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Hidifira AM, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Perez EC, Spadacci-Morena DD, de Araujo RS, Lallo MA. Increased susceptibility to encephalitozoonosis associated with mixed Th1/Th2 profile and M1/M2 profile in mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide. Exp Parasitol 2023; 254:108606. [PMID: 37666408 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108606] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a unicellular, spore-forming, obligate intracellular eukaryote belonging to the phylum Microsporidia. It is known to infect mainly immunocompromised and immunocompetent mammals, including humans. The parasite-host relationship has been evaluated using both in vitro cell culturing and animal models. For example, Balb/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains have been used interchangeably, although the latter has been considered more susceptible due to the higher fungal load observed after infection. In the present study, we identified the characteristics of the immune response of C57BL/6 mice treated or not with the immunosuppressant cyclophosphamide (Cy) and challenged with E. cuniculi by intraperitoneal route. After 14 days of infection, serum was collected to analyze Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine levels. In addition, peritoneal washes were performed, and the spleen sample was collected for immune cell phenotyping, whereas liver, spleen, kidney, lung, intestine, and central nervous system (CNS) samples were collected for histopathological analysis. Although infected mice displayed a reduced absolute number of macrophages, they showed an M1 profile, an elevated number of CD4+T, CD8+T, B-1, and B-2 lymphocytes, with a predominance of Th1 inflammatory cytokines (interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and interleukin [IL]-2) and Th17. Furthermore, Cy-Infected mice showed a reduced absolute number of macrophages with an M1 profile but a reduced number of CD4+T, CD8+T, B-1, and B-2 lymphocytes, with a predominance of Th1 inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4). This group displayed a higher fungal burden as well and developed more severe encephalitozoonosis, which was associated with a reduced number of T and B lymphocytes and a mixed profile of Th1 and Th2 cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Miyuki Hidifira
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Moysés CRS, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Perez EC, Spadacci-Morena DD, Vidôto da Costa LF, Xavier JG, Lallo MA. Mice with genetic and induced B-cell deficiency as a model for disseminated encephalitozoonosis. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 81:101742. [PMID: 35074660 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101742] [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: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi, an intracellular pathogen, lives in a balanced relationship with immunocompetent individuals based on the activity of T lymphocytes. We previously highlighted the greater susceptibility of B-1 cell-deficient mice (XID mice) to encephalitozoonosis. This study aimed to develop a model of disseminated and severe encephalitozoonosis in mice with combined immunodeficiency to elucidate the role of B cells. To address this objective, cyclophosphamide (Cy)-treated BALB/c and XID mice were inoculated with E. cuniculi, followed by the evaluation of the immune response and histopathological lesions. Immunosuppressed BALB/c mice manifested no clinical signs with an increase in the populations of T lymphocytes and macrophages in the spleen. Immunosuppressed and infected XID mice revealed elevated T cells, macrophages populations, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) with the presence of abdominal effusion and lesions in multiple organs. These clinical characteristics are associated with extensive and severe encephalitozoonosis. The symptoms and lesion size were reduced, whereas B-2 and CD4+ T cells populations were increased in the spleen by transferring B-2 cells adoptive to XID mice. Moreover, B-1 cells adoptive transfer upregulated the peritoneal populations of B-2 cells and macrophages but not T lymphocytes and decreased the symptoms. Herein, we speculated the consistency in the development of severe and disseminated encephalitozoonosis in mice with genetic deficiency of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) associated with Cy immunosuppression develop with that of the models with T cell deficiency. Taken together, these data emphasized the crucial role of B cells in the protective immune response against encephalitozoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Renata Serantoni Moysés
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua José Maria Whitaker 290, CEP 05622-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anuska Marcelino Alvares-Saraiva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua José Maria Whitaker 290, CEP 05622-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, CEP 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Interdisciplinar em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, Rua Galvão Bueno, 868, CEP 01506-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Cristina Perez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua José Maria Whitaker 290, CEP 05622-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Lidiana Flora Vidôto da Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua José Maria Whitaker 290, CEP 05622-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Guilherme Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua José Maria Whitaker 290, CEP 05622-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - Unip, Rua José Maria Whitaker 290, CEP 05622-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Rodriguez-Tovar LE, Markham RJF, Speare DJ, Sheppard J. Cellular immunity in salmonids infected with the microsporidial parasite Loma salmonae or exposed to non-viable spores. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2006; 114:72-83. [PMID: 16934335 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2006.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2005] [Revised: 07/10/2006] [Accepted: 07/11/2006] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Following a per os challenge of naive rainbow trout with live spores of Loma salmonae, head kidney mononuclear cells (MNC) in culture were able to proliferate in response to crude soluble parasite extract or intact dead spores. A significant response was seen by week 2 post-exposure and a maximum response developed by week 6 or 8, respectively. During this initial challenge, spore filled cysts developed on the gills of challenged fish, and the cysts ruptured by week 12 as is typical for microsporidial gill disease of salmonids (MGDS). Two weeks following this, fish were re-challenged with live spores, and in these fish an enhanced in vitro proliferative response of MNC was immediately apparent, and spore filled cysts did not develop. In contrast, when naive trout were given dead spores by intraperitoneal injection, the most pronounced proliferative responses of MNC developed earlier (week 2 PE) and the response was greater when cells were incubated in vitro with dead spores rather than with crude soluble extract. When these fish were re-challenged per os with live spores, a heightened proliferation in MNC was observed 4 weeks after this exposure and the fish likewise resisted development of xenomas. In fish infected orally or injected intraperitoneally with spores, a marked increase in the response to the mitogen concanavalin A was seen for 22 weeks post-exposure when compared to controls not receiving any spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Rodriguez-Tovar
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A 4P3
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Lallo MA, Bondan EF. Experimental meningoencephalomyelitis by Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed mice. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2006; 63:246-51. [PMID: 16100970 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2005000200010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoonosis is an increasingly important opportunistic protozoan infection in immunocompromised individuals. This study aims to examine the development of an experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in the central nervous system of immunosuppressed mice. Adult Balb-C mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with E. cuniculi spores, treated with cyclophosphamide during the experimental period and killed from 15 to 75 days post-inoculation. Tissue samples were collected and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy investigation. Multifocal granulomas were seen in all organs. A lymphocytic, diffuse, non-suppurative menigoencephalomyelitis was observed, with neuronal degeneration and necrosis, macrophagic infiltration and reactive astrocytosis. E. cuniculi spores were seen in the microgranulomas or occurred unassociated with inflammatory reaction. The parasites were rarely seen in Hematoxylin-Eosin stained sections, but were Gram-Chromotrope positive. Proliferative forms and spores were found in parasitophorous vacuoles within neural cells and macrophages. Experimental encephalitozoonosis in immunosuppressed mice provides an useful model for the study of brain lesions associated with these protozoans in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anete Lallo
- Veterinary Immunopathology Laboratory, Paulista University (UNIP), São Paulo SP, Brazil
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García D, Leiro J, Delgado R, Sanmartín ML, Ubeira FM. Mangifera indicaL. extract (Vimang) and mangiferin modulate mouse humoral immune responses. Phytother Res 2003; 17:1182-7. [PMID: 14669253 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of orally administered Vimang (an aqueous extract of Mangifera indica) and mangiferin (the major polyphenol present in Vimang) on mouse antibody responses induced by inoculation with spores of microsporidian parasites. Inoculation induced specific antibody production with an exponential timecourse, peaking after about one month. Vimang significantly inhibited this antibody production from about three weeks post-inoculation, and most markedly by four weeks post-inoculation; by contrast, mangiferin had no significant effect. Determination of Ig isotypes showed that the IgM to IgG switch began about four weeks post-inoculation, with IgG2a predominating. Vimang significantly inhibited IgG production, but had no effect on IgM. Mangiferin did no affect either IgM or IgG2a, but significantly enhanced production of IgG1 and IgG2b. Neither Vimang nor mangiferin enhanced specific antibody secretion by splenic plasma cells from mice inoculated with microsporidian spores, whether administered in vivo before serum extraction or in vitro to the culture medium. Inoculation with spores induced splenomegaly, which was significantly reduced by Vimang and significantly enhanced by mangiferin. These results suggest that components of Mangifera indica extracts may be of potential value for modulating the humoral response in different immunopathological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- D García
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Centro de Química Farmacéutica, Ciudad de la Habana (Havana City), Cuba
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Silveira H, Canning EU, Shadduck JA. Experimental infection of athymic mice with the human microsporidian Nosema corneum. Parasitology 1993; 107 ( Pt 5):489-96. [PMID: 8295788 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182000068062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Athymic mice (BALB/c nu/nu/Ola/Hsd) were experimentally infected intraperitoneally with Nosema corneum spores. Infection was monitored in the first and second weeks post-infection. The liver, spleen, kidney, intestine, lung, heart, brain and eye were collected. Quantification of infection in each organ using three different techniques gave approximately the same pattern of infection. Infection increased with time. Histological observations were made on the sites of infection in each organ. All organs were infected, the liver being the most heavily infected. The eye was infected in the retina in contrast to the cornea which was the site of infection in the original host. The present study of N. corneum in athymic mice has shown that this system could also be used to study host-parasite relationships and serve as a model for testing therapeutic agents. Previously the only microsporidian serving as a suitable model for human microsporidiosis was Encephalitozoon cuniculi.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Silveira
- Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
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Lecomte V, Chumpitazi BF, Pasquier B, Ambroise-Thomas P, Santoro F. Brain-tissue cysts in rats infected with the RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Res 1992; 78:267-9. [PMID: 1589437 DOI: 10.1007/bf00931740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Virulent strains of the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii become attenuated so as to survive and complete their life cycle; however, it is not known whether the attenuation process is attributable to an innate cystogenic capacity of the parasite or to host-induced mechanisms. This report presents direct evidence of RH cystogenesis in non-immunised Fischer rats and subsequent attenuation of RH pathogenicity in non-immunised mice following a single passage through rats. Taken together, these preliminary observations tend to suggest that at least one mechanism of T. gondii involves intermediate host attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Lecomte
- Départment de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire, CNRS URA 1344, Faculté de Médecine, Université Joseph Fourier, La Tronche, France
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