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Roy PK, Paul A, Lalchhuanawmi S, Babu NK, Singh S. Pyridoxal kinase gene deletion leads to impaired growth, deranged redox metabolism and cell cycle arrest in Leishmania donovani. Biochimie 2024; 222:72-86. [PMID: 38403043 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Pyridoxal kinase (PdxK) is a vitamin B6 salvage pathway enzyme which produces pyridoxal phosphate. We have investigated the impact of PdxK deletion in Leishmania donovani on parasite survivability, infectivity and cellular metabolism. LdPdxK mutants were generated by gene replacement strategy. All mutants showed significant reduction in growth in comparison to wild type. For PdxK mediated biochemical perturbations, only heterozygous mutants and complementation mutants were used as the growth of null mutants were compromised. Heterozygous mutant showed reduction invitro infectivity and higher cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS levels. Glutathione levels decreased significantly in heterozygous mutant indicating its involvement in cellular oxidative metabolism. Pyridoxal kinase gene deletion resulted in reduced ATP levels in parasites and arrest at G0/G1 phase of cell cycle. All these perturbations were rescued by PdxK gene complementation. This is the first report to confirm that LdPdxK plays an indispensable role in cell survival, pathogenicity, redox metabolism and cell cycle progression of L. donovani parasites. These results provide substantial evidence supporting PdxK as a therapeutic target for the development of specific antileishmanial drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradyot Kumar Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Anindita Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sandra Lalchhuanawmi
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Neerupudi Kishore Babu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India.
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Na J, Engwerda C. The role of CD4 + T cells in visceral leishmaniasis; new and emerging roles for NKG7 and TGFβ. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1414493. [PMID: 38881737 PMCID: PMC11176485 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414493] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially devastating neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasites Leishmania donovani and L. infantum (chagasi). These parasites reside in tissue macrophages and survive by deploying a number of mechanisms aimed at subverting the host immune response. CD4+ T cells play an important role in controlling Leishmania parasites by providing help in the form of pro-inflammatory cytokines to activate microbiocidal pathways in infected macrophages. However, because these cytokines can also cause tissue damage if over-produced, regulatory immune responses develop, and the balance between pro-inflammatory and regulatory CD4+ T cells responses determines the outcomes of infection. Past studies have identified important roles for pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFNγ and TNF, as well as regulatory co-inhibitory receptors and the potent anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. More recently, other immunoregulatory molecules have been identified that play important roles in CD4+ T cell responses during VL. In this review, we will discuss recent findings about two of these molecules; the NK cell granule protein Nkg7 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGFβ, and describe how they impact CD4+ T cell functions and immune responses during visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrui Na
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Abdullahi B, Mutiso J, Gicheru M. Social Demographic Characteristics Associated with Visceral Leishmaniasis in West Pokot, Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:930-935. [PMID: 38531111 PMCID: PMC11066342 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a tropical disease with a significant global public health burden. This study aimed to determine the social demographic characteristics associated with visceral leishmaniasis in West Pokot of Kenya. A mixed-methods research design was adopted where household questionnaires and key informant interviews were administered. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 22, and qualitative data were analyzed to establish patterns for interpretation. Male children aged 10 years or younger were the most infected by Leishmania donovani in the community. The hospital record indicated that 60% of previously treated visceral leishmaniasis patients were severely malnourished during admission. Risk factors associated with the disease included low formal education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.39; 95% CI = 1.66-11.59; P <0.05), peasant farming (aOR = 8.49; 95% CI = 2.77-26.00; P <0.05), and dog ownership (aOR = 4.86; 95% CI = 1.87-12.60; P <0.05). Social demographic risk factors for visceral leishmaniasis remain a major public health concern in West Pokot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulle Abdullahi
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Mutiso
- Department of Zoological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michael Gicheru
- Department of Zoological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Mulè A, Crosato V, Kuhns DB, Lorenzi L, Chirico C, Maifredi G, Notarangelo LD, Castelli F, Tomasoni LR. Visceral Leishmaniasis in Immunocompetent Hosts in Brescia: A Case Series and Analysis of Cytokine Cascade. Microorganisms 2024; 12:394. [PMID: 38399799 PMCID: PMC10892745 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020394] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp. that usually manifests itself in immunocompromised subjects. It is a rare and neglected disease, and it is not endemic in the province of Brescia (Italy). Three cases of human VL occurred in Brescia from October to December 2021 in immunocompetent patients. We evaluated the patients looking for signs of underlying immunodeficiencies and conducted further epidemiological evaluations in the province of Brescia without success. An analysis of the sera levels of the main cytokines involved in the immune response to VL was performed. All patients presented a significant augmentation of CXCL-10, CCL-4, and IL-6. The patients tested during the acute phase showed an elevation of IL-1α, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-12, while in the recovery phase, higher levels of TNF-α and IL-7 were detected. Altogether, a predominant activation of the T-helper-2 pathway emerged during the acute phase of the parasite infection, while the cytokines associated with the T-helper-1 pathway were less represented. This imbalanced immune response to the parasite infection might play a crucial role in the development of VL in immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mulè
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Verena Crosato
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Douglas Byron Kuhns
- Neutrophil Monitoring Laboratory, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 20701, USA;
| | - Luisa Lorenzi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Claudia Chirico
- Department of Hygiene and Health Prevention, Health Protection Agency of Brescia (ATS Brescia), 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maifredi
- Epidemiology Unit, Health Protection Agency of Brescia (ATS Brescia), 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Lina R. Tomasoni
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
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Joshi AB, Banjara MR, Das ML, Bist NR, Pant KR, Pyakurel UR, Dahal G, Paudel KP, Das CL, Kroeger A, Aseffa A. Follow-up assessment of visceral leishmaniasis treated patients and the impact of COVID-19 on control services in Nepal. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:57. [PMID: 37864251 PMCID: PMC10588092 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00549-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Follow-up assessment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treated cases is important to monitor the long term effectiveness of treatment regimens. The main objective of this study was to identify the gaps and challenges in the follow-up of treated VL cases, to monitor treatment outcome and to assess the impact of COVID-19 on VL elimination services and activities. METHODS Clinicians treating VL patients, district focal persons for VL, and patients treated for VL in seven high endemic districts in Nepal during 2019-2022 were interviewed to collect data on challenges in the follow-up of VL treated patients as per national strategy. RESULTS Follow up status was poor in two districts with the largest number of reported cases. The majority of cases were children under 10 years of age (44.2%). Among 104 VL treated cases interviewed, 60.6% mentioned that clinicians had called them for follow-up but only 37.5% had complied. Among 112 VL treated cases followed up, 8 (7.14%) had relapse and 2 (1.8%) had PKDL. Among 66 cases who had VL during the COVID-19 lock down period, 32 (48.5%) were diagnosed within 1 week; however, 10 (15.1%) were diagnosed only after 4 weeks or more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no active search for VL because of budget constraints and lack of diagnostic tests, and no insecticide spraying was done. CONCLUSION Relapses and PKDL are challenges for VL elimination and a matter of concern. Successful implementation of the national strategy for follow up of treated VL cases requires addressing elements related to patients (awareness, transport, communication) clinicians (compliance) and organization of service delivery (local health worker training and deployment). COVID-19 did not have much impact on VL diagnosis and treatment; however, public health programmes including active case detection and insecticide spraying for vector control were severely reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Ballabh Joshi
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Research Center (PHIDReC), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Megha Raj Banjara
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, 44601, Nepal.
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Murari Lal Das
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Research Center (PHIDReC), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nav Raj Bist
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Research Center (PHIDReC), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Krishna Raj Pant
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Research Center (PHIDReC), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Uttam Raj Pyakurel
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Gokarna Dahal
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Krishna Prasad Paudel
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Chuman Lal Das
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Axel Kroeger
- Centre for Medicine and Society/Institute for Infection Prevention, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), Geneva, Switzerland
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Paul A, Chumbale SS, Lakra A, Kumar V, Alhat DS, Singh S. Insights into Leishmania donovani potassium channel family and their biological functions. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:266. [PMID: 37425093 PMCID: PMC10326225 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03692-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania donovani is the causative organism for visceral leishmaniasis. Although this parasite was discovered over a century ago, nothing is known about role of potassium channels in L. donovani. Potassium channels are known for their crucial roles in cellular functions in other organisms. Recently the presence of a calcium-activated potassium channel in L. donovani was reported which prompted us to look for other proteins which could be potassium channels and to investigate their possible physiological roles. Twenty sequences were identified in L. donovani genome and subjected to estimation of physio-chemical properties, motif analysis, localization prediction and transmembrane domain analysis. Structural predictions were also done. The channels were majorly α-helical and predominantly localized in cell membrane and lysosomes. The signature selectivity filter of potassium channel was present in all the sequences. In addition to the conventional potassium channel activity, they were associated with gene ontology terms for mitotic cell cycle, cell death, modulation by virus of host process, cell motility etc. The entire study indicates the presence of potassium channel families in L. donovani which may have involvement in several cellular pathways. Further investigations on these putative potassium channels are needed to elucidate their roles in Leishmania. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03692-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Shubham Sunil Chumbale
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Anjana Lakra
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Dhanashri Sudam Alhat
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
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Moreira POL, Nogueira PM, Monte-Neto RL. Next-Generation Leishmanization: Revisiting Molecular Targets for Selecting Genetically Engineered Live-Attenuated Leishmania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041043. [PMID: 37110466 PMCID: PMC10145799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research devoted to finding a vaccine against leishmaniasis, we are still lacking a safe and effective vaccine for humans. Given this scenario, the search for a new prophylaxis alternative for controlling leishmaniasis should be a global priority. Inspired by leishmanization-a first generation vaccine strategy where live L. major parasites are inoculated in the skin to protect against reinfection-live-attenuated Leishmania vaccine candidates are promising alternatives due to their robust elicited protective immune response. In addition, they do not cause disease and could provide long-term protection upon challenge with a virulent strain. The discovery of a precise and easy way to perform CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing allowed the selection of safer null mutant live-attenuated Leishmania parasites obtained by gene disruption. Here, we revisited molecular targets associated with the selection of live-attenuated vaccinal strains, discussing their function, their limiting factors and the ideal candidate for the next generation of genetically engineered live-attenuated Leishmania vaccines to control leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo O L Moreira
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Paula M Nogueira
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Rubens L Monte-Neto
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
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Co-infection of COVID-19 and parasitic diseases: A systematic review. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 21:e00299. [PMID: 37091061 PMCID: PMC10062795 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infection of COVID-19 with other diseases increases the challenges related to its treatment management. COVID-19 co-infection with parasites is studied with low frequency. Here, we systematically reviewed the cases of parasitic disease co-infection with COVID-19. All articles on COVID-19 co-infected with parasites (protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites), were screened through defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of 2190 records, 35 studies remained for data extraction. The majority of studies were about COVID-19 co-infected with malaria, followed by strongyloidiasis, amoebiasis, chagas, filariasis, giardiasis, leishmaniasis, lophomoniasis, myiasis, and toxoplasmosis. No or low manifestation differences were reported between the co-infected cases and naïve COVID-19 or naïve parasitic disease. Although there was a relatively low number of reports on parasitic diseases-COVID-19 co-infection, COVID-19 and some parasitic diseases have overlapping symptoms and also COVID-19 conditions and treatment regimens may cause some parasites re-emergence, relapse, or re-activation. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the on-time diagnosis of COVID-19 and the co-infected parasites.
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