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Gopinadhan A, Hughes JM, Conroy AL, John CC, Canfield SG, Datta D. A human pluripotent stem cell-derived in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier in cerebral malaria. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:38. [PMID: 38693577 PMCID: PMC11064301 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a central feature of cerebral malaria (CM), a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infections. In CM, sequestration of Pf-infected red blood cells (Pf-iRBCs) to brain endothelial cells combined with inflammation, hemolysis, microvasculature obstruction and endothelial dysfunction mediates BBB disruption, resulting in severe neurologic symptoms including coma and seizures, potentially leading to death or long-term sequelae. In vitro models have advanced our knowledge of CM-mediated BBB disruption, but their physiological relevance remains uncertain. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (hiPSC-BMECs), we aimed to develop a novel in vitro model of the BBB in CM, exhibiting enhanced barrier properties. METHODS hiPSC-BMECs were co-cultured with HB3var03 strain Pf-iRBCs up to 9 h. Barrier integrity was measured using transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and sodium fluorescein permeability assays. Localization and expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (occludin, zonula occludens-1, claudin-5), cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), and endothelial surface markers (EPCR) were determined using immunofluorescence imaging (IF) and western blotting (WB). Expression of angiogenic and cell stress markers were measured using multiplex proteome profiler arrays. RESULTS After 6-h of co-culture with Pf-iRBCs, hiPSC-BMECs showed reduced TEER and increased sodium fluorescein permeability compared to co-culture with uninfected RBCs, indicative of a leaky barrier. We observed disruptions in localization of occludin, zonula occludens-1, and claudin-5 by IF, but no change in protein expression by WB in Pf-iRBC co-cultures. Expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 but not EPCR was elevated in hiPSC-BMECs with Pf-iRBC co-culture compared to uninfected RBC co-culture. In addition, there was an increase in expression of angiogenin, platelet factor-4, and phospho-heat shock protein-27 in the Pf-iRBCs co-culture compared to uninfected RBC co-culture. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate the validity of our hiPSC-BMECs based model of the BBB, that displays enhanced barrier integrity and appropriate TJ protein localization. In the hiPSC-BMEC co-culture with Pf-iRBCs, reduced TEER, increased paracellular permeability, changes in TJ protein localization, increase in expression of adhesion molecules, and markers of angiogenesis and cellular stress all point towards a novel model with enhanced barrier properties, suitable for investigating pathogenic mechanisms underlying BBB disruption in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Gopinadhan
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4-402D 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jason M Hughes
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 620 Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809, USA
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4-402D 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4-402D 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Scott G Canfield
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 620 Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809, USA.
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4-402D 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Romero DVL, Balendran T, Hasang W, Rogerson SJ, Aitken EH, Achuthan AA. Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of cytokine production by Plasmodium falciparum-exposed monocytes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2949. [PMID: 38316918 PMCID: PMC10844200 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53519-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum infection causes the most severe form of malaria, where excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines can drive the pathogenesis of the disease. Monocytes play key roles in host defense against malaria through cytokine production and phagocytosis; however, they are also implicated in pathogenesis through excessive proinflammatory cytokine production. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to inflammatory cytokine production in P. falciparum-exposed monocytes is key towards developing better treatments. Here, we provide molecular evidence that histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation is key for inflammatory cytokine production in P. falciparum-exposed monocytes. In an established in vitro system that mimics blood stage infection, elevated proinflammatory TNF and IL-6 cytokine production is correlated with increased mono- and tri-methylated H3K4 levels. Significantly, we demonstrate through utilizing a pharmacological inhibitor of H3K4 methylation that TNF and IL-6 expression can be suppressed in P. falciparum-exposed monocytes. This elucidated epigenetic regulatory mechanism, controlling inflammatory cytokine production, potentially provides new therapeutic options for future malaria treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David V L Romero
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, 1F Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Thivya Balendran
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, 1F Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Wina Hasang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, 1F Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth H Aitken
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian A Achuthan
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, 1F Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Fain CE, Zheng J, Jin F, Ayasoufi K, Wu Y, Lilley MT, Dropik AR, Wolf DM, Rodriguez RC, Aibaidula A, Tritz ZP, Bouchal SM, Pewe LL, Urban SL, Chen Y, Chang SY, Hansen MJ, Kachergus JM, Shi J, Thompson EA, Jensen HE, Harty JT, Parney IF, Sun J, Wu LJ, Johnson AJ. Discrete class I molecules on brain endothelium differentially regulate neuropathology in experimental cerebral malaria. Brain 2024; 147:566-589. [PMID: 37776513 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is the deadliest complication that can arise from Plasmodium infection. CD8 T-cell engagement of brain vasculature is a putative mechanism of neuropathology in cerebral malaria. To define contributions of brain endothelial cell major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen-presentation to CD8 T cells in establishing cerebral malaria pathology, we developed novel H-2Kb LoxP and H-2Db LoxP mice crossed with Cdh5-Cre mice to achieve targeted deletion of discrete class I molecules, specifically from brain endothelium. This strategy allowed us to avoid off-target effects on iron homeostasis and class I-like molecules, which are known to perturb Plasmodium infection. This is the first endothelial-specific ablation of individual class-I molecules enabling us to interrogate these molecular interactions. In these studies, we interrogated human and mouse transcriptomics data to compare antigen presentation capacity during cerebral malaria. Using the Plasmodium berghei ANKA model of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), we observed that H-2Kb and H-2Db class I molecules regulate distinct patterns of disease onset, CD8 T-cell infiltration, targeted cell death and regional blood-brain barrier disruption. Strikingly, ablation of either molecule from brain endothelial cells resulted in reduced CD8 T-cell activation, attenuated T-cell interaction with brain vasculature, lessened targeted cell death, preserved blood-brain barrier integrity and prevention of ECM and the death of the animal. We were able to show that these events were brain-specific through the use of parabiosis and created the novel technique of dual small animal MRI to simultaneously scan conjoined parabionts during infection. These data demonstrate that interactions of CD8 T cells with discrete MHC class I molecules on brain endothelium differentially regulate development of ECM neuropathology. Therefore, targeting MHC class I interactions therapeutically may hold potential for treatment of cases of severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cori E Fain
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Jiaying Zheng
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Fang Jin
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | | | - Yue Wu
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Meredith T Lilley
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Abigail R Dropik
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Delaney M Wolf
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | | | - Abudumijiti Aibaidula
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Zachariah P Tritz
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Samantha M Bouchal
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Lecia L Pewe
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242USA
| | - Stina L Urban
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242USA
| | - Yin Chen
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Su-Youne Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | | | | | - Ji Shi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224USA
| | - E Aubrey Thompson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224USA
| | - Hadley E Jensen
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - John T Harty
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242USA
| | - Ian F Parney
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903USA
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
| | - Aaron J Johnson
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905USA
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Alves SAS, Teixeira DE, Peruchetti DB, Silva LS, Brandão LFP, Caruso-Neves C, Pinheiro AAS. Bradykinin produced during Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic cycle drives monocyte adhesion to human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Brain Res 2024; 1822:148669. [PMID: 37951562 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) pathogenesis is described as a multistep mechanism. In this context, monocytes have been implicated in CM pathogenesis by increasing the sequestration of infected red blood cells to the brain microvasculature. In disease, endothelial activation is followed by reduced monocyte rolling and increased adhesion. Nowadays, an important challenge is to identify potential pro-inflammatory stimuli that can modulate monocytes behavior. Our group have demonstrated that bradykinin (BK), a pro-inflammatory peptide involved in CM, is generated during the erythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum and is detected in culture supernatant (conditioned medium). Herein we investigated the role of BK in the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells of blood brain barrier (BBB). To address this issue human monocytic cell line (THP-1) and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) were used. It was observed that 20% conditioned medium from P. falciparum infected erythrocytes (Pf-iRBC sup) increased the adhesion of THP-1 cells to hBMECs. This effect was mediated by BK through the activation of B2 and B1 receptors and involves the increase in ICAM-1 expression in THP-1 cells. Additionally, it was observed that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril, enhanced the effect of both BK and Pf-iRBC sup on THP-1 adhesion. Together these data show that BK, generated during the erythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum, could play an important role in adhesion of monocytes in endothelial cells lining the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A S Alves
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Douglas E Teixeira
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diogo B Peruchetti
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro S Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe P Brandão
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Celso Caruso-Neves
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa, INCT-Regenera, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/MCTIC, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rio de Janeiro Innovation Network in Nanosystems for Health - NanoSAUDE/FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Acacia S Pinheiro
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rio de Janeiro Innovation Network in Nanosystems for Health - NanoSAUDE/FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Hadjilaou A, Brandi J, Riehn M, Friese MA, Jacobs T. Pathogenetic mechanisms and treatment targets in cerebral malaria. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:688-709. [PMID: 37857843 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00881-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, the most prevalent mosquito-borne infectious disease worldwide, has accompanied humanity for millennia and remains an important public health issue despite advances in its prevention and treatment. Most infections are asymptomatic, but a small percentage of individuals with a heavy parasite burden develop severe malaria, a group of clinical syndromes attributable to organ dysfunction. Cerebral malaria is an infrequent but life-threatening complication of severe malaria that presents as an acute cerebrovascular encephalopathy characterized by unarousable coma. Despite effective antiparasite drug treatment, 20% of patients with cerebral malaria die from this disease, and many survivors of cerebral malaria have neurocognitive impairment. Thus, an important unmet clinical need is to rapidly identify people with malaria who are at risk of developing cerebral malaria and to develop preventive, adjunctive and neuroprotective treatments for cerebral malaria. This Review describes important advances in the understanding of cerebral malaria over the past two decades and discusses how these mechanistic insights could be translated into new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Hadjilaou
- Protozoen Immunologie, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany.
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Brandi
- Protozoen Immunologie, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Riehn
- Protozoen Immunologie, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manuel A Friese
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Protozoen Immunologie, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
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Howard C, Joof F, Hu R, Smith JD, Zheng Y. Probing cerebral malaria inflammation in 3D human brain microvessels. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113253. [PMID: 37819760 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) in the brain microcirculation is a hallmark of cerebral malaria (CM), which leads to endothelial activation, brain swelling, and death. Here, we probed CM inflammation in a perfusable 3D human brain microvessel model. 3D brain microvessels supported in vivo-like capacities for parasite binding and maturation in situ, leading to a distinct inflammatory response from the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). By combining transcriptional analysis, imaging, and leukocyte perfusion, we showed that whereas TNF-α promotes a reversible inflammatory phenotype with widespread leukocyte recruitment, parasites induce unique stress response pathways and cause localized cell adhesivity changes, focal endothelial disruptions, and apoptosis. Furthermore, parasites modified the temporal kinetics of the TNF transcriptional response, suggesting augmented inflammatory damage with the two sequential stimuli. Our findings offer mechanistic insights into CM biology in a 3D brain microvessel mimetic platform and suggest that multiple events intersect to promote brain barrier inflammation in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Howard
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Fatou Joof
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ruoqian Hu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Joseph D Smith
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Iwuanyanwu VU, Banjo OW, Babalola KT, Olajide OA. Neuroprotection by Alstonia boonei De Wild., Anacardium occidentale L., Azadirachta indica A.Juss. and Mangifera indica L. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 310:116390. [PMID: 36965546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Alstonia boonei De Wild. (stem bark), Anacardium occidentale L. (stem bark), Azadirachta indica A.Juss (leaves), Enantia chlorantha Oliv. (stem bark), Khaya senegalensis A.Juss (stem bark) Mangifera indica L. (stem bark), and Nauclea latifolia Sm. (stem bark) are used for treating malaria in southwest Nigeria. Surveys revealed that these plants are also employed for treating symptoms of malaria and cerebral malaria in the region. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, the effects of freeze-dried extracts of these plants were investigated on synthetic hemozoin (HZ)-induced neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and increased permeability of brain microvascular endothelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Effects of freeze-dried plant extracts were investigated on neuroinflammation by measuring levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in culture supernatants, while in-cell western assays were used to measure protein levels of iNOS and NLRP3. Effects on HZ-induced neurotoxicity and ROS generation was measured using MTT and DCFDA assays, respectively. HZ-induced permeability of hCMEC/D3 endothelial cells was determined using the in vitro vascular permeability assay kit. RESULTS The extracts produced significant (p < 0.05) reduction in TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, RANTES and iNOS/NO production in HZ-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Pre-treatment with 50 μg/mL of A. boonei, A. indica, A. occidentale, E. chlorantha and M. indica also resulted in the inhibition of NF-κB activation. Pre-treatment with A. indica produced, A. occidentale, M. indica and A. boonei reduced HZ-induced increased NLRP3 protein expression. HZ-induced increased caspase-1 activity was also reduced by A. boonei, A. occidentale, A. indica, E. chlorantha, and M. indica. Freeze-dried extracts of A. boonei, A. occidentale, A. indica and M. indica produced neuroprotective effect in HT-22 neuronal cells incubated with HZ by preventing HZ-induced neurotoxicity, ROS generation, DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity. Inhibition of HZ-induced increase in permeability of human hCMEC/D3 brain endothelial cells was also observed with A. boonei, A. occidentale, A. indica and M. indica, while reducing the release of TNFα and MMP-9. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that A. boonei, A. occidentale, A. indica and M. indica are neuroprotective through inhibition of neuroinflammation, neuronal damage and increased permeability of blood brain barrier. The outcome of the study provides pharmacological evidence for the potential benefits of plants as herbal treatments for cerebral malaria symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria U Iwuanyanwu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - Owolabi W Banjo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - Kabirat T Babalola
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - Olumayokun A Olajide
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.
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Stins MF, Mtaja A, Mulendele E, Mwimbe DW, Pinilla G, Mutengo M, Pardo CA, Chipeta J. Elevated brain derived neurotrophic factor in plasma and interleukin-6 levels in cerebrospinal fluid in meningitis compared to cerebral malaria. J Neurol Sci 2023; 450:120663. [PMID: 37182424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120663] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurological infections, such as Cerebral malaria (CM) and meningitis are associated with high mortality and in survivors, particularly young children, persistent neurologic deficits often remain. As brain inflammation plays a role in the development of these neurological sequelae, multiplex assays were used to assess a select set of immune mediators in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from Zambian children with neurological infections. Both CM and meningitis patients showed high levels of markers for vascular inflammation, such as soluble ICAM-1 and angiopoietins. Although high levels of angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 were found in the meningitis group, their levels in the CSF were low and did not differ. As expected, there were high levels of cytokines and notably a significantly elevated IL-6 level in the CSF of the meningitis group. Interestingly, although elevated levels BDNF were found, BDNF levels were significantly higher in plasma of the meningitis group but similar in the CSF. The striking differences in plasma BDNF and IL-6 levels in the CSF point to markedly different neuro-pathological processes. Therefore, further investigations in the role of both IL-6 and BDNF in the neurological outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique F Stins
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, 615N Wolfe Street, SPH E45141, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America.
| | - Agnes Mtaja
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Evan Mulendele
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Daniel W Mwimbe
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Gabriel Pinilla
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Diseases, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21285, United States of America; Icesi University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Calle 18 No. 122-135, Cali 760031, Colombia
| | - Mable Mutengo
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Carlos A Pardo
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Diseases, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21285, United States of America
| | - James Chipeta
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
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9
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Thakar M, Noumbissi ME, Stins MF. Microvascular Environment Influences Brain Microvascular Heterogeneity: Relative Roles of Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes for the EPCR Expression in the Brain Endothelium. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6908. [PMID: 37108071 PMCID: PMC10138692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Postmortem neuropathology shows clear regional differences in many brain diseases. For example, brains from cerebral malaria (CM) patients show more hemorrhagic punctae in the brain's white matter (WM) than grey matter (GM). The underlying reason for these differential pathologies is unknown. Here, we assessed the effect of the vascular microenvironment on brain endothelial phenotype, focusing endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR). We demonstrate that the basal level of EPCR expression in cerebral microvessels is heterogeneous in the WM compared to the GM. We used in vitro brain endothelial cell cultures and showed that the upregulation of EPCR expression was associated with exposure to oligodendrocyte conditioned media (OCM) compared to astrocyte conditioned media (ACM). Our findings shed light on the origin of the heterogeneity of molecular phenotypes at the microvascular level and might help better understand the variation in pathology seen in CM and other neuropathologies associated with vasculature in various brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjusha Thakar
- Malaria Research Institute, Department Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins School Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Midrelle E. Noumbissi
- Malaria Research Institute, Department Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins School Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Monique F. Stins
- Malaria Research Institute, Department Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins School Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Biomedical Research Institute of Southern California, Oceanside, CA 92056, USA
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10
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Akide Ndunge OB, Kilian N, Salman MM. Cerebral Malaria and Neuronal Implications of Plasmodium Falciparum Infection: From Mechanisms to Advanced Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202944. [PMID: 36300890 PMCID: PMC9798991 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Reorganization of host red blood cells by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum enables their sequestration via attachment to the microvasculature. This artificially increases the dwelling time of the infected red blood cells within inner organs such as the brain, which can lead to cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria is the deadliest complication patients infected with P. falciparum can experience and still remains a major public health concern despite effective antimalarial therapies. Here, the current understanding of the effect of P. falciparum cytoadherence and their secreted proteins on structural features of the human blood-brain barrier and their involvement in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria are highlighted. Advanced 2D and 3D in vitro models are further assessed to study this devastating interaction between parasite and host. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to neuronal and cognitive deficits in cerebral malaria will be pivotal in devising new strategies to treat and prevent blood-brain barrier dysfunction and subsequent neurological damage in patients with cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Bate Akide Ndunge
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of Infectious DiseasesYale University School of Medicine300 Cedar StreetNew HavenCT06510USA
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, ParasitologyHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 32469120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Mootaz M. Salman
- Department of PhysiologyAnatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX1 3QUUK
- Kavli Institute for NanoScience DiscoveryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease CentreUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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11
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Adams Y, Jensen AR. Cerebral malaria - modelling interactions at the blood-brain barrier in vitro. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275963. [PMID: 35815443 PMCID: PMC9302004 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a continuous endothelial barrier that is supported by pericytes and astrocytes and regulates the passage of solutes between the bloodstream and the brain. This structure is called the neurovascular unit and serves to protect the brain from blood-borne disease-causing agents and other risk factors. In the past decade, great strides have been made to investigate the neurovascular unit for delivery of chemotherapeutics and for understanding how pathogens can circumvent the barrier, leading to severe and, at times, fatal complications. One such complication is cerebral malaria, in which Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells disrupt the barrier function of the BBB, causing severe brain swelling. Multiple in vitro models of the BBB are available to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and other diseases. These range from single-cell monolayer cultures to multicellular BBB organoids and highly complex cerebral organoids. Here, we review the technologies available in malaria research to investigate the interaction between P. falciparum-infected red blood cells and the BBB, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Summary: This Review discusses the available in vitro models to investigate the impact of adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells on the blood–brain barrier, a process associated with cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anja Ramstedt Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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12
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Albrecht-Schgoer K, Lackner P, Schmutzhard E, Baier G. Cerebral Malaria: Current Clinical and Immunological Aspects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863568. [PMID: 35514965 PMCID: PMC9067128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on current clinical and immunological aspects of cerebral malaria induced by Plasmodium falciparum infection. Albeit many issues concerning the inflammatory responses remain unresolved and need further investigations, current knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms is highlighted. Furthermore, and in the light of significant limitations in preventative diagnosis and treatment of cerebral malaria, this review mainly discusses our understanding of immune mechanisms in the light of the most recent research findings. Remarkably, the newly proposed CD8+ T cell-driven pathophysiological aspects within the central nervous system are summarized, giving first rational insights into encouraging studies with immune-modulating adjunctive therapies that protect from symptomatic cerebral participation of Plasmodium falciparum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Albrecht-Schgoer
- Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Lackner
- Department of Neurology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Wien, Austria
| | - Erich Schmutzhard
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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13
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Bąska P, Norbury LJ. The Role of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) in the Immune Response against Parasites. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030310. [PMID: 35335634 PMCID: PMC8950322 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system consists of various cells, organs, and processes that interact in a sophisticated manner to defend against pathogens. Upon initial exposure to an invader, nonspecific mechanisms are raised through the activation of macrophages, monocytes, basophils, mast cells, eosinophils, innate lymphoid cells, or natural killer cells. During the course of an infection, more specific responses develop (adaptive immune responses) whose hallmarks include the expansion of B and T cells that specifically recognize foreign antigens. Cell to cell communication takes place through physical interactions as well as through the release of mediators (cytokines, chemokines) that modify cell activity and control and regulate the immune response. One regulator of cell states is the transcription factor Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) which mediates responses to various stimuli and is involved in a variety of processes (cell cycle, development, apoptosis, carcinogenesis, innate and adaptive immune responses). It consists of two protein classes with NF-κB1 (p105/50) and NF-κB2 (p100/52) belonging to class I, and RelA (p65), RelB and c-Rel belonging to class II. The active transcription factor consists of a dimer, usually comprised of both class I and class II proteins conjugated to Inhibitor of κB (IκB). Through various stimuli, IκB is phosphorylated and detached, allowing dimer migration to the nucleus and binding of DNA. NF-κB is crucial in regulating the immune response and maintaining a balance between suppression, effective response, and immunopathologies. Parasites are a diverse group of organisms comprised of three major groups: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Each group induces distinct effector immune mechanisms and is susceptible to different types of immune responses (Th1, Th2, Th17). This review describes the role of NF-κB and its activity during parasite infections and its contribution to inducing protective responses or immunopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Bąska
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Luke J. Norbury
- Department of Biosciences and Food Technology, School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia;
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Baindara P, Agrawal S, Franco OL. Host-directed therapies for malaria and tuberculosis: common infection strategies and repurposed drugs. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:849-869. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2044794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Baindara
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Sonali Agrawal
- Immunology Division, ICMR-National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - O. L. Franco
- Proteomics Analysis and Biochemical Center, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Catholic University Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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Huang K, Huang L, Zhang X, Zhang M, Wang Q, Lin H, Yu Z, Li X, Liu XB, Wu Q, Wang Y, Wang J, Jin X, Gao H, Han X, Lin R, Cen S, Liu Z, Huang B. Mast cells-derived exosomes worsen the development of experimental cerebral malaria. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106145. [PMID: 34562426 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106145] [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] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most severe neurological complication caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection. The accumulating evidence demonstrated that mast cells (MCs) and its mediators played a critical role in mediating malaria severity. Earlier studies identified that exosomes were emerging as key mediators of intercellular communication and can be released from several kinds of MCs. However, the potential functions and pathological mechanisms of MCs-derived exosomes (MCs-Exo) impacting on CM pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Herein, we utilized an experimental CM (ECM) model (C57BL/6 mice infected with P. berghei ANKA strain), and then intravenously (i.v.) injected MCs-Exo into P. berghei ANKA-infected mice to unfold this mechanism and investigate the effect of MCs-Exo on ECM pathogenies. We also used an in vitro model by investigating the pathogenesis development of brain microvascular endothelial cells line (bEnd.3 cells) co-cultured with P. berghei ANKA blood-stage soluble antigen (PbAg) after MCs-Exo treatment. The higher numbers of MCs and levels of MCs degranulation were observed in skin, cervical lymph node, and brain of ECM mice than those of the uninfected mice. Exosomes were successfully isolated from culture supernatants of mouse MCs line (P815 cells) and characterized by spherical vesicles with the diameter of 30-150 nm, and expression of typical exosomal markers (e.g., CD9, CD63, and CD81). The i.v. injection of MCs-Exo dramatically elevated incidence of ECM in the P. berghei ANKA-infected mice, exacerbated liver and brain histopathological damage, promoted Th1 cytokine response, aggravated brain vascular endothelial activation and blood brain barrier breakdown in ECM mice. In addition, the treatment of MCs-Exo led to the decrease of cells viability and mRNA levels of Ang-1, ZO-1, and Claudin-5, but increase of mRNA levels of Ang-2, CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL9 in bEnd.3 cells co-cultured with PbAg in vitro. Taken together, our data indicated that MCs-Exo could worsen pathogenesis of ECM in mice.
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Possemiers H, Pham TT, Coens M, Pollenus E, Knoops S, Noppen S, Vandermosten L, D’haese S, Dillemans L, Prenen F, Schols D, Franke-Fayard B, Van den Steen PE. Skeleton binding protein-1-mediated parasite sequestration inhibits spontaneous resolution of malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010114. [PMID: 34843584 PMCID: PMC8659713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a hazardous disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and often results in lethal complications, including malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (MA-ARDS). Parasite sequestration in the microvasculature is often observed, but its role in malaria pathogenesis and complications is still incompletely understood. We used skeleton binding protein-1 (SBP-1) KO parasites to study the role of sequestration in experimental MA-ARDS. The sequestration-deficiency of these SBP-1 KO parasites was confirmed with bioluminescence imaging and by measuring parasite accumulation in the lungs with RT-qPCR. The SBP-1 KO parasites induced similar lung pathology in the early stage of experimental MA-ARDS compared to wildtype (WT) parasites. Strikingly, the lung pathology resolved subsequently in more than 60% of the SBP-1 KO infected mice, resulting in prolonged survival despite the continuous presence of the parasite. This spontaneous disease resolution was associated with decreased inflammatory cytokine expression measured by RT-qPCR and lower expression of cytotoxic markers in pathogenic CD8+ T cells in the lungs of SBP-1 KO infected mice. These data suggest that SBP-1-mediated parasite sequestration and subsequent high parasite load are not essential for the development of experimental MA-ARDS but inhibit the resolution of the disease. Malaria is still a severe global disease with more than 200 million cases and 400 000 deaths each year. Plasmodium falciparum is the species responsible for most malaria deaths globally. The propensity of these parasites to sequester in peripheral vascular beds is assumed to play an important role in disease severity and mortality. Although sequestration has been observed in lungs of malaria patients, its role in the pathogenesis of MA-ARDS, a severe lung complication in malaria, was previously unknown. Therefore, we used sequestration-deficient SBP-1 KO Plasmodium berghei NK65 parasites to study the role of sequestration in experimental MA-ARDS. We observed that MA-ARDS developed similarly in WT and SBP-1 KO infected mice, but the majority of SBP-1 KO-infected mice were able to resolve the lung pathology despite the continuous presence of the parasite. This coincided with a prolonged survival, a decrease in inflammatory cytokine expression and lower expression of cytotoxicity markers in pathogenic CD8+ T cells. These results give important new insights in the role of parasite sequestration in malaria pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Possemiers
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thao-Thy Pham
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Currently at Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marion Coens
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emilie Pollenus
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Knoops
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Noppen
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Vandermosten
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sigrid D’haese
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Currently at Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy (NAVI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luna Dillemans
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fran Prenen
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Philippe E. Van den Steen
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical research, KU Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Andoh NE, Gyan BA. The Potential Roles of Glial Cells in the Neuropathogenesis of Cerebral Malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:741370. [PMID: 34692564 PMCID: PMC8529055 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.741370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe neurological complication of malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It is one of the leading causes of death in children under 5 years of age in Sub-Saharan Africa. CM is associated with blood-brain barrier disruption and long-term neurological sequelae in survivors of CM. Despite the vast amount of research on cerebral malaria, the cause of neurological sequelae observed in CM patients is poorly understood. In this article, the potential roles of glial cells, astrocytes, and microglia, in cerebral malaria pathogenesis are reviewed. The possible mechanisms by which glial cells contribute to neurological damage in CM patients are also examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Efua Andoh
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Department of Parasitology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ben Adu Gyan
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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18
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Raacke M, Kerr A, Dörpinghaus M, Brehmer J, Wu Y, Lorenzen S, Fink C, Jacobs T, Roeder T, Sellau J, Bachmann A, Metwally NG, Bruchhaus I. Altered Cytokine Response of Human Brain Endothelial Cells after Stimulation with Malaria Patient Plasma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071656. [PMID: 34359826 PMCID: PMC8303479 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, are accompanied by a strong immunological response of the human host. To date, more than 30 cytokines have been detected in elevated levels in plasma of malaria patients compared to healthy controls. Endothelial cells (ECs) are a potential source of these cytokines, but so far it is not known if their cytokine secretion depends on the direct contact of the P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) with ECs in terms of cytoadhesion. Culturing ECs with plasma from malaria patients (27 returning travellers) resulted in significantly increased secretion of IL-11, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) if compared to matching controls (22 healthy individuals). The accompanying transcriptome study of the ECs identified 43 genes that were significantly increased in expression (≥1.7 fold) after co-incubation with malaria patient plasma, including cxcl5 and angptl4. Further bioinformatic analyses revealed that biological processes such as cell migration, cell proliferation and tube development were particularly affected in these ECs. It can thus be postulated that not only the cytoadhesion of IEs, but also molecules in the plasma of malaria patients exerts an influence on ECs, and that not only the immunological response but also other processes, such as angiogenesis, are altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Raacke
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Amy Kerr
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Michael Dörpinghaus
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Jana Brehmer
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Yifan Wu
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Stephan Lorenzen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Christine Fink
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (C.F.); (T.R.)
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (C.F.); (T.R.)
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Julie Sellau
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Anna Bachmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Nahla Galal Metwally
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Iris Bruchhaus
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
- Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-404-281-8472
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Frimpong A, Amponsah J, Agyemang D, Adjokatseh AS, Eyiah-Ampah S, Ennuson NA, Obiri D, Amoah LE, Kusi KA. Elevated Levels of the Endothelial Molecules ICAM-1, VEGF-A, and VEGFR2 in Microscopic Asymptomatic Malaria. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab302. [PMID: 34277886 PMCID: PMC8279097 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In malaria, clinical disease has been associated with increased levels of endothelial activation due to the sequestration of infected erythrocytes. However, the levels and impact of endothelial activation and pro-angiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–A and its receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in asymptomatic malaria have not been well characterized. Methods Blood samples were obtained from community children for malaria diagnosis using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. A multiplex immunoassay was used to determine the levels of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)–1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–A, and VEGFR2 in the plasma of children with microscopic or submicroscopic asymptomatic parasitemia and compared with levels in uninfected controls. Results Levels of ICAM-1, VEGF-A, and VEGFR2 were significantly increased in children with microscopic asymptomatic parasitemia compared with uninfected controls. Also, levels of VEGF-A were found to be inversely associated with age. Additionally, a receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that plasma levels of ICAM-1 (area under the curve [AUC], 0.72) showed a moderate potential in discriminating between children with microscopic malaria from uninfected controls when compared with VEGF-A (AUC, 0.67) and VEGFR2 (AUC, 0.69). Conclusions These data imply that endothelial activation and pro-angiogenic growth factors could be one of the early host responders during microscopic asymptomatic malaria and may play a significant role in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustina Frimpong
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jones Amponsah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorothy Agyemang
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences,University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abigail Sena Adjokatseh
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences,University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sophia Eyiah-Ampah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nana Aba Ennuson
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorotheah Obiri
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences,University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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20
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Parasite histones are toxic to brain endothelium and link blood barrier breakdown and thrombosis in cerebral malaria. Blood Adv 2021; 4:2851-2864. [PMID: 32579667 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular thrombosis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown are key components of cerebral malaria (CM) pathogenesis in African children and are implicated in fatal brain swelling. How Plasmodium falciparum infection causes this endothelial disruption and why this occurs, particularly in the brain, is not fully understood. In this study, we have demonstrated that circulating extracellular histones, equally of host and parasite origin, are significantly elevated in CM patients. Higher histone levels are associated with brain swelling on magnetic resonance imaging. On postmortem brain sections of CM patients, we found that histones are colocalized with P falciparum-infected erythrocytes sequestered inside small blood vessels, suggesting that histones might be expelled locally during parasite schizont rupture. Histone staining on the luminal vascular surface colocalized with thrombosis and leakage, indicating a possible link between endothelial surface accumulation of histones and coagulation activation and BBB breakdown. Supporting this, patient sera or purified P falciparum histones caused disruption of barrier function and were toxic to cultured human brain endothelial cells, which were abrogated with antihistone antibody and nonanticoagulant heparin. Overall, our data support a role for histones of parasite and host origin in thrombosis, BBB breakdown, and brain swelling in CM, processes implicated in the causal pathway to death. Neutralizing histones with agents such as nonanticoagulant heparin warrant exploration to prevent brain swelling in the development or progression of CM and thereby to improve outcomes.
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21
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Jiang X, Chen L, Zheng Z, Chen Y, Weng X, Guo Y, Li K, Yang T, Qu S, Liu H, Li Y, Zhu X. Synergistic Effect of Combined Artesunate and Tetramethylpyrazine in Experimental Cerebral Malaria. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2400-2409. [PMID: 32786270 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Intravenous artesunate is effective against cerebral malaria (CM), but high mortality and neurological sequelae in survivors are inevitable. We investigated the effect of combined artesunate and tetramethylpyrazine using mouse models of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). Artesunate + tetramethylpyrazine reduced microvascular blockage and improved neurological function, including the rapid murine coma and behavior scale (RMCBS), leading to improved survival and reduced pathology in ECM. This combination downregulated the expression of adhesion molecules and sequestration of parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs), increased cerebral blood flow, nerve growth factor (b-NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and neurotrophin (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophic factor-3 (NT-3)) levels, and alleviated hippocampal neuronal damage and astrocyte activation. Down- (n = 128) and upregulated (n = 64) proteins were identified in the artesunate group, while up- (n = 217) and downregulated (n = 177) proteins were identified in the artesunate + tetramethylpyrazine group, presenting a significantly altered proteome profile. KEGG analysis showed that 166 differentially expressed proteins were enriched in the Art group and 234, in the artesunate + tetramethylpyrazine group. The neuroprotective effects of artesunate + tetramethylpyrazine were mainly related to proteins involved in axon development and transportation between blood and brain. These results suggested that artesunate + tetramethylpyrazine could be a potential adjuvant therapy against CM, but this will have to be confirmed in future studies and trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Jiang
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Lina Chen
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Zhongyuan Zheng
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xiaogang Weng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Kai Li
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Shuiqing Qu
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yujie Li
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhu
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16 Dongzhimen Nei Avenue, Beijing 100700, China
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22
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Schiess N, Villabona-Rueda A, Cottier KE, Huether K, Chipeta J, Stins MF. Pathophysiology and neurologic sequelae of cerebral malaria. Malar J 2020; 19:266. [PMID: 32703204 PMCID: PMC7376930 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM), results from Plasmodium falciparum infection, and has a high mortality rate. CM survivors can retain life-long post CM sequelae, including seizures and neurocognitive deficits profoundly affecting their quality of life. As the Plasmodium parasite does not enter the brain, but resides inside erythrocytes and are confined to the lumen of the brain's vasculature, the neuropathogenesis leading to these neurologic sequelae is unclear and under-investigated. Interestingly, postmortem CM pathology differs in brain regions, such as the appearance of haemorragic punctae in white versus gray matter. Various host and parasite factors contribute to the risk of CM, including exposure at a young age, parasite- and host-related genetics, parasite sequestration and the extent of host inflammatory responses. Thus far, several proposed adjunctive treatments have not been successful in the treatment of CM but are highly needed. The region-specific CM neuro-pathogenesis leading to neurologic sequelae is intriguing, but not sufficiently addressed in research. More attention to this may lead to the development of effective adjunctive treatments to address CM neurologic sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoline Schiess
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 6-113, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Andres Villabona-Rueda
- Malaria Research Institute, Dept Molecular Microbiology Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Karissa E Cottier
- Malaria Research Institute, Dept Molecular Microbiology Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,BioIVT, 1450 South Rolling Road, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - James Chipeta
- Department of Paediatrics, University Teaching Hospital, Nationalist Road, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Monique F Stins
- Malaria Research Institute, Dept Molecular Microbiology Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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23
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López-Osorio S, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ, Gómez-Osorio LM. Overview of Poultry Eimeria Life Cycle and Host-Parasite Interactions. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:384. [PMID: 32714951 PMCID: PMC7351014 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites of the genus Eimeria are organisms which invade the intestinal tract, causing coccidiosis, an enteric disease of major economic importance worldwide. The disease causes high morbidity ranging from an acute, bloody enteritis with high mortality, to subclinical disease. However, the presence of intestinal lesions depends on the Eimeria species. The most important poultry Eimeria species are: E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. brunetti, E. mitis, and E. praecox. Key points to better understanding the behavior of this species are the host-parasite interactions and its life cycle. The present paper reviews the literature available regarding the life cycle and the initial host-parasite interaction. More studies are needed to better understand these interactions in poultry Eimerias, taking into account that almost all the information available was generated from other apicomplexan parasites that generate human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara López-Osorio
- CIBAV Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Luis M. Gómez-Osorio
- CIBAV Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Alura Animal Health and Nutrition, Medellin, Colombia
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24
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Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles from Plasmodium vivax patients signal spleen fibroblasts via NF-kB facilitating parasite cytoadherence. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2761. [PMID: 32487994 PMCID: PMC7265481 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed human malaria parasite. Previous studies have shown that circulating microparticles during P. vivax acute attacks are indirectly associated with severity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are therefore major components of circulating plasma holding insights into pathological processes. Here, we demonstrate that plasma-derived EVs from Plasmodium vivax patients (PvEVs) are preferentially uptaken by human spleen fibroblasts (hSFs) as compared to the uptake of EVs from healthy individuals. Moreover, this uptake induces specific upregulation of ICAM-1 associated with the translocation of NF-kB to the nucleus. After this uptake, P. vivax-infected reticulocytes obtained from patients show specific adhesion properties to hSFs, reversed by inhibiting NF-kB translocation to the nucleus. Together, these data provide physiological EV-based insights into the mechanisms of human malaria pathology and support the existence of P. vivax-adherent parasite subpopulations in the microvasculature of the human spleen. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in plasma can affect pathogenesis of parasites, but details remain unclear. Here, Toda et al. characterize plasma-derived EVs from Plasmodium vivax patients and show that PvEVs are preferentially taken up by human spleen fibroblasts, facilitating parasite cytoadherence.
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25
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Jensen AR, Adams Y, Hviid L. Cerebral Plasmodium falciparum malaria: The role of PfEMP1 in its pathogenesis and immunity, and PfEMP1-based vaccines to prevent it. Immunol Rev 2020; 293:230-252. [PMID: 31562653 PMCID: PMC6972667 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium continues to be a major health problem worldwide. The unicellular Plasmodium-parasites have the unique capacity to infect and replicate within host erythrocytes. By expressing variant surface antigens Plasmodium falciparum has evolved to avoid protective immune responses; as a result in endemic areas anti-malaria immunity develops gradually over many years of multiple and repeated infections. We are studying the role of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) expressed by asexual stages of P. falciparum responsible for the pathogenicity of severe malaria. The immunopathology of falciparum malaria has been linked to cyto-adhesion of infected erythrocytes to specific host receptors. A greater appreciation of the PfEMP1 molecules important for the development of protective immunity and immunopathology is a prerequisite for the rational discovery and development of a safe and protective anti-disease malaria vaccine. Here we review the role of ICAM-1 and EPCR receptor adhering falciparum-parasites in the development of severe malaria; we discuss our current research to understand the factors involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and the feasibility of developing a vaccine targeted specifically to prevent this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ramstedt Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Infectious DiseasesRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
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26
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Avril M, Benjamin M, Dols MM, Smith JD. Interplay of Plasmodium falciparum and thrombin in brain endothelial barrier disruption. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13142. [PMID: 31511575 PMCID: PMC6739390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49530-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent concepts suggest that both Plasmodium falciparum factors and coagulation contribute to endothelial activation and dysfunction in pediatric cerebral malaria (CM) pathology. However, there is still limited understanding of how these complex inflammatory stimuli are integrated by brain endothelial cells. In this study, we examined how mature-stage P. falciparum infected erythrocytes (IE) interact with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and thrombin in the activation and permeability of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) monolayers. Whereas trophozoite-stage P. falciparum-IE have limited effect on the viability of HBMEC or the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines or chemokines, except at super physiological parasite-host cell ratios, schizont-stage P. falciparum-IE induced low levels of cell death. Additionally, schizont-stage parasites were more barrier disruptive than trophozoite-stage P. falciparum-IE and prolonged thrombin-induced barrier disruption in both resting and TNFα-activated HBMEC monolayers. These results provide evidence that parasite products and thrombin may interact to increase brain endothelial permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Avril
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Max Benjamin
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Joseph D Smith
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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27
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Lee WC, Russell B, Rénia L. Sticking for a Cause: The Falciparum Malaria Parasites Cytoadherence Paradigm. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1444. [PMID: 31316507 PMCID: PMC6610498 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
After a successful invasion, malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum extensively remodels the infected erythrocyte cellular architecture, conferring cytoadhesive properties to the infected erythrocytes. Cytoadherence plays a central role in the parasite's immune-escape mechanism, at the same time contributing to the pathogenesis of severe falciparum malaria. In this review, we discuss the cytoadhesive interactions between P. falciparum infected erythrocytes and various host cell types, and how these events are linked to malaria pathogenesis. We also highlight the limitations faced by studies attempting to correlate diversity in parasite ligands and host receptors with the development of severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenn-Chyau Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bruce Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Laurent Rénia
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
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28
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Yang RC, Qu XY, Xiao SY, Li L, Xu BJ, Fu JY, Lv YJ, Amjad N, Tan C, Kim KS, Chen HC, Wang XR. Meningitic Escherichia coli-induced upregulation of PDGF-B and ICAM-1 aggravates blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammatory response. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:101. [PMID: 31092253 PMCID: PMC6521501 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1497-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and neuroinflammation are considered key mechanisms of pathogenic Escherichia coli invasion of the brain. However, the specific molecules involved in meningitic E. coli-induced BBB breakdown and neuroinflammatory response remain unclear. Our previous RNA-sequencing data from human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) revealed two important host factors: platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which were significantly upregulated in hBMECs after meningitic E. coli infection. Whether and how PDGF-B and ICAM-1 contribute to the development of E. coli meningitis are still unclear. Methods The western blot, real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were applied to verify the significant induction of PDGF-B and ICAM-1 by meningitic E. coli in vivo and in vitro. Evan’s blue assay and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing assay were combined to identify the effects of PDGF-B on BBB permeability. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology, cell-cell adhesion assay, and electrochemiluminescence assay were used to investigate the role of ICAM-1 in neuroinflammation subversion. Results We verified the significant induction of PDGF-B and ICAM-1 by meningitic E. coli in mouse as well as monolayer hBMECs models. Functionally, we showed that the increase of PDGF-B may directly enhance the BBB permeability by decreasing the expression of tight junction proteins, and the upregulation of ICAM-1 contributed to neutrophils or monocytes recruitment as well as neuroinflammation subversion in response to meningitic E. coli infection. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated the roles of PDGF-B and ICAM-1 in mediating bacterial-induced BBB damage as well as neuroinflammation, providing new concepts and potential targets for future prevention and treatment of bacterial meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Cheng Yang
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xin-Yi Qu
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Si-Yu Xiao
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Liang Li
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Bo-Jie Xu
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Ji-Yang Fu
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Jin Lv
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Nouman Amjad
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chen Tan
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Kwang Sik Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Huan-Chun Chen
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang-Ru Wang
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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29
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The sickle cell trait affects contact dynamics and endothelial cell activation in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Commun Biol 2018; 1:211. [PMID: 30534603 PMCID: PMC6269544 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell trait, a common hereditary blood disorder, protects carriers from severe disease in infections with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Protection is associated with a reduced capacity of parasitized erythrocytes to cytoadhere to the microvascular endothelium and cause vaso-occlusive events. However, the underpinning cellular and biomechanical processes are only partly understood and the impact on endothelial cell activation is unclear. Here, we show, by combining quantitative flow chamber experiments with multiscale computer simulations of deformable cells in hydrodynamic flow, that parasitized erythrocytes containing the sickle cell haemoglobin displayed altered adhesion dynamics, resulting in restricted contact footprints on the endothelium. Main determinants were cell shape, knob density and membrane bending. As a consequence, the extent of endothelial cell activation was decreased. Our findings provide a quantitative understanding of how the sickle cell trait affects the dynamic cytoadhesion behavior of parasitized erythrocytes and, in turn, endothelial cell activation.
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30
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Silva LM, Hirai KE, de Sousa JR, de Souza J, Dias LB, Carneiro FRO, Aarão TLDS, Fuzii HT, Quaresma JAS. NFκB transcription factor (p65) immunohistochemistry in leprosy dermal microvasculature. Microb Pathog 2017; 113:427-431. [PMID: 29170041 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Leprosy caused by Mycobacterium leprae is characterized by a spectrum of clinical manifestations that are determined by the predominant immunological profile of the host. The recruitment of leukocytes to the sites of injury can influence the development of these profiles. Cell adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD62E participate in this process and their expression is regulated by transcriptions factors such as NFκB. To correlate the expression of cell adhesion molecules and NFκB (p65) in leprosy lesions, 30 skin biopsies of patients with leprosy [16 with the tuberculoid (TT) or borderline tuberculoid (BT) forms and 14 with the lepromatous (LL) or borderline lepromatous (BL) forms] were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. A larger mean number of cells expressing VCAM-1 (BT/TT: 18.28 ± 1.4; BL/LL: 10.67 ± 1.2; p = 0.0002), ICAM-1 (BT/TT: 9.92 ± 1.1; BL/LL: 5.87 ± 1.0; p = 0.0084) and CD62E (BT/TT: 13.0 ± 1.5; BL/LL: 2.58 ± 0.3; p = 0.0001) were observed in BT and TT lesions. The mean number of cells expressing NFκB was similar in the two clinical forms (BT/TT: 2.21 ± 2.7; BL/LL: 2.35 ± 3.1;p = 0.9285). No significant correlation was observed between expression of the transcription factor and adhesion molecules analyzed. The synthesis of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD62E depends on the activation of NFκB, which acts synergistically with other transcription factors. Adequate activation of intracellular signaling pathways results in the production of endothelial adhesion molecules, contributing to the recruitment of cells to the site of injury and thus eliciting an effective inflammatory response in the elimination of the bacillus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Mota Silva
- Center of Biological and Health Science, State University of Para, Belem, Brazil
| | - Kelly Emi Hirai
- Center of Biological and Health Science, State University of Para, Belem, Brazil
| | | | - Juarez de Souza
- Center of Biological and Health Science, State University of Para, Belem, Brazil
| | - Leônidas Braga Dias
- Center of Biological and Health Science, State University of Para, Belem, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Juarez Antonio Simões Quaresma
- Center of Biological and Health Science, State University of Para, Belem, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Center, Federal do Para University, Belem, Brazil.
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31
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Skidmore MA, Mustaffa KMF, Cooper LC, Guimond SE, Yates EA, Craig AG. A semi-synthetic glycosaminoglycan analogue inhibits and reverses Plasmodium falciparum cytoadherence. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186276. [PMID: 29045442 PMCID: PMC5646806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A feature of mature Plasmodium falciparum parasitized red blood cells is their ability to bind surface molecules of the microvascular endothelium via the parasite-derived surface protein Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). This ligand is associated with the cytoadherence pathology observed in severe malaria. As pRBC treated with effective anti-malarial drugs are still able to cytoadhere, there is therefore a need to find an adjunct treatment that can inhibit and reverse the adhesion process. One semi-synthetic, sulfated polysaccharide has been identified that is capable of inhibiting and reversing sequestration of pRBC on endothelial cells in vitro under physiological flow conditions. Furthermore, it exhibits low toxicity in the intrinsic (APTT assay) and extrinsic (PT assay) clotting pathways, as well as exhibiting minimal effects on cell (HUVEC) viability (MTT proliferation assay). These findings suggest that carbohydrate-based anti-adhesive candidates may provide potential leads for therapeutics for severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Skidmore
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lynsay C. Cooper
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Huxley Building, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Scott E. Guimond
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin A. Yates
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alister G. Craig
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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32
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Dunst J, Kamena F, Matuschewski K. Cytokines and Chemokines in Cerebral Malaria Pathogenesis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:324. [PMID: 28775960 PMCID: PMC5517394 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is among the major causes of malaria-associated mortality and effective adjunctive therapeutic strategies are currently lacking. Central pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cerebral malaria include an imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses to Plasmodium infection, endothelial cell activation, and loss of blood-brain barrier integrity. However, the sequence of events, which initiates these pathophysiological processes as well as the contribution of their complex interplay to the development of cerebral malaria remain incompletely understood. Several cytokines and chemokines have repeatedly been associated with cerebral malaria severity. Increased levels of these inflammatory mediators could account for the sequestration of leukocytes in the cerebral microvasculature present during cerebral malaria, thereby contributing to an amplification of local inflammation and promoting cerebral malaria pathogenesis. Herein, we highlight the current knowledge on the contribution of cytokines and chemokines to the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria with particular emphasis on their roles in endothelial activation and leukocyte recruitment, as well as their implication in the progression to blood-brain barrier permeability and neuroinflammation, in both human cerebral malaria and in the murine experimental cerebral malaria model. A better molecular understanding of these processes could provide the basis for evidence-based development of adjunct therapies and the definition of diagnostic markers of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Dunst
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection BiologyBerlin, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free UniversityBerlin, Germany.,Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt UniversityBerlin, Germany
| | - Faustin Kamena
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection BiologyBerlin, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free UniversityBerlin, Germany.,Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt UniversityBerlin, Germany
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection BiologyBerlin, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free UniversityBerlin, Germany
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Klein RS, Hunter CA. Protective and Pathological Immunity during Central Nervous System Infections. Immunity 2017; 46:891-909. [PMID: 28636958 PMCID: PMC5662000 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The concept of immune privilege of the central nervous system (CNS) has dominated the study of inflammatory processes in the brain. However, clinically relevant models have highlighted that innate pathways limit pathogen invasion of the CNS and adaptive immunity mediates control of many neural infections. As protective responses can result in bystander damage, there are regulatory mechanisms that balance protective and pathological inflammation, but these mechanisms might also allow microbial persistence. The focus of this review is to consider the host-pathogen interactions that influence neurotropic infections and to highlight advances in our understanding of innate and adaptive mechanisms of resistance as key determinants of the outcome of CNS infection. Advances in these areas have broadened our comprehension of how the immune system functions in the brain and can readily overcome immune privilege.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn S Klein
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Soni R, Sharma D, Rai P, Sharma B, Bhatt TK. Signaling Strategies of Malaria Parasite for Its Survival, Proliferation, and Infection during Erythrocytic Stage. Front Immunol 2017; 8:349. [PMID: 28400771 PMCID: PMC5368685 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Irrespective of various efforts, malaria persist the most debilitating effect in terms of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the existing drugs are also vulnerable to the emergence of drug resistance. To explore the potential targets for designing the most effective antimalarial therapies, it is required to focus on the facts of biochemical mechanism underlying the process of parasite survival and disease pathogenesis. This review is intended to bring out the existing knowledge about the functions and components of the major signaling pathways such as kinase signaling, calcium signaling, and cyclic nucleotide-based signaling, serving the various aspects of the parasitic asexual stage and highlighted the Toll-like receptors, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-mediated signaling, and molecular events in cytoadhesion, which elicit the host immune response. This discussion will facilitate a look over essential components for parasite survival and disease progression to be implemented in discovery of novel antimalarial drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani Soni
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life sciences, Central University of Rajasthan , Ajmer , India
| | - Drista Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life sciences, Central University of Rajasthan , Ajmer , India
| | - Praveen Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life sciences, Central University of Rajasthan , Ajmer , India
| | - Bhaskar Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life sciences, Central University of Rajasthan , Ajmer , India
| | - Tarun K Bhatt
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life sciences, Central University of Rajasthan , Ajmer , India
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Vásquez AM, Blair S, García LF, Segura C. Plasmodium falciparum isolates from patients with uncomplicated malaria promote endothelial inflammation. Microbes Infect 2016; 19:132-141. [PMID: 27717894 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ability of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes (Pf-IEs) to activate endothelial cells has been described; however, the interaction of the endothelium with Pf-IEs field isolates from patients has been less characterized. Previous reports have shown that isolates alter the endothelial permeability and apoptosis. In this study, the adhesion of 19 uncomplicated malaria isolates to Human Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HDMEC), and their effect on the expression of ICAM-1 and proinflammatory molecules (sICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) was evaluated. P. falciparum isolates adhered to resting and TNFα-activated HDEMC cells at different levels. All isolates increased the ICAM-1 expression on the membrane (mICAM-1) of HDMEC and increased the release of its soluble form (sICAM-1), as well the production of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 by HDMEC with no signs of cell apoptosis. No correlation between parasite adhesion and production of cytokines was observed. In conclusion, isolates from uncomplicated malaria can induce a proinflammatory response in endothelial cells that may play a role during the initial inflammatory response to parasite infection; however, a continuous activation of the endothelium can contribute to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Vásquez
- Grupo Malaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61 - 30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Silvia Blair
- Grupo Malaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61 - 30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Luis F García
- Grupo de Inmunología Celular e Inmunogenética (GICIG), Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61 - 30, Lab 410, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Cesar Segura
- Grupo Malaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61 - 30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia
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Wah ST, Hananantachai H, Kerdpin U, Plabplueng C, Prachayasittikul V, Nuchnoi P. Molecular basis of human cerebral malaria development. Trop Med Health 2016; 44:33. [PMID: 27708543 PMCID: PMC5037602 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-016-0033-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is still a deleterious health problem in tropical countries. The wide spread of malarial drug resistance and the lack of an effective vaccine are obstacles for disease management and prevention. Parasite and human genetic factors play important roles in malaria susceptibility and disease severity. The malaria parasite exerted a potent selective signature on the human genome, which is apparent in the genetic polymorphism landscape of genes related to pathogenesis. Currently, much genomic data and a novel body of knowledge, including the identification of microRNAs, are being increasingly accumulated for the development of laboratory testing cassettes for cerebral malaria prevention. Therefore, understanding of the underlying complex molecular basis of cerebral malaria is important for the design of strategy for cerebral malaria treatment and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saw Thu Wah
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
| | | | - Usanee Kerdpin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000 Thailand
| | - Chotiros Plabplueng
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand ; Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Virapong Prachayasittikul
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornlada Nuchnoi
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand ; Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Wang Y, Cao J, Fan Y, Xie Y, Xu Z, Yin Z, Gao L, Wang C. Artemisinin inhibits monocyte adhesion to HUVECs through the NF-κB and MAPK pathways in vitro. Int J Mol Med 2016; 37:1567-75. [PMID: 27122190 PMCID: PMC4866958 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The adhesion of monocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) plays a crucial role in the initiation of atherosclerosis. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are two important molecules involved in the adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs. Previous studies have suggested that artemisinin, apart from an anti-malarial agent, also has other effects. In the present study, we found that artemisinin significantly decreased the adhesion of monocytes to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed the mRNA and protein level of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. In addition, the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor, Bay 11-7082, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors (SB203580 and U0126) respectively reduced the adhesion of monocytes to TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs, and suppressed ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in TNF-α stimulated HUVECs. Moreover, artemisinin impeded the activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, Bay 11-7082 significantly decreased the phosphorylation of levels extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Taken together, the findings of our study indicated that artemisinin blocked monocyte adhesion to TNF-α-stimulated to HUVECs by downregulating ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in the TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. Artemisinin may thus have potential for use in the protection against the early development of atherosclerotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jiatian Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuqi Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yushui Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zuojun Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhaofang Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lin Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Changqian Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Liu M, Dickinson-Copeland C, Hassana S, Stiles JK. Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes (pRBC) induce endothelial cell apoptosis via a heme-mediated signaling pathway. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:1009-18. [PMID: 27042002 PMCID: PMC4780719 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s96863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Heme is cytotoxic to the plasmodium parasite, which converts it to an insoluble crystalline form called hemozoin (malaria pigment) in erythrocytes during replication. The increased serum levels of free heme cause tissue damage, activation of microvascular endothelial and glial cells, focal inflammation, activation of apoptotic pathways, and neuronal tissue damage. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain how these causative factors exacerbate fatal malaria. However, none of them fully explain the detailed mechanisms leading to the high morbidity and mortality associated with malaria. We have previously reported that heme-induced brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBVEC) apoptosis is a major contributor to severe malaria pathogenesis. Here, we hypothesized that heme (at clinically relevant levels) induces inflammation and apoptosis in HBVEC, a process that is mediated by independent proinflammatory and proapoptotic signaling pathways. In this study, we determined the key signaling molecules associated with heme-mediated apoptosis in HBVEC in vitro using RT2 profiler polymerase chain reaction array technology and confirmed results using immunostaining techniques. While several expressed genes in HBVEC were altered upon heme stimulation, we determined that the apoptotic effects of heme were mediated through p73 (tumor protein p73). The results provide an opportunity to target heme-mediated apoptosis therapeutically in malaria-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carmen Dickinson-Copeland
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Salifu Hassana
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jonathan K Stiles
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the protozoan parasite that causes most malaria-associated morbidity and mortality in humans with over 500,000 deaths annually. The disease symptoms are associated with repeated cycles of invasion and asexual multiplication inside red blood cells of the parasite. Partial, non-sterile immunity to P. falciparum malaria develops only after repeated infections and continuous exposure. The successful evasion of the human immune system relies on the large repertoire of antigenically diverse parasite proteins displayed on the red blood cell surface and on the merozoite membrane where they are exposed to the human immune system. Expression switching of these polymorphic proteins between asexual parasite generations provides an efficient mechanism to adapt to the changing environment in the host and to maintain chronic infection. This chapter discusses antigenic diversity and variation in the malaria parasite and our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that direct the expression of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Petter
- Department of Medicine Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Michael F Duffy
- Department of Medicine Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Kimoloi S, Rashid K. Potential role of Plasmodium falciparum-derived ammonia in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:234. [PMID: 26190968 PMCID: PMC4490226 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most severe complication associated with Plasmodium falciparum infection. The exact pathogenic mechanisms leading to the development of CM remains poorly understood while the mortality rates remain high. Several potential mechanisms including mechanical obstruction of brain microvasculature, inflammation, oxidative stress, cerebral energy defects, and hemostatic dysfunction have been suggested to play a role in CM pathogenesis. However, these proposed mechanisms, even when considered together, do not fully explain the pathogenesis and clinicopathological features of human CM. This necessitates consideration of alternative pathogenic mechanisms. P. falciparum generates substantial amounts of ammonia as a catabolic by-product, but lacks detoxification mechanisms. Whether this parasite-derived ammonia plays a pathogenic role in CM is presently unknown, despite its potential to cause localized brain ammonia elevation and subsequent neurotoxic effects. This article therefore, explores and proposes a potential role of parasite-derived ammonia in the pathogenesis and neuropathology of CM. A consideration of parasite-derived ammonia as a factor in CM pathogenesis provides plausible explanations of the various features observed in CM patients including how a largely intravascular parasite can cause neuronal dysfunction. It also provides a framework for rational development and testing of novel drugs targeting the parasite's ammonia handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Kimoloi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Kakamega, Kenya
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Egerton University Nakuru, Kenya
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Hviid L, Jensen ATR. PfEMP1 - A Parasite Protein Family of Key Importance in Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Immunity and Pathogenesis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2015; 88:51-84. [PMID: 25911365 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of malaria and is responsible for essentially all malaria-related deaths. The accumulation in various tissues of erythrocytes infected by mature P. falciparum parasites can lead to circulatory disturbances and inflammation, and is thought to be a central element in the pathogenesis of the disease. It is mediated by the interaction of parasite ligands on the erythrocyte surface and a range of host receptor molecules in many organs and tissues. Among several proteins and protein families implicated in this process, the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family of high-molecular weight and highly variable antigens appears to be the most prominent. In this chapter, we aim to provide a systematic overview of the current knowledge about these proteins, their structure, their function, how they are presented on the erythrocyte surface, and how the var genes encoding them are regulated. The role of PfEMP1 in the pathogenesis of malaria, PfEMP1-specific immune responses, and the prospect of PfEMP1-specific vaccination against malaria are also covered briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja T R Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
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42
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Pereira DIA, Bruggraber SFA, Faria N, Poots LK, Tagmount MA, Aslam MF, Frazer DM, Vulpe CD, Anderson GJ, Powell JJ. Nanoparticulate iron(III) oxo-hydroxide delivers safe iron that is well absorbed and utilised in humans. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2014; 10:1877-86. [PMID: 24983890 PMCID: PMC4228177 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide with substantial impact on health and economy. Current treatments predominantly rely on soluble iron which adversely affects the gastrointestinal tract. We have developed organic acid-modified Fe(III) oxo-hydroxide nanomaterials, here termed nano Fe(III), as alternative safe iron delivery agents. Nano Fe(III) absorption in humans correlated with serum iron increase (P < 0.0001) and direct in vitro cellular uptake (P = 0.001), but not with gastric solubility. The most promising preparation (iron hydroxide adipate tartrate: IHAT) showed ~80% relative bioavailability to Fe(II) sulfate in humans and, in a rodent model, IHAT was equivalent to Fe(II) sulfate at repleting haemoglobin. Furthermore, IHAT did not accumulate in the intestinal mucosa and, unlike Fe(II) sulfate, promoted a beneficial microbiota. In cellular models, IHAT was 14-fold less toxic than Fe(II) sulfate/ascorbate. Nano Fe(III) manifests minimal acute intestinal toxicity in cellular and murine models and shows efficacy at treating iron deficiency anaemia. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR This paper reports the development of novel nano-Fe(III) formulations, with the goal of achieving a magnitude less intestinal toxicity and excellent bioavailability in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Out of the tested preparations, iron hydroxide adipate tartrate met the above criteria, and may become an important tool in addressing this common condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora I A Pereira
- MRC Human Nutrition Research, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Nuno Faria
- MRC Human Nutrition Research, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lynsey K Poots
- MRC Human Nutrition Research, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mani A Tagmount
- Department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mohamad F Aslam
- MRC Human Nutrition Research, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David M Frazer
- Iron Metabolism Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, PO Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chris D Vulpe
- Department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gregory J Anderson
- Iron Metabolism Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, PO Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Powell
- MRC Human Nutrition Research, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Kaushansky A, Mikolajczak SA, Vignali M, Kappe SHI. Of men in mice: the success and promise of humanized mouse models for human malaria parasite infections. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:602-11. [PMID: 24506682 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Forty percent of people worldwide are at risk of malaria infection, and despite control efforts it remains the most deadly parasitic disease. Unfortunately, rapid discovery and development of new interventions for malaria are hindered by the lack of small animal models that support the complex life cycles of the main parasite species infecting humans. Such tools must accommodate human parasite tropism for human tissue. Mouse models with human tissue developed to date have already enhanced our knowledge of human parasites, and are useful tools for assessing anti-parasitic interventions. Although these systems are imperfect, their continued refinement will likely broaden their utility. Some of the malaria parasite's interactions with human hepatocytes and human erythrocytes can already be modelled with available humanized mouse systems. However, interactions with other relevant human tissues such as the skin and immune system, as well as most transitions between life cycle stages in vivo will require refinement of existing humanized mouse models. Here, we review the recent successes achieved in modelling human malaria parasite biology in humanized mice, and discuss how these models have potential to become a valuable part of the toolbox used for understanding the biology of, and development of interventions to, malaria.
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Francischetti IMB, Gordon E, Bizzarro B, Gera N, Andrade BB, Oliveira F, Ma D, Assumpção TCF, Ribeiro JMC, Pena M, Qi CF, Diouf A, Moretz SE, Long CA, Ackerman HC, Pierce SK, Sá-Nunes A, Waisberg M. Tempol, an intracellular antioxidant, inhibits tissue factor expression, attenuates dendritic cell function, and is partially protective in a murine model of cerebral malaria. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87140. [PMID: 24586264 PMCID: PMC3938406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of intracellular radical oxygen species (ROS) in pathogenesis of cerebral malaria (CM) remains incompletely understood. Methods and Findings We undertook testing Tempol—a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic and pleiotropic intracellular antioxidant—in cells relevant to malaria pathogenesis in the context of coagulation and inflammation. Tempol was also tested in a murine model of CM induced by Plasmodium berghei Anka infection. Tempol was found to prevent transcription and functional expression of procoagulant tissue factor in endothelial cells (ECs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This effect was accompanied by inhibition of IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) production. Tempol also attenuated platelet aggregation and human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells oxidative burst. In dendritic cells, Tempol inhibited LPS-induced production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12p70, downregulated expression of co-stimulatory molecules, and prevented antigen-dependent lymphocyte proliferation. Notably, Tempol (20 mg/kg) partially increased the survival of mice with CM. Mechanistically, treated mice had lowered plasma levels of MCP-1, suggesting that Tempol downmodulates EC function and vascular inflammation. Tempol also diminished blood brain barrier permeability associated with CM when started at day 4 post infection but not at day 1, suggesting that ROS production is tightly regulated. Other antioxidants—such as α-phenyl N-tertiary-butyl nitrone (PBN; a spin trap), MnTe-2-PyP and MnTBAP (Mn-phorphyrin), Mitoquinone (MitoQ) and Mitotempo (mitochondrial antioxidants), M30 (an iron chelator), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG; polyphenol from green tea) did not improve survival. By contrast, these compounds (except PBN) inhibited Plasmodium falciparum growth in culture with different IC50s. Knockout mice for SOD1 or phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (gp91phox–/–) or mice treated with inhibitors of SOD (diethyldithiocarbamate) or NADPH oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium) did not show protection or exacerbation for CM. Conclusion Results with Tempol suggest that intracellular ROS contribute, in part, to CM pathogenesis. Therapeutic targeting of intracellular ROS in CM is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo M. B. Francischetti
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (IMBF); (MW)
| | - Emile Gordon
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bruna Bizzarro
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nidhi Gera
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bruno B. Andrade
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dongying Ma
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Teresa C. F. Assumpção
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - José M. C. Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mirna Pena
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chen-Feng Qi
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Samuel E. Moretz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hans C. Ackerman
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Susan K. Pierce
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anderson Sá-Nunes
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Michael Waisberg
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- University of Virginia, Department of Pathology, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (IMBF); (MW)
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Polimeni M, Prato M. Host matrix metalloproteinases in cerebral malaria: new kids on the block against blood-brain barrier integrity? Fluids Barriers CNS 2014; 11:1. [PMID: 24467887 PMCID: PMC3905658 DOI: 10.1186/2045-8118-11-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a life-threatening complication of falciparum malaria, associated with high mortality rates, as well as neurological impairment in surviving patients. Despite disease severity, the etiology of CM remains elusive. Interestingly, although the Plasmodium parasite is sequestered in cerebral microvessels, it does not enter the brain parenchyma: so how does Plasmodium induce neuronal dysfunction? Several independent research groups have suggested a mechanism in which increased blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability might allow toxic molecules from the parasite or the host to enter the brain. However, the reported severity of BBB damage in CM is variable depending on the model system, ranging from mild impairment to full BBB breakdown. Moreover, the factors responsible for increased BBB permeability are still unknown. Here we review the prevailing theories on CM pathophysiology and discuss new evidence from animal and human CM models implicating BBB damage. Finally, we will review the newly-described role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and BBB integrity. MMPs comprise a family of proteolytic enzymes involved in modulating inflammatory response, disrupting tight junctions, and degrading sub-endothelial basal lamina. As such, MMPs represent potential innovative drug targets for CM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauro Prato
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Torino, C,so Raffaello 30, 10125 Torino, Italy.
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Liu M, Wilson NO, Hibbert JM, Stiles JK. STAT3 regulates MMP3 in heme-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71366. [PMID: 23967200 PMCID: PMC3742773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously reported that free Heme generated during experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) in mice, is central to the pathogenesis of fatal ECM. Heme-induced up-regulation of STAT3 and CXCL10 promotes whereas up-regulation of HO-1 prevents brain tissue damage in ECM. We have previously demonstrated that Heme is involved in the induction of apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. In the present study, we further tested the hypothesis that Heme reduces blood-brain barrier integrity during ECM by induction of apoptosis of brain vascular endothelial cells through STAT3 and its target gene matrix metalloproteinase three (MMP3) signaling. METHODS Genes associated with the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway induced upon stimulation by Heme treatment, were assessed using real time RT(2) Profile PCR arrays. A human MMP3 promoter was cloned into a luciferase reporter plasmid, pMMP3, and its activity was examined following exposure to Heme treatment by a luciferase reporter gene assay. In order to determine whether activated nuclear protein STAT3 binds to the MMP3 promoter and regulates MMP3 gene, we conducted a ChIP analysis using Heme-treated and untreated human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBVEC), and determined mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP3 using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Apoptosis in HBVEC treated with Heme was evaluated by MTT and TUNEL assay. RESULTS The results show that (1) Heme activates a variety of JAK/STAT3 downstream pathways in HBVEC. STAT3 targeted genes such as MMP3 and C/EBPb (Apoptosis-related genes), are up regulated in HBVEC treated with Heme. (2) Heme-induced HBVEC apoptosis via activation of STAT3 as well as its downstream signaling molecule MMP3 and upregulation of CXCL10 and HO-1 expressions. (3) Phosphorylated STAT3 binds to the MMP3 promoter in HBVEC cells, STAT3 transcribed MMP3 and induced MMP3 protein expression in HBVEC cells. CONCLUSIONS Activated STAT3 binds to the MMP3 promoter region and regulates MMP3 in Heme-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ML); (JKS)
| | - Nana O. Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline M. Hibbert
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jonathan K. Stiles
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ML); (JKS)
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Punsawad C, Maneerat Y, Chaisri U, Nantavisai K, Viriyavejakul P. Nuclear factor kappa B modulates apoptosis in the brain endothelial cells and intravascular leukocytes of fatal cerebral malaria. Malar J 2013; 12:260. [PMID: 23890318 PMCID: PMC3728032 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral malaria (CM) caused by Plasmodium falciparum is known to be associated with the sequestration of parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) in the microvasculature and the release of soluble cytokines. In addition, the involvement of signaling molecules has gained wide interest in the pathogenesis of CM. An important signaling factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is known to regulate apoptosis. This work aimed to study the expression of NF-κB p65 and its correlation with apoptosis in the brain of fatal CM. Methods The expression of NF-κB p65 and cleaved caspase-3 in the brain of fatal P. falciparum malaria cases was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Histopathological features were analysed together with the correlations of NF-κB p65 and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Results NF-κB p65 activation and cleaved caspase-3 expression were significantly increased in the neurons, glial cells, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and intravascular leukocytes of the brain in fatal CM, compared with the control brain (p < 0.001) and non-cerebral malaria (NCM) (p = 0.034). The percentage of neurons that expressed nuclear NF-κB p65 showed a positive correlation with the total score of histopathological changes (rs = 0.678; p = 0.045). Significant positive correlations were established between vascular ECs NF-κB index and ECs apoptotic index (rs = 0.717; p = 0.030) and between intravascular leukocytes NF-κB index and leukocytes apoptotic index (rs = 0.696; p = 0.037) in fatal CM. Conclusions This study documented that NF-κB p65 is one of the signaling factors that modulates apoptosis in the brain ECs and intravascular leukocytes of fatal CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuchard Punsawad
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, Thailand
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Sokoli A, Groebel K, Hoelzle K, Amselgruber WM, Mateos JM, Schneider MKJ, Ziegler U, Felder KM, Hoelzle LE. Mycoplasma suis infection results endothelial cell damage and activation: new insight into the cell tropism and pathogenicity of hemotrophic mycoplasma. Vet Res 2013; 44:6. [PMID: 23398879 PMCID: PMC3575358 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-44-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (HM) are highly specialized red blood cell parasites that cause infectious anemia in a variety of mammals, including humans. To date, no in vitro cultivation systems for HM have been available, resulting in relatively little information about the pathogenesis of HM infection. In pigs, Mycoplasma suis-induced infectious anemia is associated with hemorrhagic diathesis, and coagulation dysfunction. However, intravasal coagulation and subsequent consumption coagulopathy can only partly explain the sequence of events leading to hemorrhagic diathesis manifesting as cyanosis, petechial bleeding, and ecchymosis, and to disseminated coagulation. The involvement of endothelial activation and damage in M. suis-associated pathogenesis was investigated using light and electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and cell sorting. M. suis interacted directly with endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Endothelial activation, widespread endothelial damage, and adherence of red blood cells to the endothelium were evident in M. suis-infected pigs. These alterations of the endothelium were accompanied by hemorrhage, intravascular coagulation, vascular occlusion, and massive morphological changes within the parenchyma. M. suis biofilm-like microcolonies formed on the surface of endothelial cells, and may represent a putative persistence mechanism of M. suis. In vitro analysis demonstrated that M. suis interacted with the endothelial cytoskeletal protein actin, and induced actin condensation and activation of endothelial cells, as determined by the up-regulation of ICAM, PECAM, E-selectin, and P-selectin. These findings demonstrate an additional cell tropism of HM for endothelial cells and suggest that M. suis interferes with the protective function of the endothelium, resulting in hemorrhagic diathesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albina Sokoli
- Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine (with Animal Clinic), University Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Artesunate Exerts a Direct Effect on Endothelial Cell Activation and NF-κB Translocation in a Mechanism Independent of Plasmodium Killing. Malar Res Treat 2012; 2012:679090. [PMID: 23097741 PMCID: PMC3477560 DOI: 10.1155/2012/679090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivates are an important class of antimalarial drug and are described to possess immunomodulatory activities. Few studies have addressed the effect of artesunate in the murine malaria model or its effect on host immune response during malaria infection. Herein, we study the effect of artesunate treatment and describe an auxiliary mechanism of artesunate in modulating the inflammatory response during experimental malaria infection in mice. Treatment with artesunate did not reduce significantly the parasitemia within 12 h, however, reduced BBB breakdown and TNF-α mRNA expression in the brain tissue of artesunate-treated mice. Conversely, mefloquine treatment was not able to alter clinical features. Notably, artesunate pretreatment failed to modulate the expression of LFA-1 in splenocytes stimulated with parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs) in vitro; however, it abrogated the expression of ICAM-1 in pRBC-stimulated endothelial cells. Accordingly, a cytoadherence in vitro assay demonstrated that pRBCs did not adhere to artesunate-treated vascular endothelial cells. In addition, NF-κB nuclear translocation in endothelial cells stimulated with pRBCs was impaired by artesunate treatment. Our results suggest that artesunate is able to exert a protective effect against the P. berghei-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation and the subsequent expression of ICAM-1.
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Shikani HJ, Freeman BD, Lisanti MP, Weiss LM, Tanowitz HB, Desruisseaux MS. Cerebral malaria: we have come a long way. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 181:1484-92. [PMID: 23021981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, cerebral malaria remains one of the most serious complications of Plasmodium infection and is a significant burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, where, despite effective antiparasitic treatment, survivors develop long-term neurological sequelae. Although much remains to be discovered about the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, The American Journal of Pathology has been seminal in presenting original research from both human and experimental models. These studies have afforded significant insight into the mechanism of cerebral damage in this devastating disease. The present review highlights information gleaned from these studies, especially in terms of their contributions to the understanding of cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Shikani
- Division of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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