1
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Pyuza JJ, van Dorst MM, Stam K, Wammes L, König M, Kullaya VI, Kruize Y, Huisman W, Andongolile N, Ngowi A, Shao ER, Mremi A, Hogendoorn PC, Msuya SE, Jochems SP, de Steenhuijsen Piters WA, Yazdanbakhsh M. Lifestyle score is associated with cellular immune profiles in healthy Tanzanian adults. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 41:100863. [PMID: 39398291 PMCID: PMC11470418 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune system and vaccine responses vary across geographical locations worldwide, not only between high and low-middle income countries (LMICs), but also between rural and urban populations within the same country. Lifestyle factors such as housing conditions, exposure to microorganisms and parasites and diet are associated with rural-and urban-living. However, the relationships between these lifestyle factors and immune profiles have not been mapped in detail. Here, we profiled the immune system of 100 healthy Tanzanians living across four rural/urban areas using mass cytometry. We developed a lifestyle score based on an individual's household assets, housing condition and recent dietary history and studied the association with cellular immune profiles. Seventeen out of 80 immune cell clusters were associated with living location or lifestyle score, with eight identifiable only using lifestyle score. Individuals with low lifestyle score, most of whom live in rural settings, showed higher frequencies of NK cells, plasmablasts, atypical memory B cells, T helper 2 cells, regulatory T cells and activated CD4+ T effector memory cells expressing CD38, HLA-DR and CTLA-4. In contrast, those with high lifestyle score, most of whom live in urban areas, showed a less activated state of the immune system illustrated by higher frequencies of naïve CD8+ T cells. Using an elastic net machine learning model, we identified cellular immune signatures most associated with lifestyle score. Assuming a link between these immune profiles and vaccine responses, these signatures may inform us on the cellular mechanisms underlying poor responses to vaccines, but also reduced autoimmunity and allergies in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremia J. Pyuza
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian University Medical College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Marloes M.A.R. van Dorst
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Koen Stam
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Linda Wammes
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marion König
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Vesla I. Kullaya
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Yvonne Kruize
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wesley Huisman
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Nikuntufya Andongolile
- Department of Community Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Anastazia Ngowi
- Department of Community Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Elichilia R. Shao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Alex Mremi
- Department of Pathology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Sia E. Msuya
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian University Medical College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
- Department of Community Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Simon P. Jochems
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), Leiden University Medical Center, ZA, Leiden, Netherlands
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2
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Manurung MD, Sonnet F, Hoogerwerf MA, Janse JJ, Kruize Y, Bes-Roeleveld LD, König M, Loukas A, Dewals BG, Supali T, Jochems SP, Roestenberg M, Coppola M, Yazdanbakhsh M. Controlled human hookworm infection remodels plasmacytoid dendritic cells and regulatory T cells towards profiles seen in natural infections in endemic areas. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5960. [PMID: 39013877 PMCID: PMC11252261 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50313-0] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hookworm infection remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where mass drug administration has not stopped reinfection. Developing a vaccine is crucial to complement current control measures, which necessitates a thorough understanding of host immune responses. By leveraging controlled human infection models and high-dimensional immunophenotyping, here we investigated the immune remodeling following infection with 50 Necator americanus L3 hookworm larvae in four naïve volunteers over two years of follow-up and compared the profiles with naturally infected populations in endemic areas. Increased plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequency and diminished responsiveness to Toll-like receptor 7/8 ligand were observed in both controlled and natural infection settings. Despite the increased CD45RA+ regulatory T cell (Tregs) frequencies in both settings, markers of Tregs function, including inducible T-cell costimulatory (ICOS), tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), and latency-associated peptide (LAP), as well as in vitro Tregs suppressive capacity were higher in natural infections. Taken together, this study provides unique insights into the immunological trajectories following a first-in-life hookworm infection compared to natural infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhael D Manurung
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Friederike Sonnet
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Astrid Hoogerwerf
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline J Janse
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Kruize
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura de Bes-Roeleveld
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marion König
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Benjamin G Dewals
- Laboratory of Immunology-Vaccinology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Taniawati Supali
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Simon P Jochems
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mariateresa Coppola
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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3
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Houlder EL, Stam KA, Koopman JPR, König MH, Langenberg MCC, Hoogerwerf MA, Niewold P, Sonnet F, Janse JJ, Partal MC, Sijtsma JC, de Bes-Roeleveld LHM, Kruize YCM, Yazdanbakhsh M, Roestenberg M. Early symptom-associated inflammatory responses shift to type 2 responses in controlled human schistosome infection. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadl1965. [PMID: 38968336 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adl1965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an infection caused by contact with Schistosoma-contaminated water and affects more than 230 million people worldwide with varying morbidity. The roles of T helper 2 (TH2) cells and regulatory immune responses in chronic infection are well documented, but less is known about human immune responses during acute infection. Here, we comprehensively map immune responses during controlled human Schistosoma mansoni infection using male or female cercariae. Immune responses to male or female parasite single-sex infection were comparable. An early TH1-biased inflammatory response was observed at week 4 after infection, which was particularly apparent in individuals experiencing symptoms of acute schistosomiasis. By week 8 after infection, inflammatory responses were followed by an expansion of TH2 and regulatory cell subsets. This study demonstrates the shift from TH1 to both TH2 and regulatory responses, typical of chronic schistosomiasis, in the absence of egg production and provides immunological insight into the clinical manifestations of acute schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Houlder
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Koen A Stam
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jan Pieter R Koopman
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marion H König
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marijke C C Langenberg
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marie-Astrid Hoogerwerf
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Paula Niewold
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Friederike Sonnet
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline J Janse
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Miriam Casacuberta Partal
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen C Sijtsma
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Laura H M de Bes-Roeleveld
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Yvonne C M Kruize
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands
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4
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Mao H, Liu Y, Lv Q, Li C, Yang Y, Wu F, Xu N, Jin X. The effect of β-Glucan induced intestinal trained immunity against Trichinella spiralis infection. Vet Parasitol 2024:110238. [PMID: 38944590 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic helminth Trichinella spiralis (Ts) induce mixed Th1/Th2 response with predominant type 2 immune responses, with protective immunity mediated by interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. β-Glucan (BG) has been shown to have the ability to induce trained immunity, confers non-specific protection from secondary infections. However, whether BG-induced trained immunity played a role in protective type 2 immunity against Ts infection is unclear. In this study, BG was administered five days before Ts infection to induce trained immunity. Our findings demonstrate that BG pretreatment effectively reduced the number of T. spiralis adults and muscle larvae, whereas inhibition of trained immunity abolished the effect of BG. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in goblet cells and mucus production as evidenced by Alcian blue periodic acid-Schiff staining. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 expression in response to BG. Conversely, the inhibitor of trained immunity reversed these effects, suggesting that BG-induced trained immunity confers strong protection against Ts infection. In conclusion, these findings suggest that BG-induced trained immunity may play a role in protection against infections caused by other helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhai Mao
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qingbo Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chengyao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yaming Yang
- Department of Helminth, Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Puer, China
| | - Fangwei Wu
- Department of Helminth, Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Puer, China
| | - Ning Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Xuemin Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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5
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Mules TC, Tang JS, Vacca F, Yumnam B, Schmidt A, Lavender B, Maclean K, Noble SL, Waugh C, van Ginkel R, Camberis M, Le Gros G, Inns S. Modulation of intestinal epithelial permeability by chronic small intestinal helminth infections. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:396-406. [PMID: 38648862 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12749] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Increased permeability of the intestinal epithelial layer is linked to the pathogenesis and perpetuation of a wide range of intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. Infecting humans with controlled doses of helminths, such as human hookworm (termed hookworm therapy), is proposed as a treatment for many of the same diseases. Helminths induce immunoregulatory changes in their host which could decrease epithelial permeability, which is highlighted as a potential mechanism through which helminths treat disease. Despite this, the influence of a chronic helminth infection on epithelial permeability remains unclear. This study uses the chronically infecting intestinal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus to reveal alterations in the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins and epithelial permeability during the infection course. In the acute infection phase (1 week postinfection), an increase in intestinal epithelial permeability is observed. Consistent with this finding, jejunal claudin-2 is upregulated and tricellulin is downregulated. By contrast, in the chronic infection phase (6 weeks postinfection), colonic claudin-1 is upregulated and epithelial permeability decreases. Importantly, this study also investigates changes in epithelial permeability in a small human cohort experimentally challenged with the human hookworm, Necator americanus. It demonstrates a trend toward small intestinal permeability increasing in the acute infection phase (8 weeks postinfection), and colonic and whole gut permeability decreasing in the chronic infection phase (24 weeks postinfection), suggesting a conserved epithelial response between humans and mice. In summary, our findings demonstrate dynamic changes in epithelial permeability during a chronic helminth infection and provide another plausible mechanism by which chronic helminth infections could be utilized to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Mules
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeffry S Tang
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Francesco Vacca
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bibek Yumnam
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alfonso Schmidt
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Kate Maclean
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Mali Camberis
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Graham Le Gros
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Inns
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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6
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van Dorst MMAR, Pyuza JJ, Nkurunungi G, Kullaya VI, Smits HH, Hogendoorn PCW, Wammes LJ, Everts B, Elliott AM, Jochems SP, Yazdanbakhsh M. Immunological factors linked to geographical variation in vaccine responses. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:250-263. [PMID: 37770632 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00941-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is one of medicine's greatest achievements; however, its full potential is hampered by considerable variation in efficacy across populations and geographical regions. For example, attenuated malaria vaccines in high-income countries confer almost 100% protection, whereas in low-income regions these same vaccines achieve only 20-50% protection. This trend is also observed for other vaccines, such as bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), rotavirus and yellow fever vaccines, in terms of either immunogenicity or efficacy. Multiple environmental factors affect vaccine responses, including pathogen exposure, microbiota composition and dietary nutrients. However, there has been variable success with interventions that target these individual factors, highlighting the need for a better understanding of their downstream immunological mechanisms to develop new ways of modulating vaccine responses. Here, we review the immunological factors that underlie geographical variation in vaccine responses. Through the identification of causal pathways that link environmental influences to vaccine responsiveness, it might become possible to devise modulatory compounds that can complement vaccines for better outcomes in regions where they are needed most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes M A R van Dorst
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jeremia J Pyuza
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Gyaviira Nkurunungi
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Vesla I Kullaya
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Hermelijn H Smits
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Linda J Wammes
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bart Everts
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alison M Elliott
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Simon P Jochems
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
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7
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Le Bert N, Samandari T. Silent battles: immune responses in asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:159-170. [PMID: 38221577 PMCID: PMC10805869 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01127-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infections manifest with a broad spectrum of presentations, ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe pneumonia and fatal outcomes. This review centers on asymptomatic infections, a widely reported phenomenon that has substantially contributed to the rapid spread of the pandemic. In such asymptomatic infections, we focus on the role of innate, humoral, and cellular immunity. Notably, asymptomatic infections are characterized by an early and robust innate immune response, particularly a swift type 1 IFN reaction, alongside a rapid and broad induction of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells. Often, antibody levels tend to be lower or undetectable after asymptomatic infections, suggesting that the rapid control of viral replication by innate and cellular responses might impede the full triggering of humoral immunity. Even if antibody levels are present in the early convalescent phase, they wane rapidly below serological detection limits, particularly following asymptomatic infection. Consequently, prevalence studies reliant solely on serological assays likely underestimate the extent of community exposure to the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Le Bert
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Taraz Samandari
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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8
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Sun XM, Hao CY, Wu AQ, Luo ZN, El-Ashram S, Alouffi A, Gu Y, Liu S, Huang JJ, Zhu XP. Trichinella spiralis -induced immunomodulation signatures on gut microbiota and metabolic pathways in mice. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011893. [PMID: 38166140 PMCID: PMC10786400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011893] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The hygiene hypothesis proposes that decreased exposure to infectious agents in developed countries may contribute to the development of allergic and autoimmune diseases. Trichinella spiralis, a parasitic roundworm, causes trichinellosis, also known as trichinosis, in humans. T. spiralis had many hosts, and almost any mammal could become infected. Adult worms lived in the small intestine, while the larvae lived in muscle cells of the same mammal. T. spiralis was a significant public health threat because it could cause severe illness and even death in humans who eat undercooked or raw meat containing the parasite. The complex interactions between gastrointestinal helminths, gut microbiota, and the host immune system present a challenge for researchers. Two groups of mice were infected with T. spiralis vs uninfected control, and the experiment was conducted over 60 days. The 16S rRNA gene sequences and untargeted LC/MS-based metabolomics of fecal and serum samples, respectively, from different stages of development of the Trichinella spiralis-mouse model, were examined in this study. Gut microbiota alterations and metabolic activity accompanied by parasite-induced immunomodulation were detected. The inflammation parameters of the duodenum (villus/crypt ratio, goblet cell number and size, and histological score) were involved in active inflammation and oxidative metabolite profiles. These profiles included increased biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan while decreasing cholesterol metabolism and primary and secondary bile acid biosynthesis. These disrupted metabolisms adapted to infection stress during the enteral and parenteral phases and then return to homeostasis during the encapsulated phase. There was a shift from an abundance of Bacteroides in the parenteral phase to an abundance of probiotic Lactobacillus and Treg-associated-Clostridia in the encapsulated phase. Th2 immune response (IL-4/IL-5/IL-13), lamina propria Treg, and immune hyporesponsiveness metabolic pathways (decreased tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of alkaloids derived from ornithine, lysine, and nicotinic acid) were all altered. These findings enhanced our understanding of gut microbiota and metabolic profiles of Trichinella -infected mice, which could be a driving force in parasite-shaping immune system maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Meng Sun
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Yue Hao
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - An-Qi Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ze-Ni Luo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong province, China
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yuan Gu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Huang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Ping Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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9
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Vacca F, Mules TC, Camberis M, Lavender B, Noble SL, Cait A, Maclean K, Mamum J, Yumnam B, Te Kawa T, Ferrer-Font L, Tang JS, Gasser O, Le Gros G, Inns S. Controlled infection with cryopreserved human hookworm induces CTLA-4 expression on Tregs and upregulates tryptophan metabolism. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2416517. [PMID: 39411786 PMCID: PMC11485773 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2416517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Infecting humans with controlled doses of helminths, such as human hookworm (termed hookworm therapy), is proposed to prevent or treat various intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. However, full-scale clinical trials examining hookworm therapy are limited by the inability to scale-up the production of hookworm larvae to infect sufficient numbers of patients. With the aim of overcoming this challenge, this study infected four healthy individuals with hookworm larvae that had been reanimated from cryopreserved eggs to examine their viability and immunogenicity. We demonstrate that reanimated cryopreserved hookworm larvae establish a viable hookworm infection and elicit a similar immune response to larvae cultured from fresh stool. Furthermore, a refined understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of hookworm is imperative to determine which diseases to target with hookworm therapy. To investigate potential therapeutic mechanisms, this study assessed changes in the immune cells, microbiome, and plasma metabolome in the four healthy individuals infected with cryopreserved hookworm larvae and another nine individuals infected with larvae cultured from freshly obtained stool. We identified potential immunoregulatory mechanisms by which hookworm may provide a beneficial effect on its host, including increased expression of CTLA-4 on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and upregulation of tryptophan metabolism. Furthermore, we found that a participant's baseline microbiome predicted the severity of symptoms and intestinal inflammation experienced during a controlled hookworm infection. In summary, our findings demonstrate the feasibility of full-scale clinical trials examining hookworm therapy by minimizing the reliance on human donors and optimizing the culturing process, thereby enabling viable hookworm larvae to be mass-produced and enabling on-demand inoculation of patients. Furthermore, this study provides insights into the complex interactions between helminths and their host, which could inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vacca
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Thomas C. Mules
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Gastroenterology, Te Whatu Ora, Capital Coast and Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mali Camberis
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Brittany Lavender
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sophia-Louise Noble
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alissa Cait
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kate Maclean
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - John Mamum
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bibek Yumnam
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Tama Te Kawa
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Laura Ferrer-Font
- Hugh Green Technology Centre, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeffry S. Tang
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Olivier Gasser
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Graham Le Gros
- Le Gros Laboratory, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Inns
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Gastroenterology, Te Whatu Ora, Capital Coast and Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
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10
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Mules TC, Inns S, Le Gros G. Helminths' therapeutic potential to treat intestinal barrier dysfunction. Allergy 2023; 78:2892-2905. [PMID: 37449458 DOI: 10.1111/all.15812] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal barrier is a dynamic multi-layered structure which can adapt to environmental changes within the intestinal lumen. It has the complex task of allowing nutrient absorption while limiting entry of harmful microbes and microbial antigens present in the intestinal lumen. Excessive entry of microbial antigens via microbial translocation due to 'intestinal barrier dysfunction' is hypothesised to contribute to the increasing incidence of allergic, autoimmune and metabolic diseases, a concept referred to as the 'epithelial barrier theory'. Helminths reside in the intestinal tract are in intimate contact with the mucosal surfaces and induce a range of local immunological changes which affect the layers of the intestinal barrier. Helminths are proposed to prevent, or even treat, many of the diseases implicated in the epithelial barrier theory. This review will focus on the effect of helminths on intestinal barrier function and explore whether this could explain the proposed health benefits delivered by helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Mules
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Graham Le Gros
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
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11
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Gazzinelli-Guimaraes PH, Golec DP, Karmele EP, Sciurba J, Bara-Garcia P, Hill T, Kang B, Bennuru S, Schwartzberg PL, Nutman TB. Eosinophil trafficking in allergen-mediated pulmonary inflammation relies on IL-13-driven CCL-11 and CCL-24 production by tissue fibroblasts and myeloid cells. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. GLOBAL 2023; 2:100131. [PMID: 37781651 PMCID: PMC10509988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2023.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Background The immunologic mechanisms underlying pulmonary type 2 inflammation, including the dynamics of eosinophil recruitment to the lungs, still need to be elucidated. Objective We sought to investigate how IL-13-producing TH2 effector cells trigger eosinophil migration in house dust mite (HDM)-driven allergic pulmonary inflammation. Methods Multiparameter and molecular profiling of murine lungs with HDM-induced allergy was investigated in the absence of IL-13 signaling by using IL-13Rα1-deficient mice and separately through adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from IL-5-deficient mice into TCRα-/- mice before allergic inflammation. Results We demonstrated through single-cell techniques that HDM-driven pulmonary inflammation displays a profile characterized by TH2 effector cell-induced IL-13-dominated eosinophilic inflammation. Using HDM-sensitized IL-13Rα1-/- mice, we found a marked reduction in the influx of eosinophils into the lungs along with a significant downregulation of both CCL-11 and CCL-24. We further found that eosinophil trafficking to the lung relies on production of IL-13-driven CCL-11 and CCL-24 by fibroblasts and Ly6C+ (so-called classical) monocytes. Moreover, this IL-13-mediated eotaxin-dependent eosinophil influx to the lung tissue required IL-5-induced eosinophilia. Finally, we demonstrated that this IL-13-driven eosinophil-dominated pulmonary inflammation was critical for limiting bystander lung transiting Ascaris parasites in a model of allergy and helminth interaction. Conclusion Our data suggest that IL-5-dependent allergen-specific TH2 effector cell response and subsequent signaling through the IL-13/IL-13Rα1 axis in fibroblasts and myeloid cells regulate the eotaxin-dependent recruitment of eosinophils to the lungs, with multiple downstream consequences, including bystander control of lung transiting parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominic P. Golec
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Erik P. Karmele
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Joshua Sciurba
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Pablo Bara-Garcia
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Tom Hill
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Byunghyun Kang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sasisekhar Bennuru
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Thomas B. Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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12
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Koladiya A, Davis KL. Advances in Clinical Mass Cytometry. Clin Lab Med 2023; 43:507-519. [PMID: 37481326 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.05.004] [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] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The advent of high-dimensional single-cell technologies has enabled detection of cellular heterogeneity and functional diversity of immune cells during health and disease conditions. Because of its multiplexing capabilities and limited compensation requirements, mass cytometry or cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) has played a superior role in immune monitoring compared with flow cytometry. Further, it has higher throughput and lower cost compared with other single-cell techniques. Several published articles have utilized CyTOF to identify cellular phenotypes and features associated with disease outcomes. This article introduces CyTOF-based assays to profile immune cell-types, cell-states, and their applications in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Koladiya
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kara L Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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13
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McManus CM, Maizels RM. Regulatory T cells in parasite infections: susceptibility, specificity and specialisation. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:547-562. [PMID: 37225557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.04.002] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to control immune system responses to innocuous self-specificities, intestinal and environmental antigens. However, they may also interfere with immunity to parasites, particularly in chronic infection. Susceptibility to many parasite infections is, to a greater or lesser extent, controlled by Tregs, but often they play a more prominent role in moderating the immunopathological consequences of parasitism, and dampening bystander reactions in an antigen-nonspecific manner. More recently, Treg subtypes have been defined which may preferentially act in different contexts; we also discuss the degree to which this specialisation is now being mapped onto how Tregs maintain the delicate balance between tolerance, immunity, and pathology in infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M McManus
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.
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14
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A New Role for Old Friends: Effects of Helminth Infections on Vaccine Efficacy. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101163. [PMID: 36297220 PMCID: PMC9608950 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most successful medical inventions to enable the eradication or control of common and fatal diseases. Environmental exposure of hosts, including helminth infections, plays an important role in immune responses to vaccines. Given that helminth infections are among the most common infectious diseases in the world, evaluating vaccine efficiency in helminth-infected populations may provide critical information for selecting optimal vaccination programs. Here, we reviewed the effects of helminth infections on vaccination and its underlying immunological mechanisms, based on findings from human studies and animal models. Moreover, the potential influence of helminth infections on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was also discussed. Based on these findings, there is an urgent need for anthelmintic treatments to eliminate helminth suppressive impacts on vaccination effectiveness during implementing mass vaccination in parasite endemic areas.
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15
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Loke P, Lee SC, Oyesola OO. Effects of helminths on the human immune response and the microbiome. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:1224-1233. [PMID: 35732819 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-022-00532-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Helminths have evolved sophisticated immune regulating mechanisms to prevent rejection by their mammalian host. Our understanding of how the human immune system responds to these parasites remains poor compared to mouse models of infection and this limits our ability to develop vaccines as well as harness their unique properties as therapeutic strategies against inflammatory disorders. Here, we review how recent studies on human challenge infections, self-infected individuals, travelers, and endemic populations have improved our understanding of human type 2 immunity and its effects on the microbiome. The heterogeneity of responses between individuals and the limited access to tissue samples beyond the peripheral blood are challenges that limit human studies on helminths, but also provide opportunities to transform our understanding of human immunology. Organoids and single-cell sequencing are exciting new tools for immunological analysis that may aid this pursuit. Learning about the genetic and immunological basis of resistance, tolerance, and pathogenesis to helminth infections may thus uncover mechanisms that can be utilized for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P'ng Loke
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Soo Ching Lee
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Oyebola O Oyesola
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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16
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Vacca F, Le Gros G. Tissue-specific immunity in helminth infections. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:1212-1223. [PMID: 35680972 PMCID: PMC9178325 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-022-00531-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A characteristic feature of host responses to helminth infections is the development of profound systemic and tissue-localised Type 2 immune responses that play critical roles in immunity, tissue repair and tolerance of the parasite at tissue sites. These same Type 2 responses are also seen in the tissue-associated immune-pathologies seen in asthma, atopic dermatitis and many forms of allergies. The recent identification of new subtypes of immune cells and cytokine pathways that influence both immune and non-immune cells and tissues creates the opportunity for reviewing helminth parasite-host responses in the context of tissue specific immunity. This review focuses on the new discoveries of the cells and cytokines involved in tissue specific immune responses to helminths and how these contribute to host immunity against helminth infection and allow the host to accommodate the presence of parasites when they cannot be eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vacca
- grid.250086.90000 0001 0740 0291Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Graham Le Gros
- grid.250086.90000 0001 0740 0291Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
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17
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The yin and yang of human soil-transmitted helminth infections. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1243-1253. [PMID: 34774540 PMCID: PMC9145206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The major soil-transmitted helminths that infect humans are the roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Soil-transmitted helminth infections rank among the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity, and almost one billion people are still infected with at least one species. While anthelmintic drugs are available, they do not offer long term protection against reinfection, precipitating the need for vaccines that provide long-term immunologic defense. Vaccine discovery and development is in advanced clinical development for hookworm infection, with a bivalent human hookworm vaccine in clinical trials in Brazil and Africa, but is in its infancy for both roundworm (ascariasis) and whipworm (trichuriasis) infections. One of the greatest hurdles to developing soil-transmitted helminth vaccines is the potent immunoregulatory properties of these helminths, creating a barrier to the induction of meaningful long-term protective immunity. While challenging for vaccinologists, this phenomenon presents unique opportunities to develop an entirely new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that capitalise on these immunomodulatory strategies. Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials employing experimental soil-transmitted helminth challenge models, when coupled with findings from animal models, show that at least some soil-transmitted helminth-derived molecules can protect against the onset of autoimmune, allergic and metabolic disorders, and several natural products with the desired bioactivity have been isolated and tested in pre-clinical settings. The yin and yang of soil-transmitted helminth infections reflect both the urgency for effective vaccines and the potential for new immunoregulatory molecules from parasite products.
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18
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Wolday D, Gebrecherkos T, Arefaine ZG, Kiros YK, Gebreegzabher A, Tasew G, Abdulkader M, Abraha HE, Desta AA, Hailu A, Tollera G, Abdella S, Tesema M, Abate E, Endarge KL, Hundie TG, Miteku FK, Urban BC, Schallig HH, Harris VC, de Wit TFR. Effect of co-infection with intestinal parasites on COVID-19 severity: A prospective observational cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 39:101054. [PMID: 34368662 PMCID: PMC8324426 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection results in a spectrum of clinical presentations. Evidence from Africa indicates that significantly less COVID-19 patients suffer from serious symptoms than in the industrialized world. We and others previously postulated a partial explanation for this phenomenon, being a different, more activated immune system due to parasite infections. Here, we aimed to test this hypothesis by investigating a potential correlation of co-infection with parasites with COVID-19 severity in an endemic area in Africa. Methods: Ethiopian COVID-19 patients were enrolled and screened for intestinal parasites, between July 2020 and March 2021. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with severe COVID-19. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between parasite infection, and COVID-19 severity. Models were adjusted for sex, age, residence, education level, occupation, body mass index, and comorbidities. Findings: 751 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were enrolled, of whom 284 (37.8%) had intestinal parasitic infection. Only 27/255 (10.6%) severe COVID-19 patients were co-infected with intestinal parasites, while 257/496 (51.8%) non-severe COVID-19 patients were parasite positive (p<0.0001). Patients co-infected with parasites had lower odds of developing severe COVID-19, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.23 (95% CI 0.17-0.30; p<0.0001) for all parasites, aOR 0.37 ([95% CI 0.26-0.51]; p<0.0001) for protozoa, and aOR 0.26 ([95% CI 0.19-0.35]; p<0.0001) for helminths. When stratified by species, co-infection with Entamoeba spp., Hymenolepis nana, Schistosoma mansoni, and Trichuris trichiura implied lower probability of developing severe COVID-19. There were 11 deaths (1.5%), and all were among patients without parasites (p = 0.009). Interpretation: Parasite co-infection is associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in African patients. Parasite-driven immunomodulatory responses may mute hyper-inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. Funding: European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) - European Union, and Joep Lange Institute (JLI), The Netherlands. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04473365.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Wolday
- Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | - Geremew Tasew
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Saro Abdella
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ebba Abate
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Britta C. Urban
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Respiratory Clinical Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Henk H.D.F. Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology Unit, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vanessa C. Harris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology Unit, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias F. Rinke de Wit
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Joep Lange Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author: at Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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19
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Morgan DM, Ruiter B, Smith NP, Tu AA, Monian B, Stone BE, Virk-Hundal N, Yuan Q, Shreffler WG, Love JC. Clonally expanded, GPR15-expressing pathogenic effector T H2 cells are associated with eosinophilic esophagitis. Sci Immunol 2021; 6:eabi5586. [PMID: 34389613 PMCID: PMC8686696 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abi5586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic disorder characterized by the recruitment of eosinophils to the esophagus, resulting in chronic inflammation. We sought to understand the cellular populations present in tissue biopsies of patients with EoE and to determine how these populations are altered between active disease and remission. To this end, we analyzed cells obtained from esophageal biopsies, duodenal biopsies, and peripheral blood of patients with EoE diagnosed with active disease or remission with single-cell RNA and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing. Pathogenic effector TH2 (peTH2) cells present in the esophageal biopsies of patients with active disease expressed distinct gene signatures associated with the synthesis of eicosanoids. The esophageal tissue-resident peTH2 population also exhibited clonal expansion, suggesting antigen-specific activation. Peripheral CRTH2+CD161- and CRTH2+CD161+ memory CD4+ T cells were enriched for either a conventional TH2 phenotype or a peTH2 phenotype, respectively. These cells also exhibited substantial clonal expansion and convergence of TCR sequences, suggesting that they are expanded in response to a defined set of antigens. The esophagus-homing receptor GPR15 was up-regulated by peripheral peTH2 clonotypes that were also detected in the esophagus. Finally, GPR15+ peTH2 cells were enriched among milk-reactive CD4+ T cells in patients with milk-triggered disease, suggesting that these cells are an expanded, food antigen-specific population with enhanced esophagus homing potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan M Morgan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bert Ruiter
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neal P Smith
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ang A Tu
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Immunitas Therapeutics Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brinda Monian
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brandon E Stone
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Qian Yuan
- Food Allergy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wayne G Shreffler
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Food Allergy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Christopher Love
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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20
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Wolday D, Ndungu FM, Gómez-Pérez GP, de Wit TFR. Chronic Immune Activation and CD4 + T Cell Lymphopenia in Healthy African Individuals: Perspectives for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Efficacy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:693269. [PMID: 34220854 PMCID: PMC8249933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.693269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic immune activation has been considered as the driving force for CD4+ T cell depletion in people infected with HIV-1. Interestingly, the normal immune profile of adult HIV-negative individuals living in Africa also exhibit chronic immune activation, reminiscent of that observed in HIV-1 infected individuals. It is characterized by increased levels of soluble immune activation markers, such as the cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, TNF-α, and cellular activation markers including HLA-DR, CD-38, CCR5, coupled with reduced naïve and increased memory cells in CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. In addition, it is accompanied by low CD4+ T cell counts when compared to Europeans. There is also evidence that mononuclear cells from African infants secrete less innate cytokines than South and North Americans and Europeans in vitro. Chronic immune activation in Africans is linked to environmental factors such as parasitic infections and could be responsible for previously observed immune hypo-responsiveness to infections and vaccines. It is unclear whether the immunogenicity and effectiveness of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines will also be reduced by similar mechanisms. A review of studies investigating this phenomenon is urgently required as they should inform the design and delivery for vaccines to be used in African populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Wolday
- Department of Medicine, Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Francis M. Ndungu
- Department of Global Health, Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) – Wellcome Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gloria P. Gómez-Pérez
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tobias F. Rinke de Wit
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Joep-Lange Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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21
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Mair I, Else KJ, Forman R. Trichuris muris as a tool for holistic discovery research: from translational research to environmental bio-tagging. Parasitology 2021; 148:1-13. [PMID: 33952360 PMCID: PMC8660646 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202100069x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Trichuris spp. (whipworms) are intestinal nematode parasites which cause chronic infections associated with significant morbidities. Trichuris muris in a mouse is the most well studied of the whipworms and research on this species has been approached from a number of different disciplines. Research on T. muris in a laboratory mouse has provided vital insights into the host–parasite interaction through analyses of the immune responses to infection, identifying factors underpinning host susceptibility and resistance. Laboratory studies have also informed strategies for disease control through anthelmintics and vaccine research. On the contrary, research on naturally occurring infections with Trichuris spp. allows the analysis of the host–parasite co-evolutionary relationships and parasite genetic diversity. Furthermore, ecological studies utilizing Trichuris have aided our knowledge of the intricate relationships amongst parasite, host and environment. More recently, studies in wild and semi-wild settings have combined the strengths of the model organism of the house mouse with the complexities of context-dependent physiological responses to infection. This review celebrates the extraordinarily broad range of beneficiaries of whipworm research, from immunologists and parasitologists, through epidemiologists, ecologists and evolutionary biologists to the veterinary and medical communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Mair
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, ManchesterM13 9PT, UK
| | - Kathryn J. Else
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, ManchesterM13 9PT, UK
| | - Ruth Forman
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, ManchesterM13 9PT, UK
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22
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Driciru E, Koopman JPR, Cose S, Siddiqui AA, Yazdanbakhsh M, Elliott AM, Roestenberg M. Immunological Considerations for Schistosoma Vaccine Development: Transitioning to Endemic Settings. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635985. [PMID: 33746974 PMCID: PMC7970007 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite mass drug administration programmes with praziquantel, the prevalence of schistosomiasis remains high. A vaccine is urgently needed to control transmission of this debilitating disease. As some promising schistosomiasis vaccine candidates are moving through pre-clinical and clinical testing, we review the immunological challenges that these vaccine candidates may encounter in transitioning through the clinical trial phases in endemic settings. Prior exposure of the target population to schistosomes and other infections may impact vaccine response and efficacy and therefore requires considerable attention. Schistosomes are known for their potential to induce T-reg/IL-10 mediated immune suppression in populations which are chronically infected. Moreover, endemicity of schistosomiasis is focal whereby target and trial populations may exhibit several degrees of prior exposure as well as in utero exposure which may increase heterogeneity of vaccine responses. The age dependent distribution of exposure and development of acquired immunity, and general differences in the baseline immunological profile, adds to the complexity of selecting suitable trial populations. Similarly, prior or concurrent infections with other parasitic helminths, viral and bacterial infections, may alter immunological responses. Consequently, treatment of co-infections may benefit the immunogenicity of vaccines and may be considered despite logistical challenges. On the other hand, viral infections leave a life-long immunological imprint on the human host. Screening for serostatus may be needed to facilitate interpretation of vaccine responses. Co-delivery of schistosome vaccines with PZQ is attractive from a perspective of implementation but may complicate the immunogenicity of schistosomiasis vaccines. Several studies have reported PZQ treatment to induce both transient and long-term immuno-modulatory effects as a result of tegument destruction, worm killing and subsequent exposure of worm antigens to the host immune system. These in turn may augment or antagonize vaccine immunogenicity. Understanding the complex immunological interactions between vaccine, co-infections or prior exposure is essential in early stages of clinical development to facilitate phase 3 clinical trial design and implementation policies. Besides well-designed studies in different target populations using schistosome candidate vaccines or other vaccines as models, controlled human infections could also help identify markers of immune protection in populations with different disease and immunological backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuella Driciru
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Stephen Cose
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Afzal A. Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alison M. Elliott
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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23
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Douglas B, Oyesola O, Cooper MM, Posey A, Tait Wojno E, Giacomin PR, Herbert DR. Immune System Investigation Using Parasitic Helminths. Annu Rev Immunol 2021; 39:639-665. [PMID: 33646858 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-093019-122827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coevolutionary adaptation between humans and helminths has developed a finely tuned balance between host immunity and chronic parasitism due to immunoregulation. Given that these reciprocal forces drive selection, experimental models of helminth infection are ideally suited for discovering how host protective immune responses adapt to the unique tissue niches inhabited by these large metazoan parasites. This review highlights the key discoveries in the immunology of helminth infection made over the last decade, from innate lymphoid cells to the emerging importance of neuroimmune connections. A particular emphasis is placed on the emerging areas within helminth immunology where the most growth is possible, including the advent of genetic manipulation of parasites to study immunology and the use of engineered T cells for therapeutic options. Lastly,we cover the status of human challenge trials with helminths as treatment for autoimmune disease, which taken together, stand to keep the study of parasitic worms at the forefront of immunology for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Douglas
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
| | - Oyebola Oyesola
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; ,
| | - Martha M Cooper
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; ,
| | - Avery Posey
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; .,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Elia Tait Wojno
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; ,
| | - Paul R Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; ,
| | - De'Broski R Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
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24
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Caraballo L, Zakzuk J, Acevedo N. Helminth-derived cystatins: the immunomodulatory properties of an Ascaris lumbricoides cystatin. Parasitology 2021; 148:1-13. [PMID: 33563346 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Helminth infections such as ascariasis elicit a type 2 immune response resembling that involved in allergic inflammation, but differing to allergy, they are also accompanied with strong immunomodulation. This has stimulated an increasing number of investigations, not only to better understand the mechanisms of allergy and helminth immunity but to find parasite-derived anti-inflammatory products that could improve the current treatments of chronic non-communicable inflammatory diseases such as asthma. A great number of helminth-derived immunomodulators have been discovered and some of them extensively analysed, showing their potential use as anti-inflammatory drugs in clinical settings. Since Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most successful parasites, several groups have focused on the immunomodulatory properties of this helminth. As a result, several excretory/secretory components and purified molecules have been analysed, revealing interesting anti-inflammatory activities potentially useful as therapeutic tools. One of these molecules is A. lumbricoides cystatin, whose genomic, cellular, molecular, and immunomodulatory properties are described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Caraballo
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
| | - Josefina Zakzuk
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
| | - Nathalie Acevedo
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
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25
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Yordanova IA, Ebner F, Schulz AR, Steinfelder S, Rosche B, Bolze A, Paul F, Mei HE, Hartmann S. The Worm-Specific Immune Response in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Receiving Controlled Trichuris suis Ova Immunotherapy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11020101. [PMID: 33572978 PMCID: PMC7912101 DOI: 10.3390/life11020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering their potent immunomodulatory properties, therapeutic applications of Trichuris suis ova (TSO) are studied as potential alternative treatment of autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinical phase 1 and 2 studies have demonstrated TSO treatment to be safe and well tolerated in MS patients, however, they reported only modest clinical efficacy. We therefore addressed the cellular and humoral immune responses directed against parasite antigens in individual MS patients receiving controlled TSO treatment (2500 TSO p.o. every 2 weeks for 12 month). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of MS patients treated with TSO (n = 5) or placebo (n = 6) were analyzed. A continuous increase of serum IgG and IgE antibodies specific for T. suis excretory/secretory antigens was observed up to 12 months post-treatment. This was consistent with mass cytometry analysis identifying an increase of activated HLA-DRhigh plasmablast frequencies in TSO-treated patients. While stable and comparable frequencies of total CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were detected in placebo and TSO-treated patients over time, we observed an increase of activated HLA-DR+CD4+ T cells in TSO-treated patients only. Frequencies of Gata3+ Th2 cells and Th1/Th2 ratios remained stable during TSO treatment, while Foxp3+ Treg frequencies varied greatly between individuals. Using a T. suis antigen-specific T cell expansion assay, we also detected patient-to-patient variation of antigen-specific T cell recall responses and cytokine production. In summary, MS patients receiving TSO treatment established a T. suis-specific T- and B-cell response, however, with varying degrees of T cell responses and cellular functionality across individuals, which might account for the overall miscellaneous clinical efficacy in the studied patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivet A. Yordanova
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany; (I.A.Y.); (F.E.)
| | - Friederike Ebner
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany; (I.A.Y.); (F.E.)
| | - Axel Ronald Schulz
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, D-10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.R.S.); (H.E.M.)
| | | | - Berit Rosche
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Clinical and Experimental Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Anna Bolze
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Clinical and Experimental Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Henrik E. Mei
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, D-10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.R.S.); (H.E.M.)
| | - Susanne Hartmann
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany; (I.A.Y.); (F.E.)
- Correspondence:
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26
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Elucidating different pattern of immunoregulation in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice and their F1 progeny. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1536. [PMID: 33452272 PMCID: PMC7810711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths are large multicellular parasites that infect one quarter of the human population. To prolong their survival, helminths suppress the immune responses of their hosts. Strongyloides ratti delays its expulsion from the gut by induction of regulatory circuits in a mouse strain-specific manner: depletion of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) improves the anti-S. ratti immunity in BALB/c but not in C57BL/6 mice. In the current study we compare the hierarchy of immunoregulatory pathways in BALB/c, C57BL/6 mice and their F1 progeny (BALB/c × C57BL/6). Using multicolor flow cytometry, we show that S. ratti induces a distinct pattern of inhibitory checkpoint receptors by Foxp3+ Treg and Foxp3- T cells. Intensity of expression was highest in C57BL/6 and lowest in BALB/c mice, while the F1 cross had an intermediate phenotype or resembled BALB/c mice. Treg subsets expanded during infection in all three mouse strains. Similar to BALB/c mice, depletion of Treg reduced intestinal parasite burden and increased mucosal mast cell activation in S. ratti-infected F1 mice. Our data indicate that Treg dominate the regulation of immune responses in BALB/c and F1 mice, while multiple regulatory layers exist in C57BL/6 mice that may compensate for the absence of Treg.
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27
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Zhang T, Warden AR, Li Y, Ding X. Progress and applications of mass cytometry in sketching immune landscapes. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e206. [PMID: 33135337 PMCID: PMC7556381 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently emerged mass cytometry (cytometry by time-of-flight [CyTOF]) technology permits the identification and quantification of inherently diverse cellular systems, and the simultaneous measurement of functional attributes at the single-cell resolution. By virtue of its multiplex ability with limited need for compensation, CyTOF has led a critical role in immunological research fields. Here, we present an overview of CyTOF, including the introduction of CyTOF principle and advantages that make it a standalone tool in deciphering immune mysteries. We then discuss the functional assays, introduce the bioinformatics to interpret the data yield via CyTOF, and depict the emerging clinical and research applications of CyTOF technology in sketching immune landscape in a wide variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- State Key laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Antony R. Warden
- State Key laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yiyang Li
- State Key laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xianting Ding
- State Key laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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28
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Zawawi A, Else KJ. Soil-Transmitted Helminth Vaccines: Are We Getting Closer? Front Immunol 2020; 11:576748. [PMID: 33133094 PMCID: PMC7565266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.576748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths infect over one-fourth of the human population resulting in significant morbidity, and in some cases, death in endemic countries. Despite mass drug administration (MDA) to school-aged children and other control measures, helminth infections are spreading into new areas. Thus, there is a strong rationale for developing anthelminthic vaccines as cost-effective, long-term immunological control strategies, which, unlike MDA, are not haunted by the threat of emerging drug-resistant helminths nor limited by reinfection risk. Advances in vaccinology, immunology, and immunomics include the development of new tools that improve the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of vaccines; and some of these tools have been used in the development of helminth vaccines. The development of anthelminthic vaccines is fraught with difficulty. Multiple lifecycle stages exist each presenting stage-specific antigens. Further, helminth parasites are notorious for their ability to dampen down and regulate host immunity. One of the first significant challenges in developing any vaccine is identifying suitable candidate protective antigens. This review explores our current knowledge in lead antigen identification and reports on recent pre-clinical and clinical trials in the context of the soil-transmitted helminths Trichuris, the hookworms and Ascaris. Ultimately, a multivalent anthelminthic vaccine could become an essential tool for achieving the medium-to long-term goal of controlling, or even eliminating helminth infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Zawawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Ayat Zawawi
| | - Kathryn J. Else
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom,Kathryn J. Else
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29
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von Mutius E, Smits HH. Primary prevention of asthma: from risk and protective factors to targeted strategies for prevention. Lancet 2020; 396:854-866. [PMID: 32910907 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31861-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a complex disease that often starts in childhood. Genomic and environmental factors as well as aberrant immune maturation early in life can contribute to the onset of disease, with great disparity over time and geographical regions. Epidemiological studies have scrutinised environmental exposures and attempted to translate these exposures into prevention strategies. Some approaches for patients with asthma have been successful (eg, smoking ban, the Finnish Asthma Programme), and primary prevention of wheeze in pre-school children (age 0-5 years) by the supplementation of vitamin D or fish oil, or both, to pregnant women seems promising. Several recent prevention initiatives are based on strong asthma-protective environmental microbial exposures associated with traditional rural lifestyles. Preclinical studies with various bacterial lysates, bacterial and dietary metabolites, or helminthic compounds have yielded promising results that await translation into clinical practice. Given the immense societal and individual burden of asthma, there is an urgent need to further develop novel strategies to eradicate the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika von Mutius
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute for Asthma and Allergy Prevention, Neuherberg, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, German Center for Lung Research, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Hermelijn H Smits
- Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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30
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Colombo SAP, Grencis RK. Immunity to Soil-Transmitted Helminths: Evidence From the Field and Laboratory Models. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1286. [PMID: 32655568 PMCID: PMC7324686 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remains a major burden on global health and agriculture. Our understanding of the immunological mechanisms that govern whether an individual is resistant or susceptible to infection is derived primarily from model infections in rodents. Typically, experimental infections employ an artificially high, single bolus of parasites that leads to rapid expulsion of the primary infection and robust immunity to subsequent challenges. However, immunity in natura is generated slowly, and is only partially effective, with individuals in endemic areas retaining low-level infections throughout their lives. Therefore, there is a gap between traditional model STH systems and observations in the field. Here, we review the immune response to traditional model STH infections in the laboratory. We compare these data to studies of natural infection in humans and rodents in endemic areas, highlighting crucial differences between experimental and natural infection. We then detail the literature to date on the use of "trickle" infections to experimentally model the kinetics of natural infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano A. P. Colombo
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Richard K. Grencis
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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31
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Else KJ, Keiser J, Holland CV, Grencis RK, Sattelle DB, Fujiwara RT, Bueno LL, Asaolu SO, Sowemimo OA, Cooper PJ. Whipworm and roundworm infections. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2020; 6:44. [PMID: 32467581 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-020-0171-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Trichuriasis and ascariasis are neglected tropical diseases caused by the gastrointestinal dwelling nematodes Trichuris trichiura (a whipworm) and Ascaris lumbricoides (a roundworm), respectively. Both parasites are staggeringly prevalent, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas, and are associated with substantial morbidity. Infection is initiated by ingestion of infective eggs, which hatch in the intestine. Thereafter, T. trichiura larvae moult within intestinal epithelial cells, with adult worms embedded in a partially intracellular niche in the large intestine, whereas A. lumbricoides larvae penetrate the gut mucosa and migrate through the liver and lungs before returning to the lumen of the small intestine, where adult worms dwell. Both species elicit type 2 anti-parasite immunity. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical presentation (gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation) and the detection of eggs or parasite DNA in the faeces. Prevention and treatment strategies rely on periodic mass drug administration (generally with albendazole or mebendazole) to at-risk populations and improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene. The effectiveness of drug treatment is very high for A. lumbricoides infections, whereas cure rates for T. trichiura infections are low. Novel anthelminthic drugs are needed, together with vaccine development and tools for diagnosis and assessment of parasite control in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Else
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Celia V Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard K Grencis
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - David B Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Samuel O Asaolu
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluyomi A Sowemimo
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Philip J Cooper
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, de la Salud y la Vida, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
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32
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White MPJ, McManus CM, Maizels RM. Regulatory T-cells in helminth infection: induction, function and therapeutic potential. Immunology 2020; 160:248-260. [PMID: 32153025 PMCID: PMC7341546 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth parasites infect an alarmingly large proportion of the world's population, primarily within tropical regions, and their ability to down‐modulate host immunity is key to their persistence. Helminths have developed multiple mechanisms that induce a state of hyporesponsiveness or immune suppression within the host; of particular interest are mechanisms that drive the induction of regulatory T‐cells (Tregs). Helminths actively induce Tregs either directly by secreting factors, such as the TGF‐β mimic Hp‐TGM, or indirectly by interacting with bystander cell types such as dendritic cells and macrophages that then induce Tregs. Expansion of Tregs not only enhances parasite survival but, in cases such as filarial infection, Tregs also play a role in preventing parasite‐associated pathologies. Furthermore, Tregs generated during helminth infection have been associated with suppression of bystander immunopathologies in a range of inflammatory conditions such as allergy and autoimmune disease. In this review, we discuss evidence from natural and experimental infections that point to the pathways and molecules involved in helminth Treg induction, and postulate how parasite‐derived molecules and/or Tregs might be applied as anti‐inflammatory therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine P J White
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Caitlin M McManus
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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