1R-/- mice to recover from cachexia, an immune-metabolic disease of muscle wasting that impairs fitness of wild-type mice. Together, our data indicate a role for IL-1R as a regulator of host homeostasis and point to cachexia as a cost of long-term reliance on IL-1-mediated tolerance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Melchor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Claire M Saunders
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Imani Sanders
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Jessica A Hatter
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; and
| | - Kari A Byrnes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Sheryl Coutermarsh-Ott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060
| | - Sarah E Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908;
- The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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22
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Pereira AV, Gois MB, Silva MS, Miranda Junior NRD, Campos CBHF, Schneider LCL, Barbosa CP, Nogueira-Melo GDA, Sant'Ana DDMG. Toxoplasma gondii causes lipofuscinosis, collagenopathy and spleen and white pulp atrophy during the acute phase of infection. Pathog Dis 2020; 77:5739919. [PMID: 32068829 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated homeostatic and functional disorders of the spleen in mice inoculated with Toxoplasma gondii. The kinetics of megakaryocyte and leukocyte production, body and spleen mass and certain histopathological aspects were analyzed. There was increased (P < 0.05) the accumulation of lipofuscin in the red pulp of the spleen, in the periods of 30 and 60 dpi of the infection, that is, in the chronification stage of the disease and decrease of the white pulp area. In addition, we observed (from 7dpi) a quantitative and qualitative increase (P < 0.05) in the deposition of collagen fibers in the spleen of all infected mice. Since resolution of the inflammatory process resulted in pathophysiological changes, we can suggest that the T. gondii invaded and multiplied in the cells of the white and red pulps of the spleen. Although we did not find the parasite in the spleen, this hypothesis is supported by the presence of diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, which extended through the spleen parenchyma of all inoculated mice. Taken together, our results suggest that T. gondii causes severe homeostatic disorders that have altered spleen physiology, including diffuse parenchymal inflammation, lipofuscinosis in histiocytes, early aging, collagenopathy, systemic sclerosis and spleen and white pulp atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Vieira Pereira
- State University of Maringá, Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Avenue Colombo, 5790, CEP: 87020-900, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Biondaro Gois
- Federal University of "Recôncavo'' of Bahia, Avenue Carlos Amaral, Santo Antônio de Jesus, CEP 44.430-622, Brazil; Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia; and Postgraduate Program in Regional Development and Environment, Maria Milza College
| | - Mariana Sacchi Silva
- State University of Maringá, Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Avenue Colombo, 5790, CEP: 87020-900, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | - Carla Betânia Huf Ferraz Campos
- State University of Maringá, Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Avenue Colombo, 5790, CEP: 87020-900, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Larissa Carla Lauer Schneider
- State University of Maringá, Department of Morphological Sciences, Avenue Colombo, 5790, CEP: 87020-900, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Carmem Patrícia Barbosa
- State University of Maringá, Department of Morphological Sciences, Avenue Colombo, 5790, CEP: 87020-900, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | - Débora de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana
- State University of Maringá, Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Avenue Colombo, 5790, CEP: 87020-900, Maringá, Brazil.,State University of Maringá, Department of Morphological Sciences, Avenue Colombo, 5790, CEP: 87020-900, Maringá, Brazil
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23
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Abstract
Toxoplasma is a widespread parasite of animals including many rodents that are a natural part of the transmission cycle between cats, which serve as the definitive host. Although wild rodents, including house mice, are relatively resistant, laboratory mice are highly susceptible to infection. As such, laboratory mice have been used to compare pathogenesis of natural variants and to evaluate the contributions of both host and parasite genes to infection. Protocols are provided here for evaluating acute and chronic infection with different parasite strains in laboratory mice. These protocols should provide uniform standards for evaluating natural variants and attenuated mutants and for comparing outcomes across different studies and between different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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C57BL/6 mice immunized with synthetic peptides from Toxoplasma gondii surface and microneme immunodominant antigens are able to decrease parasite burden in the brain tissues. Acta Trop 2019; 196:1-6. [PMID: 31059707 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan able to infect a wide range of hosts. The infection is particularly severe in immunocompromised patients or during pregnancy, circumstances in which the parasite could find a more favorable microenvironment to replicate and invade host tissues. The current treatment consists in toxic drugs for the patients, being not appropriate for the fetuses and immunodeficient patients. So far, there is a lack of available vaccine to prevent the disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the immune response induced by peptides derived from parasite immunodominant proteins from key components, as surface, rhoptry, microneme and dense granule antigens. A panel of eleven peptides was selected considering the highest scores for B cell epitope prediction by in silico analyses. The peptides were divided in groups, according to the parasite organelle locations, and used to immunize C57BL/6 mice. The animals were submitted to three doses of immunization and infected by 10 cysts of T. gondii ME49 strain. Blood samples were collected and used to measure the production of antibodies and cytokines, while the brains were collected to determine the parasite burden by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). It was found that synthetic peptides from all targets were able to induce IgG synthesis in immunized mice, as well as to modulate the Th1/Th2 cytokine production, particularly the MIC and SRS groups, which presented the IFN-γ/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios 30 and 10 times higher, respectively, when compared with non-immunized group. Interestingly, the animals from MIC and SRS groups had significantly lower levels of T. gondii DNA in their brains. In summary, it can be concluded that peptides mainly from SRS and MIC parasite components constitute relevant targets to design vaccine candidates against parasite burden observed during chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Kang HJ, Lee SH, Kim MJ, Chu KB, Lee DH, Chopra M, Choi HJ, Park H, Jin H, Quan FS. Influenza Virus-Like Particles Presenting both Toxoplasma gondii ROP4 and ROP13 Enhance Protection against T. gondii Infection. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11070342. [PMID: 31315212 PMCID: PMC6680409 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11070342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhoptry organelle proteins (ROPs) secreted by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) play a critical role during parasite invasion into host cells. In this study, virus-like particles (VLPs) vaccines containing ROP4 and/or ROP13 together with influenza M1 were generated. ROP4+ROP13 VLPs were produced by combining ROP4 VLPs with ROP13 VLPs, and ROP(4 + 13) VLPs by co-infecting insect cells with recombinant baculovirus expressing ROP4 or ROP13. Mice intranasally immunized with ROP(4 + 13) VLPs showed significantly higher levels of IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgA antibody responses in sera compared to ROP4+ROP13VLPs. Upon challenge infection by oral route, mice immunized with ROP(4 + 13) VLPs elicited higher levels of IgG and IgA antibody responses in fecal, urine, intestine and vaginal samples as well as CD4+ T, CD8+ T cells, and germinal center B cell responses compared to other type of vaccines, ROP4 VLPs, ROP13 VLPs, and ROP4+ROP13 VLPs. ROP(4 + 13) VLPs vaccination showed a significant decrease in the size and number of cyst in the brain and less body weight loss compared to combination ROP4+ROP13 VLPs upon challenge infection with T. gondii ME49. These results indicated that the ROP(4 + 13) VLPs vaccination provided enhanced protection against T. gondii infection compared to ROP4+ROP13 VLPs, providing an important insight into vaccine design strategy for T. gondii VLPs vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Ji Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Su-Hwa Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Min-Ju Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Manika Chopra
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2V4, Canada
| | - Hyo-Jick Choi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2V4, Canada
| | | | - Hui Jin
- Health Park Co., Ltd., Seoul 06627, Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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26
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Wang S, El-Fahmawi A, Christian DA, Fang Q, Radaelli E, Chen L, Sullivan MC, Misic AM, Ellringer JA, Zhu XQ, Winter SE, Hunter CA, Beiting DP. Infection-Induced Intestinal Dysbiosis Is Mediated by Macrophage Activation and Nitrate Production. mBio 2019; 10:e00935-19. [PMID: 31138751 PMCID: PMC6538788 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00935-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral infection of C57BL/6J mice with Toxoplasma gondii results in a marked bacterial dysbiosis and the development of severe pathology in the distal small intestine that is dependent on CD4+ T cells and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). This dysbiosis and bacterial translocation contribute to the development of ileal pathology, but the factors that support the bloom of bacterial pathobionts are unclear. The use of microbial community profiling and shotgun metagenomics revealed that Toxoplasma infection induces a dysbiosis dominated by Enterobacteriaceae and an increased potential for nitrate respiration. In vivo experiments using bacterial metabolic mutants revealed that during this infection, host-derived nitrate supports the expansion of Enterobacteriaceae in the ileum via nitrate respiration. Additional experiments with infected mice indicate that the IFN-γ/STAT1/iNOS axis, while essential for parasite control, also supplies a pool of nitrate that serves as a source for anaerobic respiration and supports overgrowth of Enterobacteriaceae Together, these data reveal a trade-off in intestinal immunity after oral infection of C57BL/6J mice with T. gondii, in which inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is required for parasite control, while this host enzyme is responsible for specific modification of the composition of the microbiome that contributes to pathology.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite and a leading cause of foodborne illness. Infection is initiated when the parasite invades the intestinal epithelium, and in many host species, this leads to intense inflammation and a dramatic disruption of the normal microbial ecosystem that resides in the healthy gut (the so-called microbiome). One characteristic change in the microbiome during infection with Toxoplasma-as well as numerous other pathogens-is the overgrowth of Escherichia coli or similar bacteria and a breakdown of commensal containment leading to seeding of peripheral organs with gut bacteria and subsequent sepsis. Our findings provide one clear explanation for how this process is regulated, thereby improving our understanding of the relationship between parasite infection, inflammation, and disease. Furthermore, our results could serve as the basis for the development of novel therapeutics to reduce the potential for harmful bacteria to bloom in the gut during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ayah El-Fahmawi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David A Christian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qun Fang
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Enrico Radaelli
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Longfei Chen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Megan C Sullivan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ana M Misic
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jodi A Ellringer
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Sebastian E Winter
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel P Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Heimesaat MM, Dunay IR, Bereswill S. Comprehensive Kinetic Survey of Intestinal, Extra-Intestinal and Systemic Sequelae of Murine Ileitis Following Peroral Low-Dose Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:98. [PMID: 31032232 PMCID: PMC6474322 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that following peroral low-dose Toxoplasma gondii infection susceptible mice develop subacute ileitis within 10 days. Data regarding long-term intestinal and extra-intestinal sequelae of infection are scarce, however. We therefore challenged conventional C57BL/6 mice with one cyst of T. gondii ME49 strain by gavage and performed a comprehensive immunopathological survey 10, 36, and 57 days later. As early as 10 days post-infection, mice were suffering from subacute ileitis as indicated by mild-to-moderate histopathological changes of the ileal mucosa. Furthermore, numbers of apoptotic and proliferating/regenerating epithelial cells as well as of T and B lymphocytes in the mucosa and lamina propria of the ileum were highest at day 10 post-infection, but declined thereafter, and were accompanied by enhanced pro-inflammatory mediator secretion in ileum, colon and mesenteric lymph nodes that was most pronounced during the early phase of infection. In addition, subacute ileitis was accompanied by distinct shifts in the commensal gut microbiota composition in the small intestines. Remarkably, immunopathological sequelae of T. gondii infection were not restricted to the intestines, but could also be observed in extra-intestinal tissues including the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and strikingly, in systemic compartments that were most prominent at day 10 post-infection. We conclude that the here provided long-term kinetic survey of immunopathological sequalae following peroral low-dose T. gondii infection provides valuable corner stones for a better understanding of the complex interactions within the triangle relationship of (parasitic) pathogens, the host immunity and the commensal gut microbiota during intestinal inflammation. The low-dose T. gondii infection model may be applied as valuable gut inflammation model in future pre-clinical studies in order to test potential treatment options for intestinal inflammatory conditions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus M Heimesaat
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ildiko R Dunay
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Pastre MJ, Casagrande L, Gois MB, Pereira-Severi LS, Miqueloto CA, Garcia JL, de Alcântara Nogueira-Melo G, de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana D. Toxoplasma gondii causes increased ICAM-1 and serotonin expression in the jejunum of rats 12 h after infection. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 114:108797. [PMID: 30951950 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the remodeling dynamics of total collagen, type I and III, the expression of ICAM-1 and 5-HT in the jejunum of rats. METHODS Twenty-eight Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: the control group (CG, n = 7) and the infected group (receiving 5,000 sporulated T. gondii oocysts - ME49 strain, genotype II, n = 21). Seven infected rats each at 6 (G6), 12 (G12), and 24 (G24) hours post infection were sacrificed and segments of jejunum were collected for standard histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemistry processing techniques. RESULTS The infection promoted ICAM-1 and 5-HT expression, type III collagen, and total mast cell increases. However, it also caused a reduction in the area occupied by type I collagen fibers, and in submucosa thickness, and caused ganglion and peri-ganglion alterations. CONCLUSION The structural damage caused by toxoplasmic infection is intense during the first 24 h post inoculation. At peak dissemination, from 12 to 24 h, there is an increase in ICAM-1 and 5-HT expression, with intense migration of mast cells to the site of infection. There was also a reduction in submucosa thickness, and an effective loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, which included changes in the dynamics of type I and III total collagen deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Pastre
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lucas Casagrande
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Biondaro Gois
- Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Av. Carlos Amaral, Cajueiro, CEP 44574-490, Santo Antônio de Jesus, BA; and Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Av. Reitor Miguel Calmon, Vale do Canela, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
| | - Letícia Sarturi Pereira-Severi
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Miqueloto
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 Km 380, CEP: 86057-970, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - João Luís Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 Km 380, CEP: 86057-970, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Gessilda de Alcântara Nogueira-Melo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Débora de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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29
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Pêgo B, Martinusso CA, Bernardazzi C, Ribeiro BE, de Araujo Cunha AF, de Souza Mesquita J, Nanini HF, Machado MP, Castelo-Branco MTL, Cavalcanti MG, de Souza HSP. Schistosoma mansoni Coinfection Attenuates Murine Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Crohn's-Like Ileitis by Preserving the Epithelial Barrier and Downregulating the Inflammatory Response. Front Immunol 2019; 10:442. [PMID: 30936867 PMCID: PMC6432985 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Mice orally infected with T. gondii develop Crohn's disease (CD)-like enteritis associated with severe mucosal damage and a systemic inflammatory response, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Previously, helminthic infections have shown therapeutic potential in experimental colitis. However, the role of S. mansoni in T. gondii-induced CD-like enteritis has not been elucidated. Our study investigated the mechanisms underlying T. gondii-induced ileitis and the potential therapeutic effect of S. mansoni coinfection. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were infected by subcutaneous injection of cercariae of the BH strain of S. mansoni, and 7–9 weeks later, they were orally infected with cysts of the ME49 strain of T. gondii. After euthanasia, the ileum was removed for histopathological analysis; staining for goblet cells; immunohistochemistry characterizing mononuclear cells, lysozyme expression, apoptotic cells, and intracellular pathway activation; and measuring gene expression levels by real-time PCR. Cytokine concentrations were measured in the serial serum samples and culture supernatants of the ileal explants, in addition to myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Results:T. gondii-monoinfected mice presented dense inflammatory cell infiltrates and ulcerations in the terminal ileum, with abundant cell extrusion, apoptotic bodies, and necrosis; these effects were absent in S. mansoni-infected or coinfected animals. Coinfection preserved goblet cells and Paneth cells, remarkably depleted in T. gondii-infected mice. Densities of CD4- and CD11b-positive cells were increased in T. gondii- compared to S. mansoni-infected mice and controls. MPO was significantly increased among T. gondii-mice, while attenuated in coinfected animals. In T. gondii-infected mice, the culture supernatants of the explants showed increased concentrations of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-17, and the ileal tissue revealed increased expression of the mRNA transcripts for IL-1 beta, NOS2, HMOX1, MMP3, and MMP9 and activation of NF-kappa B and p38 MAPK signaling, all of which were counterregulated by S. mansoni coinfection. Conclusion:S. mansoni coinfection attenuates T. gondii-induced ileitis by preserving mucosal integrity and downregulating the local inflammatory response based on the activation of NF-kappa B and MAPK. The protective function of prior S. mansoni infection suggests the involvement of innate immune mechanisms and supports a conceptually new approach to the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, including CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pêgo
- Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Claudio Bernardazzi
- Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Hayandra F Nanini
- Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marta Guimarães Cavalcanti
- Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Infectious Diseases Clinic, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heitor S P de Souza
- Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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30
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Prandovszky E, Li Y, Sabunciyan S, Steinfeldt CB, Avalos LN, Gressitt KL, White JR, Severance EG, Pletnikov MV, Xiao J, Yolken RH. Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Long-Term Changes in the Upper Intestinal Microflora during the Chronic Stage of Infection. SCIENTIFICA 2018; 2018:2308619. [PMID: 30515345 PMCID: PMC6236704 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2308619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with worldwide distribution. Felines are the definitive hosts supporting the complete life cycle of T. gondii. However, other warm-blooded animals such as rodents and humans can also be infected. Infection of such secondary hosts results in long-term infection characterized by the presence of tissue cysts in the brain and other organs. While it is known that T. gondii infection in rodents is associated with behavioral changes, the mechanisms behind these changes remain unclear. Alterations of the host intestinal microflora are recognized as a prominent role player in shaping host behavior and cognition. It has been shown that acute T. gondii infection of mice results in microflora changes as a result of gastrointestinal inflammation in inbred mouse models. The long-term effects of chronic T. gondii infection on microbial communities, however, are unknown. In this study, after we verified using our model in terms of measuring microflora changes during an acute episode of toxoplasmosis, we assessed the microbiome changes that occur during a long-term infection; then we further investigated these changes in a follow-up study of chronic infection. These analyses were performed by constructing and sequencing 16S rRNA amplicon DNA libraries from small intestine fecal specimens. We found that acute infection with the GT1 strain of T. gondii caused an enrichment of Bacteroidetes compared with controls in CD1 mice. Strikingly, this enrichment upheld throughout long-term chronic infection. The potential biological consequences of this alteration in rodents and humans should be subjected to further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese Prandovszky
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ye Li
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sarven Sabunciyan
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Curtis B. Steinfeldt
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lauro Nathaniel Avalos
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kristin L. Gressitt
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - James R. White
- Resphera Biosciences LLC, 1529 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Emily G. Severance
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mikhail V. Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jianchun Xiao
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Robert H. Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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31
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Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Historical Perspective, Animal Models, and Current Clinical Practice. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:31/4/e00057-17. [PMID: 30209035 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00057-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Toxoplasma gondii infection is usually subclinical, but cervical lymphadenopathy or ocular disease can be present in some patients. Active infection is characterized by tachyzoites, while tissue cysts characterize latent disease. Infection in the fetus and in immunocompromised patients can cause devastating disease. The combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (pyr-sulf), targeting the active stage of the infection, is the current gold standard for treating toxoplasmosis, but failure rates remain significant. Although other regimens are available, including pyrimethamine in combination with clindamycin, atovaquone, clarithromycin, or azithromycin or monotherapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) or atovaquone, none have been found to be superior to pyr-sulf, and no regimen is active against the latent stage of the infection. Furthermore, the efficacy of these regimens against ocular disease remains uncertain. In multiple studies, systematic screening for Toxoplasma infection during gestation, followed by treatment with spiramycin for acute maternal infections and with pyr-sulf for those with established fetal infection, has been shown to be effective at preventing vertical transmission and minimizing the severity of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). Despite significant progress in treating human disease, there is a strong impetus to develop novel therapeutics for both the acute and latent forms of the infection. Here we present an overview of toxoplasmosis treatment in humans and in animal models. Additional research is needed to identify novel drugs by use of innovative high-throughput screening technologies and to improve experimental models to reflect human disease. Such advances will pave the way for lead candidates to be tested in thoroughly designed clinical trials in defined patient populations.
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32
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Wang G, He Y, Jin X, Zhou Y, Chen X, Zhao J, Zhang H, Chen W. The Effect of Co-infection of Food-Borne Pathogenic Bacteria on the Progression of Campylobacter jejuni Infection in Mice. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1977. [PMID: 30186279 PMCID: PMC6113366 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter is a well-known food-borne pathogen that causes human gastroenteritis. Food products that contain Campylobacter may also be contaminated by other pathogens, however, whether this multiple contamination leads to more severe infection remains unclear. In this study, mice were gavaged with Campylobacter jejuni and other food-borne pathogenic bacteria to mimic a multiple infection. It was demonstrated that the C. jejuni load was elevated when the mice were co-infected with C. jejuni and Salmonella typhimurium, and the campylobacteriosis that followed was also enhanced, with features of decreased body weight, heavier bloody stools and more pronounced inflammatory changes to the colon. In addition, infection with C. jejuni was also promoted by co-infection with entero-invasive Escherichia coli but unaffected over time. In contrast to S. typhimurium and entero-invasive E. coli, co-infection by Listeria monocytogenes showed little effect on C. jejuni infection and even hindered its progress. In addition, the intestinal microecology was also affected by co-infection of C. jejuni with other pathogens, with an increased relative abundance of unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, decreased levels of butyric acid and changes in the abundance of several genera of gut microbe, which suggests that some food-borne pathogenic bacteria might affect the progression of C. jejuni infection in mice by influencing the composition of the gut microbiota and the resulting changes in SCFA levels. Collectively, our findings suggest that co-infection of Campylobacter with other pathogenic bacteria can impact on the progression of infection by C. jejuni in mice, which may also have implication for the etiology of Campylobacter on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yufeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xing Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- College of Life Sciences and Environment, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Beijing Innovation Centre of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
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33
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Couturier-Maillard A, Froux N, Piotet-Morin J, Michaudel C, Brault L, Le Bérichel J, Sénéchal A, Robinet P, Chenuet P, Jejou S, Dumoutier L, Renauld JC, Iovanna J, Huber S, Chamaillard M, Quesniaux V, Sokol H, Chamaillard M, Ryffel B. Interleukin-22-deficiency and microbiota contribute to the exacerbation of Toxoplasma gondii-induced intestinal inflammation. Mucosal Immunol 2018; 11:1181-1190. [PMID: 29728643 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-018-0005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Upon oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii cysts (76 K strain) tachyzoites are released into the intestinal lumen and cross the epithelial barrier causing damage and acute intestinal inflammation in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Here we investigated the role of microbiota and IL-22 in T.gondii-induced small intestinal inflammation. Oral T.gondii infection in B6 mice causes inflammation with IFNγ and IL-22 production. In IL-22-deficient mice, T.gondii infection augments the Th1 driven inflammation. Deficiency in either IL-22bp, the soluble IL-22 receptor or Reg3γ, an IL-22-dependent antimicrobial lectin/peptide, did not reduce inflammation. Under germ-free conditions, T.gondii-induced inflammation was reduced in correlation with parasite load. But intestinal inflammation is still present in germ-free mice, at low level, in the lamina propria, independently of IL-22 expression. Exacerbated intestinal inflammation driven by absence of IL-22 appears to be independent of IL-22 deficiency associated-dysbiosis as similar inflammation was observed after fecal transplantation of IL-22-/- or WT microbiota to germ-free-WT mice. Our results suggest cooperation between parasite and intestinal microbiota in small intestine inflammation development and endogenous IL-22 seems to exert a protective role independently of its effect on the microbiota. In conclusion, IL-22 participates in T.gondii induced acute small intestinal inflammation independently of microbiota and Reg3γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Couturier-Maillard
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France
| | - N Froux
- CNRS UPS44 -TAAM, Orléans, France
| | - J Piotet-Morin
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France
| | - C Michaudel
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France
| | - L Brault
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France
| | - J Le Bérichel
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France
| | | | - P Robinet
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France
| | - P Chenuet
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France
| | - S Jejou
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, INSERM, APHP, Laboratoire des Biomolécules (LBM), 27 rue de Chaligny, 75005, Paris, France
| | - L Dumoutier
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J C Renauld
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Iovanna
- INSERM U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmette, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille, France
| | - S Huber
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | | | - Vfj Quesniaux
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France
| | - H Sokol
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, INSERM, APHP, Laboratoire des Biomolécules (LBM), 27 rue de Chaligny, 75005, Paris, France
- Micalis Institute, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, 78352, France
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saint Antoine Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, UPMC, Paris, France
| | - M Chamaillard
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saint Antoine Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, UPMC, Paris, France
| | - B Ryffel
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), CNRS and University of Orleans (UMR7355), Orléans, France.
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34
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Gomes AO, Barbosa BF, Franco PS, Ribeiro M, Silva RJ, Gois PSG, Almeida KC, Angeloni MB, Castro AS, Guirelli PM, Cândido JV, Chica JEL, Silva NM, Mineo TWP, Mineo JR, Ferro EAV. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Prevents Maternal Death, but Contributes to Poor Fetal Outcome During Congenital Toxoplasmosis. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:906. [PMID: 29867817 PMCID: PMC5952001 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays important roles in physiology, pathology, immunology and parasitology, including the control of infection by protozoa parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii. As the MIF function in congenital toxoplasmosis is not fully elucidated yet, the present study brings new insights for T. gondii infection in the absence of MIF based on pregnant C57BL/6MIF-/- mouse models. Pregnant C57BL/6MIF-/- and C57BL/6WT mice were infected with 05 cysts of T. gondii (ME49 strain) on the first day of pregnancy (dop) and were euthanized at 8 dop. Non-pregnant and non-infected females were used as control. Our results demonstrated that MIF-/- mice have more accentuated change in body weight and succumbed to infection first than their WT counterparts. Otherwise, pregnancy outcome was less destructive in MIF-/- mice compared to WT ones, and the former had an increase in the mast cell recruitment and IDO expression and consequently presented less inflammatory cytokine production. Also, MIF receptor (CD74) was upregulated in MIF-/- mice, indicating that a compensatory mechanism may be required in this model of study. The global absence of MIF was associated with attenuation of pathology in congenital toxoplasmosis, but resulted in female death probably because of uncontrolled infection. Altogether, ours results demonstrated that part of the immune response that protects a pregnant female from T. gondii infection, favors fetal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica O. Gomes
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Bellisa F. Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Priscila S. Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Mayara Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Rafaela J. Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Paula S. G. Gois
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Karine C. Almeida
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Mariana B. Angeloni
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Andressa S. Castro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Pâmela M. Guirelli
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - João V. Cândido
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Javier E. L. Chica
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Neide M. Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Tiago W. P. Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - José R. Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa A. V. Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
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Oh H, Eo KY, Gumber S, Hong JJ, Kim CY, Lee HH, Jung YM, Kim J, Whang GW, Lee JM, Yeo YG, Ryu B, Ryu JS, Lee SK, Kim U, Kang SG, Park JH. An outbreak of toxoplasmosis in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) in South Korea. J Med Primatol 2018; 47:238-246. [PMID: 29708278 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect warm-blooded animals including humans. New World monkeys, such as squirrel monkeys, are more susceptible to T. gondii than Old World monkeys, often developing fatal disease. METHODS In this study, seven of thirteen dead squirrel monkeys at Seoul Grand Park were tested to find the cause of sudden death. RESULTS The main histopathological findings included interstitial pneumonia, necrotizing hepatitis, and splenitis. Periodic acid-Schiff staining of liver, spleen, and lung revealed cyst structures consistent with bradyzoites. Amplification of the B1 gene was detected in the liver or spleen of all monkeys. Additionally, a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and phylogenetic analysis of the GRA6 amplicon revealed a consistent clustering with the type II strain of T. gondii. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first report of T. gondii infection of squirrel monkeys in Korea, and the first report of type II T. gondii based on GRA6 analysis in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanseul Oh
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Yeon Eo
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyonggido, Korea
| | - Sanjeev Gumber
- Division of Pathology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jung Joo Hong
- National Primate Research Center (NPRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Korea
| | - C-Yoon Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ho Lee
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyonggido, Korea
| | - Young-Mok Jung
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyonggido, Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyu-Whan Whang
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyonggido, Korea
| | - Ji-Min Lee
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Gu Yeo
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyonggido, Korea
| | - Bokyeong Ryu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Sook Ryu
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyonggido, Korea
| | - Seul-Kee Lee
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyonggido, Korea
| | - Ukjin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sin-Geun Kang
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyonggido, Korea
| | - Jae-Hak Park
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Heimesaat MM, Escher U, Grunau A, Fiebiger U, Bereswill S. Peroral Low-Dose Toxoplasma gondii Infection of Human Microbiota-Associated Mice - A Subacute Ileitis Model to Unravel Pathogen-Host Interactions. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2018; 8:53-61. [PMID: 29997912 PMCID: PMC6038537 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2018.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Within 1 week following high-dose Toxoplasma gondii infection, mice develop lethal necrotizing ileitis. However, data from a subacute T. gondii-induced ileitis model are scarce. Therefore, mice harboring a human gut microbiota were perorally infected with one cyst of T. gondii. Within 9 days post-infection, the intestinal microbiota composition shifted towards higher loads of commensal enterobacteria and enterococci. Following T. gondii infection, mice were clinically only mildly affected, whereas ≈60% of mice displayed fecal blood and mild-to-moderate ileal histopathological changes. Intestinal inflammation was further characterized by increased apoptotic intestinal epithelial cells, which were accompanied by elevated proliferating gut epithelial cell numbers. As compared to naive controls, infected mice displayed elevated numbers of intestinal T lymphocytes and regulatory T-cells and increased pro-inflammatory mediator secretion. Remarkably, T. gondii-induced apoptotic and pro-inflammatory immune responses were not restricted to the gut, but could also be observed in extra-intestinal compartments including kidney, liver, and lung. Strikingly, low-dose T. gondii infection resulted in increased serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, the here presented subacute ileitis model following peroral low-dose T. gondii infection of humanized mice allows for detailed investigations of the molecular mechanism underlying the “ménage à trois” of pathogens, human gut microbiota, and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus M Heimesaat
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Escher
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Grunau
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Fiebiger
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
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Burger E, Araujo A, López-Yglesias A, Rajala MW, Geng L, Levine B, Hooper LV, Burstein E, Yarovinsky F. Loss of Paneth Cell Autophagy Causes Acute Susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii-Mediated Inflammation. Cell Host Microbe 2018; 23:177-190.e4. [PMID: 29358083 PMCID: PMC6179445 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii triggers severe small intestinal immunopathology characterized by IFN-γ- and intestinal microbiota-mediated inflammation, Paneth cell loss, and bacterial dysbiosis. Paneth cells are a prominent secretory epithelial cell type that resides at the base of intestinal crypts and releases antimicrobial peptides. We demonstrate that the microbiota triggers basal Paneth cell-specific autophagy via induction of IFN-γ, a known trigger of autophagy, to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Deletion of the autophagy protein Atg5 specifically in Paneth cells results in exaggerated intestinal inflammation characterized by complete destruction of the intestinal crypts resembling that seen in pan-epithelial Atg5-deficient mice. Additionally, lack of functional autophagy in Paneth cells within intestinal organoids and T. gondii-infected mice causes increased sensitivity to the proinflammatory cytokine TNF along with increased intestinal permeability, leading to exaggerated microbiota- and IFN-γ-dependent intestinal immunopathology. Thus, Atg5 expression in Paneth cells is essential for tissue protection against cytokine-mediated immunopathology during acute gastrointestinal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Burger
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Alessandra Araujo
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Américo López-Yglesias
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Michael W Rajala
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Linda Geng
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Beth Levine
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Center for Autophagy Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lora V Hooper
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ezra Burstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Felix Yarovinsky
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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Watanabe PDS, Trevizan AR, Silva-Filho SE, Góis MB, Garcia JL, Cuman RKN, Breithaupt-Faloppa AC, Sant`Ana DDMG, Nogueira de Melo GDA. Immunocompetent host develops mild intestinal inflammation in acute infection with Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190155. [PMID: 29324806 PMCID: PMC5764246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, common zoonosis among vertebrates and high incidence worldwide. During the infection, the parasite needs to transpose the intestinal barrier to spread throughout the body, which may be a trigger for an inflammatory reaction. This work evaluated the inflammatory alterations of early T. gondii infection in peripheral blood cells, in the mesenteric microcirculation, and small intestinal tissue by measurement of MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity and NO (nitric oxide) level in rats. Animals were randomly assigned into control group (CG) that received saline orally and groups infected with 5,000 oocysts for 6 (G6), 12 (G12), 24 (G24), 48 (G48) and 72 hours (G72). Blood samples were collected for total and differential leukocyte count. Intravital microscopy was performed in the mesentery to evaluate rolling and adhesion of leukocytes. After euthanasia, 0.5cm of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected for the determination of MPO activity, NO level and PCR to identify the parasite DNA and also the mesentery were collected to perform immunohistochemistry on frozen sections to quantify adhesion molecules ICAM-1, PECAM-1 and P-Selectin. The parasite DNA was identified in all infected groups and there was an increase in leukocytes in the peripheral blood and in expression of ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 in G6 and G12, however, the expression of P-selectin was reduced in G12. Leukocytes are in rolling process during the first 12 hours and they are adhered at 24 hours post-infection. The activity of MPO increased in the duodenum at 12 hours, and NO increased in the jejunum in G72 and ileum in G24, G48 and G72. Our study demonstrated that T. gondii initiates the infection precociously (at 6 hours) leading to a systemic activation of innate immune response resulting in mild inflammation in a less susceptible experimental model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo da Silva Watanabe
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Aline Rosa Trevizan
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Biondaro Góis
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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Ashour DS, Saad AE, Dawood LM, Zamzam Y. Immunological interaction between Giardia cyst extract and experimental toxoplasmosis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 40. [PMID: 29130475 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is mostly associated with other intestinal parasitic infections especially Giardia due to shared mode of peroral infection. Toxoplasma and Giardia induce a strong T-helper 1- immune response. Our aim was to induce a protective immune response that results in significant impact on intestinal and extra-intestinal phases of Toxoplasma infection. This study was conducted in experimental animals and assessment of Giardia cyst extract effect on Toxoplasma infection was investigated by histopathological examination of small intestine and brain, Toxoplasma cyst count and iNOS staining of the brain, measurement of IFN-γ and TGF-β in intestinal tissues. Results showed that the brain Toxoplasma cyst number was decreased in mice infected with Toxoplasma then received Giardia cyst extract as compared to mice infected with Toxoplasma only. This effect was produced because Giardia cyst extract augmented the immune response to Toxoplasma infection as evidenced by severe inflammatory reaction in the intestinal and brain tissues, increased levels of IFN-γ and TGF-β in intestinal tissues and strong iNOS staining of the brain. In conclusion, Giardia cyst extract generated a protective response against T. gondii infection. Therefore, Giardia antigen will be a suitable candidate for further researches as an immunomodulatory agent against Toxoplasma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Ashour
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - A E Saad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - L M Dawood
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Y Zamzam
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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40
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Nascimento BB, Cartelle CT, Noviello MDL, Pinheiro BV, de Almeida Vitor RW, Souza DDG, de Vasconcelos Generoso S, Cardoso VN, Martins FDS, Nicoli JR, Arantes RME. Influence of indigenous microbiota on experimental toxoplasmosis in conventional and germ-free mice. Int J Exp Pathol 2017; 98:191-202. [PMID: 28895246 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis represents one of the most common zoonoses worldwide. Its agent, Toxoplasma gondii, causes a severe innate pro-inflammatory response. The indigenous intestinal microbiota promotes host animal homoeostasis and may protect the host against pathogens. Germ-free (GF) animals provide an important tool for the study of interactions between host and microbiota. In this study, we assessed the role of indigenous microorganisms in disease development utilizing a murine toxoplasmosis model, which includes conventional (CV) and GF NIH Swiss mice. CV and GF mice orally inoculated with T. gondii had similar survival curves. However, disease developed differently in the two animal groups. In CV mice, intestinal permeability increased and levels of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines were altered. In GF animals, there were discrete epithelial degenerative changes and mucosal oedema, but the liver and lungs displayed significant lesions. We conclude that, despite similar survival curves, CV animals succumb to an exaggerated inflammatory response, whereas GF mice fail to produce an adequate systemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna B Nascimento
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Laboratório de Neuro-Imunopatologia Experimental (NIPE), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Christiane T Cartelle
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Laboratório de Neuro-Imunopatologia Experimental (NIPE), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria de L Noviello
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Laboratório de Neuro-Imunopatologia Experimental (NIPE), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Breno V Pinheiro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo W de Almeida Vitor
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Danielle da G Souza
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Simone de Vasconcelos Generoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Valbert N Cardoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Flaviano Dos S Martins
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jacques R Nicoli
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosa M E Arantes
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Laboratório de Neuro-Imunopatologia Experimental (NIPE), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Mokua Mose J, Muchina Kamau D, Kagira JM, Maina N, Ngotho M, Njuguna A, Karanja SM. Development of Neurological Mouse Model for Toxoplasmosis Using Toxoplasma gondii Isolated from Chicken in Kenya. PATHOLOGY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:4302459. [PMID: 28630781 PMCID: PMC5463144 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4302459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Animal models for the toxoplasmosis are scarce and have limitations. In this study, a neurological mouse model was developed in BALB/c mice infected intraperitoneally with 15 cysts of a Toxoplasma gondii isolate. The mice were monitored for 42 days and euthanized at different time points. Another group of mice were orally treated with dexamethasone (DXM: 2.66 mg/kg daily, 5.32 mg/kg daily) at 42 days after infection and monitored for a further 42 days. A mortality rate of 15% and 28.6% was observed in mice given 2.66 mg/kg/day and 5.32 mg/kg/day of DXM, respectively. The mean cyst numbers in the brain of DXM treated mice increased up to twofold compared with chronically infected untreated mice. Infections up to 42 days were associated with an increase in both IgM and IgG levels but following dexamethasone treatment, IgM levels declined but IgG levels continued on rising. The brain of toxoplasmosis infected mice showed mononuclear cellular infiltrations, neuronal necrosis, and cuffing. The severity of pathology was higher in mice treated with dexamethasone compared to the positive control groups. The findings of this study demonstrate that DXM-induced reactivation of chronic toxoplasmosis may be a useful development of laboratory animal model in outbred mice used for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mokua Mose
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kenya Methodist University, P.O. Box 45240-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Muchina Kamau
- Department of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Maina Kagira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Naomi Maina
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maina Ngotho
- Department of Animal Health & Production, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika 342-01000, Kenya
| | - Adele Njuguna
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Simon Muturi Karanja
- Department of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
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Abstract
Early electron microscopy studies revealed the elaborate cellular features that define the unique adaptations of apicomplexan parasites. Among these were bulbous rhoptry (ROP) organelles and small, dense granules (GRAs), both of which are secreted during invasion of host cells. These early morphological studies were followed by the exploration of the cellular contents of these secretory organelles, revealing them to be comprised of highly divergent protein families with few conserved domains or predicted functions. In parallel, studies on host-pathogen interactions identified many host signaling pathways that were mysteriously altered by infection. It was only with the advent of forward and reverse genetic strategies that the connections between individual parasite effectors and the specific host pathways that they targeted finally became clear. The current repertoire of parasite effectors includes ROP kinases and pseudokinases that are secreted during invasion and that block host immune pathways. Similarly, many secretory GRA proteins alter host gene expression by activating host transcription factors, through modification of chromatin, or by inducing small noncoding RNAs. These effectors highlight novel mechanisms by which T. gondii has learned to harness host signaling to favor intracellular survival and will guide future studies designed to uncover the additional complexity of this intricate host-pathogen interaction.
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Sant’Ana DDMG, Gois MB, Hermes-Uliana C, Pereira-Severi LS, Baptista EM, Mantovani LC, da Silva AV, de Almeida Araújo EJ. Acute infection with an avirulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii causes decreasing and atrophy of nitrergic myenteric neurons of rats. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:423-427. [PMID: 28478954 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the enteric nervous system (ENS), nitrergic neurons produce and use nitric oxide (NO) as an inhibitory motor neurotransmitter in response to parasitic infections, including those caused by Toxoplasma gondii. However, damage to the host caused by NO has been reported by various authors, and the role of NO in protection or cytotoxicity continues to be extensively studied. In this study, nitrergic neurons were investigated in the myenteric plexus of the jejunum and the distal colon of rats infected with 500 oocysts of the M7741 strain of T. gondii. Ten rats were randomly assigned into a control group (CG) and infected group (IG; received 500 sporulated oocysts of T. gondii orally). After 24h, the rats were euthanized, and samples of the jejunum and distal colon were obtained and processed for NADPH-diaphorase histochemical analysis. Quantitative and morphometric analysis of the nitrergic neurons in whole mounts containing the myenteric plexus was performed. There was a numeric reduction of nitrergic neurons per mm2 in both jejunum and distal colon. The remaining nitrergic neurons suffered atrophy in the areas of the cell body and nucleus, which resulted in a decrease in cytoplasm. Thus, we conclude that an avirulent strain of T. gondii in a short time causes neuroplastic changes in the small and large intestine of rats.
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von Klitzing E, Ekmekciu I, Kühl AA, Bereswill S, Heimesaat MM. Intestinal, extra-intestinal and systemic sequelae of Toxoplasma gondii induced acute ileitis in mice harboring a human gut microbiota. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176144. [PMID: 28414794 PMCID: PMC5393883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Within seven days following peroral high dose infection with Toxoplasma gondii susceptible conventionally colonized mice develop acute ileitis due to an underlying T helper cell (Th) -1 type immunopathology. We here addressed whether mice harboring a human intestinal microbiota developed intestinal, extra-intestinal and systemic sequelae upon ileitis induction. Methodology/Principal findings Secondary abiotic mice were generated by broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment and associated with a complex human intestinal microbiota following peroral fecal microbiota transplantation. Within three weeks the human microbiota had stably established in the murine intestinal tract as assessed by quantitative cultural and culture-independent (i.e. molecular 16S rRNA based) methods. At day 7 post infection (p.i.) with 50 cysts of T. gondii strain ME49 by gavage human microbiota associated (hma) mice displayed severe clinical, macroscopic and microscopic sequelae indicating acute ileitis. In diseased hma mice increased numbers of innate and adaptive immune cells within the ileal mucosa and lamina propria and elevated intestinal secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators including IFN-γ, IL-12 and nitric oxide could be observed at day 7 p.i. Ileitis development was accompanied by substantial shifts in intestinal microbiota composition of hma mice characterized by elevated total bacterial loads and increased numbers of intestinal Gram-negative commensals such as enterobacteria and Bacteroides / Prevotella species overgrowing the small and large intestinal lumen. Furthermore, viable bacteria translocated from the inflamed ileum to extra-intestinal including systemic compartments. Notably, pro-inflammatory immune responses were not restricted to the intestinal tract as indicated by increased pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in extra-intestinal (i.e. liver and kidney) and systemic compartments including spleen and serum. Conclusion/Significance With respect to the intestinal microbiota composition “humanized” mice display acute ileitis following peroral high dose T. gondii infection. Thus, hma mice constitute a suitable model to further dissect the interactions between pathogens, human microbiota and vertebrate host immunity during acute intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane von Klitzing
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ira Ekmekciu
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja A. Kühl
- Department of Medicine I for Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology / Research Center ImmunoSciences (RCIS), Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus M. Heimesaat
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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El-Henawy AA, Hafez EAR, Nabih N, Shalaby NM, Mashaly M. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatol Int 2017; 37:785-790. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-017-3703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Galectins expressed differently in genetically susceptible C57BL/6 and resistant BALB/c mice during acute ocularToxoplasma gondiiinfection. Parasitology 2017; 144:1064-1072. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYOcular toxoplasmosis (OT) caused byToxoplasma gondiiis a major cause of infectious uveitis, however little is known about its immunopathological mechanism. Susceptible C57BL/6 (B6) and resistant BALB/c mice were intravitreally infected with 500 tachyzoites of the RH strain ofT. gondii. B6 mice showed more severe ocular pathology and higher parasite loads in the eyes. The levels of galectin (Gal)-9 and its receptors (Tim-3 and CD137), interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the eyes of B6 mice than those of BALB/c mice; however, the levels of IFN-αand -βwere significantly decreased in the eyes and CLNs of B6 mice but significantly increased in BALB/c mice after infection. After blockage of galectin–receptor interactions byα-lactose, neither ocular immunopathology nor parasite loads were different from those of infected BALB/c mice withoutα-lactose treatment. Although the expressions of Gal-9/receptor were significantly increased in B6 mice and Gal-1 and -3 were upregulated in both strains of mice upon ocularT. gondiiinfection, blockage of galectins did not change the ocular pathogenesis of genetic resistant BALB/c mice. However, IFN-αand -βwere differently expressed in B6 and BALB/c mice, suggesting that type I IFNs may play a protective role in experimental OT.
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Ferezin RI, Vicentino-Vieira SL, Góis MB, Araújo EJDA, Melo GDAND, Garcia JL, Sant'Ana DDMG. Different inoculum loads of Toxoplasma gondii induce reduction of myenteric neurons of the rat colon. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:47-53. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an important health problem, especially in immunocompromised hosts. T. gondii uses the gut wall as an infection gateway, with tropism for muscular and nervous tissues causing intestinal alterations, including some in the enteric nervous system. This study aims at investigating the colon of rats infected by T. gondii in order to understand how the amount of oocysts influences in myenteric neuronal changes. Sixty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into six groups. One group remained as a control and the others received inocula of 10, 50, 100, 500 or 5,000 oocysts of T. gondii. The animals were euthanized after 30 days of infection. The total neuronal population and the nitrergic subpopulation in the colon myenteric plexus of each animal was counted. The data were statistically analyzed showing less weight gain in rats with 10, 500 and 5,000 oocysts. A decrease in the number of total neurons with 50, 100 or 5,000 oocysts and an increase in the nitrergic population with 10, 100, 500 or 5,000 oocysts were verified. These results show that neuronal alterations are more significant when the infection is induced by larger inocula and reinforces the suspicion that neuronal loss is directed at cholinergic neurons.
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Acute ileitis facilitates infection with multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in human microbiota-associated mice. Gut Pathog 2017; 9:4. [PMID: 28115993 PMCID: PMC5241993 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-017-0154-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rising incidence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a serious issue in prevention of its spread particularly among hospitalized patients. It is, however, unclear whether distinct conditions such as acute intestinal inflammation facilitate P. aeruginosa infection of vertebrate hosts. Methods and results To address this, we analysed P. aeruginosa infection in human microbiota-associated (hma) mice with acute ileitis induced by peroral Toxoplasma gondii challenge. When perorally infected with P. aeruginosa at day 3 post ileitis induction, hma mice displayed higher intestinal P. aeruginosa loads as compared to hma mice without ileitis. However, the overall intestinal microbiota composition was not disturbed by P. aeruginosa (except for lowered bifidobacterial populations), and the infection did not further enhance ileal immune cell responses. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ and IL-12p70 were similarly increased in ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes of P. aeruginosa infected and uninfected hma mice with ileitis. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased multifold upon ileitis induction, but interestingly more distinctly in P. aeruginosa infected as compared to uninfected controls. Immune responses were not restricted to the intestines as indicated by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in liver and kidney upon ileitis induction. However, except for hepatic TNF-α levels, P. aeruginosa infection did not result in more distinct pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in liver and kidney of hma mice with ileitis. Whereas viable intestinal bacteria were more frequently detected in systemic compartments such as spleen and cardiac blood of P. aeruginosa infected than uninfected mice at day 7 following ileitis induction, P. aeruginosa infection did not exacerbate systemic pro-inflammatory sequelae, but resulted in lower IL-10 serum levels. Conclusion Acute intestinal inflammation facilitates infection of the vertebrate host with MDR bacteria including P. aeruginosa and might also pose particularly hospitalized patients at risk for acquisition. Since acute T. gondii induced inflammation might mask immunopathology caused by P. aeruginosa, a subacute or chronic inflammation model might be better suited to investigate the potential role of P. aeruginosa infection in the aggravation of intestinal disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13099-017-0154-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Toxoplasma gondii: One Organism, Multiple Models. Trends Parasitol 2016; 33:113-127. [PMID: 27988095 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intensely studied protozoan parasite. It is also used as a model organism to research additional clinically relevant human and veterinary parasites due to ease of in vitro culture and genetic manipulation. Recently, it has been developed as a model of inflammatory bowel disease, due to their similar pathologies. However, researchers vary widely in how they use T. gondii, which makes study comparisons and interpretation difficult. The aim of this review is to provide researchers with a tool to: (i) determine the appropriateness of the different T. gondii models to their research, (ii) interpret results from the wide range of study conditions, and (iii) consider new advances in technology which could improve or refine their experimental setup.
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Fiebiger U, Bereswill S, Heimesaat MM. Dissecting the Interplay Between Intestinal Microbiota and Host Immunity in Health and Disease: Lessons Learned from Germfree and Gnotobiotic Animal Models. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2016; 6:253-271. [PMID: 27980855 PMCID: PMC5146645 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2016.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This review elaborates the development of germfree and gnotobiotic animal models and their application in the scientific field to unravel mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions and distinct diseases. Strictly germfree animals are raised in isolators and not colonized by any organism at all. The germfree state is continuously maintained by birth, raising, housing and breeding under strict sterile conditions. However, isolator raised germfree mice are exposed to a stressful environment and exert an underdeveloped immune system. To circumvent these physiological disadvantages depletion of the bacterial microbiota in conventionally raised and housed mice by antibiotic treatment has become an alternative approach. While fungi and parasites are not affected by antibiosis, the bacterial microbiota in these "secondary abiotic mice" have been shown to be virtually eradicated. Recolonization of isolator raised germfree animals or secondary abiotic mice results in a gnotobiotic state. Both, germfree and gnotobiotic mice have been successfully used to investigate biological functions of the conventional microbiota in health and disease. Particularly for the development of novel clinical applications germfree mice are widely used tools, as summarized in this review further focusing on the modulation of bacterial microbiota in laboratory mice to better mimic conditions in the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Markus M. Heimesaat
- Gastrointestinal Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin
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