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Esteves S, Costa I, Luelmo S, Santarém N, Cordeiro-da-Silva A. Leishmania Vesicle-Depleted Exoproteome: What, Why, and How? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122435. [PMID: 36557688 PMCID: PMC9781507 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne parasitic protozoan disease, is among the most important neglected tropical diseases. In the absence of vaccines, disease management is challenging. The available chemotherapy is suboptimal, and there are growing concerns about the emergence of drug resistance. Thus, a better understanding of parasite biology is essential to generate new strategies for disease control. In this context, in vitro parasite exoproteome characterization enabled the identification of proteins involved in parasite survival, pathogenesis, and other biologically relevant processes. After 2005, with the availability of genomic information, these studies became increasingly feasible and revealed the true complexity of the parasite exoproteome. After the discovery of Leishmania extracellular vesicles (EVs), most exoproteome studies shifted to the characterization of EVs. The non-EV portion of the exoproteome, named the vesicle-depleted exoproteome (VDE), has been mostly ignored even if it accounts for a significant portion of the total exoproteome proteins. Herein, we summarize the importance of total exoproteome studies followed by a special emphasis on the available information and the biological relevance of the VDE. Finally, we report on how VDE can be studied and disclose how it might contribute to providing biologically relevant targets for diagnosis, drug, and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Esteves
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Costa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Luelmo
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Santarém
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (A.C.-d.-S.)
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (A.C.-d.-S.)
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Gioseffi A, Edelmann MJ, Kima PE. Intravacuolar Pathogens Hijack Host Extracellular Vesicle Biogenesis to Secrete Virulence Factors. Front Immunol 2021; 12:662944. [PMID: 33959131 PMCID: PMC8093443 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their contributions to cell-to-cell communication and disease processes. EVs are composed of a complex profile of bioactive molecules, which include lipids, nucleic acids, metabolites, and proteins. Although the biogenesis of EVs released by cells under various normal and abnormal conditions has been well-studied, there is incomplete knowledge about how infection influences EV biogenesis. EVs from infected cells contain specific molecules of both host and pathogen origin that may contribute to pathogenesis and the elicitation of the host immune response. Intracellular pathogens exhibit diverse lifestyles that undoubtedly dictate the mechanisms by which their molecules enter the cell’s exosome biogenesis schemes. We will discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms used during infection to traffic molecules from their vacuolar niche to host EVs by selected intravacuolar pathogens. We initially review general exosome biogenesis schemes and then discuss what is known about EV biogenesis in Mycobacterium, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Leishmania infections, which are pathogens that reside within membrane delimited compartments in phagocytes at some time in their life cycle within mammalian hosts. The review includes discussion of the need for further studies into the biogenesis of EVs to better understand the contributions of these vesicles to host-pathogen interactions, and to uncover potential therapeutic targets to control these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gioseffi
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Mariola J Edelmann
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Peter E Kima
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Abhinav K, Feng L, Morrison E, Jung Y, Dear J, Takahashi S, Heck MMS. The conserved metalloprotease invadolysin is present in invertebrate haemolymph and vertebrate blood. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.044073. [PMID: 31615765 PMCID: PMC6899020 DOI: 10.1242/bio.044073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified invadolysin, a novel essential metalloprotease, for functions in chromosome structure, cell proliferation and migration. Invadolysin also plays an important metabolic role in insulin signalling and is the only protease known to localise to lipid droplets, the main lipid storage organelle in the cell. In silico examination of the protein sequence of invadolysin predicts not only protease and lipase catalytic motifs, but also post-translational modifications and the secretion of invadolysin. Here we show that the protease motif of invadolysin is important for its role in lipid accumulation, but not in glycogen accumulation. The lipase motif does not appear to be functionally important for the accumulation of lipids or glycogen. Post-translational modifications likely contribute to modulating the level, localisation or activity of invadolysin. We identified a secreted form of invadolysin in the soluble fraction of invertebrate hemolymph (where we observe sexually dimorphic forms) and also vertebrate plasma, including in the extracellular vesicle fraction. Biochemical analysis for various post-translational modifications demonstrated that secreted invadolysin is both N- and O-glycosylated, but not apparently GPI-linked. The discovery of invadolysin in the extracellular milieu suggests a role for invadolysin in normal organismal physiology. Summary: In this study, we show that the conserved metalloprotease invadolysin is present in invertebrate hemolymph and vertebrate blood, suggesting the protein may function in organismal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanishk Abhinav
- University/BHF Center for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Linda Feng
- University/BHF Center for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Emma Morrison
- University/BHF Center for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Yunshin Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan
| | - James Dear
- University/BHF Center for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan
| | - Margarete M S Heck
- University/BHF Center for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Sauter IP, Madrid KG, de Assis JB, Sá-Nunes A, Torrecilhas AC, Staquicini DI, Pasqualini R, Arap W, Cortez M. TLR9/MyD88/TRIF signaling activates host immune inhibitory CD200 in Leishmania infection. JCI Insight 2019; 4:126207. [PMID: 31092731 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.126207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Virulent protozoans named Leishmania in tropical and subtropical areas produce devastating diseases by exploiting host immune responses. Amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis stimulate macrophages to express CD200, an immunomodulatory ligand, which binds to its cognate receptor (CD200R) and inhibits the inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) signaling pathways, thereby promoting intracellular survival. However, the mechanisms underlying CD200 induction in macrophages remain largely unknown. Here, we show that phagocytosis-mediated internalization of L. amazonensis amastigotes following activation of endosomal TLR9/MyD88/TRIF signaling is critical for inducing CD200 in infected macrophages. We also demonstrate that Leishmania microvesicles containing DNA fragments activate TLR9-dependent CD200 expression, which inhibits the iNOS/NO pathway and modulates the course of L. amazonensis infection in vivo. These findings demonstrate that Leishmania exploits TLR-signaling pathways not only to inhibit macrophage microbicidal function, but also to evade host systemic immune responses, which has many implications in the severity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josiane B de Assis
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anderson Sá-Nunes
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Torrecilhas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela I Staquicini
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Wadih Arap
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Marshall S, Kelly PH, Singh BK, Pope RM, Kim P, Zhanbolat B, Wilson ME, Yao C. Extracellular release of virulence factor major surface protease via exosomes in Leishmania infantum promastigotes. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:355. [PMID: 29921321 PMCID: PMC6006689 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Leishmania spp. protozoa are introduced into humans through a sand fly blood meal, depositing the infectious metacyclic promastigote form of the parasite into human skin. Parasites enter a variety of host cells, although a majority are found in macrophages where they replicate intracellularly during chronic leishmaniasis. Symptomatic leishmaniasis causes considerable human morbidity in endemic regions. The Leishmania spp. evade host microbicidal mechanisms partially through virulence-associated proteins such as the major surface protease (MSP or GP63), to inactivate immune factors in the host environment. MSP is a metalloprotease encoded by a tandem array of genes belonging to three msp gene classes, whose mRNAs are differentially expressed in different life stages of the parasite. Like other cells, Leishmania spp. release small membrane-bound vesicles called exosomes into their environment. The purpose of this study was to detect MSP proteins in exosomal vesicles of Leishmania spp. protozoa. Methods Using mass spectrometry data we determined the profile of MSP class proteins released in L. infantum exosomes derived from promastigotes in their avirulent procyclic (logarithmic) stage and virulent stationary and metacyclic stages. MSP protein isoforms belonging to each of the three msp gene classes could be identified by unique peptides. Results Metacyclic promastigote exosomes contained the highest, and logarithmic exosomes had the lowest abundance of total MSP. Among the MSP classes, MSPC class had the greatest variety of isoforms, but was least abundant in all exosomes. Nonetheless, all MSP classes were present at higher levels in exosomes released from stationary or metacyclic promastigotes than logarithmic promastigotes. Conclusions The data suggest the efficiency of exosome release may be more important than the identity of MSP isoform in determining the MSP content of Leishmania spp. exosomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2937-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Marshall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies, USA
| | - Patrick H Kelly
- Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Brajesh K Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Present address: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - R Marshall Pope
- The Proteomics Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Peter Kim
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Bayan Zhanbolat
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mary E Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies, USA.
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Soulat D, Bogdan C. Function of Macrophage and Parasite Phosphatases in Leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1838. [PMID: 29312331 PMCID: PMC5743797 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The kinetoplastid protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania are the causative agents of different clinical forms of leishmaniasis, a vector-borne infectious disease with worldwide prevalence. The protective host immune response against Leishmania parasites relies on myeloid cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages in which upon stimulation by cytokines (e.g., interferon-γ) a complex network of signaling pathways is switched on leading to strong antimicrobial activities directed against the intracellular parasite stage. The regulation of these pathways classically depends on post-translational modifications of proteins, with phosphorylation events playing a cardinal role. Leishmania parasites deactivate their phagocytic host cells by inducing specific mammalian phosphatases that are capable to impede signaling. On the other hand, there is now also evidence that Leishmania spp. themselves express phosphatases that might target host cell molecules and thereby facilitate the intracellular survival of the parasite. This review will present an overview on the modulation of host phosphatases by Leishmania parasites as well as on the known families of Leishmania phosphatases and their possible function as virulence factors. A more detailed understanding of the role of phosphatases in Leishmania–host cell interactions might open new avenues for the treatment of non-healing, progressive forms of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Soulat
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen, Interdisciplinary Center of the FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Bogdan
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen, Interdisciplinary Center of the FAU, Erlangen, Germany
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7
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Atayde VD, Hassani K, da Silva Lira Filho A, Borges AR, Adhikari A, Martel C, Olivier M. Leishmania exosomes and other virulence factors: Impact on innate immune response and macrophage functions. Cell Immunol 2016; 309:7-18. [PMID: 27499212 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites are the causative agents of the leishmaniases, a collection of vector-borne diseases that range from simple cutaneous to fatal visceral forms. Employing potent immune modulation mechanisms, Leishmania is able to render the host macrophage inactive and persist inside its phagolysosome. In the last few years, the role of exosomes in Leishmania-host interactions has been increasingly investigated. For instance, it was reported that Leishmania exosome release is augmented following temperature shift, a condition mimicking parasite's entry into its mammalian host. Leishmania exosomes were found to strongly affect macrophage cell signaling and functions, similarly to whole parasites. Importantly, these vesicles were shown to be pro-inflammatory, capable to recruit neutrophils at their inoculation site exacerbating the pathology. In this review, we provide the most recent insights on the role of exosomes and other virulence factors, especially the surface protease GP63, in Leishmania-host interactions, deepening our knowledge on leishmaniasis and paving the way for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Diniz Atayde
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Heath Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Kasra Hassani
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Heath Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Alonso da Silva Lira Filho
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Heath Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Andrezza Raposo Borges
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Heath Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Anupam Adhikari
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Heath Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Caroline Martel
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Heath Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Heath Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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de Menezes JP, Saraiva EM, da Rocha-Azevedo B. The site of the bite: Leishmania interaction with macrophages, neutrophils and the extracellular matrix in the dermis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:264. [PMID: 27146515 PMCID: PMC4857439 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniasis, are intracellular parasites, transmitted to humans via the bite of their sand fly vectors. Once inoculated, the promastigotes are exposed to the dermis, which is composed of extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors and its resident cells. Promastigote forms are phagocytosed by macrophages recruited to the site of the sand fly bite, either directly or after interaction with neutrophils. Since Leishmania is an intracellular parasite, its interaction with the host ECM has been neglected as well as the immediate steps after the sand fly bite. However, promastigotes must overcome the obstacles presented by the dermis ECM in order to establish the infection. Thus, the study of the interaction between Leishmania promastigotes and ECM components as well as the earliest stages of infection are important steps to understand the establishment of the disease, and could contribute in the future to new drug developments towards leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elvira M Saraiva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno da Rocha-Azevedo
- Programa de Terapia Celular e Bioengenharia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Present Address: Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Yao C, Wilson ME. Dynamics of sterol synthesis during development of Leishmania spp. parasites to their virulent form. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:200. [PMID: 27071464 PMCID: PMC4830053 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1470-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Leishmania spp. protozoa, the causative agents of the “neglected” tropical disease leishmaniasis, are transmitted to mammals by sand fly vectors. Within the sand fly, parasites transform from amastigotes to procyclic promastigotes, followed by development of virulent (metacyclic) promastigote forms. The latter are infectious to mammalian hosts. Biochemical components localized in the parasite plasma membrane such as proteins and sterols play a pivotal role in Leishmania pathogenesis. Leishmania spp. lack the enzymes for cholesterol synthesis, and the dynamics of sterol acquisition and biosynthesis in parasite developmental stages are not understood. We hypothesized that dynamic changes in sterol composition during metacyclogenesis contribute to the virulence of metacyclic promastigotes. Methods Sterols were extracted from logarithmic phase or metacyclic promastigotes grown in liquid culture with or without cholesterol, and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). TriTrypDB was searched for identification of genes involved in Leishmania sterol biosynthetic pathways. Results In total nine sterols were identified. There were dynamic changes in sterols during promastigote metacyclogenesis. Cholesterol in the culture medium affected sterol composition in different parasite stages. There were qualitative and relative quantitative differences between the sterol content of virulent versus avirulent parasite strains. A tentative sterol biosynthetic pathway in Leishmania spp. promastigotes was identified. Conclusions Significant differences in sterol composition were observed between promastigote stages, and between parasites exposed to different extracellular cholesterol in the environment. These data lay the foundation for further investigating the role of sterols in the pathogenesis of Leishmania spp. infections. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1470-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies, ᅟ.
| | - Mary E Wilson
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Absence of metalloprotease GP63 alters the protein content of Leishmania exosomes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95007. [PMID: 24736445 PMCID: PMC3988155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites of Leishmania genus are able to successfully infect their host macrophage due to multiple virulence strategies that result in its deactivation. Recent studies suggest Leishmania GP63 to be a critical virulence factor in modulation of many macrophage molecules, including protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and transcription factors (TFs). Additionally, we and others recently reported that Leishmania-released exosomes can participate in pathogenesis. Exosomes are 40-100 nm vesicles that are freed by many eukaryotic cells. To better understand the GP63-dependent immune modulation of the macrophage by Leishmania parasites and their exosomes, we compared the immunomodulatory properties of Leishmania major (WT) and L. major gp63-/- (KO) as well as their exosomes in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we observed that Leishmania exosomes can modulate macrophage PTPs and TFs in a GP63-dependent manner. In addition, our qRT-PCR analyses showed that WT parasites were able to downregulate multiple genes involved in the immune response, especially cytokines and pattern recognition receptors. KO parasites showed a strongly reduced modulatory capacity compared to WT parasites. Furthermore, comparison of WT versus KO exosomes also showed divergences in alteration of gene expression, especially of chemokine receptors. In parallel, studying the in vivo inflammatory recruitment using a murine air pouch model, we found that exosomes have stronger proinflammatory properties than parasites and preferentially induce the recruitment of neutrophils. Finally, comparative proteomics of WT and KO exosomes surprisingly revealed major differences in their protein content, suggesting a role for GP63 in Leishmania exosomal protein sorting. Collectively our data clearly establish the crucial role of GP63 in dampening the innate inflammatory response during early Leishmania infection, and also provides new insights in regard to the role and biology of exosomes in Leishmania host-parasite interactions.
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11
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Attenuation of Leishmania infantum chagasi metacyclic promastigotes by sterol depletion. Infect Immun 2013; 81:2507-17. [PMID: 23630964 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00214-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The infectious metacyclic promastigotes of Leishmania protozoa establish infection in a mammalian host after they are deposited into the dermis by a sand fly vector. Several Leishmania virulence factors promote infection, including the glycosylphosphatidylinositol membrane-anchored major surface protease (MSP). Metacyclic Leishmania infantum chagasi promastigotes were treated with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MβCD), a sterol-chelating reagent, causing a 3-fold reduction in total cellular sterols as well as enhancing MSP release without affecting parasite viability in vitro. MβCD-treated promastigotes were more susceptible to complement-mediated lysis than untreated controls and reduced the parasite load 3-fold when inoculated into BALB/c mice. Paradoxically, MβCD-treated promastigotes caused a higher initial in vitro infection rate in human or murine macrophages than untreated controls, although their intracellular multiplication was hindered upon infection establishment. There was a corresponding larger amount of covalently bound C3b than iC3b on the parasite surfaces of MβCD-treated promastigotes exposed to healthy human serum in vitro, as well as loss of MSP, a protease that enhances C3b cleavage to iC3b. Mass spectrometry showed that MβCD promotes the release of proteins into the extracellular medium, including both MSP and MSP-like protein (MLP), from virulent metacyclic promastigotes. These data support the hypothesis that plasma membrane sterols are important for the virulence of Leishmania protozoa at least in part through retention of membrane virulence proteins.
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12
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Lambertz U, Silverman JM, Nandan D, McMaster WR, Clos J, Foster LJ, Reiner NE. Secreted virulence factors and immune evasion in visceral leishmaniasis. J Leukoc Biol 2012; 91:887-99. [PMID: 22442494 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0611326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Evasion or subversion of host immune responses is a well-established paradigm in infection with visceralizing leishmania. In this review, we summarize current findings supporting a model in which leishmania target host regulatory molecules and pathways, such as the PTP SHP-1 and the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade, to prevent effective macrophage activation. Furthermore, we describe how virulence factors, secreted by leishmania, interfere with macrophage intracellular signaling. Finally, we discuss mechanisms of secretion and provide evidence that leishmania use a remarkably adept, exosome-based secretion mechanism to export and deliver effector molecules to host cells. In addition to representing a novel mechanism for trafficking of virulence factors across membranes, recent findings indicate that leishmania exosomes may have potential as vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Lambertz
- Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases and the Experimental Medicine Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of protozoan parasites that are transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sandflies and give rise to a range of diseases (collectively known as leishmaniases) that affect over 150 million people worldwide. Cellular immune mechanisms have a major role in the control of infections with all Leishmania spp. However, as discussed in this Review, recent evidence suggests that each host-pathogen combination evokes different solutions to the problems of parasite establishment, survival and persistence. Understanding the extent of this diversity will be increasingly important in ensuring the development of broadly applicable vaccines, drugs and immunotherapeutic interventions.
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An evolutionary analysis of trypanosomatid GP63 proteases. Parasitol Res 2011; 109:1075-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2348-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Contreras I, Gómez MA, Nguyen O, Shio MT, McMaster RW, Olivier M. Leishmania-induced inactivation of the macrophage transcription factor AP-1 is mediated by the parasite metalloprotease GP63. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1001148. [PMID: 20976196 PMCID: PMC2954837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania parasites have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to subvert macrophage immune responses by altering the host cell signal transduction machinery, including inhibition of JAK/STAT signalling and other transcription factors such as AP-1, CREB and NF-κB. AP-1 regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and nitric oxide production. Herein we show that upon Leishmania infection, AP-1 activity within host cells is abolished and correlates with lower expression of 5 of the 7 AP-1 subunits. Of interest, c-Jun, the central component of AP-1, is cleaved by Leishmania. Furthermore, the cleavage of c-Jun is dependent on the expression and activity of the major Leishmania surface protease GP63. Immunoprecipitation of c-Jun from nuclear extracts showed that GP63 interacts, and cleaves c-Jun at the perinuclear area shortly after infection. Phagocytosis inhibition by cytochalasin D did not block c-Jun down-regulation, suggesting that internalization of the parasite might not be necessary to deliver GP63 molecules inside the host cell. This observation was corroborated by the maintenance of c-Jun cleavage upon incubation with L. mexicana culture supernatant, suggesting that secreted, soluble GP63 could use a phagocytosis-independent mechanism to enter the host cell. In support of this, disruption of macrophage lipid raft microdomains by Methyl β-Cyclodextrin (MβCD) partially inhibits the degradation of full length c-Jun. Together our results indicate a novel role of the surface protease GP63 in the Leishmania-mediated subversion of host AP-1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irazú Contreras
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for the Study of Host Resistance and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - María Adelaida Gómez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for the Study of Host Resistance and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Oliver Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marina T. Shio
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for the Study of Host Resistance and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert W. McMaster
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for the Study of Host Resistance and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Rebello KM, Britto C, Pereira BAS, Pita-Pereira DD, Moraes MO, Ferreira ABR, Cysne-Finkelstein L, Otto TD, Côrtes LMDC, da-Silva GG, Alves CR. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: influence of successive in vitro cultivation on the expression of promastigote proteinases. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:570-6. [PMID: 20553928 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine proteinases are an important virulence factor in Leishmania parasites. In this study we analyzed the cysteine proteinase expression of infective Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigotes, examining the expression induced by successive in vitro passages in culture. We observed that this parasite presents a decrease in its virulence over BALB/c macrophages, after successive passages in culture, but still they present proteinase activity, being capable of hydrolyzing the substrate pGlu-Phe-Leu-p Nitroanilide at pH 7.0. This proteinase activity also decreases in the course of the successive passages. Additionally, the decrease in the amount of CPB proteins following successive passages of promastigotes was verified by immunoblotting assays, using an anti-CPB antiserum. Real-time PCR assays were performed to assess the relative cpb expression when compared to a housekeeping gene in promastigote cDNA preparations from the first, fourth and seventh passages. Interestingly, the data indicate a relative increase in cpb gene transcripts as the promastigotes were maintained under in vitro culture: 2.2 times higher for fourth and 2.7 times higher for seventh passages when compared to the first passage. Thus, the information gathered here shows that the expression of cysteine proteinases is modified during in vitro cultivation of L. (V.) braziliensis promastigotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Mastropasqua Rebello
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Yao C, Li Y, Donelson JE, Wilson ME. Proteomic examination of Leishmania chagasi plasma membrane proteins: Contrast between avirulent and virulent (metacyclic) parasite forms. Proteomics Clin Appl 2009; 4:4-16. [PMID: 21137013 DOI: 10.1002/prca.200900050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE About two million new cases of leishmaniasis with 50 000 associated deaths occur worldwide each year. Promastigotes of the causative Leishmania spp. develop from the procyclic stage to the highly virulent metacyclic stage within the sand fly vector. We hypothesized that proteins important for promastigote virulence might be uniquely represented in the plasma membrane of metacyclic, but not procyclic, promastigotes. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Procyclic (logarithmic) promastigotes and purified metacyclic promastigotes from stationary phase cultures of Leishmania chagasi were used to prepare membrane preparations either by surface biotinylation-streptavidin affinity separation or by octyl glucoside detergent extraction. RESULTS These membrane fractions were enriched over 130- and 250-fold, respectively, as estimated by Western blotting for the plasma membrane's major surface protease. Hundreds or dozens of proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS in the surface biotinylation or detergent extraction, respectively. Confocal microscopy suggested the difference between the lists was due to the fact that proteins localized both on the surface membrane and within the flagellar pocket were accessible to surface biotinylation, whereas only proteins on the membrane were obtained by detergent extraction. Using detergent extraction, we found different proteins were present in membranes of the procyclic stage compared to metacyclic stage promastigotes. Several dozen were stage specific. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These data provide a foundation for identifying virulence factors in the plasma membranes of Leishmania spp. promastigotes during metacyclogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
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Abstract
Major surface protease (MSP or GP63) is the most abundant glycoprotein localized to the plasma membrane of Leishmania promastigotes. MSP plays several important roles in the pathogenesis of leishmaniasis, including but not limited to (i) evasion of complement-mediated lysis, (ii) facilitation of macrophage (Mø) phagocytosis of promastigotes, (iii) interaction with the extracellular matrix, (iv) inhibition of natural killer cellular functions, (v) resistance to antimicrobial peptide killing, (vi) degradation of Mø and fibroblast cytosolic proteins, and (vii) promotion of survival of intracellular amastigotes. MSP homologues have been found in all other trypanosomatids studied to date including heteroxenous members of Trypanosoma cruzi, the extracellular Trypanosoma brucei, unusual intraerythrocytic Endotrypanum spp., phytoparasitic Phytomonas spp., and numerous monoxenous species. These proteins are likely to perform roles different from those described for Leishmania spp. Multiple MSPs in individual cells may play distinct roles at some time points in trypanosomatid life cycles and collaborative or redundant roles at others. The cellular locations and the extracellular release of MSPs are also discussed in connection with MSP functions in leishmanial promastigotes.
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Gomez MA, Contreras I, Hallé M, Tremblay ML, McMaster RW, Olivier M. Leishmania GP63 alters host signaling through cleavage-activated protein tyrosine phosphatases. Sci Signal 2009; 2:ra58. [PMID: 19797268 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2000213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
With more than 12 million people affected worldwide, 2 million new cases occurring per year, and the rapid emergence of drug resistance and treatment failure, leishmaniasis is an infectious disease for which research on drug and vaccine development, host-pathogen, and vector-parasite interactions are current international priorities. Upon Leishmania-macrophage interaction, activation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) SHP-1 rapidly leads to the down-regulation of Janus kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, resulting in the attenuation of host innate inflammatory responses and of various microbicidal macrophage functions. We report that, in addition to SHP-1, the PTPs PTP1B and TCPTP are activated and posttranslationally modified in infected macrophages, and we identify an essential role for PTP1B in the in vivo progression of Leishmania infection. The mechanism underlying PTP modulation involves the proteolytic activity of the Leishmania surface protease GP63. Access of GP63 to macrophage PTP1B, TCPTP, and SHP-1 is mediated in part by a lipid raft-dependent mechanism, resulting in PTP cleavage and stimulation of phosphatase activity. Collectively, our data present a mechanism of cleavage-dependent activation of macrophage PTPs by an obligate intracellular pathogen and show that internalization of GP63, a key Leishmania virulence factor, into host macrophages is a strategy the parasite uses to interact and survive within its host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Adelaida Gomez
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Hallé M, Gomez MA, Stuible M, Shimizu H, McMaster WR, Olivier M, Tremblay ML. The Leishmania surface protease GP63 cleaves multiple intracellular proteins and actively participates in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inactivation. J Biol Chem 2008; 284:6893-908. [PMID: 19064994 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m805861200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Leishmania parasite is a widespread disease threat in tropical areas, causing symptoms ranging from skin lesions to death. Leishmania parasites typically invade macrophages but are also capable of infecting fibroblasts, which may serve as a reservoir for recurrent infection. Invasion by intracellular pathogens often involves exploitation of the host cell cytoskeletal and signaling machinery. Here we have observed a dramatic rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and marked modifications in the profile of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in fibroblasts infected with Leishmania major. Correspondingly, exposure to L. major resulted in degradation of the phosphorylated adaptor protein p130Cas and the protein-tyrosine phosphatase-PEST. Cellular and in vitro assays using pharmacological protease inhibitors, recombinant enzyme, and genetically modified strains of L. major identified the parasite protease GP63 as the principal catalyst of proteolysis during infection. A number of additional signaling proteins were screened for degradation during L. major infection as follows: a small subset was cleaved, including cortactin, T-cell protein-tyrosine phosphatase, and caspase-3, but the majority remained unaffected. Protein degradation occurred in cells incubated with Leishmania extracts in the absence of intact parasites, suggesting a mechanism permitting transfer of functional GP63 into the intracellular space. Finally, we evaluated the impact of Leishmania on MAPK signaling; unlike p44/42 and JNK, p38 was inactivated upon infection in a GP63- and protein degradation-dependent manner, which likely involves cleavage of the upstream adaptor TAB1. Our results establish that GP63 plays a central role in a number of hostcell molecular events that likely contribute to the infectivity of Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Hallé
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Centre, Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
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Elias CGR, Pereira FM, Dias FA, Silva TLA, Lopes AHCS, d'Avila-Levy CM, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Cysteine peptidases in the tomato trypanosomatid Phytomonas serpens: influence of growth conditions, similarities with cruzipain and secretion to the extracellular environment. Exp Parasitol 2008; 120:343-52. [PMID: 18793639 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 08/13/2008] [Accepted: 08/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We have characterized the cysteine peptidase production by Phytomonas serpens, a tomato trypanosomatid. The parasites were cultivated in four distinct media, since growth conditions could modulate the synthesis of bioactive molecules. The proteolytic profile has not changed qualitatively regardless the media, showing two peptidases of 38 and 40kDa; however, few quantitative changes were observed including a drastic reduction (around 70%) on the 40 and 38kDa peptidase activities when parasites were grown in yeast extract and liver infusion trypticase medium, respectively, in comparison with parasites cultured in Warren medium. The time-span of growth did not significantly alter the protein and peptidase expression. The proteolytic activities were blocked by classical cysteine peptidase inhibitors (E-64, leupeptin, and cystatin), being more active at pH 5.0 and showing complete dependence to reducing agents (dithiothreitol and l-cysteine) for full activity. The cysteine peptidases were able to hydrolyze several proteinaceous substrates, including salivary gland proteins from Oncopeltus fasciatus, suggesting broad substrate utilization. By means of agglutination, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting analyses we showed that both cysteine peptidases produced by P. serpens share common epitopes with cruzipain, the major cysteine peptidase of Trypanosoma cruzi. Moreover, our data suggest that the 40kDa cysteine peptidase was located at the P. serpens cell surface, attached to membrane domains via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The 40kDa peptidase was also detected in the cell-free culture supernatant, in an active form, which suggests secretion of this peptidase to the extracellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila G R Elias
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Bioquímica Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, IMPPG, CCS, Bloco I-subsolo, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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