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Liu M, Zhang D, Wang D, Wu X, Zhang Y, Yin J, Zhu G. Cost-effective In Vivo and In Vitro Mouse Models for Evaluating Anticryptosporidial Drug Efficacy: Assessing Vorinostat, Docetaxel, and Baicalein. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1430-1440. [PMID: 37418629 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad243] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidiosis is a significant diarrheal disease in humans and animals. Immunodeficient mice are the primary small animal models, but their high costs and specialized breeding/housing requirements limit in vivo drug testing. Numerous anticryptosporidial lead compounds identified in vitro remain untested in vivo. METHODS Cryptosporidium tyzzeri, a natural mouse parasite closely related to Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis, was isolated to establish an infection model in immunocompetent mice. The model was validated using classic anticryptosporidial drugs (paromomycin and nitazoxanide) and then employed to assess the efficacy of 3 new leads (vorinostat, docetaxel, and baicalein). An in vitro culture of C. tyzzeri was also developed to complement the animal model. RESULTS Chronic C. tyzzeri infection was established in chemically immunosuppressed wild-type mice. Paromomycin (1000 mg/kg/d) and nitazoxanide (100 mg/kg/d) demonstrated efficacy against C. tyzzeri. Vorinostat (30 mg/kg/d), docetaxel (25 mg/kg/d), and baicalein (50 mg/kg/d) were highly effective against C. tyzzeri infection. In vitro, nitazoxanide, vorinostat, docetaxel, and baicalein exhibited low to submicromolar efficacy against C. tyzzeri. CONCLUSIONS Novel in vivo and in vitro models have been developed for cost-effective anticryptosporidial drug testing. Vorinostat, docetaxel, and baicalein show potential for repurposing and/or optimization for developing new anticryptosporidial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Dongqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jigang Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Aboelsoued D, Abdullah HHAM, Megeed KNA, Hassan SE, Toaleb NI. Evaluation of a vaccine candidate isolated from Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst in mice. Vet World 2022; 15:2772-2784. [PMID: 36718331 PMCID: PMC9880841 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2772-2784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of diarrheal disease worldwide and is an animal and public health burden. This study aimed to evaluate the protective potential of affinity-purified Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst antigen as a vaccine candidate according to fecal oocyst shedding, humoral and cellular immune responses, histopathological changes, and the number of parasite developmental stages in ileal and hepatic tissues. Materials and Methods We isolated oocysts from naturally infected buffalo calves and identified them molecularly as C. parvum isolates (GenBank: ON730707 and ON730708) by targeting the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene. We propagated the C. parvum oocysts in mice. In addition, we prepared crude antigen from the isolated oocysts by purification using cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose-4B affinity chromatography coupled with rabbit hyperimmune serum. Then, we divided 81 parasite-free mice into three groups: (1) non-vaccinated non-infected mice, (2) mice orally infected with 1 × 105 C. parvum oocysts on week 4 of the experiment, and (3) mice immunized twice with 40 μg/kg of the purified fraction at 2-week intervals. Then, we challenged the vaccinated group with C. parvum oocysts after 2 weeks, and the positive control group was infected at the same time. Results We observed a prolonged prepatent period and decreased oocyst shedding in the vaccinated infected mice compared with the non-vaccinated infected mice (t < 0.001). The vaccinated mice had significantly higher immunoglobulin G levels than those in the other two groups at all examined weeks. In addition, the production of cytokines interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, and IL-15 was activated post-vaccination. After the challenge, all tested cytokines were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the two infected groups compared with the non-vaccinated non-infected group, with the highest levels in the vaccinated infected group. Vaccinated infected mice exhibited significantly fewer pathological lesions in the ileum and liver than non-vaccinated infected mice, which showed prominent histopathological lesions. Endogenous developmental stages of C. parvum indicated that the ileum was more parasitized than the liver and that vaccination resulted in a lower number of oocysts in ileal and hepatic tissues (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our prepared affinity-purified vaccine candidate could be promising in protecting against cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Aboelsoued
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt,Corresponding author: Dina Aboelsoued, e-mail: Co-authors: HHAMA: , KNAM: , SEH: , NIT:
| | - Hend H. A. M. Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Kadria N. Abdel Megeed
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Soad E. Hassan
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nagwa I. Toaleb
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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Dayao DA, Jaskiewcz J, Lee S, Oliveira BC, Sheoran A, Widmer G, Tzipori S. Development of Two Mouse Models for Vaccine Evaluation against Cryptosporidiosis. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0012722. [PMID: 35735982 PMCID: PMC9302090 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00127-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis was shown a decade ago to be a major contributor to morbidity and mortality of diarrheal disease in children in low-income countries. A serious obstacle to develop and evaluate immunogens and vaccines to control this disease is the lack of well-characterized immunocompetent rodent models. Here, we optimized and compared two mouse models for the evaluation of vaccines: the Cryptosporidium tyzzeri model, which is convenient for screening large numbers of potential mixtures of immunogens, and the Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mouse pretreated with interferon gamma-neutralizing monoclonal antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Ann Dayao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justyna Jaskiewcz
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sangun Lee
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruno Cesar Oliveira
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
- União das Faculdades dos Grandes Lagos, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Abhineet Sheoran
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Giovanni Widmer
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Saul Tzipori
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
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Wu Y, Wu C, Che Y, Zhang T, Dai C, Nguyễn AD, Duan K, Huang Y, Li N, Zhou H, Wan X, Wang Y, Lei H, Hao P, Li C, Wu Y. Effects of Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides on Chickens' Intestinal Health and Homeostasis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:891429. [PMID: 35647094 PMCID: PMC9134109 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.891429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming causes the accumulation of drug residue in animals' bodies and the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which not only compromise animals' health but ultimately endanger human health. Thus, there is an urgent need for a novel poultry feed additive to substitute for excessive antibiotics. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GPS) derived from Chinese licorice have shown promising immunomodulatory effects in previous studies. The present study investigated the pharmacological effects of GPS on poultry intestines to assess whether it can be used as a feed additive. The results show that GPS can increase production of sIgA, promote the secretion activity of goblet cells, alter the gut microbial composition and lead to changes in short-chain fatty acids. GPS also elevated both Th1 and Th2 immune responses by facilitating the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-1β, and IFN-γ while increasing the proportion of both CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the intestine. Moreover, the results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that GPS could significantly change intestinal microbiota composition in the intestine, evidenced by the increased proportion of Bacteroides, Butyricicoccus and Eisenbergiella, as well as a decreased portion of Erysipelatoclostridium, leading to a healthier intestinal microbiota composition for the host. Taken together, it can be concluded that GPS is safe to use as a novel feed additive that can be used as an alternative to prophylactic antibiotics in poultry feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenyang Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyun Che
- Engineering Laboratory for National Healthcare Theories and Products of Yunnan Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Dai
- College of Life Sciences, Experimental Teaching Center of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Audrey D. Nguyễn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Kun Duan
- China Tobacco Henan Industrial Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanyu Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Nannan Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Wan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuedi Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongjun Lei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Hao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Caiyue Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Wu ;
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The immunogenic maturation of goat monocyte-derived dendritic cells and upregulation of toll-like receptors by five antigens of Haemonchus contortus in-vitro. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:247-258. [PMID: 33721712 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Previously, it was found that several proteins of Haemonchus contortus were involved in the stimulation of the host immune system. However, the information about the selection of superlative antigens with immunogenic efficacies on host DCs is lacking. In the current study, the stimulatory effects of five recombinant proteins (elongation factor-1α, arginine kinase, ES-15, ES-24, and ADP-ribosylation factor 1) of H. contortus on the maturation of goat monocyte-derived dendritic cells (md-DCs) were reported. Recombinant proteins were purified separately in E. coli expression and incubated with isolated goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) results confirmed the binding of these molecules to the md-DC's surface as compared to control groups. In the flow cytometry analysis, recombinant proteins induced md-DC stimulation via the up-regulation of the expression of the costimulatory molecule (CD80) and MHC-II. Quantitative RT-PCR data showed a significant increase in the expression of specific genes of the WNT and toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways. The result of ELISA indicated the higher levels of cytokine (IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) secretion in the md-DC compared to the negative (pET-32a His-Tag) and blank (PBS) control groups. The data gives valuable support in the selection of potential antigens for future studies on the immunomodulation of the host against the infection of H. contortus.
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Huang Y, Song Y, You Y, Mi R, Han X, Gong H, Chen Z, Liu Y. Development of an immunocompetent mouse model susceptible to Cryptosporidium tyzzeri infection. Parasite Immunol 2020; 43:e12800. [PMID: 33068486 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Immunocompromised mice are extensively used in the screening of vaccines and drugs for Cryptosporidium, but this study model does not reflect the real status of infection in immunocompetent animals. This study aimed to provide an optimized animal model for future studies of Cryptosporidium vaccine. METHODS AND RESULTS Three mouse strains (ICR, BALB/c and KM) with or without immunosuppression were compared after challenge with Cryptosporidium tyzzeri (C tyzzeri). The results indicated that ICR mice shed a greater number of faecal oocysts (20 346 ± 203 oocysts/g) compared with BALB/c (2077 ± 142 oocysts/g) and KM mice (3207 ± 431 oocysts/g) after experimental infection with C tyzzeri (P < .001). However, ICR mouse model is uniquely effective for C tyzzeri, not for other Cryptosporidium spp. such as C parvum. ICR mice were then used to determine the immunoreactions and immunoprotection of P23-DNA vaccine (pVAX1-P23) to C tyzzeri experimental infection. The results showed that a significant increase in anti-P23 antibody levels was induced by the pVAX1-P23 vaccine. Compared to pVAX1, TB and blank control mice, pVAX1-P23 immunized mice produced specific spleen cell proliferation as well as enhanced IL-5, IL-12p70 and IFN-γ production in sera. After challenge with 5 × 106 C tyzzeri oocysts, the oocyst shedding of the pVAX1-P23 immunized group was reduced by 69.94% comparing to the infection control. CONCLUSION These results provide an optimized animal model for the study of prophylactic vaccines and this model might be applied to other candidates against Cryptosporidium, not only for pVAX1-P23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Huang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Song
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Y You
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - R Mi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - X Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - H Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Sonzogni-Desautels K, Mead JR, Ndao M. Mouse Models for Use in Cryptosporidium Infection Studies and Quantification of Parasite Burden Using Flow Cytometry, qPCR, and Histopathology. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2052:229-251. [PMID: 31452166 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9748-0_14] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis threatens life of young children in developing countries and newborn calves around the world. No vaccine or therapy can prevent or cure this diarrhea-inducing enteric disease caused by Cryptosporidium spp. protozoan parasites. There is an essential need to discover new therapeutic drugs efficient in reducing parasite burden in infected individuals. Research therefore relies on reliable small animal models of cryptosporidiosis. Here, we present excellent mouse models which can efficiently mimic pathogenesis of human and bovine cryptosporidiosis. We also describe methods to purify C. parvum oocysts from stool and intestine of infected mice to facilitate oocyst quantification. Moreover, we present protocols using flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and histopathology to accurately quantify parasite burden in stool or intestine samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Sonzogni-Desautels
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jan R Mead
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Partida-Rodríguez O, Serrano-Vázquez A, Nieves-Ramírez ME, Moran P, Rojas L, Portillo T, González E, Hernández E, Finlay BB, Ximenez C. Human Intestinal Microbiota: Interaction Between Parasites and the Host Immune Response. Arch Med Res 2017; 48:690-700. [PMID: 29290328 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human gut is a highly complex ecosystem with an extensive microbial community, and the influence of the intestinal microbiota reaches the entire host organism. For example, the microbiome regulates fat storage, stimulates or renews epithelial cells, and influences the development and maturation of the brain and the immune system. Intestinal microbes can protect against infection by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Hence, the maintenance of homeostasis between the gut microbiota and the rest of the body is crucial for health, with dysbiosis affecting disease. This review focuses on intestinal protozoa, especially those still representing a public health problem in Mexico, and their interactions with the microbiome and the host. The decrease in prevalence of intestinal helminthes in humans left a vacant ecological niche that was quickly occupied by protozoa. Although the mechanisms governing the interaction between intestinal microbiota and protozoa are poorly understood, it is known that the composition of the intestinal bacterial populations modulates the progression of protozoan infection and the outcome of parasitic disease. Most reports on the complex interactions between intestinal bacteria, protozoa and the immune system emphasize the protective role of the microbiota against protozoan infection. Insights into such protection may facilitate the manipulation of microbiota components to prevent and treat intestinal protozoan infections. Here we discuss recent findings about the immunoregulatory effect of intestinal microbiota with regards to intestinal colonization by protozoa, focusing on infections by Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis spp, Giardia duodenalis, Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. The possible consequences of the microbiota on parasitic, allergic and autoimmune disorders are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswaldo Partida-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of Brithish Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Angélica Serrano-Vázquez
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Miriam E Nieves-Ramírez
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Patricia Moran
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Liliana Rojas
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Tobias Portillo
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Bioestadística y Biología Computacional. Red de Apoyo a la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Enrique González
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Eric Hernández
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - B Brett Finlay
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of Brithish Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cecilia Ximenez
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
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Lemieux MW, Sonzogni-Desautels K, Ndao M. Lessons Learned from Protective Immune Responses to Optimize Vaccines against Cryptosporidiosis. Pathogens 2017; 7:pathogens7010002. [PMID: 29295550 PMCID: PMC5874728 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens7010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In developing countries, cryptosporidiosis causes moderate-to-severe diarrhea and kills thousands of infants and toddlers annually. Drinking and recreational water contaminated with Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts has led to waterborne outbreaks in developed countries. A competent immune system is necessary to clear this parasitic infection. A better understanding of the immune responses required to prevent or limit infection by this protozoan parasite is the cornerstone of development of an effective vaccine. In this light, lessons learned from previously developed vaccines against Cryptosporidium spp. are at the foundation for development of better next-generation vaccines. In this review, we summarize the immune responses elicited by naturally and experimentally-induced Cryptosporidium spp. infection and by several experimental vaccines in various animal models. Our aim is to increase awareness about the immune responses that underlie protection against cryptosporidiosis and to encourage promotion of these immune responses as a key strategy for vaccine development. Innate and mucosal immunity will be addressed as well as adaptive immunity, with an emphasis on the balance between TH1/TH2 immune responses. Development of more effective vaccines against cryptosporidiosis is needed to prevent Cryptosporidium spp.-related deaths in infants and toddlers in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime W Lemieux
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Karine Sonzogni-Desautels
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Gao Q, Zhao S, Qin T, Yin Y, Yu Q, Yang Q. Effects of inactivated porcine epidemic diarrhea virus on porcine monocyte-derived dendritic cells and intestinal dendritic cells. Res Vet Sci 2016; 106:149-58. [PMID: 27234553 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a serious infection in neonatal piglets. As the causative agent of PED, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) results in acute diarrhea and dehydration with high mortality rates in swine. Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly effective antigen-presenting cells to uptake and present viral antigens to T cells, which then initiate a distinct immune response. In this study, our results show that the expression of Mo-DCs surface markers such as SWC3a(+)CD1a(+), SWC3a(+)CD80/86(+) and SWC3a(+)SLA-II-DR(+) is increased after incubation with UV-PEDV for 24h. Mo-DCs incubated with UV-PEDV produce higher levels of IL-12 and INF-γ compared to mock-infected Mo-DCs. Interactions between Mo-DCs and UV-PEDV significantly stimulate T-cell proliferation in vitro. Consistent with these results, there is an enhancement in the ability of porcine intestinal DCs to activate T-cell proliferation in vivo. We conclude that UV-PEDV may be a useful and safe vaccine to trigger adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Gao
- Nanjing Agricultural University, Wei gang 1, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Nanjing Agricultural University, Wei gang 1, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Tao Qin
- Nanjing Agricultural University, Wei gang 1, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yinyan Yin
- Nanjing Agricultural University, Wei gang 1, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qinghua Yu
- Nanjing Agricultural University, Wei gang 1, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qian Yang
- Key Lab of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, PR China.
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11
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Biomarkers of Gastrointestinal Host Responses to Microbial Infections. Mol Microbiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555819071.ch46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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12
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Shen JQ, Yang QL, Xue Y, Cheng XB, Jiang ZH, Yang YC, Chen YD, Zhou XN. Inducible nitric oxide synthase response and associated cytokine gene expression in the spleen of mice infected with Clonorchis sinensis. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1661-70. [PMID: 25687522 PMCID: PMC4412385 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Clonorchis sinensis is a food-borne parasite that induces a permanent increase of nitrosation in the body upon infection. The spleen is an important secondary lymphoid organ for the regulation of immune responses locally and in the whole body. However, the functions and mechanisms of the spleen in nitric oxide (NO) responses after C. sinensis infection remain unknown. In this study, BALB/c mice were infected with 20, 40, and 80 C. sinensis metacercariae to simulate mild, moderate, and severe infections, respectively. We examined the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the spleen and the relevant cytokine transcription in splenocytes from the mice infected with different amounts of metacercariae. The iNOS of the mice infected with 80 metacercariae was expressed in the spleen as early as 10 days post-infection (dpi) and gradually increased until 90 dpi. The iNOS expression in the mice infected with 40 metacercariae was detected only at 45 and 90 dpi, but not in the mice infected with 20 metacercariae. The level of interferon (IFN)-γ messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription in splenocytes significantly increased at 10 and 20 dpi (P < 0.05) in response to mild/moderate infection but gradually decreased to normal levels after 45 dpi. The level of IL-12p35 mRNA transcription did not change at 10 and 20 dpi but significantly decreased after 45 dpi under moderate/severe infection (P < 0.05/0.01/0.001). The level of IL-18 mRNA transcription significantly increased at 10 dpi (P < 0.05/0.01) but significantly decreased after 20 dpi (P < 0.05/0.01/0.001). These results suggest that spleen is an important organ for iNOS/NO responses, which correspond to the severity of C. sinensis infection, but cannot be attributed to the expression of the Th1 cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Qing Shen
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing-Li Yang
- National Institute of Parasitic Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, 200025 People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guangxi Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis, Nanning, 530028 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Xue
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Bing Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hua Jiang
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guangxi Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis, Nanning, 530028 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Chao Yang
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guangxi Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis, Nanning, 530028 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Dan Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, 200025 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, 200025 People’s Republic of China
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13
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Wilhelm CL, Yarovinsky F. Apicomplexan infections in the gut. Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:409-20. [PMID: 25201405 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum are intracellular protozoan parasites that establish infection through the small intestinal bowel after the ingestion of contaminated food products. These Apicomplexan parasites have emerged as an important cause of chronic and fatal disease in immunodeficient individuals, in addition to being investigated as possible triggers of inflammatory bowel disease. T. gondii disseminates to the brain and other tissues after infection, whereas C. parvum remains localized to the intestine. In the following review, we will discuss the pathogenesis of these parasitic diseases in the small intestine, the site of initial invasion. Themes include the sequence of invasion, the structure of Th1 immunity provoked by these parasites and the contribution of intestinal microbiota to the development of the mucosal immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Wilhelm
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA
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14
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Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp is a ubiquitous parasite that has long been recognized as a frequent cause of protozoal diarrhea in humans. While infections in immunocompetent hosts are usually self-limiting, immunocompromised individuals can develop severe, chronic, and life-threatening illness. Vaccine development or immunotherapy that prevents disease or reduces the severity of infection is a relevant option since efficacious drug treatments are lacking. In particular, children in developing countries might benefit the most from a vaccine since cryptosporidiosis in early childhood has been reported to be associated with subsequent impairment in growth, physical fitness, and intellectual capacity. In this review, immunotherapies that have been used clinically are described as well as experimental vaccines and their evaluation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Mead
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Decatur, GA USA; Department of Pediatrics; Emory University; Atlanta, GA USA
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15
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Martinez FO, Gordon S. The M1 and M2 paradigm of macrophage activation: time for reassessment. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2014; 6:13. [PMID: 24669294 PMCID: PMC3944738 DOI: 10.12703/p6-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3140] [Impact Index Per Article: 314.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages are endowed with a variety of receptors for lineage-determining growth factors, T helper (Th) cell cytokines, and B cell, host, and microbial products. In tissues, macrophages mature and are activated in a dynamic response to combinations of these stimuli to acquire specialized functional phenotypes. As for the lymphocyte system, a dichotomy has been proposed for macrophage activation: classic vs. alternative, also M1 and M2, respectively. In view of recent research about macrophage functions and the increasing number of immune-relevant ligands, a revision of the model is needed. Here, we assess how cytokines and pathogen signals influence their functional phenotypes and the evidence for M1 and M2 functions and revisit a paradigm initially based on the role of a restricted set of selected ligands in the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando O. Martinez
- Botnar Research Center, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of OxfordWindmill Road, OX3 7LD, OxfordUK
| | - Siamon Gordon
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of OxfordSouth Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3REUK
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16
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Codices V, Martins C, Novo C, de Sousa B, Lopes Â, Borrego M, Matos O. Dynamics of cytokines and immunoglobulins serum profiles in primary and secondary Cryptosporidium parvum infection: Usefulness of Luminex® xMAP technology. Exp Parasitol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Choudhry N, Petry F, van Rooijen N, McDonald V. A protective role for interleukin 18 in interferon γ-mediated innate immunity to Cryptosporidium parvum that is independent of natural killer cells. J Infect Dis 2012; 206:117-24. [PMID: 22517912 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity against some intracellular parasitic protozoa involves interleukin 18 (IL-18)-mediated interferon γ (IFN-γ) production by natural killer (NK) cells, but the role of IL-18 in innate resistance to Cryptosporidium infection is unknown. Adult Rag2(-/-)γc(-/-) mice that lack NK cells, T cells, and B cells demonstrated resistance to Cryptosporidium parvum infection that was IFN-γ dependent. Treatment with anti-IL-18-neutralizing antibodies resulted in loss of resistance correlating with reduced intestinal IFN-γ expression. Intestinal mature IL-18 expression increased in vivo during infection and also in the intestinal epithelial cell line CMT-93 following combined IFN-γ treatment/infection. Peritoneal macrophages produced IFN-γ when stimulated with IL-18 combined with interleukin 12, and the latter was expressed in vivo during infection. Macrophage depletion in infected mice caused a rapid growth of infection with no increase in IFN-γ expression. These findings provide evidence of an NK cell-independent, IFN-γ-mediated innate immune pathway against C. parvum in which IL-18 and macrophages play prominent parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naheed Choudhry
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Queen Mary College University of London, United Kingdom
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18
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McDonald V. Cryptosporidiosis: host immune responses and the prospects for effective immunotherapies. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2012; 9:1077-86. [PMID: 22029525 DOI: 10.1586/eri.11.123] [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]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. that develop in intestinal epithelial cells are responsible for the diarrhoeal disease cryptosporidiosis, which is common in humans of all ages and in neonatal livestock. Following infection, parasite reproduction increases for a number of days before it is blunted and then impeded by innate and adaptive immune responses. Immunocompromised hosts often cannot establish strong immunity and develop chronic infections that can lead to death. Few drugs consistently inhibit parasite reproduction in the host, and chemotherapy might be ineffective in immunodeficient hosts. Future options for prevention or treatment of cryptosporidiosis might include vaccines or recombinant immunological molecules, but this will probably require a better understanding of both the mucosal immune system and intestinal immune responses to the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent McDonald
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Queen Mary College University of London, Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK.
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19
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20
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Petry F, Jakobi V, Tessema TS. Host immune response to Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:304-9. [PMID: 20685209 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Species of the genus Cryptosporidium are protozoan parasites (Apicomplexa) that cause gastroenteritis in animals and humans. Of these Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis are the major causative agents of human cryptosporidiosis. Whereas infection is self-limiting in the immunocompetent hosts, immunocompromised individuals develop a chronic, life-threatening disease. As specific therapeutic or preventive interventions are not yet available, better understanding of the immune response to the parasite is required. This minireview briefly summarizes the factors involved in the innate and acquired immune response in this pathogen-host interaction with an emphasis on more recent data from mouse models of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Petry
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, D-55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Adoptive transfer of protective immunity from Cryptosporidium parvum-infected interferon-γ and interleukin-12-deficient mice to naive recipients. Vaccine 2009; 27:6575-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2008] [Revised: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 08/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Dynamics of gut mucosal and systemic Th1/Th2 cytokine responses in interferon-gamma and interleukin-12p40 knock out mice during primary and challenge Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Immunobiology 2009; 214:454-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2008.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Revised: 11/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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23
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Hedhli D, Dimier-Poisson I, Judge JW, Rosenberg B, Mévélec MN. Protective immunity against Toxoplasma challenge in mice by coadministration of T. gondii antigens and Eimeria profilin-like protein as an adjuvant. Vaccine 2009; 27:2274-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.01.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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24
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Petry F, Jakobi V, Wagner S, Tessema TS, Thiel S, Loos M. Binding and activation of human and mouse complement by Cryptosporidium parvum (Apicomplexa) and susceptibility of C1q- and MBL-deficient mice to infection. Mol Immunol 2008; 45:3392-400. [PMID: 18501966 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2008] [Revised: 04/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite (Apicomplexa) that causes gastrointestinal disease in animals and humans. Whereas immunocompetent hosts can limit the infection within 1 or 2 weeks, immunocompromised individuals develop a chronic, life-threatening disease. The importance of the adaptive cellular immune response, with CD4+ T-lymphocytes being the major players, has been clearly demonstrated. Several non-adaptive immune mechanisms have been suggested to contribute to the host defence, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) from NK cells, certain chemokines, beta-defensins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, but the influence of the complement systems has been less well studied. We analysed the in vitro binding and activation of the human and mouse complement systems and tested the susceptibility to infection in complement-deficient mouse strains. We found that C. parvum can activate both the classical and lectin pathways, leading to the deposition of C3b on the parasite. Using real-time PCR, parasite development could be demonstrated in adult mice lacking mannan-binding lectin (MBL-A/C-/-) but not in mice lacking complement factor C1q (C1qA-/-) or in wild type C57BL/6 mice. The contribution of the complement system and the lectin pathway in particular to the host defence against cryptosporidiosis may become apparent in situations of immunodeficiency such as HIV infections or in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Petry
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Augustusplatz/Hochhaus, D-55101 Mainz, Germany.
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