Theileria annulata surface protein (TaSP) is a target of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 phosphorylation in Theileria annulata-infected cells

Exploring the Transcriptome Dynamics of In Vivo Theileria annulata Infection in Crossbred Cattle

The molecular changes occurring in the host in response to in vivo Theileria annulata parasitic infection are not well understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the differential expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) across Theileria annulata-infected and non-infected crossbred cows. The differential expression profiles from PBMCs of infected and non-infected crossbred cows were generated by RNA sequencing. A marked difference in the expression of genes associated with innate immunity (FTH1, ACTB, ISG15) was observed between the two groups. The over-represented pathways in Theileria annulata-infected cows were associated with the immune system and regulation of the mitotic cycle. Enriched genes and pathways in non-infected animals were associated with the maintenance of chromatin integrity and cell structure. The highly connected genes identified in this study form potential candidates for further investigation into host-parasite interactions in cattle. An improved understanding of the transcriptomic dynamics during theileriosis would lead to underpinning molecular level differences related to the health status of cattle.

Identification of a Novel Interaction between Theileria Prohibitin (TaPHB-1) and Bovine RuvB-Like AAA ATPase 1

Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria annulata, an intracellular parasite that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa. The infective forms of the parasite to cattle are sporozoites that are introduced into the host when the infected ticks take a blood meal. The sporozoites selectively invade bovine B cells, macrophages, or monocytes, leading to their cellular transformation. The parasite factors involved in the host cell transformation are not well explored. In pursuit of this, we revisited the probable secretome of the parasite and, following a stringent downscaling criterion, have identified Theileria prohibitin (TaPHB-1) as one of factors secreted into the host cells. Interestingly, in infected cells, TaPHB-1 localized both on the parasite surface and in the host cytoplasm, and independent approaches such as coimmunoprecipitation, yeast two-hybrid screening (Y2H), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmed RuvB-like AAA ATPase 1 (RUVBL-1) as one of its interacting partners. Further, the T. annulata infection does not affect the localization of bovine prohibitin. Mitigating the expression of bovine RUVBL-1 precluded the translocation of TaPHB-1 in the host cell cytoplasm without affecting the host cell viability. Taken together, we report for the first time a unique interaction of TaPHB-1 with bovine RUVBL-1 that is likely needed to cause cancer-like hallmarks during theileriosis. IMPORTANCE Theileria annulata is an apicomplexan parasite that causes tropical theileriosis in cattle. It is the only eukaryotic pathogen able to cause cellular transformation of host cells yielding a cancer-like phenotype. The parasite factors responsible for the transformation of the host cell are largely unknown. This study demonstrates for the first time the partial role of Theileria prohibitin (TaPHB-1) in maintaining the transformed state of the host cell and its interaction with RuvB-like AAA ATPase 1 (RUVBL-1) in a T. annulata-infected bovine cell line. Interestingly, the knockdown of bovine RUVBL-1 rendered the parasites metabolically inactive, implying that the identified interaction is critical for parasite survival. This study contributes to our understanding the Theileria-host interactions and offers scope for novel therapeutic interventions to control theileriosis.

Sequence polymorphisms in a Theileria annulata surface protein (TaSP) known to augment the immunity induced by live attenuated cell line vaccine

Theileria annulata is a tick-borne protozoan causing tropical theileriosis in cattle. The use of attenuated cell line vaccines in combination with subunit vaccines has been relatively successful as a control method, as exemplified by a recent study in which immunization with a local cell line followed by booster vaccinations with recombinant T. annulata surface protein (TaSP) resulted in 100% protection upon field challenge in Sudan. However, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to other countries as culture-attenuated live vaccines are generated using local strains and no systematic evaluation of genotype differences between countries has been undertaken. In this study, we sequenced the TaSP gene from T. annulata cell lines and field isolates from Tunisia (n = 28) and compared them to genotypes from Sudan (n = 25) and Morocco (n = 1; AJ316259.1). Our analyses revealed 20 unique TaSP genotypes in the Tunisian samples, which were all novel but similar to genotypes found in Asia. The impact of these polymorphisms on the ability of the TaSP antigen to boost the immunity engendered by live cell line vaccines, especially in Tunisia where studies with TaSP have not been conducted, remains to be examined. Interestingly, phylogenetic analyses of publicly available TaSP sequences resolved the sequences into two clusters with no correlation to the geographical origin of the isolates. The availability of candidate vaccines that were recently attenuated using local strains from Sudan, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco should be exploited to generate a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variation across this regional collection of attenuated live vaccines.

Theileria annulata SVSP455 interacts with host HSP60

Background

Theileria annulata, a transforming parasite, invades bovine B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, promoting the uncontrolled proliferation of these cells. This protozoan evolved intricate strategies to subvert host cell signaling pathways related to antiapoptotic signaling to enable survival and proliferation within the host cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of the cell transformation induced by T. annulata remain largely unclear. Although some studies have predicted that the subtelomere-encoded variable secreted protein (SVSP) family plays roles in host-parasite interactions, the evidence for this is limited.

Methods

In the present study, the SVSP455 (TA05545) gene, a member of the SVSP gene family, was used as the target molecule. The expression pattern of SVSP455 in different life-cycle stages of T. annulata infection was explored using a quantitative real-time PCR assay, and the subcellular distribution of SVSP455 was observed using confocal microscopy. The host cell proteins interacting with SVSP455 were screened using the Y2H system, and their interactions were verified in vivo and in vitro using both bimolecular fluorescence complementation and confocal microscopy, and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The role played by SVSP455 in cell transformation was further explored by using overexpression, RNA interference and drug treatment experiments.

Results

The highest level of the SVSP455 transcript was detected in the schizont stage of T. annulata, and the protein was located both on the surface of schizonts and in the host cell cytoplasm. In addition, the interaction between SVSP455 and heat shock protein 60 was shown in vitro, and their link may regulate host cell apoptosis in T. annulata-infected cells.

Conclusion

Our findings are the first to reveal that T. annulata-secreted SVSP455 molecule directly interacts with both exogenous and endogenous bovine HSP60 protein, and that the interaction of SVSP455-HSP60 may manipulate the host cell apoptosis signaling pathway. These results provide insights into cancer-like phenotypes underlying Theilera transformation and therapeutics for protection against other pathogens.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05427-z.

Screening and identification of Theileria annulata subtelomere-encoded variable secreted protein-950454 (SVSP454) interacting proteins from bovine B cells

BACKGROUND

Theileria annulata is a protozoan parasite that can infect and transform bovine B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. The mechanism of the transformation is still not well understood, and some parasite molecules have been identified, which contribute to cell proliferation by regulating host signaling pathways. Subtelomeric variable secreted proteins (SVSPs) of Theileria might affect the host cell phenotype, but its function is still not clear. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the interactions of SVSP454 with host cell proteins to investigate the molecular mechanism of T. annulata interaction with host cells.

METHODS

The transcription level of an SVSP protein from T. annulata, SVSP454, was analyzed between different life stages and transformed cell passages using qRT-PCR. Then, SVSP454 was used as a bait to screen its interacting proteins from the bovine B cell cDNA library using a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. The potential interacting proteins of host cells with SVSP454 were further identified by using a coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays.

RESULTS

SVSP454 was transcribed in all three life stages of T. annulata but had the highest transcription during the schizont stage. However, the transcription level of SVSP454 continuously decreased as the cultures passaged. Two proteins, Bos Taurus coiled-coil domain 181 (CCDC181) and Bos Taurus mitochondrial ribosomal protein L30 (MRPL30), were screened. The proteins CCDC181 and MRPL30 of the host were further identified to directly interact with SVSP454.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, SVSP454 was used as a bait plasmid, and its prey proteins CCDC181 and MRPL30 were screened out by using a Y2H system. Then, we demonstrated that SVSP454 directly interacted with both CCDC181 and MRPL30 by Co-IP and BiFC assays. Therefore, we speculate that SVSP454-CCDC181/SVSP454MRPL30 is an interacting axis that regulates the microtubule network and translation process of the host by some vital signaling molecules. Identification of the interaction of SVSP454 with CCDC181 and MRPL30 will help illustrate the transformation mechanisms induced by T. annulata.

Theileria's Strategies and Effector Mechanisms for Host Cell Transformation: From Invasion to Immortalization

One of the first events that follows invasion of leukocytes by Theileria sporozoites is the destruction of the surrounding host cell membrane and the rapid association of the intracellular parasite with host microtubules. This is essential for the parasite to establish its niche within the cytoplasm of the invaded leukocyte and sets Theileria spp. apart from other members of the apicomplexan phylum such as Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp., which reside within the confines of a host-derived parasitophorous vacuole. After establishing infection, transforming Theileria species (T. annulata, T. parva) significantly rewire the signaling pathways of their bovine host cell, causing continual proliferation and resistance to ligand-induced apoptosis, and conferring invasive properties on the parasitized cell. Having transformed its target cell, Theileria hijacks the mitotic machinery to ensure its persistence in the cytoplasm of the dividing cell. Some of the parasite and bovine proteins involved in parasite-microtubule interactions have been fairly well characterized, and the schizont expresses at least two proteins on its membrane that contain conserved microtubule binding motifs. Theileria-encoded proteins have been shown to be translocated to the host cell cytoplasm and nucleus where they have the potential to directly modify signaling pathways and host gene expression. However, little is known about their mode of action, and even less about how these proteins are secreted by the parasite and trafficked to their target location. In this review we explore the strategies employed by Theileria to transform leukocytes, from sporozoite invasion until immortalization of the host cell has been established. We discuss the recent description of nuclear pore-like complexes that accumulate on membranes close to the schizont surface. Finally, we consider putative mechanisms of protein and nutrient exchange that might occur between the parasite and the host. We focus in particular on differences and similarities with recent discoveries in T. gondii and Plasmodium species.

Theileria secretes proteins to subvert its host leukocyte

Theileria parasites are classified in the phylum Apicomplexa that includes several genera of medical and veterinary importance such as Plasmodium, Babesia, Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium. These protozoans have evolved subtle ways to reshape their intracellular niche for their own benefit and Theileria is no exception. This tick transmitted microorganism is unique among all eukaryotes in that its intracellular schizont stage is able to transform its mammalian host leukocytes into an immortalised highly disseminating cell that phenocopies tumour cells. Here, we describe what is known about secreted Theileria-encoded host cell manipulators.