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Zhou JY, Lu YN, Shen XY, Quan YZ, Lu JM, Jin GN, Liu YM, Zhang SH, Xu GH, Xu X, Piao LX. Coixol mitigates Toxoplasma gondii infection-induced liver injury by inhibiting the Toxoplasma gondii HSP70/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in hepatic macrophages. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 335:118694. [PMID: 39147001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Coix seed, the dry mature seed kernel of the gramineous plant coix (Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf), is widely consumed as a traditional Chinese medicine and functional food in China and South Korea. We have previously demonstrated the protective effect of coixol, a polyphenolic compound extracted from coix, against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection-induced lung injury. However, the protective effect of coixol on hepatic injury induced by T. gondii infection have not yet been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study explores the impact of coixol on T. gondii infection-induced liver injury and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female BALB/c mice and Kupffer cells (KCs) were employed to establish an acute T. gondii infection model in vivo and an inflammation model in vitro. The study examined coixol's influence on the T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70 (T.g.HSP70)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway in T. gondii-infected liver macrophages. Furthermore, a co-culture system of KCs and NCTC-1469 hepatocytes was developed to observe the impact of liver macrophages infected with T. gondii on hepatocyte injury. RESULTS Coixol notably inhibited the proliferation of tachyzoites and the expression of T.g.HSP70 in mouse liver and KCs, and attenuated pathological liver injury. Moreover, coixol decreased the production of high mobility group box 1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Coixol also mitigated KCs-mediated hepatocyte injury. CONCLUSIONS Coixol protects against liver injury caused by T. gondii infection, potentially by diminishing hepatocyte injury through the suppression of the inflammatory cascade mediated by the T.g.HSP70/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in KCs. These findings offer new perspectives for developing coixol as a lead compound for anti-T. gondii drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yu-Nan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xin-Yu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yan-Zhu Quan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jing-Mei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guang-Nan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yi-Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Si-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guang-Hua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Lian-Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China.
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Lu JM, Xu X, Aosai F, Zhang MY, Zhou LL, Piao LX. Protective effect of arctiin against Toxoplasma gondii HSP70-induced allergic acute liver injury by disrupting the TLR4-mediated activation of cytosolic phospholipase A 2 and platelet-activating factor. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111254. [PMID: 37995571 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111254] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-derived heat shock protein 70 (T.g.HSP70) is a toxic protein that downregulates host defense responses against T. gondii infection. T.g.HSP70 was proven to induce fatal anaphylaxis in T. gondii infected mice through cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activated-platelet-activating factor (PAF) production via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated signaling. In this study, we investigated the effect of arctiin (ARC; a major lignan compound of Fructus arctii) on allergic liver injury using T.g.HSP70-stimulated murine liver cell line (NCTC 1469) and a mouse model of T. gondii infection. Localized surface plasmon resonance, ELISA, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of ARC on T. gondii-induced allergic acute liver injury. The results showed that ARC suppressed the T.g.HSP70-induced allergic liver injury in a dose-dependent manner. ARC could directly bind to T.g.HSP70 or TLR4, interfering with the interaction between these two factors, and inhibiting activation of the TLR4/mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling, thereby inhibiting the overproduction of cPLA2, PAF, and interferon-γ. This result suggested that ARC ameliorates T.g.HSP70-induced allergic acute liver injury by disrupting the TLR4-mediated activation of inflammatory mediators, providing a theoretical basis for ARC therapy to improve T.g.HSP70-induced allergic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Mei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Fumie Aosai
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ming-Yue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lu-Lu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lian-Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China.
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Coixol ameliorates Toxoplasma gondii infection-induced lung injury by interfering with T. gondii HSP70/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110031. [PMID: 36933491 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes pulmonary toxoplasmosis, although its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. There is no cure for toxoplasmosis. Coixol, a plant polyphenol extracted from coix seeds, has a variety of biological activities. However, the effects of coixol on T. gondii infection have not been clarified. In this study, we infected a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and BALB/c mice with the T. gondii RH strain to establish infection models in vitro and in vivo, respectively, to explore protective effects and potential mechanisms of coixol on lung injury caused by T. gondii infection. Anti-T. gondii effects and underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms of coixol were investigated by real-time quantitative PCR, molecular docking, localized surface plasmon resonance, co-immunoprecipitation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. The results show that coixol inhibits T. gondii loads and T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70 (T.g.HSP70) expression. Moreover, coixol reduced inflammatory cell recruitment and infiltration, and ameliorated pathological lung injury induced by T. gondii infection. Coixol can directly bind T.g.HSP70 or Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to disrupt their interaction. Coixol prevented overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and high mobility group box 1 by inhibiting activation of the TLR4/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, consistent with effects of the TLR4 inhibitor CLI-095. These results indicate that coixol improves T. gondii infection-induced lung injury by interfering with T.g.HSP70-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Altogether, these findings suggest that coixol is a promising effective lead compound for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Lu YN, Shen XY, Lu JM, Jin GN, Lan HW, Xu X, Piao LX. Resveratrol inhibits Toxoplasma gondii-induced lung injury, inflammatory cascade and evidences of its mechanism of action. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154522. [PMID: 36332392 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan that can infect host to cause toxoplasmosis. We have previously reported that resveratrol (RSV) has protective effects against liver damage in T. gondii infected mice. However, the effect of RSV on lung injury caused by T. gondii infection and its mechanism of action remain unclear. PURPOSE In this work, we studied the protective effects of RSV on lung injury caused by T. gondii infection and explored the underlying mechanism. METHODS Molecular docking and localized surface plasmon resonance assay were used to detect the molecular interactions between RSV and target proteins. In vitro, the anti-T. gondii effects and potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of RSV were investigated by quantitative competitive-PCR, RT-PCR, ELISA, Western blotting and immunofluorescence using RAW 264.7 cells infected with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. In vivo, the effects of RSV on lung injury caused by T. gondii infection were assessed by observing pathological changes and the expression of inflammatory factors of lung. RESULTS RSV inhibited T. gondii loads and T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70 (T.g.HSP70) expression in RAW 264.7 cells and lung tissues. Moreover, RSV interacts with T.g.HSP70 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), respectively, and interferes with the interaction between T.g.HSP70 and TLR4. It also inhibited the overproduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase, TNF-α and high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) by down-regulating TLR4/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which is consistent with the effect of TLR4 inhibitor CLI-095. In vivo, RSV improved the pathological lung damage produced by T. gondii infection, as well as decreased the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the release of HMGB1 and TNF-α. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that RSV can inhibit the proliferation of T. gondii and T.g.HSP70 expression both in vitro and in vivo. RSV can inhibit excessive inflammatory response by intervening T.g.HSP70 and HMGB1 mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation, thereby ameliorating lung injury caused by T. gondii infection. The present study provides new data that may be useful for the development of RSV as a new agent for the treatment of lung damage caused by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Nan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Xin Yu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Jing Mei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Guang Nan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Hui Wen Lan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China.
| | - Lian Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China.
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Hou Z, Zhang H, Xu K, Zhu S, Wang L, Su D, Liu J, Su S, Liu D, Huang S, Xu J, Pan Z, Tao J. Cluster analysis of splenocyte microRNAs in the pig reveals key signal regulators of immunomodulation in the host during acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:58. [PMID: 35177094 PMCID: PMC8851844 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05164-3] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can cause a geographically widespread zoonosis. Our previous splenocyte microRNA profile analyses of pig infected with T. gondii revealed that the coordination of a large number of miRNAs regulates the host immune response during infection. However, the functions of other miRNAs involved in the immune regulation during T. gondii infection are not yet known. METHODS Clustering analysis was performed by K-means, self-organizing map (SOM), and hierarchical clustering to obtain miRNA groups with the similar expression patterns. Then, the target genes of the miRNA group in each subcluster were further analyzed for functional enrichment by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome pathway to recognize the key signaling molecules and the regulatory signatures of the innate and adaptive immune responses of the host during T. gondii infection. RESULTS A total of 252 miRNAs were successfully divided into 22 subclusters by K-means clustering (designated as K1-K22), 29 subclusters by SOM clustering (designated as SOM1-SOM29), and six subclusters by hierarchical clustering (designated as H1-H6) based on their dynamic expression levels in the different infection stages. A total of 634, 660, and 477 GO terms, 15, 26, and 14 KEGG pathways, and 16, 15, and 7 Reactome pathways were significantly enriched by K-means, SOM, and hierarchical clustering, respectively. Of note, up to 22 miRNAs mainly showing downregulated expression at 50 days post-infection (dpi) were grouped into one subcluster (namely subcluster H3-K17-SOM1) through the three algorithms. Functional analysis revealed that a large group of immunomodulatory signaling molecules were controlled by the different miRNA groups to regulate multiple immune processes, for instance, IL-1-mediated cellular response and Th1/Th2 cell differentiation partly depending on Notch signaling transduction for subclusters K1 and K2, innate immune response involved in neutrophil degranulation and TLR4 cascade signaling for subcluster K15, B cell activation for subclusters SOM17, SOM1, and SOM25, leukocyte migration, and chemokine activity for subcluster SOM9, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction for subcluster H2, and interleukin production, chemotaxis of immune cells, chemokine signaling pathway, and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway for subcluster H3-K17-SOM1. CONCLUSIONS Cluster analysis of splenocyte microRNAs in the pig revealed key regulatory properties of subcluster miRNA molecules and important features in the immune regulation induced by acute and chronic T. gondii infection. These results contribute new insight into the identification of physiological immune responses and maintenance of tolerance in pig spleen tissues during T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangzhi Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingzeyang Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiantao Liu
- YEBIO Bioengineering Co., Ltd. of QINGDAO, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyang Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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Arctigenin exhibits hepatoprotective activity in Toxoplasma gondii-infected host through HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 84:106539. [PMID: 32361192 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis with the highest incidence in humans. Severe lesions due to acute toxoplasmosis have been recorded in the visceral organs including the liver, where hepatocytes and Kupffer cells are important innate immune cells. Arctigenin (AG) is a bioactive ingredient of Arctium lappa L. and increasing evidence suggests that AG exhibits anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) effects. However, the role of AG in acute liver damage induced by T. gondii infection remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effects of AG against T. gondii-induced liver damage by establishing an in vitro infection model using a murine liver cell line (NCTC-1469 cells) and an in vivo mouse model with acute T. gondii infection of virulent RH strain. In the current study, AG effectively attenuated hepatocytes apoptosis and inhibited the reproduction of T. gondii. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies showed that AG significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase activities and lessened pathological damage of liver. Moreover, AG suppressed T. gondii-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase production. AG also attenuated liver inflammation by inhibiting T. gondii-induced activation of the high-mobility group box1/toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathway. These findings demonstrated that AG exhibited prominent hepatoprotective activities in toxoplasmic liver injury with anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling axis. Thus, this study provides the basis for the development of new drugs to treat toxoplasmic hepatitis.
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Cheng JH, Xu X, Li YB, Zhao XD, Aosai F, Shi SY, Jin CH, Piao JS, Ma J, Piao HN, Jin XJ, Piao LX. Arctigenin ameliorates depression-like behaviors in Toxoplasma gondii-infected intermediate hosts via the TLR4/NF-κB and TNFR1/NF-κB signaling pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 82:106302. [PMID: 32086097 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a known neurotropic protozoan that remains in the central nervous system and induces neuropsychiatric diseases in intermediate hosts. Arctigenin (AG) is one of the major bioactive lignans of the fruit Arctium lappa L. and has a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities such as neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-T. gondii effects. However, the effect of AG against depressive behaviors observed in T. gondii-infected hosts has not yet been clarified. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of AG against T. gondii-induced depressive behaviors in intermediate hosts using a microglia cell line (BV2 cells) and brain tissues of BALB/c mice during the acute phase of infection with the RH strain of T. gondii. AG attenuated microglial activation and neuroinflammation via the Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1/NF-κB signaling pathways, followed by up-regulating the dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels and inhibiting the depression-like behaviors of hosts. AG also significantly decreased the T. gondii burden in mouse brain tissues. In conclusion, we elucidated the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of AG against depressive behaviors induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Ying-Biao Li
- Department of Neurology, Affliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin, China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Fumie Aosai
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Su-Yun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Jing-Shu Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Juan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Hu-Nan Piao
- Department of Neurology, Affliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, Jilin, China.
| | - Xue-Jun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China.
| | - Lian-Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8315-5918
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Liu D, Zhang J, Shi Y, Liu Z. Gene polymorphism and risk of idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Life Sci 2019; 229:124-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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9
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Xu X, Jin L, Jiang T, Lu Y, Aosai F, Piao HN, Xu GH, Jin CH, Jin XJ, Ma J, Piao LX. Ginsenoside Rh2 attenuates microglial activation against toxoplasmic encephalitis via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. J Ginseng Res 2019; 44:704-716. [PMID: 32913400 PMCID: PMC7471213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is a characterized component in red ginseng widely used in Korea and China. GRh2 exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, its effects on Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection have not been clarified yet. Methods The effect of GRh2 against T. gondii was assessed under in vitro and in vivo experiments. The BV2 cells were infected with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain, and the effects of GRh2 were evaluated by MTT assay, morphological observations, immunofluorescence staining, a trypan blue exclusion assay, reverse transcription PCR, and Western blot analyses. The in vivo experiment was conducted with BALB/c mice inoculated with lethal amounts of tachyzoites with or without GRh2 treatment. Results and conclusion The GRh2 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of T. gondii under in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, GRh2 blocked the activation of microglia and specifically decreased the release of inflammatory mediators in response to T. gondii infection through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In mice, GRh2 conferred modest protection from a lethal dose of T. gondii. After the treatment, the proliferation of tachyzoites in the peritoneal cavity of infected mice markedly decreased. Moreover, GRh2 also significantly decreased the T. gondii burden in mouse brain tissues. These findings indicate that GRh2 exhibits an anti–T. gondii effect and inhibits the microglial activation through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, providing the basic pharmacological basis for the development of new drugs to treat toxoplasmic encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Lan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Tong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Fumie Aosai
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hu-Nan Piao
- Department of Neurology, Affliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Guang-Hua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Xue-Jun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Juan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Lian-Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
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10
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Sengar GS, Kant R, Deb R, Verma P. Small interfering RNA based knock down of acute heat shock and or GGA inducible bovine heat shock protein 70 may interfere invitro expression pattern of TLR2/4 and NOD1/2. J Therm Biol 2018; 77:75-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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11
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Interleukin-17A-Deficient Mice Are Highly Susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii Infection Due to Excessively Induced T. gondii HSP70 and Interferon Gamma Production. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00399-17. [PMID: 28893913 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00399-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin17A (IL-17A) is known to be involved in the host defense against pathogens and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Previously, we showed that excessive amounts of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) play an important role in the pathogenesis of the lethal effects of Toxoplasma gondii by inducing anaphylactic responses. In the study described in this report, we examined the effects of IL-17A deficiency on murine host defense against oral T. gondii infection. IL-17A-deficient C57BL/6 (B6) mice exhibited higher rates of mortality than wild-type (WT) mice during the acute phase of T. gondii infection. CD4+ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs) and ileum of T. gondii-infected IL-17A-deficient mice produced higher levels of IFN-γ than did those of WT mice. In addition, the level of T. gondii HSP70 (T.gHSP70) expression was also significantly increased in the ileum, mLNs, liver, and spleen of infected IL-17A-deficient mice compared with that in WT mice. These elevated levels of expression of T.gHSP70 and IFN-γ in infected IL-17A-deficient mice were presumably linked to the IL-17A defect since they decreased to WT levels after treatment with recombinant IL-17A. Furthermore, IL-17A-deficient mice were highly susceptible to the anaphylactic effect of T.gHSP70, and the survival of IL-17A-deficient mice during the acute phase was improved by treatment with an anti-T.gHSP70 monoclonal antibody. These results suggest that IL-17A plays an important role in host survival against T. gondii infection by protecting the host from an anaphylactic reaction via the downregulation of T.gHSP70 and IFN-γ production.
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12
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Yamamoto Y, Shigemori S, Nigar S, Oshiro K, Wang Y, Sato T, Shimosato T. Development of a simple IgE-independent anaphylactic model using buckwheat antigen and B-type CpG oligodeoxynucleotide from Streptococcus thermophilus. Anim Sci J 2015; 87:710-7. [PMID: 26302702 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We developed a severe anaphylactic model in mice using buckwheat antigen and B-type CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) from Streptococcus thermophilus genome. In typical systemic anaphylaxis models, animals are challenged with large quantity of antigens via an intravenous (i.v.) route. Here, we showed a simple anaphylactic shock after challenge via intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. The i.p. method is simpler than i.v. administration and has a lower risk for failure. To generate this anaphylactic model, 5-week-old female BALB/c mice were first i.p. sensitized with buckwheat antigen mixed with B-type CpG-ODN. After 2 weeks, mice were challenged with antigen to induce anaphylactic shock, which was evaluated by scoring the severity symptoms and measuring serum levels of various proteins and splenic cell producing cytokines. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G2a production and interferon-γ positive cells were markedly increased in mice immunized with antigen mixed with B-type CpG-ODN, whereas serum IgE levels were decreased by B-type CpG-ODN. We also examined the effects of various ODNs (A, B and C-type CpG-ODNs) and antigens (buckwheat, α-casein, β-lactoglobulin and ovalbumin) on anaphylactic severity, and found that the combination of buckwheat and B-type CpG-ODN induced the most intense anaphylactic shock. This model is expected to contribute to the study of the prevention of anaphylactic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinari Yamamoto
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nagano, Japan
| | - Suguru Shigemori
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nagano, Japan.,Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan
| | | | | | - Yeqin Wang
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takashi Sato
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimosato
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nagano, Japan.,Graduate School of Agriculture, Nagano, Japan.,Department of Interdisciplinary Genome Sciences and Cell Metabolism, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research (ICCER), Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
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13
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Zhang CF, Dai LS, Wang L, Qian C, Wei GQ, Li J, Zhu BJ, Liu CL. Eicosanoids mediate sHSP 20.8 gene response to biotic stress in larvae of the Chinese oak silkworm Antheraea pernyi. Gene 2014; 562:32-9. [PMID: 25527122 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) can regulate protein folding and protect cells from stress. To investigate the role of sHSPs in the silk-producing insect Antheraea pernyi (A. pernyi; Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), cDNA encoding HSP20.8 in A. pernyi, termed Ap-sHSP20.8, was identified as a 564 bp ORF. The translated amino acid sequence encoded 187 residues with a calculated molecular mass of 20.8 kDa and an isoelectronic point (pI) of 5.98; the sequence showed homology to sHSP chaperone proteins from other insects. Ap-sHSP20.8 mRNA transcript expression was abundant in the midgut and fat body and found to be both constitutive and inducible by infectious stimuli. Therefore, Ap-sHSP20.8 may play important roles in A. pernyi immune responses under biotic stress. Furthermore, we found that eicosanoids could mediate the induction of Ap-sHSP20.8 in the fat body and midgut. Our findings show that sHSPs may be promising molecules to target in order to cripple immunity in insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Fen Zhang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, Hefei 230036, PR China; Department of Pharmacology, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, Wuhu 241002, PR China
| | - Li-Shang Dai
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Cen Qian
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Guo-Qing Wei
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Bao-Jian Zhu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, Hefei 230036, PR China.
| | - Chao-Liang Liu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, Hefei 230036, PR China.
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14
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CTL induction by DNA vaccine with Toxoplasma gondii-HSP70 gene. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:408-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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15
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Zare-Bidaki M, Hakimi H, Abdollahi SH, Zainodini N, Kazemi Arababadi M, Kennedy D. TLR4 in Toxoplasmosis; friends or foe? Microb Pathog 2014; 69-70:28-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Calderwood SK, Murshid A, Gong J. Heat shock proteins: conditional mediators of inflammation in tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2012; 3:75. [PMID: 22566956 PMCID: PMC3342006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein (HSP)-based anticancer vaccines have undergone successful preclinical testing and are now entering clinical trial. Questions still remain, however regarding the immunological properties of HSPs. It is now accepted that many of the HSPs participate in tumor immunity, at least in part by chaperoning tumor antigenic peptides, introducing them into antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DC) that display the antigens on MHC class I molecules on the cell surface and stimulate cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL). However, in order for activated CD8+ T cells to function as effective CTL and kill tumor cells, additional signals must be induced to obtain a sturdy CTL response. These include the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on the DC surface and inflammatory events that can induce immunogenic cytokine cascades. That such events occur is indicated by the ability of Hsp70 vaccines to induce antitumor immunity and overcome tolerance to tumor antigens such as mucin1. Secondary activation of CTL can be induced by inflammatory signaling through Toll-like receptors and/or by interaction of antigen-activated T helper cells with the APC. We will discuss the role of the inflammatory properties of HSPs in tumor immunity and the potential role of HSPs in activating T helper cells and DC licensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart K Calderwood
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
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Toxoplasma gondii infection inhibits Th17-mediated spontaneous development of arthritis in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-deficient mice. Infect Immun 2012; 80:1437-44. [PMID: 22290145 DOI: 10.1128/iai.05680-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)-deficient BALB/c mice develop spontaneous arthritis resembling human rheumatoid arthritis. We herein report that infection with Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan, is capable of ameliorating the spontaneous development of arthritis in IL-1Ra-deficient mice. The onset of arthritis development was delayed and the severity score of arthritis was significantly suppressed in T. gondii-infected mice. Expression of IL-12p40 mRNA from CD11c(+) cells of mesenteric lymph nodes (mLN) and spleen markedly increased at 1 week after peroral infection. While CD11c(+) cells also produced IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-6, CD4(+) T cells from T. gondii-infected mice expressed significantly high levels of T-bet and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) mRNA in both mLN and spleen. Levels of GATA-3/IL-4 mRNA or RORγt/IL-17 mRNA decreased in the infected mice, indicating Th1 cell polarization and the reduction of Th2 and Th17 cell polarization. The severity of arthritis was related to Th1 cell polarization accompanied by Th17 cell reduction, demonstrating the protective role of the T. gondii-derived Th1 response against Th17 cell-mediated arthritis in IL-1Ra-deficient mice.
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite. Following oral infection the parasite crosses the intestinal epithelial barrier to disseminate throughout the body and establish latent infection in central nervous tissues. The clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to severe neurological disorders in immunocompromised individuals. Since the clinical presentation is diverse and depends, among other factors, on the immune status of the host, in the present review, we introduce parasitological, epidemiological, clinical, and molecular biological aspects of infection with T. gondii to set the stage for an in-depth discussion of host immune responses. Since immune responses in humans have not been investigated in detail the present review is exclusively referring to immune responses in experimental models of infection. Systemic and local immune responses in different models of infection are discussed, and a separate chapter introduces commonly used animal models of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melba Munoz
- Charite Medical School Berlin - Microbiology and Hygiene, Berlin, Germany
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Toxoplasma gondii infection inhibits the mitochondrial apoptosis through induction of Bcl-2 and HSP70. Parasitol Res 2010; 107:1313-21. [PMID: 20680337 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1999-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) is highly expressed in Toxoplasma gondii-infected cells. However, the role of this protein is not well understood, especially during apoptosis. This study addresses the mechanism behind the antiapoptotic chaperone activity of HSP70 in Toxoplasma-infected host cells using a human macrophage cell line, THP-1 by Western blot, DNA fragmentation assay, immunoprecipitation, and a caspase-3/7 activity assay based on cleavage of the colorimetric substrate DEVD-pNA. Apoptosis induced by arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) was inhibited in T. gondii-infected THP-1 cells, but not in uninfected cells. Without As(2)O(3) induction of apoptosis, T. gondii infection caused increased expression of Bcl-2 and HSP70, but not caspase-3. However, active form caspase-3 levels were lower in As(2)O(3)-treated infected cells as compared with As(2)O(3)-treated uninfected cells. Bcl-2 expression in As(2)O(3)-treated infected cells was similar to that in cells infected with T. gondii. Translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria were inhibited in As(2)O(3)-treated infected cells as compared with As(2)O(3)-treated uninfected cells. Increased parasite loads in Toxoplasma-infected macrophages caused higher HSP70 and Bcl-2 expression in whole-cell extracts and fractionated components, respectively. However, expression of AIF and cytochrome c was unaffected. Toxoplasma dose-dependently inhibited caspase-3 activation, thus revealing an anti-apoptotic parasite activity on cytochrome c-mediated caspase activation in subcellular components. In addition, immunoprecipitation analysis suggested that HSP70 is capable of binding to the pro-apoptotic factors AIF and Apaf-1, but not to cytochrome c or procaspase-9. Taken together, these data demonstrate that T. gondii infection inhibits mitochondrial apoptosis through overproduction of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 as well as HSP70, which are increased parasite loads dependently.
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Protective immunity against lethal anaphylactic reaction in Toxoplasma gondii-infected mice by DNA vaccination with T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70 gene. Parasitol Int 2010; 59:105-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2010.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Revised: 02/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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