1
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Bursali F, Touray M. The complexities of blood-feeding patterns in mosquitoes and sandflies and the burden of disease: A minireview. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1580. [PMID: 39171609 PMCID: PMC11339650 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1580] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes and sandflies exhibit a wide range of blood feeding patterns, targeting a wide range of vertebrate species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, for proteins vital for egg development. This broad host range increases the opportunity for them to acquire pathogens of numerous debilitating-and-fatal diseases from various animal reservoirs, playing a significant role in disease crossover between animals and humans, also known as zoonotic transmission. This review focuses on the intricate blood-feeding habits of these dipteran vectors, their sensory systems and the complex dance between host and pathogen during disease transmission. We delve into the influence of blood sources on pathogen spread by examining the insect immune response and its intricate interplay with pathogens. The remarkable sense of smell guiding them towards food sources and hosts is explored, highlighting the interplay of multiple sensory cues in their navigation. Finally, we examine the challenges in mosquito control strategies and explore innovations in this field, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to combat this global health threat. By understanding the biology and behaviour of these insects, we can develop more effective strategies to protect ourselves and mitigate the burden of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Bursali
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
| | - Mustapha Touray
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
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2
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Schinkel M, Bousema T, van Rij RP. Tripartite interactions between viruses, parasites, and mosquitoes. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 64:101222. [PMID: 38908822 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases have a major impact on global human health. Biological agents that colonize the mosquito vector are increasingly explored as an intervention strategy to prevent vector-borne disease transmission. For instance, the release of mosquitoes carrying the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia effectively reduced dengue virus incidence and disease. Insect-specific viruses are likewise considered as biocontrol agents against vector-borne diseases. While most studies focused on insect-specific viruses as an intervention against arthropod-borne viruses, we here consider whether mosquito-specific viruses may affect the transmission of the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasite by Anopheles mosquitoes. Although there is no direct experimental evidence addressing this question, we found that viral infections in dipteran insects activate some of the immune pathways that are antiparasitic in Anopheles. These findings suggest that indirect virus-parasite interactions could occur and that insect-specific viruses may modulate malaria transmission. Tripartite interactions between viruses, parasites, and Anopheles mosquitoes thus merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald P van Rij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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3
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Zeineddine S, Jaber S, Saab SA, Nakhleh J, Dimopoulos G, Osta MA. Late sporogonic stages of Plasmodium parasites are susceptible to the melanization response in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1438019. [PMID: 39149419 PMCID: PMC11324593 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1438019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The malaria-causing parasites have to complete a complex infection cycle in the mosquito vector that also involves attack by the insect's innate immune system, especially at the early stages of midgut infection. However, Anopheles immunity to the late Plasmodium sporogonic stages, such as oocysts, has received little attention as they are considered to be concealed from immune factors due to their location under the midgut basal lamina and for harboring an elaborate cell wall comprising an external layer derived from the basal lamina that confers self-properties to an otherwise foreign structure. Here, we investigated whether Plasmodium berghei oocysts and sporozoites are susceptible to melanization-based immunity in Anopheles gambiae. Silencing of the negative regulator of melanization response, CLIPA14, increased melanization prevalence without significantly increasing the numbers of melanized oocysts, while co-silencing CLIPA14 with CLIPA2, a second negative regulator of melanization, resulted in a significant increase in melanized oocysts and melanization prevalence. Only late-stage oocysts were found to be melanized, suggesting that oocyst rupture was a prerequisite for melanization-based immune attack, presumably due to the loss of the immune-evasive features of their wall. We also found melanized sporozoites inside oocysts and in the hemocoel, suggesting that sporozoites at different maturation stages are susceptible to melanization. Silencing the melanization promoting factors TEP1 and CLIPA28 rescued oocyst melanization in CLIPA2/CLIPA14 co-silenced mosquitoes. Interestingly, silencing of CTL4, that protects early stage ookinetes from melanization, had no effect on oocysts and sporozoites, indicating differential regulation of immunity to early and late sporogonic stages. Similar to previous studies addressing ookinete stage melanization, the melanization of Plasmodium falciparum oocysts was significantly lower than that observed for P. berghei. In summary, our results provide conclusive evidence that late sporogonic malaria parasite stages are susceptible to melanization, and we reveal distinct regulatory mechanisms for ookinete and oocyst melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suheir Zeineddine
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sana Jaber
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sally A. Saab
- Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Johnny Nakhleh
- Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mike A. Osta
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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4
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Cai JA, Christophides GK. Immune interactions between mosquitoes and microbes during midgut colonization. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101195. [PMID: 38552792 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes encounter diverse microbes during their lifetime, including symbiotic bacteria, shaping their midgut ecosystem. The organization of the midgut supports microbiota persistence while defending against potential pathogens. The influx of nutrients during blood feeding triggers bacterial proliferation, challenging host homeostasis. Immune responses, aimed at controlling bacterial overgrowth, impact blood-borne pathogens such as malaria parasites. However, parasites deploy evasion strategies against mosquito immunity. Leveraging these mechanisms could help engineer malaria-resistant mosquitoes, offering a transformative tool for malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - George K Christophides
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom.
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5
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Zeineddine S, Jaber S, Saab SA, Nakhleh J, Dimopoulos G, Osta MA. Late sporogonic stages of Plasmodium parasites are susceptible to the melanization response in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596773. [PMID: 38853990 PMCID: PMC11160730 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The malaria-causing parasites have to complete a complex infection cycle in the mosquito vector that also involves attack by the insect's innate immune system, especially at the early stages of midgut infection. However, Anopheles immunity to the late Plasmodium sporogonic stages, such as oocysts, has received little attention as they are considered to be concealed from immune factors due to their location under the midgut basal lamina and for harboring an elaborate cell wall comprising an external layer derived from the basal lamina that confers self-properties to an otherwise foreign structure. Here, we investigated whether Plasmodium berghei oocysts and sporozoites are susceptible to melanization-based immunity in Anopheles gambiae. Silencing of the negative regulator of melanization response, CLIPA14, increased melanization prevalence without significantly increasing the numbers of melanized oocysts, while co-silencing CLIPA14 with CLIPA2, a second negative regulator of melanization, resulted in a significant increase in melanized oocysts and melanization prevalence. Only late-stage oocysts were found to be melanized, suggesting that oocyst rupture was a prerequisite for melanization-based immune attack, presumably due to the loss of the immune-evasive features of their wall. We also found melanized sporozoites inside oocysts and in the hemocoel, suggesting that sporozoites at different maturation stages are susceptible to melanization. Silencing the melanization promoting factors TEP1 and CLIPA28 rescued oocyst melanization in CLIPA2/CLIPA14 co-silenced mosquitoes. Interestingly, silencing of CTL4, that protects early stage ookinetes from melanization, had no effect on oocysts and sporozoites, indicating differential regulation of immunity to early and late sporogonic stages. Similar to previous studies addressing ookinete stage melanization, the melanization of Plasmodium falciparum oocysts was significantly lower than that observed for P. berghei. In summary, our results provide conclusive evidence that late sporogonic malaria parasite stages are susceptible to melanization, and we reveal distinct regulatory mechanisms for ookinete and oocyst melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suheir Zeineddine
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sana Jaber
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sally A. Saab
- Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Johnny Nakhleh
- Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mike A. Osta
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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6
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Sollelis L, Howick VM, Marti M. Revisiting the determinants of malaria transmission. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:302-312. [PMID: 38443304 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.02.001] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Malaria parasites have coevolved with humans over thousands of years, mirroring their migration out of Africa. They persist to this day, despite continuous elimination efforts worldwide. These parasites can adapt to changing environments during infection of human and mosquito, and when expanding the geographical range by switching vector species. Recent studies in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, identified determinants governing the plasticity of sexual conversion rates, sex ratio, and vector competence. Here we summarize the latest literature revealing environmental, epigenetic, and genetic determinants of malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Sollelis
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Immunity University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Virginia M Howick
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Immunity University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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7
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Alves e Silva TL, Canepa GE, Sweeney B, Hessab Alvarenga P, Zhao M, Vega-Rodríguez J, Molina-Cruz A, Barillas-Mury C. The heat shock protein Hsc70-3 mediates an anti-apoptotic response critical for Plasmodium evasion of Anopheles gambiae immunity. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0094023. [PMID: 37982627 PMCID: PMC10715144 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00940-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Malaria transmission by Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes is very effective, in part because the parasite expresses a surface protein called Pfs47 that allows it to evade the mosquito immune system. Here we investigate how this protein changes the response of mosquito midgut epithelial cells to invasion by the parasite. Pfs47 is known to interact with P47Rec, a mosquito midgut receptor. We found that Pf47Rec inhibits caspase-mediated apoptosis by interacting with the Hsc70-3. This disrupts nitration of midgut epithelial cells invaded by the parasite and the release of hemocyte-derived microvesicles, which are critical for effective activation of the mosquito complement system that eliminates the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Luiz Alves e Silva
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Gaspar E. Canepa
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Brendan Sweeney
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Patricia Hessab Alvarenga
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ming Zhao
- Research Technology Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Joel Vega-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Alvaro Molina-Cruz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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8
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Lehmann T, Kouam C, Woo J, Diallo M, Wilkerson R, Linton YM. The African mosquito-borne diseasosome: geographical patterns, range expansion and future disease emergence. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231581. [PMID: 38018102 PMCID: PMC10685135 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) threaten public health and food security globally. We provide the first biogeographic description of the African mosquito fauna (677 species) and the 151 mosquito-borne pathogens (MBPs) they transmit. While mosquito species richness agrees with expectations based on Africa's land surface, African arboviruses and mammalian plasmodia are more speciose than expected. Species assemblages of mosquitoes and MBPs similarly separate sub-Saharan Africa from North Africa, and those in West and Central Africa from eastern and southern Africa. Similarities between mosquitoes and MBPs in diversity and range size suggest that mosquitoes are key in delimiting the range of MBPs. With approximately 25% endemicity, approximately 50% occupying one to three countries and less than 5% occupying greater than 25 countries, the ranges of mosquitoes and MBPs are surprisingly small, suggesting that most MBPs are transmitted by a single mosquito species. Exceptionally widespread mosquito species feed on people and livestock, and most are high-altitude-windborne migrants. Likewise, widespread MBPs are transmitted among people or livestock by widespread mosquitoes, suggesting that adapting to people or livestock and to widespread mosquito species promote range expansion in MBPs. Range size may predict range expansion and emergence risk. We highlight key knowledge gaps that impede prediction and mitigation of future emergence of local and global MBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tovi Lehmann
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Cedric Kouam
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joshua Woo
- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- Pôle de Zoologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Richard Wilkerson
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution–National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution–National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, USA
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9
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Telleria EL, Tinoco-Nunes B, Forrest DM, Di-Blasi T, Leštinová T, Chang KP, Volf P, Pitaluga AN, Traub-Csekö YM. Evidence of a conserved mammalian immunosuppression mechanism in Lutzomyia longipalpis upon infection with Leishmania. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162596. [PMID: 38022562 PMCID: PMC10652419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) belonging to the Lutzomyia genus transmit Leishmania infantum parasites. To understand the complex interaction between the vector and the parasite, we have been investigating the sand fly immune responses during the Leishmania infection. Our previous studies showed that genes involved in the IMD, Toll, and Jak-STAT immunity pathways are regulated upon Leishmania and bacterial challenges. Nevertheless, the parasite can thrive in the vectors' gut, indicating the existence of mechanisms capable of modulating the vector defenses, as was already seen in mammalian Leishmania infections. Methods results and discussion In this study, we investigated the expression of Lutzomyia longipalpis genes involved in regulating the Toll pathway under parasitic infection. Leishmania infantum infection upregulated the expression of two L. longipalpis genes coding for the putative repressors cactus and protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP. These findings suggest that the parasite can modulate the vectors' immune response. In mammalian infections, the Leishmania surface glycoprotein GP63 is one of the inducers of host immune depression, and one of the known effectors is SHP. In L. longipalpis we found a similar effect: a genetically modified strain of Leishmania amazonensis over-expressing the metalloprotease GP63 induced a higher expression of the sand fly SHP indicating that the L. longipalpis SHP and parasite GP63 increased expressions are connected. Immuno-stained microscopy of L. longipalpis LL5 embryonic cells cultured with Leishmania strains or parasite conditioned medium showed cells internalization of parasite GP63. A similar internalization of GP63 was observed in the sand fly gut tissue after feeding on parasites, parasite exosomes, or parasite conditioned medium, indicating that GP63 can travel through cells in vitro or in vivo. When the sand fly SHP gene was silenced by RNAi and females infected by L. infantum, parasite loads decreased in the early phase of infection as expected, although no significant differences were seen in late infections of the stomodeal valve. Conclusions Our findings show the possible role of a pathway repressor involved in regulating the L. longipalpis immune response during Leishmania infections inside the insect. In addition, they point out a conserved immunosuppressive effect of GP63 between mammals and sand flies in the early stage of parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich Loza Telleria
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Bruno Tinoco-Nunes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - David M. Forrest
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Di-Blasi
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tereza Leštinová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kwang Poo Chang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - André Nóbrega Pitaluga
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Yara Maria Traub-Csekö
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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10
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Bhattacharjee S, Ghosh D, Saha R, Sarkar R, Kumar S, Khokhar M, Pandey RK. Mechanism of Immune Evasion in Mosquito-Borne Diseases. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050635. [PMID: 37242305 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, mosquito-borne illnesses have emerged as a major health burden in many tropical regions. These diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus infection, Rift Valley fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile virus infection, are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These pathogens have been shown to interfere with the host's immune system through adaptive and innate immune mechanisms, as well as the human circulatory system. Crucial immune checkpoints such as antigen presentation, T cell activation, differentiation, and proinflammatory response play a vital role in the host cell's response to pathogenic infection. Furthermore, these immune evasions have the potential to stimulate the human immune system, resulting in other associated non-communicable diseases. This review aims to advance our understanding of mosquito-borne diseases and the immune evasion mechanisms by associated pathogens. Moreover, it highlights the adverse outcomes of mosquito-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debanjan Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Rounak Saha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Rima Sarkar
- DBT Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
| | - Saurav Kumar
- DBT Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
| | - Manoj Khokhar
- Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Jodhpur 342005, India
| | - Rajan Kumar Pandey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
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11
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Klug D, Blandin SA. Activation of complement-like antiparasitic responses in Anopheles mosquitoes. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 72:102280. [PMID: 36841199 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
During their development in mosquitoes, malaria parasites undergo massive losses that are in part due to a potent antiparasitic response mounted by the vector. The most efficient and best-characterized response relies on a complement-like system particularly effective against parasites as they cross the mosquito midgut epithelium. While our vision of the molecular and cellular events that lead to parasite elimination is still partial, our understanding of the steps triggering complement activation at the surface of invading parasites has considerably progressed, not only through the identification of novel contributing genes, but also with the recent in-depth characterization of the different mosquito blood cell types, and the ability to track them in live mosquitoes. Here, we propose a simple model based on the time of invasion to explain how parasites may escape complement-like responses during midgut infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Klug
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, UPR9022/U1257, Mosquito Immune Responses (MIR), F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stephanie A Blandin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, UPR9022/U1257, Mosquito Immune Responses (MIR), F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
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12
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García-Longoria L, Ahrén D, Berthomieu A, Kalbskopf V, Rivero A, Hellgren O. Immune gene expression in the mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus during an avian malaria infection. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:904-919. [PMID: 36448733 PMCID: PMC10108303 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium relictum is the most widespread avian malaria parasite in the world. It is listed as one of the 100 most dangerous invasive species, having been responsible for the extinction of several endemic bird species, and the near-demise of several others. Here we present the first transcriptomic study focused on the effect of P. relictum on the immune system of its vector (the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus) at different times post-infection. We show that over 50% of immune genes identified as being part of the Toll pathway and 30%-40% of the immune genes identified within the Imd pathway are overexpressed during the critical period spanning the parasite's oocyst and sporozoite formation (8-12 days), revealing the crucial role played by both these pathways in this natural mosquito-Plasmodium combination. Comparison of infected mosquitoes with their uninfected counterparts also revealed some unexpected immune RNA expression patterns earlier and later in the infection: significant differences in expression of several immune effectors were observed as early as 30 min after ingestion of the infected blood meal. In addition, in the later stages of the infection (towards the end of the mosquito lifespan), we observed an unexpected increase in immune investment in uninfected, but not in infected, mosquitoes. In conclusion, our work extends the comparative transcriptomic analyses of malaria-infected mosquitoes beyond human and rodent parasites and provides insights into the degree of conservation of immune pathways and into the selective pressures exerted by Plasmodium parasites on their vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz García-Longoria
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Dag Ahrén
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Victor Kalbskopf
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ana Rivero
- MIVEGEC (CNRS, Université de Montpellier, IRD), Montpellier, France
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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13
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Role of Pfs47 in the dispersal of ancestral Plasmodium falciparum malaria through adaptation to different anopheline vectors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213626120. [PMID: 36689648 PMCID: PMC9945982 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213626120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria originated when Plasmodium praefalciparum, a gorilla malaria parasite transmitted by African sylvan anopheline mosquitoes, adapted to humans. Pfs47, a protein on the parasite surface mediates P. falciparum evasion of the mosquito immune system by interacting with a midgut receptor and is critical for Plasmodium adaptation to different anopheline species. Genetic analysis of 4,971 Pfs47 gene sequences from different continents revealed that Asia and Papua New Guinea harbor Pfs47 haplotypes more similar to its ortholog in P. praefalciparum at sites that determine vector compatibility, suggesting that ancestral P. falciparum readily adapted to Asian vectors. Consistent with this observation, Pfs47-receptor gene sequences from African sylvan malaria vectors, such as Anopheles moucheti and An. marshallii, were found to share greater similarity with those of Asian vectors than those of vectors of the African An. gambiae complex. Furthermore, experimental infections provide direct evidence that transformed P. falciparum parasites carrying Pfs47 orthologs of P. praefalciparum or P. reichenowi were more effective at evading the immune system of the Asian malaria vector An. dirus than An. gambiae. We propose that high compatibility of ancestral P. falciparum Pfs47 with the receptors of Asian vectors facilitated the early dispersal of human malaria to the Asian continent, without having to first adapt to sub-Saharan vectors of the An. gambiae complex.
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14
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Chandley P, Ranjan R, Kumar S, Rohatgi S. Host-parasite interactions during Plasmodium infection: Implications for immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1091961. [PMID: 36685595 PMCID: PMC9845897 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1091961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a global infectious disease that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Multiple environmental and host and parasite factors govern the clinical outcomes of malaria. The host immune response against the Plasmodium parasite is heterogenous and stage-specific both in the human host and mosquito vector. The Plasmodium parasite virulence is predominantly associated with its ability to evade the host's immune response. Despite the availability of drug-based therapies, Plasmodium parasites can acquire drug resistance due to high antigenic variations and allelic polymorphisms. The lack of licensed vaccines against Plasmodium infection necessitates the development of effective, safe and successful therapeutics. To design an effective vaccine, it is important to study the immune evasion strategies and stage-specific Plasmodium proteins, which are targets of the host immune response. This review provides an overview of the host immune defense mechanisms and parasite immune evasion strategies during Plasmodium infection. Furthermore, we also summarize and discuss the current progress in various anti-malarial vaccine approaches, along with antibody-based therapy involving monoclonal antibodies, and research advancements in host-directed therapy, which can together open new avenues for developing novel immunotherapies against malaria infection and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chandley
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Ravikant Ranjan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Soma Rohatgi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India,*Correspondence: Soma Rohatgi,
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15
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Li X, Kumar S, Brenneman KV, Anderson TJC. Bulk segregant linkage mapping for rodent and human malaria parasites. Parasitol Int 2022; 91:102653. [PMID: 36007706 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In 2005 Richard Carter's group surprised the malaria genetics community with an elegant approach to rapidly mapping the genetic basis of phenotypic traits in rodent malaria parasites. This approach, which he termed "linkage group selection", utilized bulk pools of progeny, rather than individual clones, and exploited simple selection schemes to identify genome regions underlying resistance to drug treatment (or other phenotypes). This work was the first application of "bulk segregant" methodologies for genetic mapping in microbes: this approach is now widely used in yeast, and across multiple recombining pathogens ranging from Aspergillus fungi to Schistosome parasites. Genetic crosses of human malaria parasites (for which Richard Carter was also a pioneer) can now be conducted in humanized mice, providing new opportunities for exploiting bulk segregant approaches for a wide variety of malaria parasite traits. We review the application of bulk segregant approaches to mapping malaria parasite traits and suggest additional developments that may further expand the utility of this powerful approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Katelyn Vendrely Brenneman
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Tim J C Anderson
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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16
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Inklaar MR, Barillas-Mury C, Jore MM. Deceiving and escaping complement - the evasive journey of the malaria parasite. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:962-974. [PMID: 36089499 PMCID: PMC9588674 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
During its life cycle, Plasmodium, the malaria parasite, is exposed to the human and mosquito complement systems. Early experiments demonstrated that activation of complement can pose a serious threat to parasites, but recent studies revealed complement-evasion mechanisms important for parasite survival. Blood-stage parasites and gametes recruit regulators to neutralize human complement activation, while ookinetes inhibit mosquito complement by disrupting epithelial nitration in response to midgut invasion. Here we provide an in-depth overview of the evasion mechanisms currently known and speculate on the existence of others not yet identified. Finally, we discuss how these mechanisms could provide novel targets for urgently needed malaria vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, The Netherlands.
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17
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Rashidi S, Mansouri R, Ali-Hassanzadeh M, Muro A, Nguewa P, Manzano-Román R. The Defensive Interactions of Prominent Infectious Protozoan Parasites: The Host's Complement System. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1564. [PMID: 36358913 PMCID: PMC9687244 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system exerts crucial functions both in innate immune responses and adaptive humoral immunity. This pivotal system plays a major role dealing with pathogen invasions including protozoan parasites. Different pathogens including parasites have developed sophisticated strategies to defend themselves against complement killing. Some of these strategies include the employment, mimicking or inhibition of host's complement regulatory proteins, leading to complement evasion. Therefore, parasites are proven to use the manipulation of the complement system to assist them during infection and persistence. Herein, we attempt to study the interaction´s mechanisms of some prominent infectious protozoan parasites including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania dealing with the complement system. Moreover, several crucial proteins that are expressed, recruited or hijacked by parasites and are involved in the modulation of the host´s complement system are selected and their role for efficient complement killing or lysis evasion is discussed. In addition, parasite's complement regulatory proteins appear as plausible therapeutic and vaccine targets in protozoan parasitic infections. Accordingly, we also suggest some perspectives and insights useful in guiding future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein 38811, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein 38811, Iran
| | - Reza Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd 8915173143, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft 7861615765, Iran
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Paul Nguewa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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18
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Barillas-Mury C, Ribeiro JMC, Valenzuela JG. Understanding pathogen survival and transmission by arthropod vectors to prevent human disease. Science 2022; 377:eabc2757. [PMID: 36173836 DOI: 10.1126/science.abc2757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Many endemic poverty-associated diseases, such as malaria and leishmaniasis, are transmitted by arthropod vectors. Pathogens must interact with specific molecules in the vector gut, the microbiota, and the vector immune system to survive and be transmitted. The vertebrate host, in turn, is infected when the pathogen and vector-derived factors, such as salivary proteins, are delivered into the skin by a vector bite. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of the biology of pathogen transmission from the human to the vector and back, from the vector to the host. We also highlight recent advances in the biology of vector-borne disease transmission, which have translated into additional strategies to prevent human disease by either reducing vector populations or by disrupting their ability to transmit pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Jesus G Valenzuela
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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19
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Kolli SK, Molina-Cruz A, Araki T, Geurten FJA, Ramesar J, Chevalley-Maurel S, Kroeze HJ, Bezemer S, de Korne C, Withers R, Raytselis N, El Hebieshy AF, Kim RQ, Child MA, Kakuta S, Hisaeda H, Kobayashi H, Annoura T, Hensbergen PJ, Franke-Fayard BM, Barillas-Mury C, Scheeren FA, Janse CJ. Malaria parasite evades mosquito immunity by glutaminyl cyclase-mediated posttranslational protein modification. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209729119. [PMID: 35994647 PMCID: PMC9436314 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209729119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) modifies N-terminal glutamine or glutamic acid residues of target proteins into cyclic pyroglutamic acid (pGlu). Here, we report the biochemical and functional analysis of Plasmodium QC. We show that sporozoites of QC-null mutants of rodent and human malaria parasites are recognized by the mosquito immune system and melanized when they reach the hemocoel. Detailed analyses of rodent malaria QC-null mutants showed that sporozoite numbers in salivary glands are reduced in mosquitoes infected with QC-null or QC catalytically dead mutants. This phenotype can be rescued by genetic complementation or by disrupting mosquito melanization or phagocytosis by hemocytes. Mutation of a single QC-target glutamine of the major sporozoite surface protein (circumsporozoite protein; CSP) of the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei also results in melanization of sporozoites. These findings indicate that QC-mediated posttranslational modification of surface proteins underlies evasion of killing of sporozoites by the mosquito immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Kumar Kolli
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Alvaro Molina-Cruz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Tamasa Araki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Fiona J. A. Geurten
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Ramesar
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Severine Chevalley-Maurel
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J. Kroeze
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Bezemer
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Clarize de Korne
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Roxanne Withers
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Nadia Raytselis
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Angela F. El Hebieshy
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Q. Kim
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew A. Child
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Soichiro Kakuta
- Laboratory of Morphology and Image Analysis, Research Support Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hajime Hisaeda
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjukuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Takeshi Annoura
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Paul J. Hensbergen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Blandine M. Franke-Fayard
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Ferenc A. Scheeren
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Chris J. Janse
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
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20
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Fontecha G, Escobar D, Ortiz B, Pinto A. A PCR-RFLP Technique to Assess the Geographic Origin of Plasmodium falciparum Strains in Central America. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7080149. [PMID: 35893657 PMCID: PMC9394469 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080149] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The elimination of malaria requires strengthening diagnosis and offering adequate and timely treatment. Imported cases of falciparum malaria represent a major challenge for pre-elimination areas, such as Central America, where chloroquine and primaquine continue to be used as first-line treatment. The pfs47 gene has been previously described as a precise molecular marker to track the geographic origin of the parasite. The aim of this study was to design a simple and low-cost technique using the polymorphic region of pfs47 to assess the geographic origin of P. falciparum strains. A PCR-RFLP technique was developed and evaluated using the MseI enzyme that proved capable of discriminating, with reasonable precision, the geographical origin of the parasites. This method could be used by national surveillance laboratories and malaria elimination programs in countries such as Honduras and Nicaragua in cases of malaria where an origin outside the Central American isthmus is suspected.
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21
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Carter R, Miller LH, Culleton R. On Malaria Transmission and Transmission Blocking Immunity. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:tpmd211319. [PMID: 35895377 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis H Miller
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Richard Culleton
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Japan
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22
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Molina-Cruz A, Barillas-Mury C. Pfs47 as a Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Target. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:tpmd211325. [PMID: 35895390 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs), pioneered by Richard Carter and others, aim to prevent parasite development in the mosquito vector and are a promising new tool for malaria elimination. Pfs47, recently identified as a TBV target, is a three-domain 6-cysteine protein on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum sexual stages. Pfs47 allows the parasite to evade mosquito immunity and is key for P. falciparum infection of the dominant malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles dirus, and Anopheles albimanus. Antibodies against Pfs47 domain 2 (D2) have significant transmission-blocking activity that prevents Plasmodium ookinete development and is independent of human complement. Strong transmission-blocking activity has been mapped to a region of 52 amino acids in Pfs47 D2. Efforts to optimize the immunogenicity of the Pfs47 D2 antigen with a viral-like particle have been successful, and the efficacy of a P47-based TBV was confirmed in vivo with Pbs47, the orthologue of Pfs47 in the mouse malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. The current evidence warrants further development and clinical testing of a Pfs47-based TBV.
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23
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Lyons FMT, Gabriela M, Tham WH, Dietrich MH. Plasmodium 6-Cysteine Proteins: Functional Diversity, Transmission-Blocking Antibodies and Structural Scaffolds. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:945924. [PMID: 35899047 PMCID: PMC9309271 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.945924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 6-cysteine protein family is one of the most abundant surface antigens that are expressed throughout the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. Many members of the 6-cysteine family have critical roles in parasite development across the life cycle in parasite transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion. The common feature of the family is the 6-cysteine domain, also referred to as s48/45 domain, which is conserved across Aconoidasida. This review summarizes the current approaches for recombinant expression for 6-cysteine proteins, monoclonal antibodies against 6-cysteine proteins that block transmission and the growing collection of crystal structures that provide insights into the functional domains of this protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie M. T. Lyons
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie H. Dietrich
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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24
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Hearn J, Riveron JM, Irving H, Weedall GD, Wondji CS. Gene Conversion Explains Elevated Diversity in the Immunity Modulating APL1 Gene of the Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1102. [PMID: 35741864 PMCID: PMC9222773 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat proteins and antimicrobial peptides are the key components of the innate immune response to Plasmodium and other microbial pathogens in Anopheles mosquitoes. The APL1 gene of the malaria vector Anopheles funestus has exceptional levels of non-synonymous polymorphism across the range of An. funestus, with an average πn of 0.027 versus a genome-wide average of 0.002, and πn is consistently high in populations across Africa. Elevated APL1 diversity was consistent between the independent pooled-template and target-enrichment datasets, however no link between APL1 diversity and insecticide resistance was observed. Although lacking the diversity of APL1, two further mosquito innate-immunity genes of the gambicin anti-microbial peptide family had πn/πs ratios greater than one, possibly driven by either positive or balancing selection. The cecropin antimicrobial peptides were expressed much more highly than other anti-microbial peptide genes, a result discordant with current models of anti-microbial peptide activity. The observed APL1 diversity likely results from gene conversion between paralogues, as evidenced by shared polymorphisms, overlapping read mappings, and recombination events among paralogues. In conclusion, we hypothesize that higher gene expression of APL1 than its paralogues is correlated with a more open chromatin formation, which enhances gene conversion and elevated diversity at this locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Hearn
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (J.M.R.); (H.I.); (C.S.W.)
| | - Jacob M. Riveron
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (J.M.R.); (H.I.); (C.S.W.)
- LSTM Research Unit, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon
| | - Helen Irving
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (J.M.R.); (H.I.); (C.S.W.)
| | - Gareth D. Weedall
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
| | - Charles S. Wondji
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (J.M.R.); (H.I.); (C.S.W.)
- LSTM Research Unit, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon
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25
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Malaria oocysts require circumsporozoite protein to evade mosquito immunity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3208. [PMID: 35680915 PMCID: PMC9184642 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites are less vulnerable to mosquito immune responses once ookinetes transform into oocysts, facilitating parasite development in the mosquito. However, the underlying mechanisms of oocyst resistance to mosquito defenses remain unclear. Here, we show that circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is required for rodent malaria oocysts to avoid mosquito defenses. Mosquito infection with CSPmut parasites (mutation in the CSP pexel I/II domains) induces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 5 (NOX5)-mediated hemocyte nitration, thus activating Toll pathway and melanization of mature oocysts, upregulating hemocyte TEP1 expression, and causing defects in the release of sporozoites from oocysts. The pre-infection of mosquitoes with the CSPmut parasites reduces the burden of infection when re-challenged with CSPwt parasites by inducing hemocyte nitration. Thus, we demonstrate why oocysts are invisible to mosquito immunity and reveal an unknown role of CSP in the immune evasion of oocysts, indicating it as a potential target to block malaria transmission. Circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the major surface protein of Plasmodium sporozoites, is important for parasite targeting to mosquito salivary glands and the mammalian liver. Here, Zhu et al. show that CSP is required for rodent malaria oocysts to evade mosquito immunity by inducing hemocyte nitration and causing subsequent defects in sporozoite-release from oocysts.
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26
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Dessens JT, Hesping E. A conserved malaria parasite protein required for maintenance of sporozoite cell shape and transmission. Mol Microbiol 2022; 117:1293-1296. [PMID: 35429183 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Malaria parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes and a substantial part of the parasite's complex life cycle takes place inside the insect. Parasite transmission starts with the uptake of parasite stages called gametocytes from the vertebrate host with the blood meal of a female vector mosquito, completing several weeks later with the injection of parasite stages called sporozoites into the vertebrate host by mosquito bite. The sporozoites form in their thousands inside ookinete-derived oocysts situated on the abluminal side of the mosquito midgut epithelium by a process of cell division known as sporogony. After their formation, sporozoites egress from the oocyst into the haemolymph, invade the salivary glands and mature to become infective to the vertebrate. This MicroCommentary reviews recent reports describing a conserved plasma membrane-associated protein of Plasmodium berghei, PBANKA_1422900, and its role in maintaining the shape and structural integrity of sporozoites in salivary glands and during inoculation into the vertebrate host. Combined results from three separate studies provide mechanistic insights into how this protein achieves structural maintenance of the sporozoite, and how in turn this promotes the sporozoite's ability to overcome several physical obstacles and allow it to establish infection in the vertebrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes T Dessens
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Eva Hesping
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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27
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Brenneman KV, Li X, Kumar S, Delgado E, Checkley LA, Shoue DA, Reyes A, Abatiyow BA, Haile MT, Tripura R, Peto T, Lek D, Button-Simons KA, Kappe SH, Dhorda M, Nosten F, Nkhoma SC, Cheeseman IH, Vaughan AM, Ferdig MT, Anderson TJ. Optimizing bulk segregant analysis of drug resistance using Plasmodium falciparum genetic crosses conducted in humanized mice. iScience 2022; 25:104095. [PMID: 35372813 PMCID: PMC8971943 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical malaria parasite genetic crosses involve isolation, genotyping, and phenotyping of progeny parasites, which is time consuming and laborious. We tested a rapid alternative approach-bulk segregant analysis (BSA)-that utilizes sequencing of bulk progeny populations with and without drug selection for rapid identification of drug resistance loci. We used dihydroartemisinin (DHA) selection in two genetic crosses and investigated how synchronization, cryopreservation, and the drug selection regimen impacted BSA success. We detected a robust quantitative trait locus (QTL) at kelch13 in both crosses but did not detect QTLs at four other candidate loci. QTLs were detected using synchronized, but not unsynchronized progeny pools, consistent with the stage-specific action of DHA. We also successfully applied BSA to cryopreserved progeny pools, expanding the utility of this approach. We conclude that BSA provides a powerful approach for investigating the genetic architecture of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Vendrely Brenneman
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Xue Li
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Delgado
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lisa A. Checkley
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Douglas A. Shoue
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Ann Reyes
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Biley A. Abatiyow
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Meseret T. Haile
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Tom Peto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Dysoley Lek
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- School of Public Health, National Institute of Public Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Katrina A. Button-Simons
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Stefan H.I. Kappe
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - François Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | | | - Ian H. Cheeseman
- Program in Host Pathogen Interactions, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ashley M. Vaughan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Michael T. Ferdig
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Tim J.C. Anderson
- Program in Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Corresponding author
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28
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Shaw WR, Marcenac P, Catteruccia F. Plasmodium development in Anopheles: a tale of shared resources. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:124-135. [PMID: 34548252 PMCID: PMC8758519 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between the Anopheles mosquito vector and Plasmodium parasites shape how malaria is transmitted in endemic regions. The long association of these two organisms has led to evolutionary processes that minimize fitness costs of infection and benefit both players through shared nutrient resources, parasite immune suppression, and mosquito tolerance to infection. In this review we explore recent data describing how Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, associates with one of its most important natural mosquito hosts, Anopheles gambiae, and we discuss the implications of these findings for parasite transmission and vector control strategies currently in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Robert Shaw
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Perrine Marcenac
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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29
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Keleta Y, Ramelow J, Cui L, Li J. Molecular interactions between parasite and mosquito during midgut invasion as targets to block malaria transmission. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:140. [PMID: 34845210 PMCID: PMC8630063 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00401-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable effort, malaria remains a major public health burden. Malaria is caused by five Plasmodium species and is transmitted to humans via the female Anopheles mosquito. The development of malaria vaccines against the liver and blood stages has been challenging. Therefore, malaria elimination strategies advocate integrated measures, including transmission-blocking approaches. Designing an effective transmission-blocking strategy relies on a sophisticated understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing the interactions between the mosquito midgut molecules and the malaria parasite. Here we review recent advances in the biology of malaria transmission, focusing on molecular interactions between Plasmodium and Anopheles mosquito midgut proteins. We provide an overview of parasite and mosquito proteins that are either targets for drugs currently in clinical trials or candidates of promising transmission-blocking vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacob Keleta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Julian Ramelow
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Liwang Cui
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
- Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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30
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Population genomics and evidence of clonal replacement of Plasmodium falciparum in the Peruvian Amazon. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21212. [PMID: 34707204 PMCID: PMC8551272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00806-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that P. falciparum parasites in South America have undergone population bottlenecks resulting in clonal lineages that are differentially distributed and that have been responsible for several outbreaks different endemic regions. In this study, we explored the genomic profile of 18 P. falciparum samples collected in the Peruvian Amazon Basin (Loreto) and 6 from the Peruvian North Coast (Tumbes). Our results showed the presence of three subpopulations that matched previously typed lineages in Peru: Bv1 (n = 17), Clonet D (n = 4) and Acre-Loreto type (n = 3). Gene coverage analysis showed that none of the Bv1 samples presented coverage for pfhrp2 and pfhrp3. Genotyping of drug resistance markers showed a high prevalence of Chloroquine resistance mutations S1034C/N1042D/D1246Y in pfmdr1 (62.5%) and K45T in pfcrt (87.5%). Mutations associated with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine treatment failure were found on 88.8% of the Bv1 samples which were triple mutants for pfdhfr (50R/51I/108N) and pfdhps (437G/540E/581G). Analysis of the pfS47 gene that allows P. falciparum to evade mosquito immune responses showed that the Bv1 lineage presented one pfS47 haplotype exclusive to Loreto and another haplotype that was present in both Loreto and Tumbes. Furthermore, a possible expansion of Bv1 was detected since 2011 in Loreto. This replacement could be a result of the high prevalence of CQ resistance polymorphisms in Bv1, which could have provided a selective advantage to the indirect selection pressures driven by the use of CQ for P. vivax treatment.
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31
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Molina-Cruz A, Raytselis N, Withers R, Dwivedi A, Crompton PD, Traore B, Carpi G, Silva JC, Barillas-Mury C. A genotyping assay to determine geographic origin and transmission potential of Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1145. [PMID: 34593959 PMCID: PMC8484479 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
As countries work towards malaria elimination, it is important to monitor imported cases to prevent reestablishment of local transmission. The Plasmodium falciparum Pfs47 gene has strong geographic population structure, because only those parasites with Pfs47 haplotypes compatible with the mosquito vector species in a given continent are efficiently transmitted. Analysis of 4,971 world-wide Pfs47 sequences identified two SNPs (at 707 and 725 bp) as sufficient to establish the likely continent of origin of P. falciparum isolates. Pfs47 sequences from Africa, Asia, and the New World presented more that 99% frequency of distinct combinations of the SNPs 707 and 725 genotypes. Interestingly, Papua New Guinea Pfs47 sequences have the highest diversity in SNPs 707 and 725. Accurate and reproducible High-Resolution Melting (HRM) assays were developed to genotype Pfs47 SNPs 707 and 725 in laboratory and field samples, to assess the geographic origin and risk of local transmission of imported P. falciparum malaria cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Molina-Cruz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
| | - Nadia Raytselis
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Roxanne Withers
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Ankit Dwivedi
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Peter D Crompton
- Malaria Infection Biology and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Boubacar Traore
- Mali International Center of Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Joana C Silva
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
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32
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Ahouidi A, Ali M, Almagro-Garcia J, Amambua-Ngwa A, Amaratunga C, Amato R, Amenga-Etego L, Andagalu B, Anderson TJC, Andrianaranjaka V, Apinjoh T, Ariani C, Ashley EA, Auburn S, Awandare GA, Ba H, Baraka V, Barry AE, Bejon P, Bertin GI, Boni MF, Borrmann S, Bousema T, Branch O, Bull PC, Busby GBJ, Chookajorn T, Chotivanich K, Claessens A, Conway D, Craig A, D'Alessandro U, Dama S, Day NPJ, Denis B, Diakite M, Djimdé A, Dolecek C, Dondorp AM, Drakeley C, Drury E, Duffy P, Echeverry DF, Egwang TG, Erko B, Fairhurst RM, Faiz A, Fanello CA, Fukuda MM, Gamboa D, Ghansah A, Golassa L, Goncalves S, Hamilton WL, Harrison GLA, Hart L, Henrichs C, Hien TT, Hill CA, Hodgson A, Hubbart C, Imwong M, Ishengoma DS, Jackson SA, Jacob CG, Jeffery B, Jeffreys AE, Johnson KJ, Jyothi D, Kamaliddin C, Kamau E, Kekre M, Kluczynski K, Kochakarn T, Konaté A, Kwiatkowski DP, Kyaw MP, Lim P, Lon C, Loua KM, Maïga-Ascofaré O, Malangone C, Manske M, Marfurt J, Marsh K, Mayxay M, Miles A, Miotto O, Mobegi V, Mokuolu OA, Montgomery J, Mueller I, Newton PN, Nguyen T, Nguyen TN, Noedl H, Nosten F, Noviyanti R, Nzila A, Ochola-Oyier LI, Ocholla H, Oduro A, Omedo I, Onyamboko MA, Ouedraogo JB, Oyebola K, Pearson RD, Peshu N, Phyo AP, Plowe CV, Price RN, Pukrittayakamee S, Randrianarivelojosia M, Rayner JC, Ringwald P, Rockett KA, Rowlands K, Ruiz L, Saunders D, Shayo A, Siba P, Simpson VJ, Stalker J, Su XZ, Sutherland C, Takala-Harrison S, Tavul L, Thathy V, Tshefu A, Verra F, Vinetz J, Wellems TE, Wendler J, White NJ, Wright I, Yavo W, Ye H. An open dataset of Plasmodium falciparum genome variation in 7,000 worldwide samples. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:42. [PMID: 33824913 PMCID: PMC8008441 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16168.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MalariaGEN is a data-sharing network that enables groups around the world to work together on the genomic epidemiology of malaria. Here we describe a new release of curated genome variation data on 7,000 Plasmodium falciparum samples from MalariaGEN partner studies in 28 malaria-endemic countries. High-quality genotype calls on 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short indels were produced using a standardised analysis pipeline. Copy number variants associated with drug resistance and structural variants that cause failure of rapid diagnostic tests were also analysed. Almost all samples showed genetic evidence of resistance to at least one antimalarial drug, and some samples from Southeast Asia carried markers of resistance to six commonly-used drugs. Genes expressed during the mosquito stage of the parasite life-cycle are prominent among loci that show strong geographic differentiation. By continuing to enlarge this open data resource we aim to facilitate research into the evolutionary processes affecting malaria control and to accelerate development of the surveillance toolkit required for malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mozam Ali
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Jacob Almagro-Garcia
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Roberto Amato
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucas Amenga-Etego
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Navrongo, Ghana,West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ben Andagalu
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarah Auburn
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana,University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Hampate Ba
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Vito Baraka
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,Department of Epidemiology, International Health Unit, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alyssa E. Barry
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia,Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Maciej F. Boni
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Teun Bousema
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK,Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Oralee Branch
- NYU School of Medicine Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Peter C. Bull
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya,Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - George B. J. Busby
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Antoine Claessens
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia,LPHI, MIVEGEC, INSERM, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - David Conway
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alister Craig
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Souleymane Dama
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Nicholas PJ Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brigitte Denis
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye Djimdé
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chris Drakeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Patrick Duffy
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Diego F. Echeverry
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas - CIDEIM, Cali, Colombia,Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Mark M. Fukuda
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, US Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMC-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Nogouchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - William L. Hamilton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lee Hart
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christa Henrichs
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tran Tinh Hien
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Christina Hubbart
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Deus S. Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,East African Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Scott A. Jackson
- Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Ben Jeffery
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna E. Jeffreys
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kimberly J. Johnson
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Edwin Kamau
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Krzysztof Kluczynski
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Theerarat Kochakarn
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Dominic P. Kwiatkowski
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Myat Phone Kyaw
- The Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, University of Oxford, Yangon, Myanmar,University of Public Health, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Pharath Lim
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA,Medical Care Development International, Maryland, USA
| | - Chanthap Lon
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, US Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMC-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Oumou Maïga-Ascofaré
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali,Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany,Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Sciences and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Jutta Marfurt
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic,Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED), University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Alistair Miles
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Olivo Miotto
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Victor Mobegi
- School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Olugbenga A. Mokuolu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Jacqui Montgomery
- Institute of Vector-Borne Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia,Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul N. Newton
- Wellcome Trust-Mahosot Hospital-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Collaboration, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | | | - Thuy-Nhien Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Harald Noedl
- MARIB - Malaria Research Initiative Bandarban, Bandarban, Bangladesh
| | - Francois Nosten
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Alexis Nzila
- King Fahid University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUMP), Dharhran, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Harold Ocholla
- KEMRI - Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Research Program, Kisumu, Kenya,Centre for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abraham Oduro
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Irene Omedo
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Marie A. Onyamboko
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo, Democratic Republic
| | | | - Kolapo Oyebola
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria,Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Richard D. Pearson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Norbert Peshu
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chris V. Plowe
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ric N. Price
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand,Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Milijaona Randrianarivelojosia
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar,Universités d'Antananarivo et de Mahajanga, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | | | - Kirk A. Rockett
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Lastenia Ruiz
- Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Iquitos, Peru
| | - David Saunders
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, US Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMC-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alex Shayo
- Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Peter Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Victoria J. Simpson
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Xin-zhuan Su
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Livingstone Tavul
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Vandana Thathy
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph Vinetz
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Thomas E. Wellems
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Jason Wendler
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ian Wright
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William Yavo
- University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire,Malaria Research and Control Center of the National Institute of Public Health, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
| | - Htut Ye
- Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Myanmar
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33
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How much epigenetics and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping tell us about parasitism maintenance and resistance/susceptibility to hosts. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166214. [PMID: 34271118 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between the environment, parasites, vectors, and/or intermediate hosts are complex and involve several factors that define the success or failure of an infection. Among these interactions that can affect infections by a parasite, it is possible to highlight the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in hosts and parasites. The interaction between genetics, epigenetics, infection, and the host's internal and external environment is decisive and dictates the outcome of a parasitic infection and the resistance, susceptibility, and transmission of this parasite. Epigenetic changes become important mediators in the regulation of gene expression, allowing the evasion of the parasite to immune host barriers, its transmission to new hosts, and the end of its development cycle. Epigenetics is a new frontier in the understanding of the interaction mechanisms between parasite and host that, along with information from the gene regions associated with complex phenotypic variations, the Quantitative Trait Loci, brings new possibilities to investigate more modern and efficient approaches to the treatment, control, and eradication of parasitic diseases. In this brief review, a general overview of the use of epigenetic information and mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci was summarized, both in genes of parasites and hosts, for understanding the mechanisms of resistance and/or susceptibility in parasitic relationships; also, the main search platforms were quantitatively compared, aiming to facilitate access data produced over a period of twenty years.
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Ahouidi A, Ali M, Almagro-Garcia J, Amambua-Ngwa A, Amaratunga C, Amato R, Amenga-Etego L, Andagalu B, Anderson TJC, Andrianaranjaka V, Apinjoh T, Ariani C, Ashley EA, Auburn S, Awandare GA, Ba H, Baraka V, Barry AE, Bejon P, Bertin GI, Boni MF, Borrmann S, Bousema T, Branch O, Bull PC, Busby GBJ, Chookajorn T, Chotivanich K, Claessens A, Conway D, Craig A, D'Alessandro U, Dama S, Day NPJ, Denis B, Diakite M, Djimdé A, Dolecek C, Dondorp AM, Drakeley C, Drury E, Duffy P, Echeverry DF, Egwang TG, Erko B, Fairhurst RM, Faiz A, Fanello CA, Fukuda MM, Gamboa D, Ghansah A, Golassa L, Goncalves S, Hamilton WL, Harrison GLA, Hart L, Henrichs C, Hien TT, Hill CA, Hodgson A, Hubbart C, Imwong M, Ishengoma DS, Jackson SA, Jacob CG, Jeffery B, Jeffreys AE, Johnson KJ, Jyothi D, Kamaliddin C, Kamau E, Kekre M, Kluczynski K, Kochakarn T, Konaté A, Kwiatkowski DP, Kyaw MP, Lim P, Lon C, Loua KM, Maïga-Ascofaré O, Malangone C, Manske M, Marfurt J, Marsh K, Mayxay M, Miles A, Miotto O, Mobegi V, Mokuolu OA, Montgomery J, Mueller I, Newton PN, Nguyen T, Nguyen TN, Noedl H, Nosten F, Noviyanti R, Nzila A, Ochola-Oyier LI, Ocholla H, Oduro A, Omedo I, Onyamboko MA, Ouedraogo JB, Oyebola K, Pearson RD, Peshu N, Phyo AP, Plowe CV, Price RN, Pukrittayakamee S, Randrianarivelojosia M, Rayner JC, Ringwald P, Rockett KA, Rowlands K, Ruiz L, Saunders D, Shayo A, Siba P, Simpson VJ, Stalker J, Su XZ, Sutherland C, Takala-Harrison S, Tavul L, Thathy V, Tshefu A, Verra F, Vinetz J, Wellems TE, Wendler J, White NJ, Wright I, Yavo W, Ye H. An open dataset of Plasmodium falciparum genome variation in 7,000 worldwide samples. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:42. [PMID: 33824913 PMCID: PMC8008441.2 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16168.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MalariaGEN is a data-sharing network that enables groups around the world to work together on the genomic epidemiology of malaria. Here we describe a new release of curated genome variation data on 7,000 Plasmodium falciparum samples from MalariaGEN partner studies in 28 malaria-endemic countries. High-quality genotype calls on 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short indels were produced using a standardised analysis pipeline. Copy number variants associated with drug resistance and structural variants that cause failure of rapid diagnostic tests were also analysed. Almost all samples showed genetic evidence of resistance to at least one antimalarial drug, and some samples from Southeast Asia carried markers of resistance to six commonly-used drugs. Genes expressed during the mosquito stage of the parasite life-cycle are prominent among loci that show strong geographic differentiation. By continuing to enlarge this open data resource we aim to facilitate research into the evolutionary processes affecting malaria control and to accelerate development of the surveillance toolkit required for malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mozam Ali
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Jacob Almagro-Garcia
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Roberto Amato
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucas Amenga-Etego
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Navrongo, Ghana,West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ben Andagalu
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarah Auburn
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana,University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Hampate Ba
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Vito Baraka
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,Department of Epidemiology, International Health Unit, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alyssa E. Barry
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia,Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Maciej F. Boni
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Teun Bousema
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK,Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Oralee Branch
- NYU School of Medicine Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Peter C. Bull
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya,Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - George B. J. Busby
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Antoine Claessens
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia,LPHI, MIVEGEC, INSERM, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - David Conway
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alister Craig
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Souleymane Dama
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Nicholas PJ Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brigitte Denis
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye Djimdé
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chris Drakeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Patrick Duffy
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Diego F. Echeverry
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas - CIDEIM, Cali, Colombia,Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Mark M. Fukuda
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, US Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMC-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Nogouchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - William L. Hamilton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lee Hart
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christa Henrichs
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tran Tinh Hien
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Christina Hubbart
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Deus S. Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,East African Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Scott A. Jackson
- Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Ben Jeffery
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna E. Jeffreys
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kimberly J. Johnson
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Edwin Kamau
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Krzysztof Kluczynski
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Theerarat Kochakarn
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Dominic P. Kwiatkowski
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Myat Phone Kyaw
- The Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, University of Oxford, Yangon, Myanmar,University of Public Health, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Pharath Lim
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA,Medical Care Development International, Maryland, USA
| | - Chanthap Lon
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, US Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMC-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Oumou Maïga-Ascofaré
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali,Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany,Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Sciences and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Jutta Marfurt
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic,Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED), University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Alistair Miles
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Olivo Miotto
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Victor Mobegi
- School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Olugbenga A. Mokuolu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Jacqui Montgomery
- Institute of Vector-Borne Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia,Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul N. Newton
- Wellcome Trust-Mahosot Hospital-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Collaboration, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | | | - Thuy-Nhien Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Harald Noedl
- MARIB - Malaria Research Initiative Bandarban, Bandarban, Bangladesh
| | - Francois Nosten
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Alexis Nzila
- King Fahid University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUMP), Dharhran, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Harold Ocholla
- KEMRI - Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Research Program, Kisumu, Kenya,Centre for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abraham Oduro
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Irene Omedo
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Marie A. Onyamboko
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo, Democratic Republic
| | | | - Kolapo Oyebola
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria,Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Richard D. Pearson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Norbert Peshu
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chris V. Plowe
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ric N. Price
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand,Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Milijaona Randrianarivelojosia
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar,Universités d'Antananarivo et de Mahajanga, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | | | - Kirk A. Rockett
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Lastenia Ruiz
- Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Iquitos, Peru
| | - David Saunders
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, US Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMC-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alex Shayo
- Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Peter Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Victoria J. Simpson
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Xin-zhuan Su
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Livingstone Tavul
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Vandana Thathy
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph Vinetz
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Thomas E. Wellems
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Jason Wendler
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ian Wright
- MRC Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William Yavo
- University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire,Malaria Research and Control Center of the National Institute of Public Health, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
| | - Htut Ye
- Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Myanmar
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35
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Naturally Acquired Antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum: Friend or Foe? Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070832. [PMID: 34357982 PMCID: PMC8308493 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are central to acquired immunity against malaria. Plasmodium falciparum elicits antibody responses against many of its protein components, but there is also formation of antibodies against different parts of the red blood cells, in which the parasites spend most of their time. In the absence of a decisive intervention such as a vaccine, people living in malaria endemic regions largely depend on naturally acquired antibodies for protection. However, these antibodies do not confer sterile immunity and the mechanisms of action are still unclear. Most studies have focused on the inhibitory effect of antibodies, but here, we review both the beneficial as well as the potentially harmful roles of naturally acquired antibodies, as well as autoantibodies formed in malaria. We discuss different studies that have sought to understand acquired antibody responses against P. falciparum antigens, and potential problems when different antibodies are combined, such as in naturally acquired immunity.
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36
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Yang Z, Shi Y, Cui H, Yang S, Gao H, Yuan J. A malaria parasite phospholipid flippase safeguards midgut traversal of ookinetes for mosquito transmission. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/30/eabf6015. [PMID: 34301597 PMCID: PMC8302136 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf6015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito midgut epithelium traversal is essential for malaria parasite transmission. Phospholipid flippases are eukaryotic type 4 P-type adenosine triphosphatases (P4-ATPases), which, in association with CDC50, translocate phospholipids across the membrane lipid bilayers. In this study, we investigated the function of a putative P4-ATPase, ATP7, from the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii Disruption of ATP7 blocks the parasite infection of mosquitoes. ATP7 is localized on the ookinete plasma membrane. While ATP7-depleted ookinetes are capable of invading the midgut, they are eliminated within the epithelial cells by a process independent from the mosquito complement-like immunity. ATP7 colocalizes and interacts with the flippase cofactor CDC50C. Depletion of CDC50C phenocopies ATP7 deficiency. ATP7-depleted ookinetes fail to uptake phosphatidylcholine across the plasma membrane. Ookinete microinjection into the mosquito hemocoel reverses the ATP7 deficiency phenotype. Our study identifies Plasmodium flippase as a mechanism of parasite survival in the midgut epithelium that is required for mosquito transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Huiting Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Shuzhen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Han Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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37
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Nanobody generation and structural characterization of Plasmodium falciparum 6-cysteine protein Pf12p. Biochem J 2021; 478:579-595. [PMID: 33480416 PMCID: PMC7886318 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Surface-associated proteins play critical roles in the Plasmodium parasite life cycle and are major targets for vaccine development. The 6-cysteine (6-cys) protein family is expressed in a stage-specific manner throughout Plasmodium falciparum life cycle and characterized by the presence of 6-cys domains, which are β-sandwich domains with conserved sets of disulfide bonds. Although several 6-cys family members have been implicated to play a role in sexual stages, mosquito transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion, the precise function of many family members is still unknown and structural information is only available for four 6-cys proteins. Here, we present to the best of our knowledge, the first crystal structure of the 6-cys protein Pf12p determined at 2.8 Å resolution. The monomeric molecule folds into two domains, D1 and D2, both of which adopt the canonical 6-cys domain fold. Although the structural fold is similar to that of Pf12, its paralog in P. falciparum, we show that Pf12p does not complex with Pf41, which is a known interaction partner of Pf12. We generated 10 distinct Pf12p-specific nanobodies which map into two separate epitope groups; one group which binds within the D2 domain, while several members of the second group bind at the interface of the D1 and D2 domain of Pf12p. Characterization of the structural features of the 6-cys family and their associated nanobodies provide a framework for generating new tools to study the diverse functions of the 6-cys protein family in the Plasmodium life cycle.
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38
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Brackney DE, LaReau JC, Smith RC. Frequency matters: How successive feeding episodes by blood-feeding insect vectors influences disease transmission. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009590. [PMID: 34111228 PMCID: PMC8191993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Doug E. Brackney
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Jacquelyn C. LaReau
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
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Yenkoidiok-Douti L, Barillas-Mury C, Jewell CM. Design of Dissolvable Microneedles for Delivery of a Pfs47-Based Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:1854-1862. [PMID: 33616392 PMCID: PMC8113916 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of effective malaria vaccines remains a global health priority. In addition to an effective vaccine, there is urgent demand for effective delivery technologies that can be easily deployed. The need for effective vaccine delivery tools is particularly pertinent in resource-poor settings where access to healthcare is limited. Microneedles are micron-scale structures that offer distinct advantages for vaccine delivery by efficiently targeting skin-resident immune cells, eliminating injection-associated pain, and improving patient compliance. Here, we developed and characterized a candidate malaria vaccine loaded and deployed using dissolvable microneedle arrays. Of note, a newly indicated human-relevant antigen was employed, Plasmodium falciparum surface protein P47. P47 and a potent toll-like receptor (TLR9) agonist vaccine adjuvant, CpG, were fabricated into microneedles using a gelatin polymer. Protein binding, ELISA, and fluorescence analysis confirmed the molecular structure, and the function of the P47 antigen and CpG was maintained after fabrication, storage, and release from microneedles. In cell culture, the cargo released from the microneedle arrays triggered TLR9 signaling and activated primary dendritic cells at levels similar to native, unincorporated vaccine components. Together, these studies demonstrate the potential of microneedles as an easily deployable strategy for a P47-based malaria vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lampouguin Yenkoidiok-Douti
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, United States
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
| | - Christopher M. Jewell
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System 10. N Green Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland Medical School, 685 West Baltimore Street, HSF-I Suite 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 22 S. Greene Street, Suite N9E17, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
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Additional Feeding Reveals Differences in Immune Recognition and Growth of Plasmodium Parasites in the Mosquito Host. mSphere 2021; 6:6/2/e00136-21. [PMID: 33789941 PMCID: PMC8546690 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00136-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes may feed multiple times during their life span in addition to those times needed to acquire and transmit malaria. To determine the impact of subsequent blood feeding on parasite development in Anopheles gambiae, we examined Plasmodium parasite infection with or without an additional noninfected blood meal. We found that an additional blood meal significantly reduced Plasmodium berghei immature oocyst numbers, yet had no effect on the human parasite Plasmodium falciparum. These observations were reproduced when mosquitoes were fed an artificial protein meal, suggesting that parasite losses are independent of blood ingestion. We found that feeding with either a blood or protein meal compromises midgut basal lamina integrity as a result of the physical distention of the midgut, enabling the recognition and lysis of immature P. berghei oocysts by mosquito complement. Moreover, we demonstrate that additional feeding promotes P. falciparum oocyst growth, suggesting that human malaria parasites exploit host resources provided with blood feeding to accelerate their growth. This is in contrast to experiments with P. berghei, where the size of surviving oocysts is independent of an additional blood meal. Together, these data demonstrate distinct differences in Plasmodium species in evading immune detection and utilizing host resources at the oocyst stage, representing an additional, yet unexplored component of vectorial capacity that has important implications for the transmission of malaria. IMPORTANCE Mosquitoes must blood feed multiple times to acquire and transmit malaria. However, the impact of an additional mosquito blood meal following malaria parasite infection has not been closely examined. Here, we demonstrate that additional feeding affects mosquito vector competence; namely, additional feeding significantly limits Plasmodium berghei infection, yet has no effect on infection of the human parasite P. falciparum. Our experiments support that these killing responses are mediated by the physical distension of the midgut and by temporary damage to the midgut basal lamina that exposes immature P. berghei oocysts to mosquito complement, while human malaria parasites are able to evade these killing mechanisms. In addition, we provide evidence that additional feeding promotes P. falciparum oocyst growth. This is in contrast to P. berghei, where oocyst size is independent of an additional blood meal. This suggests that human malaria parasites are able to exploit host resources provided by an additional feeding to accelerate their growth. In summary, our data highlight distinct differences in malaria parasite species in evading immune recognition and adapting to mosquito blood feeding. These observations have important, yet previously unexplored, implications for the impact of multiple blood meals on the transmission of malaria.
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Ukegbu CV, Christophides GK, Vlachou D. Identification of Three Novel Plasmodium Factors Involved in Ookinete to Oocyst Developmental Transition. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:634273. [PMID: 33791240 PMCID: PMC8005625 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.634273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. The numbers of new malaria cases and deaths have been stable in the last years despite intense efforts for disease elimination, highlighting the need for new approaches to stop disease transmission. Further understanding of the parasite transmission biology could provide a framework for the development of such approaches. We phenotypically and functionally characterized three novel genes, PIMMS01, PIMMS57, and PIMMS22, using targeted disruption of their orthologs in the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei. PIMMS01 and PIMMS57 are specifically and highly expressed in ookinetes, while PIMMS22 transcription starts already in gametocytes and peaks in sporozoites. All three genes show strong phenotypes associated with the ookinete to oocyst transition, as their disruption leads to very low numbers of oocysts and complete abolishment of transmission. PIMMS22 has a secondary essential function in the oocyst. Our results enrich the molecular understanding of the parasite-vector interactions and identify PIMMS01, PIMMS57, and PIMMS22 as new targets of transmission blocking interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiamaka V Ukegbu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - George K Christophides
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Dina Vlachou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Sikorski PM, Commodaro AG, Grigg ME. A Protective and Pathogenic Role for Complement During Acute Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:634610. [PMID: 33692968 PMCID: PMC7937796 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.634610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The infection competence of the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii is critically dependent on the parasite’s ability to inactivate the host complement system. Toxoplasma actively resists complement-mediated killing in non-immune serum by recruiting host-derived complement regulatory proteins C4BP and Factor H (FH) to the parasite surface to inactivate surface-bound C3 and limit formation of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC). While decreased complement activation on the parasite surface certainly protects Toxoplasma from immediate lysis, the biological effector functions of C3 split products C3b and C3a are maintained, which includes opsonization of the parasite for phagocytosis and potent immunomodulatory effects that promote pro-inflammatory responses and alters mucosal defenses during infection, respectively. In this review, we discuss how complement regulation by Toxoplasma controls parasite burden systemically but drives exacerbated immune responses locally in the gut of genetically susceptible C57BL/6J mice. In effect, Toxoplasma has evolved to strike a balance with the complement system, by inactivating complement to protect the parasite from immediate serum killing, it generates sufficient C3 catabolites that signal through their cognate receptors to stimulate protective immunity. This regulation ultimately controls tachyzoite proliferation and promotes host survival, parasite persistence, and transmissibility to new hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Sikorski
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alessandra G Commodaro
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Duffy PE. Transmission-Blocking Vaccines: Harnessing Herd Immunity for Malaria Elimination. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:185-198. [PMID: 33478283 PMCID: PMC11127254 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1878028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) prevent community spread of malaria by targeting mosquito sexual stage parasites, a life-cycle bottleneck, and will be used in elimination programs. TBV rely on herd immunity to reduce mosquito infections and thereby new infections in both vaccine recipients and non-recipients, but do not provide protection once an individual receives an infectious mosquito bite which complicates clinical development. AREAS COVERED Here, we describe the concept and biology behind TBV, and we provide an update on clinical development of the leading vaccine candidate antigens. Search terms 'malaria vaccine,' 'sexual stages,' 'transmission blocking vaccine,' 'VIMT' and 'SSM-VIMT' were used for PubMed queries to identify relevant literature. EXPERT OPINION Candidates targeting P. falciparum zygote surface antigen Pfs25, and its P. vivax orthologue Pvs25, induced functional activity in humans that reduced mosquito infection in surrogate assays, but require increased durability to be useful in the field. Candidates targeting gamete surface antigens Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, respectively, are in or nearing clinical trials. Nanoparticle platforms and adjuvants are being explored to enhance immunogenicity. Efficacy trials require special considerations, such as cluster-randomized designs to measure herd immunity that reduces human and mosquito infection rates, while addressing human and mosquito movements as confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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44
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Patel PN, Tolia N. Structural vaccinology of malaria transmission-blocking vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:199-214. [PMID: 33430656 PMCID: PMC11077433 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1873135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The development of effective vaccines remains a major health priority to combat the global burden of malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) elicit antibodies that neutralize the sexual stages of the parasite in blood meals ingested by the Anopheles mosquito, interrupting parasite development in the vector host and preventing disease spread to other individuals.Areas covered: The P. falciparum gametocyte surface antigens Pfs230, Pfs48/45, and Pfs47, the parasite ookinete surface protein Pfs25, and the male gametocyte specific protein PfHAP2 are leading TBV candidates, some of which are in clinical development. The recent expansion of methodology to study monoclonal antibodies isolated directly from humans and animal models, coupled with effective measures for parasite neutralization, has provided unprecedented insight into TBV efficacy and development.Expert opinion: Available structural and functional data on antigen-monoclonal antibody (Ag-mAb) complexes, as well as epitope classification studies, have identified neutralizing epitopes that may aid vaccine development and improve protection. Here, we review the clinical prospects of TBV candidates, progress in the development of novel vaccine strategies for TBVs, and the impact of structural vaccinology in TBV design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak N Patel
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niraj Tolia
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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A mating-induced reproductive gene promotes Anopheles tolerance to Plasmodium falciparum infection. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008908. [PMID: 33347501 PMCID: PMC7785212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anopheles mosquitoes have transmitted Plasmodium parasites for millions of years, yet it remains unclear whether they suffer fitness costs to infection. Here we report that the fecundity of virgin and mated females of two important vectors—Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi—is not affected by infection with Plasmodium falciparum, demonstrating that these human malaria parasites do not inflict this reproductive cost on their natural mosquito hosts. Additionally, parasite development is not impacted by mating status. However, in field studies using different P. falciparum isolates in Anopheles coluzzii, we find that Mating-Induced Stimulator of Oogenesis (MISO), a female reproductive gene strongly induced after mating by the sexual transfer of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), protects females from incurring fecundity costs to infection. MISO-silenced females produce fewer eggs as they become increasingly infected with P. falciparum, while parasite development is not impacted by this gene silencing. Interestingly, previous work had shown that sexual transfer of 20E has specifically evolved in Cellia species of the Anopheles genus, driving the co-adaptation of MISO. Our data therefore suggest that evolution of male-female sexual interactions may have promoted Anopheles tolerance to P. falciparum infection in the Cellia subgenus, which comprises the most important malaria vectors. Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of human malaria, is transmitted when female Anopheles mosquitoes bite people and take a blood meal in order to develop eggs. To date, it is still poorly understood whether Anopheles mosquitoes that get infected with P. falciparum suffer fitness costs. Here, we find that the number of eggs produced by Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi females is not affected by P. falciparum infection, and that the mating status of the mosquitoes does not impact the parasite. However, in field experiments infecting a related species, Anopheles coluzzii, with P. falciparum using blood from donors in Burkina Faso, we find that interfering with the expression of a gene normally triggered by the sexual transfer of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone induces increasing costs to egg development as females become more infected with P. falciparum, with no impacts on the parasite. The results of our study suggest that pathways triggered by mating may help Anopheles prevent reproductive costs associated with P. falciparum infection, providing new insights into evolutionary strategies adopted by anophelines in the face of a longstanding association with Plasmodium parasites.
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Windle ST, Lane KD, Gadalla NB, Liu A, Mu J, Caleon RL, Rahman RS, Sá JM, Wellems TE. Evidence for linkage of pfmdr1, pfcrt, and pfk13 polymorphisms to lumefantrine and mefloquine susceptibilities in a Plasmodium falciparum cross. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 14:208-217. [PMID: 33197753 PMCID: PMC7677662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumefantrine and mefloquine are used worldwide in artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) of malaria. Better understanding of drug susceptibility and resistance is needed and can be obtained from studies of genetic crosses. METHODS Drug response phenotypes of a cross between Plasmodium falciparum lines 803 (Cambodia) and GB4 (Ghana) were obtained as half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50s) and days to recovery (DTR) after 24 h exposure to 500 nM lumefantrine. EC50s of mefloquine, halofantrine, chloroquine, and dihydroartemisinin were also determined. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis and statistical tests with candidate genes were used to identify polymorphisms associated with response phenotypes. RESULTS Lumefantrine EC50s averaged 5.8-fold higher for the 803 than GB4 parent, and DTR results were 3-5 and 16-18 days, respectively. In 803 × GB4 progeny, outcomes of these two lumefantrine assays showed strong inverse correlation; these phenotypes also correlated strongly with mefloquine and halofantrine EC50s. By QTL analysis, lumefantrine and mefloquine phenotypes mapped to a chromosome 5 region containing codon polymorphisms N86Y and Y184F in the P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 protein (PfMDR1). Statistical tests of candidate genes identified correlations between inheritance of PfK13 Kelch protein polymorphism C580Y (and possibly K189T) and lumefantrine and mefloquine susceptibilities. Correlations were detected between lumefantrine and chloroquine EC50s and polymorphisms N326S and I356T in the CVIET-type P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) common to 803 and GB4. CONCLUSIONS Correlations in this study suggest common mechanisms of action in lumefantrine, mefloquine, and halofantrine responses. PfK13 as well as PfMDR1 and PfCRT polymorphisms may affect access and/or action of these arylaminoalcohol drugs at locations of hemoglobin digestion and heme metabolism. In endemic regions, pressure from use of lumefantrine or mefloquine in ACTs may drive selection of PfK13 polymorphisms along with versions of PfMDR1 and PfCRT associated with lower susceptibility to these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Windle
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kristin D Lane
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nahla B Gadalla
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Anna Liu
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jianbing Mu
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ramoncito L Caleon
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rifat S Rahman
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Juliana M Sá
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Thomas E Wellems
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA.
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Tagliamonte MS, Yowell CA, Elbadry MA, Boncy J, Raccurt CP, Okech BA, Goss EM, Salemi M, Dame JB. Genetic Markers of Adaptation of Plasmodium falciparum to Transmission by American Vectors Identified in the Genomes of Parasites from Haiti and South America. mSphere 2020; 5:e00937-20. [PMID: 33087522 PMCID: PMC7580960 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00937-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, was introduced into Hispaniola and other regions of the Americas through the slave trade spanning the 16th through the 19th centuries. During this period, more than 12 million Africans were brought across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and other regions of the Americas. Since malaria is holoendemic in West Africa, a substantial percentage of these individuals carried the parasite. St. Domingue on Hispaniola, now modern-day Haiti, was a major port of disembarkation, and malaria is still actively transmitted there. We undertook a detailed study of the phylogenetics of the Haitian parasites and those from Colombia and Peru utilizing whole-genome sequencing. Principal-component and phylogenetic analyses, based upon single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in protein coding regions, indicate that, despite the potential for millions of introductions from Africa, the Haitian parasites share an ancestral relationship within a well-supported monophyletic clade with parasites from South America, while belonging to a distinct lineage. This result, in stark contrast to the historical record of parasite introductions, is best explained by a severe population bottleneck experienced by the parasites introduced into the Americas. Here, evidence is presented for targeted selection of rare African alleles in genes which are expressed in the mosquito stages of the parasite's life cycle. These genetic markers support the hypothesis that the severe population bottleneck was caused by the required adaptation of the parasite to transmission by new definitive hosts among the Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) spp. found in the Caribbean and South America.IMPORTANCE Historical data suggest that millions of P. falciparum parasite lineages were introduced into the Americas during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, which would suggest a paraphyletic origin of the extant isolates in the Western Hemisphere. Our analyses of whole-genome variants show that the American parasites belong to a well-supported monophyletic clade. We hypothesize that the required adaptation to American vectors created a severe bottleneck, reducing the effective introduction to a few lineages. In support of this hypothesis, we discovered genes expressed in the mosquito stages of the life cycle that have alleles with multiple, high-frequency or fixed, nonsynonymous mutations in the American populations which are rarely found in African isolates. These alleles appear to be in gene products critical for transmission through the anopheline vector. Thus, these results may inform efforts to develop novel transmission-blocking vaccines by identifying parasite proteins functionally interacting with the vector that are important for successful transmission. Further, to the best of our knowledge, these are the first whole-genome data available from Haitian P. falciparum isolates. Defining the genome of these parasites provides genetic markers useful for mapping parasite populations and monitoring parasite movements/introductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano S Tagliamonte
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Charles A Yowell
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Maha A Elbadry
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jacques Boncy
- Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Christian P Raccurt
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Quisqueya, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Bernard A Okech
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Erica M Goss
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Marco Salemi
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - John B Dame
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Vendrely KM, Kumar S, Li X, Vaughan AM. Humanized Mice and the Rebirth of Malaria Genetic Crosses. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:850-863. [PMID: 32891493 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The first experimental crosses carried out with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum played a key role in determining the genetic loci responsible for drug resistance, virulence, invasion, growth rate, and transmission. These crosses relied on splenectomized chimpanzees to complete the liver stage of the parasite's life cycle and the subsequent transition to asexual blood stage culture followed by cloning of recombinant progeny in vitro. Crosses can now be routinely carried out using human-liver-chimeric mice infused with human erythrocytes to generate hundreds of unique recombinant progeny for genetic linkage mapping, bulk segregant analysis, and high-throughput 'omics readouts. The high number of recombinant progeny should allow for unprecedented power and efficiency in the execution of a systems genetics approach to study P. falciparum biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M Vendrely
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xue Li
- Disease Intervention and Prevention Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ashley M Vaughan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Yenkoidiok-Douti L, Canepa GE, Barletta ABF, Barillas-Mury C. In vivo Characterization of Plasmodium berghei P47 (Pbs47) as a Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Target. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1496. [PMID: 32719666 PMCID: PMC7348136 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An effective vaccine to reduce malaria transmission is central to control and ultimately achieve disease eradication. Recently, we demonstrated that antibodies targeting the Plasmodium falciparum surface protein P47 (Pfs47) reduce parasite transmission to Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Here, Plasmodium berghei (Pb) was used as a model to assess the in vivo efficacy of a P47-targeted transmission blocking vaccine (Pbs47). Mice were immunized following a prime/boost regimen and infected with P. berghei. The effect of immunization on infectivity to mosquitoes was evaluated by direct feeding on P. berghei-infected mice. The key region in Pbs47 where antibody binding confers protection was mapped, and the immunogenicity of this protective antigen was enhanced by conjugation to a virus-like particle. Passive immunization with 100 and 50 μg/mL of anti-Pbs47 IgG reduced oocyst density by 77 and 67%, respectively. Furthermore, affinity purified Pbs47-specific IgG significantly reduced oocyst density by 88 and 77%, respectively at doses as low as 10 and 1 μg/mL. These studies suggest that P47 is a promising transmission blocking target and show that antibodies to the same specific region in Pfs47 and Pbs47 confer protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lampouguin Yenkoidiok-Douti
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Gaspar E. Canepa
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Ana Beatriz F. Barletta
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
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Fuess LE, Butler CC, Brandt ME, Mydlarz LD. Investigating the roles of transforming growth factor-beta in immune response of Orbicella faveolata, a scleractinian coral. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 107:103639. [PMID: 32027869 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Symbiotic relationships range from parasitic to mutualistic, yet all endosymbionts face similar challenges, including evasion of host immunity. Many symbiotic organisms have evolved similar mechanisms to face these challenges, including manipulation of the host's transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) pathway. Here we investigate the TGFβ pathway in scelaractinian corals which are dependent on symbioses with dinoflagellates from the family Symbiodiniaceae. Using the Caribbean coral, Orbicella faveolata, we explore the effects of enhancement and inhibition of the TGFβ pathway on host gene expression. Following transcriptomic analyses, we demonstrated limited effects of pathway manipulation in absence of immune stimulation. However, manipulation of the TGFβ pathway significantly affects the subsequent ability of host corals to mount an immune response. Enhancement of the TGFβ pathway eliminates transcriptomic signatures of host coral immune response, while inhibition of the pathway maintains the response. This is, to our knowledge, the first evidence of an immunomodulatory role for TGFβ in a scelaractinian coral. These findings suggest variation in TGFβ signaling may have implications in the face of increasing disease prevelance. Our results suggest that the TGFβ pathway can modulate tradeoffs between symbiosis and immunity. Further study of links between symbiosis, TGFβ, and immunity is needed to better understand the ecological implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Fuess
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States.
| | - Caleb C Butler
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Marilyn E Brandt
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, USVI, United States
| | - Laura D Mydlarz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
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