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Borges BM, Ramos RBC, Preite NW, Kaminski VDL, Alves de Castro P, Camacho M, Maximo MF, Fill TP, Calich VLG, Traynor AM, Sarikaya-Bayram Ö, Doyle S, Bayram Ö, de Campos CBL, Zelanis A, Goldman GH, Loures FV. Transcriptional profiling of a fungal granuloma reveals a low metabolic activity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts and an actively regulated host immune response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1268959. [PMID: 37868350 PMCID: PMC10585178 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1268959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulomas are important immunological structures in the host defense against the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the main etiologic agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a granulomatous systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. We have performed transcriptional and proteomic studies of yeasts present in the pulmonary granulomas of PCM aiming to identify relevant genes and proteins that act under stressing conditions. C57BL/6 mice were infected with 1x106 yeasts and after 8- and 12-weeks of infection, granulomatous lesions were obtained for extraction of fungal and murine RNAs and fungal proteins. Dual transcriptional profiling was done comparing lung cells and P. brasiliensis yeasts from granulomas with uninfected lung cells and the original yeast suspension used in the infection, respectively. Mouse transcripts indicated a lung malfunction, with low expression of genes related to muscle contraction and organization. In addition, an increased expression of transcripts related to the activity of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes as well as an elevated expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17 transcripts were observed. The increased expression of transcripts for CTLA-4, PD-1 and arginase-1, provided evidence of immune regulatory mechanisms within the granulomatous lesions. Also, our results indicate iron as a key element for the granuloma to function, where a high number of transcripts related to fungal siderophores for iron uptake was observed, a mechanism of fungal virulence not previously described in granulomas. Furthermore, transcriptomics and proteomics analyzes indicated a low fungal activity within the granuloma, as demonstrated by the decreased expression of genes and proteins related to energy metabolism and cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Montanari Borges
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Berton Correia Ramos
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Nycolas Willian Preite
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício Camacho
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Taicia Pacheco Fill
- Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Garcia Calich
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aimee M. Traynor
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Özgür Bayram
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - André Zelanis
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Loures
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
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Calvo-Alvarez E, Dolci M, Perego F, Signorini L, Parapini S, D’Alessandro S, Denti L, Basilico N, Taramelli D, Ferrante P, Delbue S. Antiparasitic Drugs against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Literature Survey. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071284. [PMID: 35889004 PMCID: PMC9320270 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
More than two years have passed since the viral outbreak that led to the novel infectious respiratory disease COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Since then, the urgency for effective treatments resulted in unprecedented efforts to develop new vaccines and to accelerate the drug discovery pipeline, mainly through the repurposing of well-known compounds with broad antiviral effects. In particular, antiparasitic drugs historically used against human infections due to protozoa or helminth parasites have entered the main stage as a miracle cure in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Despite having demonstrated promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro, conflicting results have made their translation into clinical practice more difficult than expected. Since many studies involving antiparasitic drugs are currently under investigation, the window of opportunity might be not closed yet. Here, we will review the (controversial) journey of these old antiparasitic drugs to combat the human infection caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Calvo-Alvarez
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Dolci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Federica Perego
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Lucia Signorini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sarah D’Alessandro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Luca Denti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Pasquale Ferrante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Serena Delbue
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
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Interacting with Hemoglobin: Paracoccidioides spp. Recruits hsp30 on Its Cell Surface for Enhanced Ability to Use This Iron Source. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010021. [PMID: 33401497 PMCID: PMC7823998 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides spp. are thermally dimorphic fungi that cause paracoccidioidomycosis and can affect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. The infection can lead to moderate or severe illness and death. Paracoccidioides spp. undergo micronutrients deprivation within the host, including iron. To overcome such cellular stress, this genus of fungi responds in multiple ways, such as the utilization of hemoglobin. A glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored fungal receptor, Rbt5, has the primary role of acquiring the essential nutrient iron from hemoglobin. Conversely, it is not clear if additional proteins participate in the process of using hemoglobin by the fungus. Therefore, in order to investigate changes in the proteomic level of P. lutzii cell wall, we deprived the fungus of iron and then treated those cells with hemoglobin. Deprived iron cells were used as control. Next, we performed cell wall fractionation and the obtained proteins were submitted to nanoUPLC-MSE. Protein expression levels of the cell wall F1 fraction of cells exposed to hemoglobin were compared with the protein expression of the cell wall F1 fraction of iron-deprived cells. Our results showed that P. lutzii exposure to hemoglobin increased the level of adhesins expression by the fungus, according to the proteomic data. We confirmed that the exposure of the fungus to hemoglobin increased its ability to adhere to macrophages by flow cytometry. In addition, we found that HSP30 of P. lutzii is a novel hemoglobin-binding protein and a possible heme oxygenase. In order to investigate the importance of HSP30 in the Paracoccidioides genus, we developed a Paracoccidioides brasiliensis knockdown strain of HSP30 via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and demonstrated that silencing this gene decreases the ability of P. brasiliensis to use hemoglobin as a nutrient source. Additional studies are needed to establish HSP30 as a virulence factor, which can support the development of new therapeutic and/or diagnostic approaches.
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Shen Q, Rappleye CA. Living Within the Macrophage: Dimorphic Fungal Pathogen Intracellular Metabolism. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:592259. [PMID: 33178634 PMCID: PMC7596272 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.592259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasma and Paracoccidioides are related thermally dimorphic fungal pathogens that cause deadly mycoses (i.e., histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis, respectively) primarily in North, Central, and South America. Mammalian infection results from inhalation of conidia and their subsequent conversion into pathogenic yeasts. Macrophages in the lung are the first line of defense, but are generally unable to clear these fungi. Instead, Histoplasma and Paracoccidioides yeasts survive and proliferate within the phagosomal compartment of host macrophages. Growth within macrophages requires strategies for acquisition of sufficient nutrients (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, and essential trace elements and co-factors) from the nutrient-depleted phagosomal environment. We review the transcriptomic and recent functional genetic studies that are defining how these intracellular fungal pathogens tune their metabolism to the resources available in the macrophage phagosome. In addition, recent studies have shown that the nutritional state of the macrophage phagosome is not static, but changes upon activation of adaptive immune responses. Understanding the metabolic requirements of these dimorphic pathogens as they thrive within host cells can provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Shen
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Chad A Rappleye
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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do Amaral CC, Fernandes GF, Rodrigues AM, Burger E, de Camargo ZP. Proteomic analysis of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex isolates: Correlation of the levels of differentially expressed proteins with in vivo virulence. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218013. [PMID: 31265468 PMCID: PMC6605636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis commonly found in Latin America that is caused by distinct species of Paracoccidioides genus: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex (S1, PS2, PS3 and PS4) and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Its pathobiology has been recently explored by different approaches to clarify the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions underpinning PCM. The diversity of clinical forms of this disease has been attributed to both host- and fungus-related factors. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS For better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of host-fungus interactions, we evaluated in vivo virulence of nine Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex isolates and correlated it to protein expression profiles obtained by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Based on the recovery of viable fungi from mouse organs, the isolates were classified as those having low, moderate, or high virulence. Highly virulent isolates overexpressed proteins related to adhesion process and stress response, probably indicating important roles of those fungal proteins in regulating the colonization capacity, survival, and ability to escape host immune system reaction. Moreover, highly virulent isolates exhibited enhanced expression of glycolytic pathway enzymes concomitantly with repressed expression of succinyl-CoA ligase beta chain, a protein related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings may point to the mechanisms used by highly virulent P. brasiliensis isolates to withstand host immune reactions and to adapt to transient iron availability as strategies to survive and overcome stress conditions inside the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Candida do Amaral
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geisa Ferreira Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eva Burger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Sylvestre TF, Cavalcante RDS, da Silva JDF, Paniago AMM, Weber SS, Pauletti BA, de Carvalho LR, dos Santos LD, Mendes RP. Serological proteomic biomarkers to identify Paracoccidioides species and risk of relapse. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202804. [PMID: 30157221 PMCID: PMC6114792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensitivity of the double agar gel immunodiffusion test is about 90% in patients with untreated paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), but it is much lower in cases of relapse. In addition, serum from patients with PCM caused by Paracoccidioides lutzii, frequent in the Midwest region of Brazil, do not react with the classical antigen obtained from Pb B-339. These findings showed the need for alternative diagnostic methods, such as biological markers through proteomics. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers for the safe identification of PCM relapse and specific proteins that could distinguish infections caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from those produced by Paracoccidioides lutzii. Proteomic analysis was performed in serum from 9 patients with PCM caused by P. brasiliensis, with and without relapse, from 4 patients with PCM produced by P. lutzii, and from 3 healthy controls. The comparative evaluation of the 29 identified plasma proteins suggested that the presence of the immunoglobulin (Ig) alpha-2 chain C region and the absence of Ig heavy chain V-III TIL indicate infection by P. lutzii. In addition, the absence of complement factor B protein might be a predictor of relapse. The evaluation of these proteins in a higher number of patients should be carried out in order to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simone Schneider Weber
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Faculdade de Medicina, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia (ICET), Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Itacoatiara, Brazil
| | | | - Lídia Raquel de Carvalho
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociência de Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rinaldo Poncio Mendes
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Current and Future Use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in Infectious, Immune, Neoplastic, and Neurological Diseases: A Mini-Review. Clin Drug Investig 2018; 38:653-671. [DOI: 10.1007/s40261-018-0656-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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8
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Chloroquine inhibits Rhodococcus equi replication in murine and foal alveolar macrophages by iron-starvation. Vet Microbiol 2016; 188:16-24. [PMID: 27139025 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi preferentially infects macrophages causing pyogranulomatous pneumonia in young foals. Both the vapA and rhbC genes are up-regulated in an iron (Fe)-deprived environment, such as that found within macrophages. Chloroquine (CQ) is a drug widely used against malaria that suppresses the intracellular availability of Fe in eukaryotic cells. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of CQ to inhibit replication of virulent R. equi within murine (J774A.1) and foal alveolar macrophages (AMs) and to verify whether the mechanism of inhibition could be Fe-deprivation-dependent. CQ effect on R. equi extracellular survival and toxicity to J774A.1 were evaluated. R. equi survival within J774A.1 and foal AMs was evaluated under CQ (10 and 20μM), bovine saturated transferrin (bHTF), and bovine unsaturated transferrin (bATF) exposure. To explore the action mechanism of CQ, the superoxide anion production, the lysozyme activity, as well as the relative mRNA expression of vapA and rhbC were examined. CQ at≤20μM had no effect on R. equi extracellular multiplication and J774A.1 viability. Exposure to CQ significantly and markedly reduced survival of R. equi within J774A.1 and foal AMs. Treatment with bHTF did not reverse CQ effect on R. equi. Exposure to CQ did not affected superoxide anion production or lysozyme activity, however vapA and rhbC expression was significantly increased. Our results reinforce the hypothesis that intracellular availability of Fe is required for R. equi survival, and our initial hypothesis that CQ can limit replication of R. equi in J774A.1 and foal AMs, most likely by Fe starvation.
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Hemoglobin uptake by Paracoccidioides spp. is receptor-mediated. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2856. [PMID: 24831516 PMCID: PMC4022528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is essential for the proliferation of fungal pathogens during infection. The availability of iron is limited due to its association with host proteins. Fungal pathogens have evolved different mechanisms to acquire iron from host; however, little is known regarding how Paracoccidioides species incorporate and metabolize this ion. In this work, host iron sources that are used by Paracoccidioides spp. were investigated. Robust fungal growth in the presence of the iron-containing molecules hemin and hemoglobin was observed. Paracoccidioides spp. present hemolytic activity and have the ability to internalize a protoporphyrin ring. Using real-time PCR and nanoUPLC-MSE proteomic approaches, fungal growth in the presence of hemoglobin was shown to result in the positive regulation of transcripts that encode putative hemoglobin receptors, in addition to the induction of proteins that are required for amino acid metabolism and vacuolar protein degradation. In fact, one hemoglobin receptor ortholog, Rbt5, was identified as a surface GPI-anchored protein that recognized hemin, protoporphyrin and hemoglobin in vitro. Antisense RNA technology and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation were used to generate mitotically stable Pbrbt5 mutants. The knockdown strain had a lower survival inside macrophages and in mouse spleen when compared with the parental strain, which suggested that Rbt5 could act as a virulence factor. In summary, our data indicate that Paracoccidioides spp. can use hemoglobin as an iron source most likely through receptor-mediated pathways that might be relevant for pathogenic mechanisms. Fungal infections contribute substantially to human morbidity and mortality. During infectious processes, fungi have evolved mechanisms to obtain iron from high-affinity iron-binding proteins. In the current study, we demonstrated that hemoglobin is the preferential host iron source for the thermodimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides spp. To acquire hemoglobin, the fungus presents hemolytic activity and the ability to internalize protoporphyrin rings. A putative hemoglobin receptor, Rbt5, was demonstrated to be GPI-anchored at the yeast cell surface. Rbt5 was able to bind to hemin, protoporphyrin and hemoglobin in vitro. When rbt5 expression was inhibited, the survival of Paracoccidioides sp. inside macrophages and the fungal burden in mouse spleen diminished, which indicated that Rbt5 could participate in the establishment of the fungus inside the host. Drugs or vaccines could be developed against Paracoccidioides spp. Rbt5 to disturb iron uptake of this micronutrient and, thus, the proliferation of the fungus. Moreover, this protein could be used in routes to introduce antifungal agents into fungal cells.
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Kronstad JW, Hu G, Jung WH. An encapsulation of iron homeostasis and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans. Trends Microbiol 2013; 21:457-65. [PMID: 23810126 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate hosts actively sequester iron, and fungal and other pathogens must therefore adapt to a severe limitation in iron availability to cause disease. Recent studies reveal that the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans overcomes iron limitation by multiple mechanisms that target transferrin and heme. The regulation of iron uptake is mediated by an interconnected set of transcription factors that include the master iron regulator Cir1 and the pH-responsive factor Rim101. These factors integrate iron homeostasis with a myriad of other functions including pH sensing, nutrient and stress signaling pathways, virulence factor elaboration, and cell wall biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Kronstad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Balderramas HA, Ribeiro OG, Soares AMVC, Oliveira SL. The role of leukotriene B4 in early stages of experimental paracoccidioidomycosis induced in phenotypically selected mouse strains. Med Mycol 2013; 51:625-34. [PMID: 23534453 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2013.777163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a human systemic mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The mechanisms involved in innate immune response to this fungus are not fully elucidated. Leukotrienes are known to be critical for the clearance of various microorganisms, mainly by mediating the microbicidal function of phagocytes. We investigated the involvement of leukotriene B4 in the early stages of experimental paracoccidioidomycosis, which was induced by intratracheal inoculation of the fungus in selected mouse lines. The mouse lines utilized were produced through bi-directional phenotypic selection, endowed with maximal or minimal acute inflammatory reactivity, and designated AIRmax and AIRmin, respectively. AIRmax mice were more resistant to the infection, which was demonstrated by reduced lung fungal loads. However, the two lines produced similar amounts of leukotriene B4, and pharmacological inhibition of this mediator provoked similar fungal load increases in the two lines. The lower fungal load in the AIRmax mice was associated with a more effective inflammatory response, which was characterized by enhanced recruitment and activation of phagocytic cells and an increased production of activator cytokines. This process resulted in an increased release of fungicidal molecules and a diminution of fungal load. In both lines, leukotriene production was associated with a protective response in the lung that was consequent to the effect of this eicosanoid on the influx and activation of phagocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helanderson A Balderramas
- Botucatu School of Medicine, Department of Tropical Diseases, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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High expression of human monocyte iNOS mRNA induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is not associated with increase in NO production. Microbes Infect 2012; 14:1049-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 06/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Bordon-Graciani AP, Dias-Melicio LA, Acorci-Valério MJ, Araujo JP, de Campos Soares ÂMV. Inhibitory effect of PGE2on the killing ofParacoccidioides brasiliensisby human monocytes can be reversed by cellular activation with cytokines. Med Mycol 2012; 50:726-34. [DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2012.676740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Biondo GA, Dias-Melicio LA, Bordon-Graciani AP, Kurokawa CS, Soares AMV. Production of leukotriene B4 by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Yeast 2012; 29:201-8. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.2900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Augusto Biondo
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Campus de Botucatu; SP; Brazil
| | | | - Ana Paula Bordon-Graciani
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Campus de Botucatu; SP; Brazil
| | - Cilmery Suemi Kurokawa
- Departamento de Pediatria; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Campus de Botucatu; SP; Brazil
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CJ F, LA DM, AMVC S, S G, MTS P, A S. Cell-free antigens from precocious Paracoccidioides brasiliensis culture induce a typical delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s1678-91992011000300012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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16
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Mailloux AW, Young MRI. Regulatory T-cell trafficking: from thymic development to tumor-induced immune suppression. Crit Rev Immunol 2010; 30:435-47. [PMID: 21083525 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.v30.i5.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have become a priority for many investigators in immunology due to their potent immunosuppressive and tolerogenic effects. While Treg activity is required for normal immune homeostasis, dysregulation of their numbers can induce autoimmunity or aid in the pathogenesis of disease. Therefore, great effort has been made to understand the mechanisms by which Tregs accumulate in different areas of the body. Like other lymphocytes, Tregs migrate in response to a network of chemotactic stimuli involving chemokines, chemokine receptors, integrins, and their corresponding ligands. However, many of these stimuli are exclusive to Tregs, inducing their migration while leaving conventional populations unaffected. It is these selective stimuli that result in increased ratios of Tregs among conventional effector populations, leading to changes in immune suppression and homeostasis. This review explores selective Treg trafficking during thymic Treg development, migration to secondary lymphoid tissues and emigration into the periphery during homeostatic conditions, inflammation, and the tumor microenvironment, placing emphasis on stimuli that selectively recruits Tregs to target locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Mailloux
- Immunology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Fungal adaptation to the mammalian host: it is a new world, after all. Curr Opin Microbiol 2008; 11:511-6. [PMID: 18955154 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2008.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2008] [Revised: 09/24/2008] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Adaptation to environmental conditions is key to fungal survival during infection of human hosts. Although the host immune system is often considered the primary obstacle to fungal colonization, invading fungi must also contend with extreme abiotic stresses. Recent work with human pathogenic fungi has uncovered systems for detecting and responding to changes in temperature, carbon source, metal ion availability, pH, and gas tension. These systems play a major role in adaptation to the host niche and are essential factors for persistence in a mammalian host. Future investigations into fungal responses to these and other abiotic components of the host environment have the potential to uncover novel targets for anti-fungal therapy.
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Rolain JM, Colson P, Raoult D. Recycling of chloroquine and its hydroxyl analogue to face bacterial, fungal and viral infections in the 21st century. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2007; 30:297-308. [PMID: 17629679 PMCID: PMC7126847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2007.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2007] [Accepted: 05/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chloroquine (CQ) and its hydroxyl analogue hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are weak bases with a half-century long use as antimalarial agents. Apart from this antimalarial activity, CQ and HCQ have gained interest in the field of other infectious diseases. One of the most interesting mechanisms of action is that CQ leads to alkalinisation of acid vesicles that inhibit the growth of several intracellular bacteria and fungi. The proof of concept of this effect was first used to restore intracellular pH allowing antibiotic efficacy for Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, and doxycycline plus HCQ is now the reference treatment for chronic Q fever. There is also strong evidence of a similar effect in vitro against Tropheryma whipplei, the agent of Whipple's disease, and a clinical trial is in progress. Other bacteria and fungi multiply in an acidic environment and encouraging in vitro data suggest that this concept may be generalised for all intracellular organisms that multiply in an acidic environment. For viruses, CQ led to inhibition of uncoating and/or alteration of post-translational modifications of newly synthesised proteins, especially inhibition of glycosylation. These effects have been well described in vitro for many viruses, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) being the most studied. Preliminary in vivo clinical trials suggest that CQ alone or in combination with antiretroviral drugs might represent an interesting way to treat HIV infection. In conclusion, our review re-emphasises the paradigm that activities mediated by lysosomotropic agents may offer an interesting weapon to face present and future infectious diseases worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Rolain
- Unité des Rickettsies, CNRS UMR 6020, Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France.
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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