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Horcajo P, Coronado M, Pastor-Fernández I, Collantes-Fernández E, Rico-San Román L, Reyes-Palomares A, Ortega-Mora LM. Whole-transcriptome analysis reveals virulence-specific pathogen-host interactions at the placenta in bovine neosporosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1198609. [PMID: 37520552 PMCID: PMC10380943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1198609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on bovine neosporosis has achieved relevant milestones, but the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of foetal death or protection against foetal death remain unclear. In a recent study, placentas from heifers challenged with the high-virulence isolate Nc-Spain7 exhibited focal necrosis and inflammatory infiltrates as soon as 10 days post-infection (dpi), although parasite detection was minimal. These lesions were more frequent at 20 dpi, coinciding with higher rates of parasite detection and the occurrence of foetal death in some animals. In contrast, such lesions were not observed in placentas from animals infected with the low-virulence isolate Nc-Spain1H, where the parasite was detected only in placenta from one animal at 20 dpi. This work aimed to study which mechanisms are triggered in the placentas (caruncles and cotyledons) of these pregnant heifers at early stages of infection (10 and 20 dpi) through whole-transcriptome analysis. In caruncles, infection with the high-virulence isolate provoked a strong proinflammatory response at 10 dpi. This effect was not observed in heifers infected with the low-virulence isolate, where IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signalling and TNF-alpha signalling via NF-κB pathways were down-regulated. Interestingly, the expression of E2F target genes, related to restraining the inflammatory response, was higher in these animals. At 20 dpi, more pronounced proinflammatory gene signatures were detectable in heifers infected with the high-virulence isolate, being more intense in heifers carrying dead fetuses. However, the low-virulence isolate continued without activating the proinflammatory response. In cotyledons, the response to infection with the high-virulence isolate was similar to that observed in caruncles; however, the low-virulence isolate induced mild proinflammatory signals at 20 dpi. Finally, a deconvolutional analysis of gene signatures from both placentome tissues revealed a markedly higher fraction of activated natural killers, M1 macrophages and CD8+ T cells for the high-virulence isolate. Therefore, our transcriptomic analysis supports the hypothesis that an intense immune response probably triggered by parasite multiplication could be a key contributor to abortion. Further studies are required to determine the parasite effectors that govern the distinct interactions of high- and low-virulence isolates with the host, which could help elucidate the molecular processes underlying the pathogenesis of neosporosis in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Coronado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Pastor-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Rico-San Román
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Armando Reyes-Palomares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Fereig RM, Omar MA, Alsayeqh AF. Exploiting the Macrophage Production of IL-12 in Improvement of Vaccine Development against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122082. [PMID: 36560492 PMCID: PMC9783364 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are major protozoan diseases of global distribution. Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of toxoplasmosis, which affects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, while Neospora caninum induces neosporosis in many animal species, especially cattle. The current defective situation with control measures is hindering all efforts to overcome the health hazards and economic losses of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis. Adequate understanding of host-parasite interactions and host strategies to combat such infections can be exploited in establishing potent control measures, including vaccine development. Macrophages are the first defense line of innate immunity, which is responsible for the successful elimination of T.gondii or N. caninum. This action is exerted via the immunoregulatory interleukin-12 (IL-12), which orchestrates the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) from various immune cells. Cellular immune response and IFN-γ production is the hallmark for successful vaccine candidates against both T. gondii and N. caninum. However, the discovery of potential vaccine candidates is a highly laborious, time-consuming and expensive procedure. In this review, we will try to exploit previous knowledge and our research experience to establish an efficient immunological approach for exploring potential vaccine candidates against T. gondii and N. caninum. Our previous studies on vaccine development against both T. gondii and N. caninum revealed a strong association between the successful and potential vaccine antigens and their ability to promote the macrophage secretion of IL-12 using a murine model. This phenomenon was emphasized using different recombinant antigens, parasites, and experimental approaches. Upon these data and research trials, IL-12 production from murine macrophages can be used as an initial predictor for judgment of vaccine efficacy before further evaluation in time-consuming and laborious in vivo experiments. However, more studies and research are required to conceptualize this immunological approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
- Correspondence: (R.M.F.); (A.F.A.)
| | - Mosaab A. Omar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (R.M.F.); (A.F.A.)
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3
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Neospora caninum inhibits tumor development by activating the immune response and destroying tumor cells in a B16F10 melanoma model. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:332. [PMID: 36138417 PMCID: PMC9503190 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. Some microorganisms have been shown to activate the immune system and limit cancer progression. The objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-melanoma effect of Neospora caninum, a livestock pathogen with no pathogenic activity in humans. Methods Neospora caninum tachyzoites were inoculated into a C57BL/6 mouse melanoma model by intratumoral and distal subcutaneous injections. Tumor volumes were measured, and cell death areas were visualized by hematoxylin and eosin staining and quantified. Apoptosis in cell cultures and whole tumors was detected by propidium iodide (PI) and TUNEL staining, respectively. Cytokine and tumor-associated factor levels in tumors and spleens were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Infiltration of macrophages and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) were detected by immunohistochemistry with anti-CD68 and anti-CD8 antibodies, respectively. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing of mice cecal contents was performed to evaluate the effect of N. caninum on gut microbial diversity. Results Intratumoral and distal subcutaneous injections of N. caninum resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth (P < 0.001), and more than 50% of tumor cells were dead without signs of apoptosis. Neospora caninum treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, TNF-α, and PD-L1 in the TME, and IL-12 and IFN-γ in the spleen of tumor-bearing mice (P < 0.05). An increase in the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and macrophages in the TME was observed with these cytokine changes. Neospora caninum also restored the abundance of gut microbiota Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, Adlercreutzia, and Prevotellaceae associated with tumor growth, but the changes were not significant. Conclusion Neospora caninum inhibits B16F10 melanoma by activating potent immune responses and directly destroying the cancer cells. The stable, non-toxic, and efficacious properties of N. caninum demonstrate the potential for its use as a cancer treatment. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05456-8.
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Hur DG, Kurabi A, Lim HW, Spriggs M, Pak K, Ryan AF. Macrophage Depletion in CCR2-/- Mice Delays Bacterial Clearance and Enhances Neutrophil Infiltration in an Acute Otitis Media Model. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:333-341. [PMID: 32572481 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Otitis media (OM) is a common and potentially serious disease of childhood. Although OM is multifactorial on origin, bacterial infection is a unifying component. Many studies have established a critical role for innate immunity in bacterial clearance and OM resolution. A key component of innate immunity is the recruitment of immune and inflammatory cells, including macrophages. METHODS To explore the role of macrophages in OM, we evaluated the expression of genes related to macrophage function during a complete episode of acute OM in the mouse caused by middle ear (ME) inoculation with Haemophilus influenzae. We also combined CCR2 deficiency with chlodronate liposome toxicity to deplete macrophages during OM. RESULTS Macrophage genes were robustly regulated during OM. Moreover, macrophage depletion enhanced and prolonged the infiltration of neutrophils into the infected ME and increased the persistence of bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS The results illustrate the critical role played by macrophages in OM resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Gu Hur
- Department of Surgery and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon, South Korea
| | - Arwa Kurabi
- Department of Surgery and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Research Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Hyun Woo Lim
- Department of Surgery and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gangneung Asan Hospital, Gangneung, South Korea
| | - Meghan Spriggs
- Department of Surgery and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kwang Pak
- Research Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Allen F Ryan
- Department of Surgery and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Research Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
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Wang X, Li X, Gong P, Zhang N, Li L, Ouyang H, Jia L, Li J, Zhang X. Pyroptosis executioner gasdermin D contributes to host defense and promotes Th 1 immune response during Neospora caninum infection. Vet Parasitol 2020; 286:109254. [PMID: 33032075 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is an intracellular parasite and is the causative agent of neosporosis, which leads to reproductive failure in cattle. Pyroptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death executed by gasdermin D (GSDMD). This cell death mechanism is an important host defense against intracellular pathogens. However, pyroptosis induced by N. caninum is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the roles of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis during N. caninum infection in vivo. N. caninum-infected wild type mice and GSDMD-deficient mice were used to evaluate host resistance and its ability to affect immune response against this parasite. The results showed that GSDMD deficiency significantly reduced survival and impaired the host's abilities to clear parasite loads in tissues, monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. Additionally, GSDMD was essential for circulating IL-18 and IFN-γ production induced by N. caninum infection, indicating that GSDMD can mediate the Th 1 immune response against N. caninum infection. Additional data revealed that treatment with exogenous recombinant IL-18 in N. caninum-infected Gsdmd-/- mice rescues the reduction of circulating IFN-γ production to help eliminate the parasite. Taken together, our data indicate that GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis plays a vital role in maintaining host resistance to N. caninum and is essential for clearing the parasite. This form of programmed cell death promotes the Th 1 immune response by controlling IL-18 release and is considered a host defense against N. caninum. This study expands our understanding of interactions between host immune response/defense and N. caninum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China.
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China.
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China.
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China.
| | - Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China.
| | - Hongsheng Ouyang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China.
| | - Lijun Jia
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin, China.
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China.
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China.
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García-Sánchez M, Jiménez-Pelayo L, Horcajo P, Collantes-Fernández E, Ortega-Mora LM, Regidor-Cerrillo J. Neospora caninum infection induces an isolate virulence-dependent pro-inflammatory gene expression profile in bovine monocyte-derived macrophages. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:374. [PMID: 32711550 PMCID: PMC7382829 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite, and its ability to survive inside host immune cells may be a key mechanism for the establishment of infection in cattle. In vitro studies carried out by our group have shown that N. caninum is able to replicate in bovine macrophages (MØs), alter their microbicidal mechanisms and exploit their motility. Furthermore, host-cell control seems to be isolate virulence-dependent. Methods To investigate the molecular basis underlying the innate responses in MØs against N. caninum and the mechanisms of parasite manipulation of the host cell environment, the transcriptome profile of bovine monocyte-derived MØs infected with high-virulence (Nc-Spain7) or low-virulence (Nc-Spain1H) N. caninum isolates was studied. Results Functional enrichment revealed upregulation of genes involved in chemokine signalling, inflammation, cell survival, and inhibition of genes related with metabolism and phagolysosome formation. MØs activation was characterized by the induction of a predominantly M1 phenotype with expression of TLR2, TLR3 and TLR9 and activation of the NF-ƙB signalling pathway. Heat-killed N. caninum tachyzoites failed to activate NF-ƙB, and to inhibit lysosomal activity and apoptosis, which indicates active modulation by the parasite. The FoxO signalling pathway, Th1-Th2 differentiation, glycosaminoglycan degradation and apoptosis were pathways enriched only for low virulent Nc-Spain1H infection. In addition, Nc-Spain1H infection upregulated the IL12A and IL8 pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas IL23 was downregulated by high virulent Nc-Spain7. Conclusions This study revealed mechanisms implicated in the recognition of N. caninum by bovine MØs and in the development of the subsequent immune response. NF-ƙB seems to be the main signalling pathway implicated in the pro-inflammatory bovine MØs response against this pathogen. Apoptosis and phagolysosome maturation are processes repressed by N. caninum infection, which may guarantee its intracellular survival. The results also indicate that Nc-Spain7 may be able to partially circumvent the pro-inflammatory response whereas Nc-Spain1H induces a protective response to infection, which may explain the more efficient transmission of the high-virulence Nc-Spain7 isolate observed in vivo.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta García-Sánchez
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Jiménez-Pelayo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Saluvet-Innova, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Fereig RM, Nishikawa Y. From Signaling Pathways to Distinct Immune Responses: Key Factors for Establishing or Combating Neospora caninum Infection in Different Susceptible Hosts. Pathogens 2020; 9:E384. [PMID: 32429367 PMCID: PMC7281608 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
: Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite affecting numerous animal species. It induces significant economic losses because of abortion and neonatal abnormalities in cattle. In case of infection, the parasite secretes numerous arsenals to establish a successful infection in the host cell. In the same context but for a different purpose, the host resorts to different strategies to eliminate the invading parasite. During this battle, numerous key factors from both parasite and host sides are produced and interact for the maintaining and vanishing of the infection, respectively. Although several reviews have highlighted the role of different compartments of the immune system against N. caninum infection, each one of them has mostly targeted specific points related to the immune component and animal host. Thus, in the current review, we will focus on effector molecules derived from the host cell or the parasite using a comprehensive survey method from previous reports. According to our knowledge, this is the first review that highlights and discusses immune response at the host cell-parasite molecular interface against N. caninum infection in different susceptible hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan;
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan;
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García-Sánchez M, Jiménez-Pelayo L, Horcajo P, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Ólafsson EB, Bhandage AK, Barragan A, Werling D, Ortega-Mora LM, Collantes-Fernández E. Differential Responses of Bovine Monocyte-Derived Macrophages to Infection by Neospora caninum Isolates of High and Low Virulence. Front Immunol 2019; 10:915. [PMID: 31114577 PMCID: PMC6503000 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum, a protozoan parasite closely related to Toxoplasma gondii, represents one of the main causes of abortion in cattle. Macrophages (MØs) are mediators of the innate immune response against infection and likely one of the first cells encountered by the parasite during the host infection process. In this study, we investigated in vitro how high or low virulent isolates of N. caninum (Nc-Spain7 and Nc-Spain1H, respectively) interact with bovine monocyte-derived MØs and the influence of the isolate virulence on the subsequent cellular response. Both isolates actively invaded, survived and replicated in the MØs. However, Nc-Spain7 showed a higher invasion rate and a replication significantly faster, following an exponential growth model, whereas Nc-Spain1H presented a delayed replication and a lower growth rate without an exponential pattern. N. caninum infection induced a hypermigratory phenotype in bovine MØs that was characterized by enhanced motility and transmigration in vitro and was accompanied by morphological changes and abrogated extracellular matrix degradation. A significantly higher hypermotility was observed with the highly virulent isolate Nc-Spain7. Nc-Spain1H-infected MØs showed elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and IL12p40 expression, which also resulted in increased IFN-γ release by lymphocytes, compared to cells infected with Nc-Spain7. Furthermore, IL-10 was upregulated in MØs infected with both isolates. Infected MØs exhibited lower expression of MHC Class II, CD86, and CD1b molecules than uninfected MØs, with non-significant differences between isolates. This work characterizes for the first time N. caninum replication in bovine monocyte-derived MØs and details isolate-dependent differences in host cell responses to the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta García-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Jiménez-Pelayo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Einar B. Ólafsson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amol K. Bhandage
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dirk Werling
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, United Kingdom
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Fereig RM, Shimoda N, Abdelbaky HH, Kuroda Y, Nishikawa Y. Neospora GRA6 possesses immune-stimulating activity and confers efficient protection against Neospora caninum infection in mice. Vet Parasitol 2019; 267:61-68. [PMID: 30878088 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination has the potential to be the most cost-effective control measure for reducing the economic burden of neosporosis in cattle. In this study, the immune-stimulatory effect of recombinant Neospora caninum dense granule protein 6 (NcGRA6) was confirmed via its triggering of IL-12p40 production in murine macrophages. BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant NcGRA6 fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein with or without oligomannose-coated-liposomes (OMLs) as the potential adjuvant. Specific IgG1 antibody production was observed from 21 and 35 days after the first immunization in NcGRA6+GST- and NcGRA6+GST-OML-immunized mice, respectively. However, specific IgG2a was detected 1 week after the infection, and IgG2a levels of the NcGRA6+GST- group were higher than those of the NcGRA6+GST-OML-group. Moreover, spleen cell proliferation with concomitant interferon-gamma production was detected in mice immunized with NcGRA6+GST, indicating that a significant cellular immune response was induced. Mouse survival rates against N. caninum challenge infection were 91.7% for NcGRA6+GST and 83.3% for NcGRA6+GST-OML, which were significantly higher than those of control groups (GST-OML: 25%, phosphate-buffered saline: 16.7%). This indicates that naked NcGRA6+GST induced protective immunity. Thus, our findings highlight the immune-stimulating potential of NcGRA6 and the ability to induce protective immunity against N. caninum infection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Naomi Shimoda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hanan H Abdelbaky
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kuroda
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Kita-kaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Fereig RM, Abdelbaky HH, Kuroda Y, Nishikawa Y. Critical role of TLR2 in triggering protective immunity with cyclophilin entrapped in oligomannose-coated liposomes against Neospora caninum infection in mice. Vaccine 2019; 37:937-944. [PMID: 30660401 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite closely related to Toxoplasma gondii. N. caninum is thought to be a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Given the current situation of drastic economic losses and a lack of efficient control strategies against such parasites, the challenge to develop potent vaccine candidates and technologies remains. We investigated the immune stimulating activity of N. caninum cyclophilin (NcCyp) with and without a formulation with oligomannose-coated-liposomes (OML) as the potential adjuvant. NcCyp-OML activated NF-κB in RAW 264.7 cells and triggered interleukin (IL)-12p40 production from murine peritoneal macrophages. In BALB/c mice, immunization with NcCyp-OML was associated with the production of specific antibodies (IgG1 and IgG2a). The specific antibody (IgG1) against naked NcCyp was also observed after the challenge infection, but it was significantly lower than those of NcCyp-OML. Moreover, significant cellular immune responses were induced, including spleen cell proliferation and interferon-gamma production. The immunization of mice with NcCyp-OML, and to lesser extent with naked NcCyp, induced significant protection against challenge with a lethal dose of N. caninum compared with the PBS control group. This protection was associated with a higher survival rate, slight changes in body weight, and lower clinical score of mice. In addition, the significant protective efficacy of NcCyp-OML was confirmed in another mouse strain, male C57BL/6 mice. The current study revealed the marked contribution of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) to the protective immunity triggered by NcCyp-OML because higher numbers of TLR2-/- mice succumbed to a lethal dose of N. caninum compared with C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, prominent spleen cell proliferation and IFN-γ production was induced in NcCyp-OML-immunized mice by a TLR2-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Hanan H Abdelbaky
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kuroda
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Kita-kaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan.
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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11
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Neospora caninum Dense Granule Protein 7 Regulates the Pathogenesis of Neosporosis by Modulating Host Immune Response. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.01350-18. [PMID: 30006392 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01350-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite closely related to Toxoplasma gondii Neosporosis caused by N. caninum is considered one of the main causes of abortion in cattle and nervous-system dysfunction in dogs, and identification of the virulence factors of this parasite is important for the development of control measures. Here, we used a luciferase reporter assay to screen the dense granule proteins genes of N. caninum, and we found that NcGRA6, NcGRA7, and NcGRA14 are involved in the activation of the NF-κB, calcium/calcineurin, and cAMP/PKA signals. To analyze the functions of these proteins and Neospora cyclophilin, we successfully knocked out their genes in the Nc1 strain using plasmids containing the CRISPR/Cas9 components. Among the deficient lines, the NcGRA7-deficient parasites showed reduced virulence in mice. An RNA sequencing analysis of infected macrophage cultures showed that NcGRA7 mainly regulates the host cytokine and chemokine production. The levels of gamma interferon in the ascites fluid, CXCL10 expression in the peritoneal cells, and CCL2 expression in the spleen were lower 5 days after infection with the NcGRA7-deficient parasite than after infection with the parental strain. The parasite burden and the degree of necrosis in the brains of mice infected with the NcGRA7-deficient parasite were also lower than in those of the parental strain. Collectively, our data suggest that both the NcGRA7-dependent activation of the inflammatory response and the parasite burden are important in Neospora virulence.IMPORTANCENeospora caninum invades and replicates in a broad range of host species and cells within those hosts. The effector proteins exported by Neospora induce its pathogenesis by modulating the host immunity. We show that most of the transcriptomic effects in N. caninum-infected cells depend upon the activity of NcGRA7. A deficiency in NcGRA7 reduced the virulence of the parasite in mice. This study demonstrates the importance of NcGRA7 in the pathogenesis of neosporosis.
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Wang X, Gong P, Zhang X, Li S, Lu X, Zhao C, Yu Q, Wei Z, Yang Y, Liu Q, Yang Z, Li J, Zhang X. NLRP3 Inflammasome Participates in Host Response to Neospora caninum Infection. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1791. [PMID: 30105037 PMCID: PMC6077289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite closely related to Toxoplasma gondii that mainly infects canids as the definitive host and cattle as the intermediate host, resulting in abortion in cattle and leading to financial losses worldwide. Commercial vaccines or drugs are not available for the prevention and treatment of bovine neosporosis. Knowledge about the hallmarks of the immune response to this infection could form the basis of important prevention strategies. The innate immune system first responds to invading parasite and subsequently initiates the appropriate adaptive immune response against this parasite. Upon infection, activation of host pattern-recognition receptors expressed by immune cells triggers the innate immune response. Toll-like receptors, NOD-like receptors, and C-type lectin receptors play key roles in recognizing protozoan parasite. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome during the acute period of N. caninum infection. In vitro results showed that N. caninum infection of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages activated the NLRP3 inflammasome, accompanied by the release of IL-1β and IL-18, cleavage of caspase-1, and induction of cell death. K+ efflux induced by N. caninum infection participated in the activation of the inflammasome. Infection of mice deficient in NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1/11 resulted in decreased production of IL-18 and reduced IFN-γ in serum. Elevated numbers of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils were found at the initial infection site, but they failed to limit N. caninum replication. These findings suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the host response to N. caninum infection at the acute stage and plays an important role in limiting parasite growth, and it may enhance Th1 response by inducing production of IFN-γ. These findings may help devise protocols for controlling neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiangyun Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qile Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhengkai Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yongjun Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Bovine macrophage-derived extracellular traps act as early effectors against the abortive parasite Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2018; 258:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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14
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Characteristic pro-inflammatory cytokines and host defence cathelicidin peptide produced by human monocyte-derived macrophages infected withNeospora caninum. Parasitology 2017; 145:871-884. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNeospora caninumis a coccidian intracellular protozoan capable of infecting a wide range of mammals, although severe disease is mostly reported in dogs and cattle. Innate defences triggered by monocytes/macrophages are key in the pathogenesis of neosporosis, as these cells are first-line defenders against intracellular infections. The aim of this study was to characterize infection and innate responses in macrophages infected withN. caninumusing a well-known cell model to study macrophage functions (human monocyte THP-1 cells). Intracellular invasion of live tachyzoites occurred as fast as 4 h (confirmed with immunofluorescence microscopy usingN. caninum-specific antibodies). Macrophages infected byN. caninumhad increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-8, IFNγ). Interestingly,N. caninuminduced expression of host-defence peptides (cathelicidins), a mechanism of defence never reported forN. caninuminfection in macrophages. The expression of cytokines and cathelicidins in macrophages invaded byN. caninumwas mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK 1/2). Secretion of such innate factors fromN. caninum-infected macrophages reduced parasite internalization and promoted the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in naïve macrophages. We concluded that rapid invasion of macrophages byN. caninumtriggered protective innate defence mechanisms against intracellular pathogens.
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15
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Wang X, Gong P, Zhang X, Wang J, Tai L, Wang X, Wei Z, Yang Y, Yang Z, Li J, Zhang X. NLRP3 inflammasome activation in murine macrophages caused by Neospora caninum infection. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:266. [PMID: 28558839 PMCID: PMC5450200 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neospora caninum is an intracellular parasite that causes significant economic losses in cattle industry. Understanding the host resistance mechanisms in the innate immune response to neosporosis could facilitate the exploration of approaches for controlling N. caninum infection. The NLR inflammasome is a multiprotein platform in the cell cytoplasm and plays critical roles in the host response against microbes. Methods Neospora caninum-infected wild-type (WT) macrophages and Nlrp3−/− macrophages, and inhibitory approaches were used to investigate inflammasome activation and its role in N. caninum infection. Inflammasome RT Profiler PCR Arrays were used to identify the primary genes involved in N. caninum infection. The expression of the sensor protein NLRP3, processing of caspase-1, secretion of IL-1β and cell death were detected. Neospora caninum replication in macrophages was also assessed. Results Many NLR molecules participated in the recognition of N. caninum, especially the sensor protein NLRP3, and further study revealed that the NLRP3 distribution became punctate in the cell cytoplasm, which facilitated inflammasome activation. Inflammasome activation-mediated caspase-1 processing and IL-1β cleavage in response to N. caninum infection were observed and were correlated with the time of infection and number of infecting parasites. LDH-related cell death was also observed, and this death was regarded as beneficial for the clearance of N. caninum. Treatment of N. caninum-infected macrophages with caspase-1, pan-caspase and NLRP3 inhibitors led to the impaired release of active IL-1β and a failure to restrict parasite replication. And Neospora caninum infected peritoneal macrophages from Nlrp3-deficient mice displayed greatly decreased release of active IL-1β and the failure of caspase-1 cleavage. Conclusions The NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated in N. caninum-infected macrophages, and plays a protective role in the host response to control N. caninum. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2197-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jielin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Lixin Tai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Zhengkai Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yongjun Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Xichen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China.
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16
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Villagra-Blanco R, Silva LMR, Muñoz-Caro T, Yang Z, Li J, Gärtner U, Taubert A, Zhang X, Hermosilla C. Bovine Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils Cast Neutrophil Extracellular Traps against the Abortive Parasite Neospora caninum. Front Immunol 2017; 8:606. [PMID: 28611772 PMCID: PMC5447047 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum represents a relevant apicomplexan parasite causing severe reproductive disorders in cattle worldwide. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) generation was recently described as an efficient defense mechanism of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) acting against different parasites. In vitro interactions of bovine PMN with N. caninum were analyzed at different ratios and time spans. Extracellular DNA staining was used to illustrate the typical molecules of NETs [i.e., histones (H3), neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO), pentraxin] via antibody-based immunofluorescence analyses. Functional inhibitor treatments were applied to reveal the role of several enzymes [NADPH oxidase (NOX), NE, MPO, PAD4], ATP-dependent P2Y2 receptor, store-operated Ca++entry (SOCE), CD11b receptor, ERK1/2- and p38 MAPK-mediated signaling pathway in tachyzoite-triggered NETosis. N. caninum tachyzoites triggered NETosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed NET structures being released by bovine PMN and entrapping tachyzoites. N. caninum-induced NET formation was found not to be NOX-, NE-, MPO-, PAD4-, ERK1/2-, and p38 MAP kinase-dependent process since inhibition of these enzymes led to a slight decrease of NET formation. CD11b was also identified as a neutrophil receptor being involved in NETosis. Furthermore, N. caninum-triggered NETosis depends on Ca++ influx as well as neutrophil metabolism since both the inhibition of SOCE and of P2Y2-mediated ATP uptake diminished NET formation. Host cell invasion assays indicated that PMN-derived NETosis hampered tachyzoites from active host cell invasion, thereby inhibiting further intracellular replication. NET formation represents an early and effective mechanism of response of the innate immune system, which might reduce initial infection rates during the acute phase of cattle neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liliana M R Silva
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tamara Muñoz-Caro
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ulrich Gärtner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Xichen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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17
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Changes in neurotransmitter levels and expression of immediate early genes in brain of mice infected with Neospora caninum. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23052. [PMID: 26971577 PMCID: PMC4789785 DOI: 10.1038/srep23052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes neurological disorders in dogs and cattle. The majority of host animals are asymptomatic at the chronic stage of infection. However, it remains unclear whether cerebral function is normal in asymptomatic animals. In this study, mice were infected with N. caninum (strain Nc-1) and their brains were examined to understand changes in cerebral function at the chronic stage of infection. Mice infected with N. caninum showed impaired locomotor activity, but no differences in clinical symptoms were observed. In the brains of infected mice, parasites were distributed throughout the brain and histological lesions were observed everywhere except for the cerebellum. Expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, were highly upregulated in several brain regions of infected mice. Additionally, the level of neurotransmitters glutamate, glycine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, were altered in infected mice compared with those of uninfected mice. Interestingly, the expression levels of immediately early genes, c-Fos and Arc, in the brain of infected mice were lower than those of in uninfected mice. Our findings may provide insight into neurological disorders associated with N. caninum infection.
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18
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Correia A, Ferreirinha P, Botelho S, Belinha A, Leitão C, Caramalho Í, Teixeira L, González-Fernandéz Á, Appelberg R, Vilanova M. Predominant role of interferon-γ in the host protective effect of CD8(+) T cells against Neospora caninum infection. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14913. [PMID: 26449650 PMCID: PMC4598874 DOI: 10.1038/srep14913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that CD8+ T cells play an important role in
protective immunity against protozoan infections. However, their role in the course
of Neospora caninum infection has not been fully elucidated. Here we report
that CD8-deficient mice infected with N. caninum presented higher parasitic
loads in the brain and lungs and lower spleen and brain immunity-related GTPases
than their wild-type counterparts. Moreover, adoptive transfer of splenic
CD8+ T cells sorted from N. caninum-primed
immunosufficient C57BL/10 ScSn mice prolonged the survival of infected
IL-12-unresponsive C57BL/10 ScCr recipients. In both C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 ScSn mice
CD8+ T cells are activated and produce interferon-γ
(IFN-γ) upon challenged with N. caninum. The host protective role
of IFN-γ produced by CD8+ T cells was confirmed in N.
caninum-infected RAG2-deficient mice reconstituted with CD8+
T cells obtained from either IFN-γ-deficient or wild-type donors. Mice
receiving IFN-γ-expressing CD8+ T cells presented lower
parasitic burdens than counterparts having IFN-γ-deficient
CD8+ T cells. Moreover, we observed that N.
caninum-infected perforin-deficient mice presented parasitic burdens similar to
those of infected wild-type controls. Altogether these results demonstrate that
production of IFN-γ is a predominant protective mechanism conferred by
CD8+ T cells in the course of neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Correia
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Ferreirinha
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Botelho
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Belinha
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Leitão
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Íris Caramalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luzia Teixeira
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,UMIB-Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto
| | - África González-Fernandéz
- Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CINBIO), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica, Universidade de Vigo, Campus Lagoas Marcosende, E-36200 Vigo, Spain
| | - Rui Appelberg
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Vilanova
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Teixeira L, Moreira J, Melo J, Bezerra F, Marques RM, Ferreirinha P, Correia A, Monteiro MP, Ferreira PG, Vilanova M. Immune response in the adipose tissue of lean mice infected with the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum. Immunology 2015; 145:242-57. [PMID: 25581844 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The adipose tissue can make important contributions to immune function. Nevertheless, only a limited number of reports have investigated in lean hosts the immune response elicited in this tissue upon infection. Previous studies suggested that the intracellular protozoan Neospora caninum might affect adipose tissue physiology. Therefore, we investigated in mice challenged with this protozoan if immune cell populations within adipose tissue of different anatomical locations could be differently affected. Early in infection, parasites were detected in the adipose tissue and by 7 days of infection increased numbers of macrophages, regulatory T (Treg) cells and T-bet(+) cells were observed in gonadal, mesenteric, omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Increased expression of interferon-γ was also detected in gonadal adipose tissue of infected mice. Two months after infection, parasite DNA was no longer detected in these tissues, but T helper type 1 (Th1) cell numbers remained above control levels in the infected mice. Moreover, the Th1/Treg cell ratio was higher than that of controls in the mesenteric and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Interestingly, chronically infected mice presented a marked increase of serum leptin, a molecule that plays a role in energy balance regulation as well as in promoting Th1-type immune responses. Altogether, we show that an apicomplexa parasitic infection influences immune cellular composition of adipose tissue throughout the body as well as adipokine production, still noticed at a chronic phase of infection when parasites were already cleared from that particular tissue. This strengthens the emerging view that infections can have long-term consequences for the physiology of adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzia Teixeira
- UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Departamento de Anatomia, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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20
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Abe C, Tanaka S, Nishimura M, Ihara F, Xuan X, Nishikawa Y. Role of the chemokine receptor CCR5-dependent host defense system in Neospora caninum infections. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:5. [PMID: 25558986 PMCID: PMC4455913 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neospora caninum, a Toxoplasma gondii-like obligate intracellular parasite, causes
abortion in cattle and neurological signs in canines. To understand neosporosis
better, studies on host cell migration and host immune responses during the early
phase of infection are important. Although the C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)
plays a crucial role in immune cell migration, the role played by it in protective
immunity against N. caninum is poorly
understood. Methods CCR5−/− mice were used to investigate
their sensitivity levels to N. caninum
infection and their ability to activate immune cells against this parasite. Results Increased mortality and neurological impairment were observed in the
N. caninum-infected
CCR5−/− mice. In comparison with wild-type mice,
CCR5−/− mice experienced poor migration of dendritic
cells and natural killer T cells to the site of infection. Dendritic cells in an
in vitro culture from
CCR5−/− mice could not be activated upon infection
with N. caninum. Furthermore, higher levels of
IFN-γ and CCL5 expression, which are associated with brain tissue damage, were
observed in the brain tissue of CCR5−/− mice during the
acute phase of the infection, while there was no significant difference in the
parasite load between the wild-type and CCR5−/−
animals. Additionally, a primary microglia culture from
CCR5−/− mice showed lower levels of IL-6 and IL-12
production against N. caninum parasites. Conclusions Our findings show that migration and activation of immune cells via
CCR5 is required for controlling N. caninum
parasites during the early phase of the infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-014-0620-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized
users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisa Abe
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Sachi Tanaka
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan. .,Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Minami-Minowa, Kamiina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan.
| | - Maki Nishimura
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Fumiaki Ihara
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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