1
|
Sparvoli D, Delabre J, Penarete‐Vargas DM, Kumar Mageswaran S, Tsypin LM, Heckendorn J, Theveny L, Maynadier M, Mendonça Cova M, Berry‐Sterkers L, Guérin A, Dubremetz J, Urbach S, Striepen B, Turkewitz AP, Chang Y, Lebrun M. An apical membrane complex for triggering rhoptry exocytosis and invasion in Toxoplasma. EMBO J 2022; 41:e111158. [PMID: 36245278 PMCID: PMC9670195 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites possess secretory organelles called rhoptries that undergo regulated exocytosis upon contact with the host. This process is essential for the parasitic lifestyle of these pathogens and relies on an exocytic machinery sharing structural features and molecular components with free-living ciliates. However, how the parasites coordinate exocytosis with host interaction is unknown. Here, we performed a Tetrahymena-based transcriptomic screen to uncover novel exocytic factors in Ciliata and conserved in Apicomplexa. We identified membrane-bound proteins, named CRMPs, forming part of a large complex essential for rhoptry secretion and invasion in Toxoplasma. Using cutting-edge imaging tools, including expansion microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, we show that, unlike previously described rhoptry exocytic factors, TgCRMPs are not required for the assembly of the rhoptry secretion machinery and only transiently associate with the exocytic site-prior to the invasion. CRMPs and their partners contain putative host cell-binding domains, and CRMPa shares similarities with GPCR proteins. Collectively our data imply that the CRMP complex acts as a host-molecular sensor to ensure that rhoptry exocytosis occurs when the parasite contacts the host cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Sparvoli
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host InteractionsUMR 5235 CNRS, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Jason Delabre
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host InteractionsUMR 5235 CNRS, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | | | - Shrawan Kumar Mageswaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Lev M Tsypin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell BiologyUniversity of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
- Present address:
Division of Biology and Biological EngineeringCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - Justine Heckendorn
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host InteractionsUMR 5235 CNRS, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Liam Theveny
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Marjorie Maynadier
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host InteractionsUMR 5235 CNRS, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Marta Mendonça Cova
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host InteractionsUMR 5235 CNRS, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Laurence Berry‐Sterkers
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host InteractionsUMR 5235 CNRS, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Amandine Guérin
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Jean‐François Dubremetz
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host InteractionsUMR 5235 CNRS, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Serge Urbach
- IGFUniversité de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Aaron P Turkewitz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell BiologyUniversity of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
| | - Yi‐Wei Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Maryse Lebrun
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host InteractionsUMR 5235 CNRS, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu J, Luo J, Chen J, Vossbrinck CR, Li T, Zhou Z. Characterization of the Largest Secretory Protein Family, Ricin B Lectin-like Protein, in Nosema bombycis: Insights into Microsporidian Adaptation to Host. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060551. [PMID: 35736035 PMCID: PMC9224602 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular pathogens infecting nearly all animal phyla. The microsporidian Nosema bombycis has been isolated from several lepidopteran species, including the economy-important silkworms as well as several crop pests. Proteins secreted by parasites can be important virulent factors in modulating host pathways. Ricin is a two-chain lectin best known for its extreme vertebrate toxicity. Ricin B lectin-like proteins are widely distributed in microsporidia, especially in N. bombycis. In this study, we identify 52 Ricin B lectin-like proteins (RBLs) in N. bombycis. We show that the N. bombycis RBLs (NbRBLs) are classified into four subfamilies. The subfamily 1 was the most conserved, with all members having a Ricin B lectin domain and most members containing a signal peptide. The other three subfamilies were less conserved, and even lost the Ricin B lectin domain, suggesting that NbRBLs might be a multi-functional family. Our study here indicated that the NbRBL family had evolved by producing tandem duplications firstly and then expanded by segmental duplications, resulting in concentrated localizations mainly in three genomic regions. Moreover, based on RNA-seq data, we found that several Nbrbls were highly expressed during infection. Further, the results show that the NbRBL28 was secreted into host nucleus, where it promotes the expressions of genes involved in cell cycle progression. In summary, the great copy number, high divergence, and concentrated genome distribution of the NbRBLs demonstrated that these proteins might be adaptively evolved and played a vital role in the multi-host N. bombycis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.X.); (J.L.); (J.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.X.); (J.L.); (J.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiajing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.X.); (J.L.); (J.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Charles R. Vossbrinck
- Department of Environmental Science, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA;
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.X.); (J.L.); (J.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.X.); (J.L.); (J.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (Z.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hakimi MA. Epigenetic Reprogramming in Host-Parasite Coevolution: The Toxoplasma Paradigm. Annu Rev Microbiol 2022; 76:135-155. [PMID: 35587934 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041320-011520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Like many intracellular pathogens, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has evolved sophisticated mechanisms to promote its transmission and persistence in a variety of hosts by injecting effector proteins that manipulate many processes in the cells it invades. Specifically, the parasite diverts host epigenetic modulators and modifiers from their native functions to rewire host gene expression to counteract the innate immune response and to limit its strength. The arms race between the parasite and its hosts has led to accelerated adaptive evolution of effector proteins and the unconventional secretion routes they use. This review provides an up-to-date overview of how T. gondii effectors, through the evolution of intrinsically disordered domains, the formation of supramolecular complexes, and the use of molecular mimicry, target host transcription factors that act as coordinating nodes, as well as chromatin-modifying enzymes, to control the fate of infected cells and ultimately the outcome of infection. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 76 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pereira LM, Audrey de Paula J, Baroni L, Bezerra MA, Abreu-Filho PG, Yatsuda AP. Molecular characterization of NCLIV_011700 of Neospora caninum, a low sequence identity rhoptry protein. Exp Parasitol 2022; 238:108268. [PMID: 35513005 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite related to abortion in cattle, goats and sheep. The life cycle of N. caninum is characterized by the time-coordinated secretion of proteins contained in micronemes, rhoptries and dense granules, allowing the active invasion and the adaptation of the parasite in the cell environment. Thus, the proteins of the secretome have the potential to be considered as targets for N. caninum control. Despite the importance of neosporosis in the livestock-related economy, no commercial treatment is available. Furthermore, the process of invasion, propagation and immune evasion are not completely elucidated. In this study, we initiated the characterization of NCLIV_011700 of N. caninum, a protein with low sequence identity to NcROP15 or TgROP15 (<15%). Our goal was the detection and molecular characterization of the NCLIV_011700, once homology (with low identity >20%) was observed within the Apicomplexa. The NCLIV_011700 sequence was aligned and compared to the closer apicomplexan homologues (ROP15 from N. caninum, T. gondii, Hammondia hammondi, Cystospores suis), including the predicted domains. In general, the NCLIV_011700 demonstrated low identity with ROP15 of apicomplexan (<20%) and had a ubiquitin domain. On the other side, the NCLIV_011700 homologues were composed of a non-cytoplasmic domain, suggesting different functions between NcROP15 (or homologues) and NCLIV_011700 during the parasite life cycle. Moreover, the NCLIV_011700 was amplified by PCR, ligated to a pET28a plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant form of NCLIV_011700 was purified in a nickel-Sepharose resin and applied for polyclonal antibody production in mice. The antiserum against NCLIV_011700 (anti-r NCLIV_011700) was used to localize the native form of the protein using Western blot and confocal microscopy. Also, the NCLIV_011700 antiserum partially inhibited the parasite adhesion/invasion process, indicating an active role of the protein in the N. caninum cycle. Thus, the initial NCLIV_011700 characterization will contribute to enlarging the comprehension of N. caninum, aiming at the future development of tools to control the parasite infection/propagation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Audrey de Paula
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Alexandre Bezerra
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mining the Proteome of Toxoplasma Parasites Seeking Vaccine and Diagnostic Candidates. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091098. [PMID: 35565525 PMCID: PMC9099775 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The One Health concept to toxoplasmosis highlights that the health of humans is closely related to the health of animals and our common environment. Toxoplasmosis outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. Consequently, the development of effective vaccine and diagnostic strategies is urgent for the elimination of this disease. Proteomics analysis has allowed the identification of key proteins that can be utilized in the development of novel disease diagnostics and vaccines. This work presents relevant proteins found in the proteome of the life cycle-specific stages of Toxoplasma parasites. In fact, it brings together the main functionality key proteins from Toxoplasma parasites coming from proteomic approaches that are most likely to be useful in improving the disease management, and critically proposes innovative directions to finally develop promising vaccines and diagnostics tools. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogenic protozoan parasite that infects the nucleated cells of warm-blooded hosts leading to an infectious zoonotic disease known as toxoplasmosis. The infection outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. The One Health approach to toxoplasmosis highlights that the health of humans is closely related to the health of animals and our common environment. The presence of drug resistance and side effects, the further improvement of sensitivity and specificity of serodiagnostic tools and the potentiality of vaccine candidates to induce the host immune response are considered as justifiable reasons for the identification of novel targets for the better management of toxoplasmosis. Thus, the identification of new critical proteins in the proteome of Toxoplasma parasites can also be helpful in designing and test more effective drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. Accordingly, in this study we present important proteins found in the proteome of the life cycle-specific stages of Toxoplasma parasites that are potential diagnostic or vaccine candidates. The current study might help to understand the complexity of these parasites and provide a possible source of strategies and biomolecules that can be further evaluated in the pathobiology of Toxoplasma parasites and for diagnostics and vaccine trials against this disease.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bingxiang W, Ningning Z, Yakun W, Lingyu S, Hongmei L, Zhang X, Zhao X. Characterization of the Eimeria tenella rhoptry protein with a nuclear localization sequence (EtROP30). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1507-1516. [PMID: 35314894 PMCID: PMC8938219 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Rhoptry proteins (ROPs), secreted by specific rhoptry organelles of apicomplexan parasites, are determinants of parasite pathogenesis and sources of vaccine candidates. Twenty-eight ROPs of Eimeria tenella have been predicted by genomic approaches, and in the present study, E. tenella rhoptry protein 30 (EtROP30) was characterized. Subcellular localizations of EtROP30 in sporozoites and merozoites were in the apical complex and rhoptry-like bulb, suggesting that EtROP30 is a member of ROPs in E. tenella. Sequence analysis showed that EtROP30 contained an N-terminal secretory signal, a protein kinase domain with eight E. tenella-specific rhoptry kinase 1 subfamily (ROPK-Eten1) motifs, and a C-terminal nuclear localization sequence (NLS), making EtROP30 the only ROP that contains both a secretory signal and an NLS in E. tenella. Subsequent experiments showed that EtROP30 was a secreted protein in the sporozoite stage, relying on NLS for migration to the host nucleus. In addition, EtROP30 showed significantly higher expression levels in the parasite merozoite stage, indicating that EtROP30 plays a critical role during parasite reinvasion and development and may be a viable option as a vaccine candidate for anti-parasitic infection. The immunization protection efficacies of EtROP30 were evaluated. Significant improvements in mean body weight gain, reduction of cecum lesion score, and number of oocysts excreted were observed, indicating that EtROP30 has good immunogenicity against E. tenella. In the present study, a ROP of E. tenella with secretory and nuclear localization characteristics has been identified, and proved to be an effective vaccine candidate against this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Bingxiang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao Ningning
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Wang Yakun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Sun Lingyu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Li Hongmei
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fréville A, Gnangnon B, Khelifa AS, Gissot M, Khalife J, Pierrot C. Deciphering the Role of Protein Phosphatases in Apicomplexa: The Future of Innovative Therapeutics? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030585. [PMID: 35336160 PMCID: PMC8949495 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum still represent a major public health and world-wide socioeconomic burden that is greatly amplified by the spread of resistances against known therapeutic drugs. Therefore, it is essential to provide the scientific and medical communities with innovative strategies specifically targeting these organisms. In this review, we present an overview of the diversity of the phosphatome as well as the variety of functions that phosphatases display throughout the Apicomplexan parasites’ life cycles. We also discuss how this diversity could be used for the design of innovative and specific new drugs/therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Fréville
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Bénédicte Gnangnon
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Communicable Diseases Dynamics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Asma S. Khelifa
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Mathieu Gissot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Jamal Khalife
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Christine Pierrot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (B.G.); (A.S.K.); (M.G.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (C.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liang QL, Nie LB, Li TT, Elsheikha HM, Sun LX, Zhang ZW, Zhao DY, Zhu XQ, Wang JL. Functional Characterization of 17 Protein Serine/Threonine Phosphatases in Toxoplasma gondii Using CRISPR-Cas9 System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:738794. [PMID: 35083211 PMCID: PMC8785970 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.738794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein serine/threonine phosphatases (PSPs), found in various plants and protozoa, are involved in the regulation of various biological processes. However, very little is known about the role of PSPs in the pathogenicity of the apicomplexan protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Herein, the subcellular localization of 17 PSPs (PP5, PP7, EFPP, SLP, PPM3F, PPM4, PPM5A, PPM5B, PPM6, PPM8, PPM9, PPM12, PPM14, PPM18, CTD1, CTD2, and CTD3) was examined by 6× HA tagging of endogenous genes in C-terminal. The PSPs were detected in the cytoplasm (PP5, EFPP, PPM8, and CTD2), dense granules (SLP), nucleus (PPM4 and PPM9), inner membrane complex (PPM12), basal complex (CTD3), and apical pole (PP7). The remaining PSPs exhibited low or undetectable level of expression. To characterize the contribution of these genes to the infectivity of T. gondii, knock-out (KO) strains of type I RH strain deficient in the 17 psp genes and KO type II Pru strain deficient in pp7 and slp genes were constructed. The pathogenicity of individual RHΔpsp mutants was characterized in vitro using plaque, egress, and intracellular replication assays, and mouse infection, while pathogenicity of PruΔpp7 and PruΔslp mutant strains was evaluated by examining the parasite lytic cycle in vitro and assessment of brain cyst burden in mice. No significant differences were observed between 16 RHΔpsp strains and wild-type (WT) RH strain. However, RHΔpp7 exhibited significantly lower invasion efficiency and parasitophorous vacuole formation in vitro, and less virulence in mice compared with other RHΔpsp and WT strains. In addition, PruΔpp7 exhibited marked attenuation of virulence and significant reduction in the brain cyst burden in mice compared with PruΔslp and WT strains, suggesting the key role of PP7 in the virulence of T. gondii. Comparative transcriptomic profiling of the 17 psp genes showed that they may play different roles in the pathogenesis of different genotypes or life cycle stages of T. gondii. These findings provide new insight into the role of PSPs in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lan-Bi Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hany M. Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dan-Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sang R, Sun F, Zhou H, Wang M, Li H, Li C, Sun X, Zhao X, Zhang X. Immunomodulatory effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide on splenic lymphocytes infected with Toxoplasma gondii via NF-κB and MAPKs pathways. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2021; 44:129-138. [PMID: 34918603 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2021.2017453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT As a medicinal and edible fungus, Inonotus obliquus has been traditionally used to prevent and treat various ailments. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) isolated from I. obliquus processes many biological activities, our series of in vivo studies have shown that IOP protects against Toxoplasma gondii infection. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the in vitro immunomodulatory effects and its mechanisms of IOP on mouse splenic lymphocytes infected with T. gondii. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mouse splenic lymphocytes were infected with T. gondii tachyzoites, and treated with different concentrations of IOP. The levels of cytokines and chemokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4, and the modulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways were determined by Western blot. RESULTS IOP significantly decreased the over-release of cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in supernatant from T. gondii-infected splenic lymphocytes. IOP also effectively inhibited the overexpression of cytokines and chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA. Furthermore, IOP down-regulated TLR2 and TLR4 expressions and inhibited the over-phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and inhibitor κBα (IκBα) in NF-κB signaling pathway and p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in MAPKs signaling pathway. By observing the effect of IOP on TNF-α secretion after pretreatment with specific inhibitors, it was further confirmed that IOP was involved in the regulation of NF-κB, p38, and JNK signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that IOP can inhibit the excessive inflammatory response caused by T. gondii infection through modulating NF-κB, p38, and JNK signaling pathways, and thus plays the in vitro anti-T. gondii role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sang
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Fuliang Sun
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Hongyuan Zhou
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.,Institute of Special Wild Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Chunting Li
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Xinhui Sun
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.,Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Navarrete-Mena A, Pacheco-Yépez J, Hernández-Ramírez VI, Escalona-Montaño AR, Gómez-Sandoval JN, Néquiz-Avendaño M, Chávez-Munguía B, Tesoro-Cruz E, Talamás-Rohana P, Aguirre-García MM. Protein Phosphatase PP2C Identification in Entamoeba spp. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5746629. [PMID: 34697588 PMCID: PMC8541852 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5746629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis, and Entamoeba dispar is its noninvasive morphological twin. Entamoeba invadens is a reptilian parasite. In the present study, Western blot, phosphatase activity, immunofluorescence, and bioinformatic analyses were used to identify PP2C phosphatases of E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. invadens. PP2C was identified in trophozoites of all Entamoeba species and cysts of E. invadens. Immunoblotting using a Leishmania mexicana anti-PP2C antibody recognized a 45.2 kDa PP2C in all species. In E. histolytica and E. invadens, a high molecular weight element PP2C at 75 kDa was recognized, mainly in cysts of E. invadens. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of PP2C in membrane and vesicular structures in the cytosol of all species analyzed. The ~75 kDa PP2C of Entamoeba spp. shows the conserved domain characteristic of phosphatase enzymes (according to in silico analysis). Possible PP2C participation in the encystation process was discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abril Navarrete-Mena
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico
| | - Judith Pacheco-Yépez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Verónica Ivonne Hernández-Ramírez
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avazados, CINVESTAV-IPN, Ciudad de México, CP 07360, Mexico
| | - Alma Reyna Escalona-Montaño
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico
| | | | - Mario Néquiz-Avendaño
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de Mexico 06726, Mexico
| | - Bibiana Chávez-Munguía
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avazados, CINVESTAV-IPN, Ciudad de México, CP 07360, Mexico
| | - Emiliano Tesoro-Cruz
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Inmunología e Infectología, Hospital de Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional “La Raza”, IMSS, Ciudad de Mexico 02990, Mexico
| | - Patricia Talamás-Rohana
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avazados, CINVESTAV-IPN, Ciudad de México, CP 07360, Mexico
| | - María Magdalena Aguirre-García
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Parasite protein phosphatases: biological function, virulence, and host immune evasion. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2703-2715. [PMID: 34309709 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07259-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphatases are enzymes that dephosphorylate tyrosine and serine/threonine amino acid residues. Although their role in cellular processes has been best characterized in higher eukaryotes, they have also been identified and studied in different pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., parasites) in the last two decades. Whereas some parasite protein phosphatases carry out functions similar to those of their homologs in yeast and mammalian cells, others have unique structural and/or functional characteristics. Thus, the latter unique phosphatases may be instrumental as targets for drug therapy or as markers for diagnosis. It is important to better understand the involvement of protein phosphatases in parasites in relation to their cell cycle, metabolism, virulence, and evasion of the host immune response. The up-to-date information about parasite phosphatases of medical and veterinarian relevance is herein reviewed.
Collapse
|
12
|
Escalona-Montaño AR, Zuñiga-Fabián M, Cabrera N, Mondragón-Flores R, Gómez-Sandoval JN, Rojas-Bernabé A, González-Canto A, Gutiérrez-Kobeh L, Pérez-Montfort R, Becker I, Aguirre-García MM. Protein Serine/Threonine Phosphatase Type 2C of Leishmania mexicana. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:641356. [PMID: 33937094 PMCID: PMC8082450 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.641356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are increasingly recognized as important processes for regulating multiple physiological mechanisms. Phosphorylation is carried out by protein kinases and dephosphorylation by protein phosphatases. Phosphoprotein phosphatases (PPPs), one of three families of protein serine/threonine phosphatases, have great structural diversity and are involved in regulating many cell functions. PP2C, a type of PPP, is found in Leishmania, a dimorphic protozoan parasite and the causal agent of leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to clone, purify, biochemically characterize and quantify the expression of PP2C in Leishmania mexicana (LmxPP2C). Recombinant LmxPP2C dephosphorylated a specific threonine (with optimal activity at pH 8) in the presence of the manganese divalent cation (Mn+2). LmxPP2C activity was inhibited by sanguinarine (a specific inhibitor) but was unaffected by protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors. Western blot analysis indicated that anti-LmxPP2C antibodies recognized a molecule of 45.2 kDa. Transmission electron microscopy with immunodetection localized LmxPP2C in the flagellar pocket and flagellum of promastigotes but showed poor staining in amastigotes. Interestingly, LmxPP2C belongs to the ortholog group OG6_142542, which contains only protozoa of the family Trypanosomatidae. This suggests a specific function of the enzyme in the flagellar pocket of these microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alma Reyna Escalona-Montaño
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez., Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mariana Zuñiga-Fabián
- Ciencias Experimentales, Escuela Nacional Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades Plantel, Naucalpan, Mexico
| | - Nallely Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Mondragón-Flores
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jenny Nancy Gómez-Sandoval
- División de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad Politécnica del Valle de Toluca, Almoloya de Juárez, Mexico
| | - Araceli Rojas-Bernabé
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Augusto González-Canto
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Laila Gutiérrez-Kobeh
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez., Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ruy Pérez-Montfort
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Maria Magdalena Aguirre-García
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez., Ciudad de México, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Using BioID for the Identification of Interacting and Proximal Proteins in Subcellular Compartments in Toxoplasma gondii. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 31758461 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9857-9_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BioID is an in vivo biotinylation system developed to examine the proximal and interacting proteins of a bait protein within a subcellular compartment. This approach has been exploited in Toxoplasma for protein-protein interaction studies and proteomic characterizations of intracellular compartments. The BioID method requires constructing a translational fusion between a protein of interest and the promiscuous biotin ligase BirA∗ (a mutant of the E. coli protein BirA) which enables trafficking of the protein to the correct intracellular compartment and association with its partners. Proximity labelling occurs upon addition of biotin to the media and the biotinylated target proteins are then be purified using stringent conditions via streptavidin chromatography. In this chapter, we describe the methodology to fuse BirA∗ (or the newer variant BioID2) to a bait protein using endogenous gene tagging in Toxoplasma and then identify the proximal and interacting proteins using in vivo biotinylation, streptavidin purification and mass spectrometric analysis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Song PX, Yao SH, Yao Y, Zhou J, Li QF, Cao YH, He SY. Epitope Analysis and Efficacy Evaluation of Phosphatase 2C (PP2C) DNA Vaccine Against Toxoplasma gondii Infection. J Parasitol 2021; 106:513-521. [PMID: 32791522 DOI: 10.1645/18-210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects almost all warm-blooded animals and negatively affects the health of a wide range of these animals, including humans. Protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) is a T. gondii protein secreted by rhoptry organelles during host cell invasion. However, very little is known about whether this protein can induce protective immunity against T. gondii. In this study, bioinformatics analysis of PP2C revealed some useful information in the context of anti-toxoplasmosis treatments and vaccine research. In addition, the PP2C gene was amplified, and a eukaryotic expression vector (pEGFP-PP2C) was successfully constructed to express PP2C. Finally, the constructed pEGFP-PP2C was injected into mice to evaluate whether it could induce immunoprotection. Compared with the control groups, we found that immunizations with the pEGFP-PP2C plasmid could elicit specific IgG antibodies and cytokines against T. gondii infection. The survival of mice immunized with the pEGFP-PP2C plasmid was significantly prolonged compared with that of the control group mice. Based on the ability of pEGFP-PP2C to induce specific immune responses against T. gondii, we propose that PP2C merits consideration as a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P X Song
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - S H Yao
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China
| | - Y Yao
- Department of Medical Test, Shandong Medical College, Linyi, Shandong 276000, People's Republic of China
| | - J Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Q F Li
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China
| | - Y H Cao
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China
| | - S Y He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mayoral J, Tomita T, Tu V, Aguilan JT, Sidoli S, Weiss LM. Toxoplasma gondii PPM3C, a secreted protein phosphatase, affects parasitophorous vacuole effector export. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008771. [PMID: 33370417 PMCID: PMC7793252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects a large proportion of humans worldwide and can cause adverse complications in the settings of immune-compromise and pregnancy. T. gondii thrives within many different cell types due in part to its residence within a specialized and heavily modified compartment in which the parasite divides, termed the parasitophorous vacuole. Within this vacuole, numerous proteins optimize intracellular survival following their secretion by the parasite. We investigated the contribution of one of these proteins, TgPPM3C, predicted to contain a PP2C-class serine/threonine phosphatase domain and previously shown to interact with the protein MYR1, an essential component of a putative vacuolar translocon that mediates effector export into the host cell. Parasites lacking the TgPPM3C gene exhibit a minor growth defect in vitro, are avirulent during acute infection in mice, and form fewer cysts in mouse brain during chronic infection. Phosphoproteomic assessment of TgPPM3C deleted parasite cultures demonstrated alterations in the phosphorylation status of many secreted vacuolar proteins including two exported effector proteins, GRA16 and GRA28, as well as MYR1. Parasites lacking TgPPM3C are defective in GRA16 and GRA28 export, but not in the export of other MYR1-dependant effectors. Phosphomimetic mutation of two GRA16 serine residues results in export defects, suggesting that de-phosphorylation is a critical step in the process of GRA16 export. These findings provide another example of the emerging role of phosphatases in regulating the complex environment of the T. gondii parasitophorous vacuole and influencing the export of specific effector proteins from the vacuolar lumen into the host cell. The flexible life cycle of the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii allows it to infect many different types of warm-blooded hosts, as well as diverse cell types once inside the host organism. This formidable achievement is partly mediated by the establishment of a unique compartment following host cell invasion, termed the parasitophorous vacuole. While advancements have been made in cataloguing Toxoplasma secreted proteins that reside within this vacuole, the specific functions and contributions of many of these secreted parasite “tools” remain elusive. Here, we assessed the contribution of a parasite vacuolar protein called TgPPM3C, predicted to function as an enzyme that dephosphorylates other proteins. We found that deleting the TgPPM3C gene in the parasite results in a profound virulence defect during infection in mice, likely due to the dysregulated phosphorylation status of many vacuolar proteins detected by phosphoproteomic analysis of TgPPM3C-deleted parasites. We found that the phosphorylation status of one such protein, GRA16, influences its ability to cross the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and enter the host cell, where it is known to induce host transcriptional changes that benefit parasite growth. These findings illustrate the emerging role of Toxoplasma vacuolar phosphatases in regulating host-parasite interactions during infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Mayoral
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Tadakimi Tomita
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Vincent Tu
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer T. Aguilan
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Leishmania mexicana: Novel Insights of Immune Modulation through Amastigote Exosomes. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:8894549. [PMID: 33344659 PMCID: PMC7728480 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8894549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular microvesicles of endosomal origin (multivesicular bodies, MVBs) constitutively released by eukaryotic cells by fusion of MVBs to the plasma membrane. The exosomes from Leishmania parasites contain an array of parasite molecules such as virulence factors and survival messengers, capable of modulating the host immune response and thereby favoring the infection of the host. We here show that exosomes of L. mexicana amastigotes (aExo) contain the virulence proteins gp63 and PP2C. The incubation of aExo with bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) infected with L. mexicana led to their internalization and were found to colocalize with the cellular tetraspanin CD63. Furthermore, aExo inhibited nitric oxide production of infected BMMs, permitting enhanced intracellular parasite survival. Expressions of antigen-presenting (major histocompatibility complex class I, MHC-I, and CD1d) and costimulatory (CD86 and PD-L1) molecules were modulated in a dose-dependent fashion. Whereas MHC-I, CD86 and PD-L1 expressions were diminished by exosomes, CD1d was enhanced. We conclude that aExo of L. mexicana are capable of decreasing microbicidal mechanisms of infected macrophages by inhibiting nitric oxide production, thereby enabling parasite survival. They also hamper the cellular immune response by diminishing MHC-I and CD86 on an important antigen-presenting cell, which potentially interferes with CD8 T cell activation. The enhanced CD1d expression in combination with reduction of PD-L1 on BMMs point to a potential shift of the activation route towards lipid presentations, yet the effectivity of this immune activation is not evident, since in the absence of costimulatory molecules, cellular anergy and tolerance would be expected.
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang Y, Sangaré LO, Paredes-Santos TC, Saeij JPJ. Toxoplasma Mechanisms for Delivery of Proteins and Uptake of Nutrients Across the Host-Pathogen Interface. Annu Rev Microbiol 2020; 74:567-586. [PMID: 32680452 PMCID: PMC9934516 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-011720-122318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Many intracellular pathogens, including the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, live inside a vacuole that resides in the host cytosol. Vacuolar residence provides these pathogens with a defined niche for replication and protection from detection by host cytosolic pattern recognition receptors. However, the limiting membrane of the vacuole, which constitutes the host-pathogen interface, is also a barrier for pathogen effectors to reach the host cytosol and for the acquisition of host-derived nutrients. This review provides an update on the specialized secretion and trafficking systems used by Toxoplasma to overcome the barrier of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and thereby allow the delivery of proteins into the host cell and the acquisition of host-derived nutrients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA; , , ,
| | - Lamba Omar Sangaré
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA; , , ,
| | - Tatiana C. Paredes-Santos
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Blakely WJ, Holmes MJ, Arrizabalaga G. The Secreted Acid Phosphatase Domain-Containing GRA44 from Toxoplasma gondii Is Required for c-Myc Induction in Infected Cells. mSphere 2020; 5:e00877-19. [PMID: 32075881 PMCID: PMC7031617 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00877-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During host cell invasion, the eukaryotic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii forms a parasitophorous vacuole to safely reside within the cell, while it is partitioned from host cell defense mechanisms. From within this safe niche, parasites sabotage multiple host cell systems, including gene expression, apoptosis, and intracellular immune recognition, by secreting a large arsenal of effector proteins. Many parasite proteins studied for active host cell manipulative interactions have been kinases. The translocation of effectors from the parasitophorous vacuole into the host cell is mediated by a putative translocon complex, which includes the proteins MYR1, MYR2, and MYR3. Whether other proteins are involved in the structure or regulation of this putative translocon is not known. We have discovered that the secreted protein GRA44, which contains a putative acid phosphatase domain, interacts with members of this complex and is required for host cell effects downstream of effector secretion. We have determined that GRA44 is processed in a region with homology to sequences targeted by protozoan proteases of the secretory pathway and that both major cleavage fragments are secreted into the parasitophorous vacuole. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that GRA44 interacts with a large number of secreted proteins, including MYR1. Importantly, conditional knockdown of GRA44 resulted in a lack of host cell c-Myc upregulation, which mimics the phenotype seen when members of the translocon complex are genetically disrupted. Thus, the putative acid phosphatase GRA44 is crucial for host cell alterations during Toxoplasma infection and is associated with the translocon complex which Toxoplasma relies upon for success as an intracellular pathogen.IMPORTANCE Approximately one-third of humans are infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondiiToxoplasma infections can lead to severe disease in those with a compromised or suppressed immune system. Additionally, infections during pregnancy present a significant health risk to the developing fetus. Drugs that target this parasite are limited, have significant side effects, and do not target all disease stages. Thus, a thorough understanding of how the parasite propagates within a host is critical in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Toxoplasma replication requires that it enter the cells of the infected organism. In order to survive the environment inside a cell, Toxoplasma secretes a large repertoire of proteins, which hijack a number of important cellular functions. How these Toxoplasma proteins move from the parasite into the host cell is not well understood. Our work shows that the putative phosphatase GRA44 is part of a protein complex responsible for this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J Blakely
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Michael J Holmes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Gustavo Arrizabalaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Boothroyd JC. What a Difference 30 Years Makes! A Perspective on Changes in Research Methodologies Used to Study Toxoplasma gondii. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2071:1-25. [PMID: 31758444 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9857-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a remarkable species with a rich cell, developmental, and population biology. It is also sometimes responsible for serious disease in animals and humans and the stages responsible for such disease are relatively easy to study in vitro or in laboratory animal models. As a result of all this, Toxoplasma has become the subject of intense investigation over the last several decades, becoming a model organism for the study of the phylum of which it is a member, Apicomplexa. This has led to an ever-growing number of investigators applying an ever-expanding set of techniques to dissecting how Toxoplasma "ticks" and how it interacts with its many hosts. In this perspective piece I first wind back the clock 30 years and then trace the extraordinary pace of methodologies that have propelled the field forward to where we are today. In keeping with the theme of this collection, I focus almost exclusively on the parasite, rather than host side of the equation. I finish with a few thoughts about where the field might be headed-though if we have learned anything, the only sure prediction is that the pace of technological advance will surely continue to accelerate and the future will give us still undreamed of methods for taking apart (and then putting back together) this amazing organism with all its intricate biology. We have so far surely just scratched the surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C Boothroyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Rhoptries are key secretory organelles for Toxoplasma gondii invasion. Here, we describe how to assess the ability of T. gondii tachyzoites to secrete their rhoptry contents in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa B Lodoen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Maryse Lebrun
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Translocation of effector proteins into host cells by Toxoplasma gondii. Curr Opin Microbiol 2019; 52:130-138. [PMID: 31446366 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Apicomplexan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is an obligate intracellular organism that must co-opt its host cell to survive. To this end, Toxoplasma parasites introduce a suite of effector proteins from two secretory compartments called rhoptries and dense granules into the host cells. Once inside, these effectors extensively modify the host cell to facilitate parasite penetration, replication and persistence. In this review, we summarize the most recent advances in current understanding of effector translocation from Toxoplasma's rhoptry and dense granule organelles into the host cell, with comparisons to Plasmodium spp. for broader context.
Collapse
|
22
|
Ross EC, Olivera GC, Barragan A. Dysregulation of focal adhesion kinase upon
Toxoplasma gondii
infection facilitates parasite translocation across polarised primary brain endothelial cell monolayers. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e13048. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Ross
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner‐Gren InstituteStockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Gabriela C. Olivera
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner‐Gren InstituteStockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner‐Gren InstituteStockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Venugopal K, Marion S. Secretory organelle trafficking in Toxoplasma gondii: A long story for a short travel. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:751-760. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
|
24
|
Jakkula P, Qureshi R, Iqbal A, Sagurthi SR, Qureshi IA. Leishmania donovani PP2C: Kinetics, structural attributes and in vitro immune response. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2018; 223:37-49. [PMID: 29964060 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Most of the signaling pathways are regulated by reversible phosphorylation-dephosphorylation which involves enzymes- kinases and phosphatases. Current knowledge about the protein phosphatases in parasites like Trypanosoma and Leishmania is very minimal despite their enormousity. In present study, full length ORF of Leishmania donovani PP2C was cloned into expression vector followed by purification and molecular weight determination using Ni-NTA affinity and gel giltration chromatography respectively. Purified LdPP2C was found to be enzymatically active, while inhibition study suggested that sanguinarine acts as a non-competitive inhibitor. CD and fluorescence spectroscopy results indicated towards an adequate protein conformation from pH 3.5 to 8.5. The quenching constant (Ksv) and free energy (ΔG) of LdPP2C was found to be 11.1 ± 0.2 mM-1 and 2.0 ± 1.1 kcal mol-1 in presence of acrylamide and urea respectively. The protein was found to elicit the innate immune functions through upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) as well as nitric oxide generation. Simultaneously, these cytokines were found to be fairly higher in protein treated cells as compared to untreated cells at transcript level too. These observations advocate that LdPP2C generates a pro-inflammatory environment in macrophages and hence plays important role in immunomodulation. Computational modelling showed similar three-dimensional structure and metal binding sites present in other member of PP2C subfamily, while docking studies revealed its interaction with substrate as well as its specific inhibitor. Our study has provided first time reports on enzyme kinetics, structural features and immune response inside the host macrophage of metal-dependent protein phosphatases from a trypanosomatid parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranay Jakkula
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Rahila Qureshi
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Atif Iqbal
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - S R Sagurthi
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Insaf A Qureshi
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao Road, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Syn G, Blackwell JM, Jamieson SE, Francis RW. An in silico pipeline to filter the Toxoplasma gondii proteome for proteins that could traffic to the host cell nucleus and influence host cell epigenetic regulation. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:e170471. [PMID: 29846382 PMCID: PMC5963570 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760170471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii uses epigenetic mechanisms to regulate both endogenous and host cell gene expression. To identify genes with putative epigenetic functions, we developed an in silico pipeline to interrogate the T. gondii proteome of 8313 proteins. Step 1 employs PredictNLS and NucPred to identify genes predicted to target eukaryotic nuclei. Step 2 uses GOLink to identify proteins of epigenetic function based on Gene Ontology terms. This resulted in 611 putative nuclear localised proteins with predicted epigenetic functions. Step 3 filtered for secretory proteins using SignalP, SecretomeP, and experimental data. This identified 57 of the 611 putative epigenetic proteins as likely to be secreted. The pipeline is freely available online, uses open access tools and software with user-friendly Perl scripts to automate and manage the results, and is readily adaptable to undertake any such in silico search for genes contributing to particular functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Syn
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jenefer M Blackwell
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sarra E Jamieson
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Richard W Francis
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fischer K, Roberts M, Roscoe S, Avci Y, Ananvoranich S. Toxoplasma gondii infection induces the formation of host's nuclear granules containing poly(A)-binding proteins. Can J Microbiol 2018; 64:551-558. [PMID: 29658303 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2017-0755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
To study the mechanism by which human host cells respond to an infection of Toxoplasma gondii, we monitored the level of poly(A)-binding protein (PABP), an indicator of translation. Here, we report an observation of the relocalization of PABPs in human host cells upon T. gondii infection. Notably, the aggregates of PABPs formed upon infection are mainly found in the nucleus, which is a different response from that found after exposure to heat shock. Pyrimethamine treatment of the infected monolayers inhibits the multiplicity of the parasite and reverses the relocalization of PABP aggregates. This active interaction between the infected mammalian host cells and T. gondii appears to be different from that caused by viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karlee Fischer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Mikayla Roberts
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Scott Roscoe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Yasin Avci
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Sirinart Ananvoranich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Protein phosphatase PP2C in the flagellum of Leishmania major: cloning and characterization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1017/pao.2017.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe main goal of this work consisted in cloning, purifying and characterizing a protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) from promastigotes ofLeishmania major. The gene was cloned and amplified by PCR using specific oligonucleotides and the recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography. The peak with maximal protein concentration was analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and revealed a protein of 44·9 kDa with PP2C activity. This activity was dependent on divalent cations (Mg+2and Mn+2) and was optimal at pH of 8·5, using phosphothreonine as the substrate. Sanguinarine inhibited the activity of the recombinantLmPP2C, while protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors had no effect. The recombinantLmPP2C was used to generate polyclonal antibodies. These antibodies recognized a protein of 44·9 kDa in differentLeishmaniaspecies; theLmPP2C was localized in the flagellar pocket and the flagellum of promastigotes.
Collapse
|
28
|
Huang Y, Cao W, Shi K, Mi R, Lu K, Han X, Chen Z. Protective efficacy of recombinant Cryptosporidium parvum CpPRP1 sushi domain against C. tyzzeri infection in mice. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [PMID: 28599077 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Until now, there are no completely effective parasite-specific pharmaceuticals or immunotherapies for treatment against the zoonotic cryptosporidiosis. Sushi domain (CpSushi) is an important functional domain in Cryptosporidium parvum putative rhoptry protein-1 (CpPRP1), which is the only reported C. parvum rhoptry protein and may play key role in the course of invasion. Here, a 708-bp fragment encoding the CpSushi domain was amplified and expressed in E. coli. Immunofluorescence detection showed that CpSushi was located on the surface of C. parvum oocysts and the apical pole to the sporozoites that belonged to the position of rhoptry. Three-week-old female ICR mice were used for detecting the immunoreactions and immunoprotection of recombinant CpSushi (rCpSushi) to artificial C. tyzzeri infection. The results indicated that a significant increase of anti-CpSushi antibody response was induced by the recombinant protein. Compared to blank, Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer and adjuvant controls mice, rCpSushi-immunized mice produced specific spleen cell proliferation as well as enhanced IL4, IL5, IL12p70 and TNF-α production in vitro. The reduction rate of parasites shedding in stool in mice immunized with rCpSushi was 68.91% after challenging with C. tyzzeri. These results suggest that CpSushi could be a new promising cryptosporidiosis vaccine candidate antigen composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - W Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - K Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - R Mi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - K Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - X Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Z Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang C, Arrizabalaga G. The serine/threonine phosphatases of apicomplexan parasites. Mol Microbiol 2017; 106:1-21. [PMID: 28556455 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The balance between phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation, which is delicately regulated by protein kinases and phosphatases, is critical for nearly all biological processes. The Apicomplexa are a large phylum which contains various parasitic protists, including human pathogens, such as Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium and Babesia species. The diverse life cycles of these parasites are highly complex and, not surprisingly, many of their key steps are exquisitely regulated by phosphorylation. Interestingly, many of the kinases and phosphatases, as well as the substrates involved in these events are unique to the parasites and therefore phosphorylation constitutes a viable target for antiparasitic intervention. Most progress on this realm has come from studies in Toxoplasma and Plasmodium of their respective kinomes and phosphoproteomes. Nonetheless, given their likely importance, phosphatases have recently become the focus of research within the apicomplexan parasites. In this review, we concentrate on serine/threonine phosphatases in apicomplexan parasites, with the focus on comprehensively identifying and naming protein phosphatases in available apicomplexan genomes, and summarizing the progress of their functional analyses in recent years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gustavo Arrizabalaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Heterologous expression of Paranosema (Antonospora) locustae hexokinase in lepidopteran, Sf9, cells is followed by accumulation of the microsporidian protein in insect cell nuclei. J Invertebr Pathol 2017; 143:104-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
31
|
Liu S, Wang L, Zheng H, Xu Z, Roellig DM, Li N, Frace MA, Tang K, Arrowood MJ, Moss DM, Zhang L, Feng Y, Xiao L. Comparative genomics reveals Cyclospora cayetanensis possesses coccidia-like metabolism and invasion components but unique surface antigens. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:316. [PMID: 27129308 PMCID: PMC4851813 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2632-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cyclospora cayetanensis is an apicomplexan that causes diarrhea in humans. The investigation of foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis has been hampered by a lack of genetic data and poor understanding of pathogen biology. In this study we sequenced the genome of C. cayetanensis and inferred its metabolism and invasion components based on comparative genomic analysis. Results The genome organization, metabolic capabilities and potential invasion mechanism of C. cayetanensis are very similar to those of Eimeria tenella. Propanoyl-CoA degradation, GPI anchor biosynthesis, and N-glycosylation are some apparent metabolic differences between C. cayetanensis and E. tenella. Unlike Eimeria spp., there are no active LTR-retrotransposons identified in C. cayetanensis. The similar repertoire of host cell invasion-related proteins possessed by all coccidia suggests that C. cayetanensis has an invasion process similar to the one in T. gondii and E. tenella. However, the significant reduction in the number of identifiable rhoptry protein kinases, phosphatases and serine protease inhibitors indicates that monoxenous coccidia, especially C. cayetanensis, have limited capabilities or use a different system to regulate host cell nuclear activities. C. cayetanensis does not possess any cluster of genes encoding the TA4-type SAG surface antigens seen in E. tenella, and may use a different family of surface antigens in initial host cell interactions. Conclusions Our findings indicate that C. cayetanensis possesses coccidia-like metabolism and invasion components but unique surface antigens. Amino acid metabolism and post-translation modifications of proteins are some major differences between C. cayetanensis and other apicomplexans. The whole genome sequence data of C. cayetanensis improve our understanding of the biology and evolution of this major foodborne pathogen and facilitate the development of intervention measures and advanced diagnostic tools. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2632-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Huajun Zheng
- Shanghai-Ministry of Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, 250 Bibo Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhixiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Dawn M Roellig
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Michael A Frace
- Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Kevin Tang
- Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Michael J Arrowood
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Delynn M Moss
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
HUANG Y, MI R, CAO W, ZHOU P, SHI K, YANG X, WANG X, WANG X, CHEN Z. Isolation and Proteomic Analysis of Rhoptry-Enriched Fractions from Cryptosporidium parvum. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 44:1187-95. [PMID: 26587492 PMCID: PMC4645775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhoptries are unique secretory/excretory organelles that are found exclusively in the Apicomplexa, and their contents are discharged at the time of invasion and are critical in the establishment of productive infection. Several rhoptry proteins have been identified in Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium falciparum and Neospora caninum and have been linked not only with the parasites' adhesion and invasion processes but also with their intracellular pathways. To date, only one Cryptosporidium parvum rhoptry protein candidate related to TgRON1 of T. gondii and PfASP of P. falciparum has been reported. METHODS Subcellular fractionation of sporozoites was performed to obtain highly purified organelles. One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was applied for fraction analysis, and 22 potential novel rhoptry proteins were detected by protein domain analysis using online softwares. RESULTS Twenty-two potential novel rhoptry proteins were detected. A protein with T. gondii and N. caninum rhoptry protein homologs and some proteins with domains similar to that of T. gondii rhoptry proteins were identified. CONCLUSION These novel candidate proteins may be considered targets for researching the invasion pathway of C. parvum and the pathogenic mechanisms of rhoptry proteins. The present work provides a starting point towards the elucidation of the repertoire and function of C. parvum rhoptry proteins.
Collapse
|
33
|
Regidor-Cerrillo J, García-Lunar P, Pastor-Fernández I, Álvarez-García G, Collantes-Fernández E, Gómez-Bautista M, Ortega-Mora LM. Neospora caninum tachyzoite immunome study reveals differences among three biologically different isolates. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:92-9. [PMID: 26324244 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenesis of bovine neosporosis is determined by different host- and parasite-dependent factors, including isolate virulence. A previous study identified that several Neospora caninum tachyzoite proteins were more abundant in virulent isolates, Nc-Liv and Nc-Spain7, compared with the low-virulent isolate Nc-Spain1H. Herein, we explored differences in the immunomes of these three isolates. Protein extracts from the Nc-Liv, Nc-Spain1H and Nc-Spain7 isolates were analysed in a 3×3 design by 2-DE immunoblot using sera from experimentally infected mice with these same three isolates. All isolates displayed a highly similar antigenic pattern when they were assessed using the same serum. Most of the reactive spots were located in the acidic region (pH 3-7) and grouped in 3 antigenic areas (250-70, 45-37 and 35-15 KDa). Differences found in the immunome depended on the sera used, regardless of the extract employed. In this sense, sera from Nc-Liv and Nc-Spain7 infected mice recognized the highest number of antigens, followed by Nc-Spain1H infected mice sera. In fact, 4 proteins identified by MS were not consistently detected in each isolate extract by sera from low-virulent Nc-Spain1H-infected mice: serine-threonine phosphatase 2C and superoxide dismutase (related to metabolism), gliding associated protein GAP45 (related to tachyzoites invasion), and NcGRA1 (located on dense granules). Similarly, 4 non-identified spots and another 2 spots chains located in 45-37 kDa area were not detected by this pooled sera. Variations between virulent Nc-Spain7 and Nc-Liv were limited to the absence of recognition by sera from Nc-Spain7-infected mice of GAP45 and the spot chains located in the 45-37 kDa area. These results suggest that variations in the immunome profiles rely on the immune response induced by each isolate and that these differentially recognized antigens could be investigated as putative virulence markers of neosporosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Paula García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Pastor-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- 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
| | - Mercedes Gómez-Bautista
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
English ED, Adomako-Ankomah Y, Boyle JP. Secreted effectors in Toxoplasma gondii and related species: determinants of host range and pathogenesis? Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:127-40. [PMID: 25655311 PMCID: PMC4359005 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the discovery of a number of secreted proteins in Toxoplasma gondii that play important roles in host-pathogen interactions and parasite virulence, particularly in the mouse model. However, the role that these proteins play in driving the unique features of T. gondii compared to some of its nearest apicomplexan relatives (Hammondia hammondi and Neospora caninum) is unknown. These unique features include distinct dissemination characteristics in vivo and a vast host range. In this review we comprehensively survey what is known about disease outcome, the host response and host range for T. gondii, H. hammondi, and N. caninum. We then review what is presently known about recently identified secreted virulence effectors in these three genetically related, but phenotypically distinct, species. Finally we exploit the existence of genome sequences for these three organisms and discuss what is known about the presence, and functionality, of key T. gondii effectors in these three species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E D English
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ailloud F, Lowe T, Cellier G, Roche D, Allen C, Prior P. Comparative genomic analysis of Ralstonia solanacearum reveals candidate genes for host specificity. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:270. [PMID: 25888333 PMCID: PMC4396162 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ralstonia solanacearum is a vascular soil-borne plant pathogen with an unusually broad host range. This economically destructive and globally distributed bacterium has thousands of distinct lineages within a heterogeneous and taxonomically disputed species complex. Some lineages include highly host-adapted strains (ecotypes), such as the banana Moko disease-causing strains, the cold-tolerant potato brown rot strains (also known as R3bv2) and the recently emerged Not Pathogenic to Banana (NPB) strains. Results These distinct ecotypes offer a robust model to study host adaptation and the emergence of ecotypes because the polyphyletic Moko strains include lineages that are phylogenetically close to the monophyletic brown rot and NPB strains. Draft genomes of eight new strains belonging to these three model ecotypes were produced to complement the eleven publicly available R. solanacearum genomes. Using a suite of bioinformatics methods, we searched for genetic and evolutionary features that distinguish ecotypes and propose specific hypotheses concerning mechanisms of host adaptation in the R. solanacearum species complex. Genome-wide, few differences were identified, but gene loss events, non-synonymous polymorphisms, and horizontal gene transfer were identified among type III effectors and were associated with host range differences. Conclusions This extensive comparative genomics analysis uncovered relatively few divergent features among closely related strains with contrasting biological characteristics; however, several virulence factors were associated with the emergence of Moko, NPB and brown rot and could explain host adaptation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1474-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florent Ailloud
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, F-97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France. .,Anses - Plant Health Laboratory, F-97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France.
| | - Tiffany Lowe
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Gilles Cellier
- Anses - Plant Health Laboratory, F-97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France.
| | - David Roche
- Institut de Génomique, Genoscope, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), Evry, Paris, France.
| | - Caitilyn Allen
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Philippe Prior
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, F-97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France. .,Département de Santé des Plantes et Environnement, (SPE) Inra, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ailloud F, Lowe T, Cellier G, Roche D, Allen C, Prior P. Comparative genomic analysis of Ralstonia solanacearum reveals candidate genes for host specificity. BMC Genomics 2015. [PMID: 25888333 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1474-1478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ralstonia solanacearum is a vascular soil-borne plant pathogen with an unusually broad host range. This economically destructive and globally distributed bacterium has thousands of distinct lineages within a heterogeneous and taxonomically disputed species complex. Some lineages include highly host-adapted strains (ecotypes), such as the banana Moko disease-causing strains, the cold-tolerant potato brown rot strains (also known as R3bv2) and the recently emerged Not Pathogenic to Banana (NPB) strains. RESULTS These distinct ecotypes offer a robust model to study host adaptation and the emergence of ecotypes because the polyphyletic Moko strains include lineages that are phylogenetically close to the monophyletic brown rot and NPB strains. Draft genomes of eight new strains belonging to these three model ecotypes were produced to complement the eleven publicly available R. solanacearum genomes. Using a suite of bioinformatics methods, we searched for genetic and evolutionary features that distinguish ecotypes and propose specific hypotheses concerning mechanisms of host adaptation in the R. solanacearum species complex. Genome-wide, few differences were identified, but gene loss events, non-synonymous polymorphisms, and horizontal gene transfer were identified among type III effectors and were associated with host range differences. CONCLUSIONS This extensive comparative genomics analysis uncovered relatively few divergent features among closely related strains with contrasting biological characteristics; however, several virulence factors were associated with the emergence of Moko, NPB and brown rot and could explain host adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florent Ailloud
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, F-97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France.
- Anses - Plant Health Laboratory, F-97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France.
| | - Tiffany Lowe
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Gilles Cellier
- Anses - Plant Health Laboratory, F-97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France.
| | - David Roche
- Institut de Génomique, Genoscope, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), Evry, Paris, France.
| | - Caitilyn Allen
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Philippe Prior
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, F-97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France.
- Département de Santé des Plantes et Environnement, (SPE) Inra, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Majumdar T, Chattopadhyay S, Ozhegov E, Dhar J, Goswami R, Sen GC, Barik S. Induction of interferon-stimulated genes by IRF3 promotes replication of Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004779. [PMID: 25811886 PMCID: PMC4374777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first line of defense against microbial insult. The transcription factor, IRF3, is needed by mammalian cells to mount innate immune responses against many microbes, especially viruses. IRF3 remains inactive in the cytoplasm of uninfected cells; upon virus infection, it gets phosphorylated and then translocates to the nucleus, where it binds to the promoters of antiviral genes and induces their expression. Such genes include type I interferons (IFNs) as well as Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs). IRF3-/- cells support enhanced replication of many viruses and therefore, the corresponding mice are highly susceptible to viral pathogenesis. Here, we provide evidence for an unexpected pro-microbial role of IRF3: the replication of the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, was significantly impaired in IRF3-/- cells. In exploring whether the transcriptional activity of IRF3 was important for its pro-parasitic function, we found that ISGs induced by parasite-activated IRF3 were indeed essential, whereas type I interferons were not important. To delineate the signaling pathway that activates IRF3 in response to parasite infection, we used genetically modified human and mouse cells. The pro-parasitic signaling pathway, which we termed PISA (Parasite-IRF3 Signaling Activation), activated IRF3 without any involvement of the Toll-like receptor or RIG-I-like receptor pathways, thereby ruling out a role of parasite-derived RNA species in activating PISA. Instead, PISA needed the presence of cGAS, STING, TBK1 and IRF3, indicating the necessity of DNA-triggered signaling. To evaluate the physiological significance of our in vitro findings, IRF3-/- mice were challenged with parasite infection and their morbidity and mortality were measured. Unlike WT mice, the IRF3-/- mice did not support replication of the parasite and were resistant to pathogenesis caused by it. Our results revealed a new paradigm in which the antiviral host factor, IRF3, plays a cell-intrinsic pro-parasitic role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Majumdar
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Saurabh Chattopadhyay
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Evgeny Ozhegov
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jayeeta Dhar
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ramansu Goswami
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ganes C. Sen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sailen Barik
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Leroux LP, Dasanayake D, Rommereim LM, Fox BA, Bzik DJ, Jardim A, Dzierszinski FS. Secreted Toxoplasma gondii molecules interfere with expression of MHC-II in interferon gamma-activated macrophages. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:319-32. [PMID: 25720921 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii interferes with major histocompatibility complex class II antigen presentation to dampen host CD4(+) T cell responses. While it is known that T. gondii inhibits major histocompatibility complex class II gene transcription and expression in infected host cells, the mechanism of this host manipulation is unknown. Here, we show that soluble parasite proteins inhibit IFNγ-induced expression of major histocompatibility complex class II on the surface of the infected cell in a dose-dependent response that was abolished by protease treatment. Subcellular fractionation of T. gondii tachyzoites revealed that the major histocompatibility complex class II inhibitory activity co-partitioned with rhoptries and/or dense granules. However, parasite mutants deleted for single rhoptries or dense granules genes (ROP1, 4/7, 14, 16 and 18 or GRA 2-9 and 12 knock-out strains) retained the ability to inhibit expression of major histocompatibility complex class II. In addition, excreted/secreted antigens released by extracellular tachyzoites displayed immunomodulatory activity characterized by an inhibition of major histocompatibility complex class II expression, and reduced expression and release of TNFα by macrophages. Tandem MS analysis of parasite excreted/secreted antigens generated a list of T. gondii secreted proteins that may participate in major histocompatibility complex class II inhibition and the modulation of host immune functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Leroux
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Parasitology Building, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; Centre for Host-Parasite Interaction, McGill University, Parasitology Building, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Dayal Dasanayake
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Parasitology Building, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; Centre for Host-Parasite Interaction, McGill University, Parasitology Building, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Leah M Rommereim
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Borwell Research Building, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Barbara A Fox
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Borwell Research Building, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - David J Bzik
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Borwell Research Building, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Armando Jardim
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Parasitology Building, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; Centre for Host-Parasite Interaction, McGill University, Parasitology Building, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Florence S Dzierszinski
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Parasitology Building, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; Carleton University Research Office, Dunton Tower, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Toxoplasma gondii development of its replicative niche: in its host cell and beyond. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2014; 13:965-76. [PMID: 24951442 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00081-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens can replicate efficiently only after they manipulate and modify their host cells to create an environment conducive to replication. While diverse cellular pathways are targeted by different pathogens, metabolism, membrane and cytoskeletal architecture formation, and cell death are the three primary cellular processes that are modified by infections. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that infects ∼30% of the world's population and causes severe and life-threatening disease in developing fetuses, in immune-comprised patients, and in certain otherwise healthy individuals who are primarily found in South America. The high prevalence of Toxoplasma in humans is in large part a result of its ability to modulate these three host cell processes. Here, we highlight recent work defining the mechanisms by which Toxoplasma interacts with these processes. In addition, we hypothesize why some processes are modified not only in the infected host cell but also in neighboring uninfected cells.
Collapse
|
40
|
Senderskiy IV, Timofeev SA, Seliverstova EV, Pavlova OA, Dolgikh VV. Secretion of Antonospora (Paranosema) locustae proteins into infected cells suggests an active role of microsporidia in the control of host programs and metabolic processes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93585. [PMID: 24705470 PMCID: PMC3976299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular tools of the intracellular protozoan pathogens Apicomplexa and Kinetoplastida for manipulation of host cell machinery have been the focus of investigation for approximately two decades. Microsporidia, fungi-related microorganisms forming another large group of obligate intracellular parasites, are characterized by development in direct contact with host cytoplasm (the majority of species), strong minimization of cell machinery, and acquisition of unique transporters to exploit host metabolic system. All the aforementioned features are suggestive of the ability of microsporidia to modify host metabolic and regulatory pathways. Seven proteins of the microsporidium Antonospora (Paranosema) locustae with predicted signal peptides but without transmembrane domains were overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Western-blot analysis with antibodies against recombinant products showed secretion of parasite proteins from different functional categories into the infected host cell. Secretion of parasite hexokinase and α/β-hydrolase was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy. In addition, this method showed specific accumulation of A. locustae hexokinase in host nuclei. Expression of hexokinase, trehalase, and two leucine-rich repeat proteins without any exogenous signal peptide led to their secretion in the yeast Pichia pastoris. In contrast, α/β-hydrolase was not found in the culture medium, though a significant amount of this enzyme accumulated in the yeast membrane fraction. These results suggest that microsporidia possess a broad set of enzymes and regulatory proteins secreted into infected cells to control host metabolic processes and molecular programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor V. Senderskiy
- Laboratory of Microbiological Control, All-Russian Institute for Plant Protection, St. Petersburg, Pushkin, Russia
| | - Sergey A. Timofeev
- Laboratory of Microbiological Control, All-Russian Institute for Plant Protection, St. Petersburg, Pushkin, Russia
| | - Elena V. Seliverstova
- Laboratory of Renal Physiology, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga A. Pavlova
- Laboratory of Microbiological Control, All-Russian Institute for Plant Protection, St. Petersburg, Pushkin, Russia
| | - Viacheslav V. Dolgikh
- Laboratory of Microbiological Control, All-Russian Institute for Plant Protection, St. Petersburg, Pushkin, Russia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Host cell subversion by Toxoplasma GRA16, an exported dense granule protein that targets the host cell nucleus and alters gene expression. Cell Host Microbe 2014; 13:489-500. [PMID: 23601110 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
After invading host cells, Toxoplasma gondii multiplies within a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) that is maintained by parasite proteins secreted from organelles called dense granules. Most dense granule proteins remain within the PV, and few are known to access the host cell cytosol. We identify GRA16 as a dense granule protein that is exported through the PV membrane and reaches the host cell nucleus, where it positively modulates genes involved in cell-cycle progression and the p53 tumor suppressor pathway. GRA16 binds two host enzymes, the deubiquitinase HAUSP and PP2A phosphatase, which exert several functions, including regulation of p53 and the cell cycle. GRA16 alters p53 levels in a HAUSP-dependent manner and induces nuclear translocation of the PP2A holoenzyme. Additionally, certain GRA16-deficient strains exhibit attenuated virulence, indicating the importance of these host alterations in pathogenesis. Therefore, GRA16 represents a potentially emerging subfamily of exported dense granule proteins that modulate host function.
Collapse
|
42
|
Silmon de Monerri NC, Kim K. Pathogens hijack the epigenome: a new twist on host-pathogen interactions. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:897-911. [PMID: 24525150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens have evolved strategies to promote their survival by dramatically modifying the transcriptional profile and protein content of the host cells they infect. Modifications of the host transcriptome and proteome are mediated by pathogen-encoded effector molecules that modulate host cells through a variety of different mechanisms. Recent studies highlight the importance of the host chromatin and other epigenetic regulators as targets of pathogens. Host gene regulatory mechanisms may be targeted through cytoplasmic signaling, directly by pathogen effector proteins, and possibly by pathogen RNA. Although many of these changes are short-lived and persist only during the course of infection, several studies indicate that pathogens are able to induce long-term, heritable changes that are essential to pathogenesis of infectious diseases and persistence of pathogens within their hosts. In this review, we discuss how pathogens modulate the epigenome of host cells, a new and flourishing avenue of host-pathogen interaction studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Silmon de Monerri
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Kami Kim
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology, and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bougdour A, Tardieux I, Hakimi MA. Toxoplasmaexports dense granule proteins beyond the vacuole to the host cell nucleus and rewires the host genome expression. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:334-43. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Bougdour
- CNRS; UMR5163; LAPM; Grenoble 38041 France
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble 38000 France
| | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Institut Cochin; INSERM U1016; CNRS UMR 8104; Université Paris Descartes; Paris 75014 France
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- CNRS; UMR5163; LAPM; Grenoble 38041 France
- Université Joseph Fourier; Grenoble 38000 France
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhou DH, Zhao FR, Nisbet AJ, Xu MJ, Song HQ, Lin RQ, Huang SY, Zhu XQ. Comparative proteomic analysis of differentToxoplasma gondiigenotypes by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry. Electrophoresis 2013; 35:533-45. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201300044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Lanzhou Gansu Province P. R. China
| | - Fu-Rong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Lanzhou Gansu Province P. R. China
| | - Alasdair J. Nisbet
- Vaccines and Diagnostics, Moredun Research Institute; Pentlands Science Park; Scotland UK
| | - Min-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Lanzhou Gansu Province P. R. China
| | - Hui-Qun Song
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Lanzhou Gansu Province P. R. China
| | - Rui-Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine; South China Agricultural University; Guangzhou Guangdong Province P. R. China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Lanzhou Gansu Province P. R. China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province; Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Lanzhou Gansu Province P. R. China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University; Daqing Heilongjiang Province P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Camejo A, Gold DA, Lu D, McFetridge K, Julien L, Yang N, Jensen KDC, Saeij JPJ. Identification of three novel Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry proteins. Int J Parasitol 2013; 44:147-60. [PMID: 24070999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The rhoptries are key secretory organelles from apicomplexan parasites that contain proteins involved in invasion and modulation of the host cell. Some rhoptry proteins are restricted to the posterior bulb (ROPs) and others to the anterior neck (RONs). As many rhoptry proteins have been shown to be key players in Toxoplasma invasion and virulence, it is important to identify, understand and characterise the biological function of the components of the rhoptries. In this report, we identified putative novel rhoptry genes by identifying Toxoplasma genes with similar cyclical expression profiles as known rhoptry protein encoding genes. Using this approach we identified two new rhoptry bulb (ROP47 and ROP48) and one new rhoptry neck protein (RON12). ROP47 is secreted and traffics to the host cell nucleus, RON12 was not detected at the moving junction during invasion. Deletion of ROP47 or ROP48 in a type II strain did not show major influence in in vitro growth or virulence in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Camejo
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniel A Gold
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Diana Lu
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kiva McFetridge
- Department of Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - Lindsay Julien
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ninghan Yang
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kirk D C Jensen
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Moser LA, Pollard AM, Knoll LJ. A genome-wide siRNA screen to identify host factors necessary for growth of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68129. [PMID: 23840822 PMCID: PMC3695992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that is able to infect virtually any nucleated cell of all warm-blooded animals. The host cell factors important for parasite attachment, invasion, and replication are poorly understood. We screened a siRNA library targeting 18,200 individual human genes in order to identify host proteins with a role in T. gondii growth. Our screen identified 19 genes whose inhibition by siRNA consistently and significantly lowered parasite replication. The gene ontology categories for those 19 genes represented a wide variety of functions with several genes implicated in regulation of the cell cycle, ion channels and receptors, G-protein coupled receptors, and cytoskeletal structure as well as genes involved in transcription, translation and protein degradation. Further investigation of 5 of the 19 genes demonstrated that the primary reason for the reduction in parasite growth was death of the host cell. Our results suggest that once T. gondii has invaded and established an infection, global changes in the host cell may be necessary to reduce parasite replication. While siRNA screens have been used, albeit rarely, in other parasite systems, this is the first report to describe a high-throughput siRNA screen for host proteins that affect T. gondii replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A. Moser
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Angela M. Pollard
- Agile Sciences, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
A SAS-6-like protein suggests that the Toxoplasma conoid complex evolved from flagellar components. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 12:1009-19. [PMID: 23687115 PMCID: PMC3697468 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00096-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SAS-6 is required for centriole biogenesis in diverse eukaryotes. Here, we describe a novel family of SAS-6-like (SAS6L) proteins that share an N-terminal domain with SAS-6 but lack coiled-coil tails. SAS6L proteins are found in a subset of eukaryotes that contain SAS-6, including diverse protozoa and green algae. In the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, SAS-6 localizes to the centriole but SAS6L is found above the conoid, an enigmatic tubulin-containing structure found at the apex of a subset of alveolate organisms. Loss of SAS6L causes reduced fitness in Toxoplasma. The Trypanosoma brucei homolog of SAS6L localizes to the basal-plate region, the site in the axoneme where the central-pair microtubules are nucleated. When endogenous SAS6L is overexpressed in Toxoplasma tachyzoites or Trypanosoma trypomastigotes, it forms prominent filaments that extend through the cell cytoplasm, indicating that it retains a capacity to form higher-order structures despite lacking a coiled-coil domain. We conclude that although SAS6L proteins share a conserved domain with SAS-6, they are a functionally distinct family that predates the last common ancestor of eukaryotes. Moreover, the distinct localization of the SAS6L protein in Trypanosoma and Toxoplasma adds weight to the hypothesis that the conoid complex evolved from flagellar components.
Collapse
|
48
|
Dubremetz JF, Lebrun M. Virulence factors of Toxoplasma gondii. Microbes Infect 2012; 14:1403-10. [PMID: 23006855 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii virulence is dependent on factors involved in either parasite-host cell interaction, or in host immune response. It is essentially defined in the mouse and little is known concerning human infection. The genetic dependence of virulence is a growing field, benefiting from the recent development of research of the population structure of T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean François Dubremetz
- UMR 5235 CNRS, Université de Montpellier 2, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Weight CM, Carding SR. The protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii targets the paracellular pathway to invade the intestinal epithelium. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1258:135-42. [PMID: 22731726 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06534.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous parasite found within all mammals and birds worldwide that can cause fatal infections in immunocompromised persons and fetuses. The parasite causes chronic infections by residing in long-living tissues of the muscle and brain. T. gondii infects the host through contaminated meat and water consumption with the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) being the first point of contact with the host. The mechanisms by which the parasite invades the host through the GI tract are unknown, although it has been suggested that the paracellular pathway is important for parasite dissemination. Studies indicate that epithelial tight junction-associated proteins are affected by T. gondii, although which junctional proteins are affected and the nature of host protein-parasite interactions have not been established. We have uncovered evidence that T. gondii influences the cellular distribution of occludin to transmigrate the intestinal epithelium and suggest how candidate binding partners can be identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Weight
- Institute of Food Research Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Haroon F, Händel U, Angenstein F, Goldschmidt J, Kreutzmann P, Lison H, Fischer KD, Scheich H, Wetzel W, Schlüter D, Budinger E. Toxoplasma gondii actively inhibits neuronal function in chronically infected mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35516. [PMID: 22530040 PMCID: PMC3329480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon infection with the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, fast replicating tachyzoites infect a broad spectrum of host cells including neurons. Under the pressure of the immune response, tachyzoites convert into slow-replicating bradyzoites, which persist as cysts in neurons. Currently, it is unclear whether T. gondii alters the functional activity of neurons, which may contribute to altered behaviour of T. gondii-infected mice and men. In the present study we demonstrate that upon oral infection with T. gondii cysts, chronically infected BALB/c mice lost over time their natural fear against cat urine which was paralleled by the persistence of the parasite in brain regions affecting behaviour and odor perception. Detailed immunohistochemistry showed that in infected neurons not only parasitic cysts but also the host cell cytoplasm and some axons stained positive for Toxoplasma antigen suggesting that parasitic proteins might directly interfere with neuronal function. In fact, in vitro live cell calcium (Ca(2+)) imaging studies revealed that tachyzoites actively manipulated Ca(2+) signalling upon glutamate stimulation leading either to hyper- or hypo-responsive neurons. Experiments with the endoplasmatic reticulum Ca(2+) uptake inhibitor thapsigargin indicate that tachyzoites deplete Ca(2+) stores in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Furthermore in vivo studies revealed that the activity-dependent uptake of the potassium analogue thallium was reduced in cyst harbouring neurons indicating their functional impairment. The percentage of non-functional neurons increased over time In conclusion, both bradyzoites and tachyzoites functionally silence infected neurons, which may significantly contribute to the altered behaviour of the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Haroon
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Händel
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank Angenstein
- Leibniz-Institut für Neurobiologie, Speziallabor Nicht-Invasive Bildgebung, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Goldschmidt
- Leibniz-Institut für Neurobiologie, Abteilung Akustik, Lernen und Sprache, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kreutzmann
- Institut für Biochemie und Zellbiologie, Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Holger Lison
- Leibniz-Institut für Neurobiologie, Abteilung Akustik, Lernen und Sprache, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Dieter Fischer
- Institut für Biochemie und Zellbiologie, Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henning Scheich
- Leibniz-Institut für Neurobiologie, Abteilung Akustik, Lernen und Sprache, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Wolfram Wetzel
- Leibniz-Institut für Neurobiologie, Speziallabor Verhaltenspharmakologie, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schlüter
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Eike Budinger
- Leibniz-Institut für Neurobiologie, Abteilung Akustik, Lernen und Sprache, Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|