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Balde A, Ramya CS, Nazeer RA. A review on current advancement in zebrafish models to study chronic inflammatory diseases and their therapeutic targets. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31862. [PMID: 38867970 PMCID: PMC11167310 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases are caused due to prolonged inflammation at a specific site of the body. Among other inflammatory diseases, bacterial meningitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are primarily focused on because of their adverse effects and fatality rates around the globe in recent times. In order to come up with novel strategies to eradicate these diseases, a clear understanding of the mechanisms of the diseases is needed. Similarly, detailed insight into the mechanisms of commercially available drugs and potent lead compounds from natural sources are also important to establish efficient therapeutic effects. Zebrafish is widely accepted as a model to study drug toxicity and the pharmacokinetic effects of the drug. Moreover, researchers use various inducers to trigger inflammatory cascades and stimulate physiological changes in zebrafish. The effect of these inducers contrasts with the type of zebrafish used in the investigation. Hence, a thorough analysis is required to study the current advancements in the zebrafish model for chronic inflammatory disease suppression. This review presents the most common inflammatory diseases, commercially available drugs, novel therapeutics, and their mechanisms of action for disease suppression. The review also provides a detailed description of various zebrafish models for these diseases. Finally, the future prospects and challenges for the same are described, which can help the researchers understand the potency of the zebrafish model and its further exploration for disease attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshad Balde
- Biopharmaceuticals Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Cunnathur Saravanan Ramya
- Biopharmaceuticals Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rasool Abdul Nazeer
- Biopharmaceuticals Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
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2
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Costa KCM, Brigante TAV, Fernandes GG, Scomparin DS, Scarante FF, de Oliveira DP, Campos AC. Zebrafish as a Translational Model: An Experimental Alternative to Study the Mechanisms Involved in Anosmia and Possible Neurodegenerative Aspects of COVID-19? eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0027-21.2021. [PMID: 33952614 PMCID: PMC8174008 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0027-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) presents a variability of clinical symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic to severe respiratory and systemic conditions. In a cohort of patients, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), beyond the classical respiratory manifestations, induces anosmia. Evidence has suggested SARS-CoV-2-induced anosmia can be the result of neurodegeneration of the olfactory pathway. Neurologic symptoms associated with COVID-19 have been reported; however, the precise mechanism and possible long-lasting effects remain poorly investigated. Preclinical models are valuable tools for describing and testing new possible treatments for neurologic disorders. In this way, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) organism model represents an attractive tool in the field of neuroscience, showing economic and logistic advantages besides genetic and physiologic similarities with mammalian, including the brain structure and functions. Besides, its external embryonic development, high availability of eggs, and fast development allows easy genetic manipulation and fast replications. In the present review, we suggest that the zebrafish model can be advantageous to investigate the neurologic features of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla C M Costa
- Pharmacology of Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 14049-900,
| | - Tamires A V Brigante
- Pharmacology of Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 14049-900
| | - Gabriel G Fernandes
- Pharmacology of Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 14049-900
| | - Davi S Scomparin
- Pharmacology of Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 14049-900
| | - Franciele F Scarante
- Pharmacology of Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 14049-900
| | - Danielle P de Oliveira
- EcoHumanTox Laboratory, Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil 14049-900
| | - Alline C Campos
- Pharmacology of Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 14049-900
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3
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Zanandrea R, Bonan CD, Campos MM. Zebrafish as a model for inflammation and drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2201-2211. [PMID: 33035664 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish is a small teleost (bony) fish used in many areas of pharmacology and toxicology. This animal model has advantages for the discovery of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as the potential for real-time assessment of cell migration mechanisms. Additionally, zebrafish display a repertoire of inflammatory cells, mediators, and receptors that are similar to those in mammals, including humans. Inflammatory disease modeling in either larvae or adult zebrafish represents a promising tool for the screening of new anti-inflammatory compounds, contributing to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in chronic inflammatory conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the characterization of inflammatory responses in zebrafish, emphasizing its relevance for drug discovery in this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Zanandrea
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carla D Bonan
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria M Campos
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Centro de Pesquisa em Toxicologia e Farmacologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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4
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Fish TNF and TNF receptors. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:196-220. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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5
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Hodgkinson JW, Belosevic M, Elks PM, Barreda DR. Teleost contributions to the understanding of mycobacterial diseases. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 96:111-125. [PMID: 30776420 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Few pathogens have shaped human medicine as the mycobacteria. From understanding biological phenomena driving disease spread, to mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions and antibiotic resistance, the Mycobacterium genus continues to challenge and offer insights into the basis of health and disease. Teleost fish models of mycobacterial infections have progressed significantly over the past three decades, now supplying a range of unique tools and new opportunities to define the strategies employed by these Gram-positive bacteria to overcome host defenses, as well as those host antimicrobial pathways that can be used to limit its growth and spread. Herein, we take a comparative perspective and provide an update on the contributions of teleost models to our understanding of mycobacterial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan W Hodgkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Miodrag Belosevic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Philip M Elks
- The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Infection and Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R Barreda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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6
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Intelectin 3 is dispensable for resistance against a mycobacterial infection in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Sci Rep 2019; 9:995. [PMID: 30700796 PMCID: PMC6353920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37678-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a multifactorial bacterial disease, which can be modeled in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Abdominal cavity infection with Mycobacterium marinum, a close relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leads to a granulomatous disease in adult zebrafish, which replicates the different phases of human tuberculosis, including primary infection, latency and spontaneous reactivation. Here, we have carried out a transcriptional analysis of zebrafish challenged with low-dose of M. marinum, and identified intelectin 3 (itln3) among the highly up-regulated genes. In order to clarify the in vivo significance of Itln3 in immunity, we created nonsense itln3 mutant zebrafish by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis and analyzed the outcome of M. marinum infection in both zebrafish embryos and adult fish. The lack of functional itln3 did not affect survival or the mycobacterial burden in the zebrafish. Furthermore, embryonic survival was not affected when another mycobacterial challenge responsive intelectin, itln1, was silenced using morpholinos either in the WT or itln3 mutant fish. In addition, M. marinum infection in dexamethasone-treated adult zebrafish, which have lowered lymphocyte counts, resulted in similar bacterial burden in both WT fish and homozygous itln3 mutants. Collectively, although itln3 expression is induced upon M. marinum infection in zebrafish, it is dispensable for protective mycobacterial immune response.
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7
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Harjula SKE, Ojanen MJT, Taavitsainen S, Nykter M, Rämet M. Interleukin 10 mutant zebrafish have an enhanced interferon gamma response and improved survival against a Mycobacterium marinum infection. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10360. [PMID: 29985419 PMCID: PMC6037744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28511-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis ranks as one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases causing more than a million casualties annually. IL10 inhibits the function of Th1 type cells, and IL10 deficiency has been associated with an improved resistance against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a mouse model. Here, we utilized M. marinum infection in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model for studying Il10 in the host response against mycobacteria. Unchallenged, nonsense il10e46/e46 mutant zebrafish were fertile and phenotypically normal. Following a chronic mycobacterial infection, il10e46/e46 mutants showed enhanced survival compared to the controls. This was associated with an increased expression of the Th cell marker cd4-1 and a shift towards a Th1 type immune response, which was demonstrated by the upregulated expression of tbx21 and ifng1, as well as the down-regulation of gata3. In addition, at 8 weeks post infection il10e46/e46 mutant zebrafish had reduced expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines tnfb and il1b, presumably indicating slower progress of the infection. Altogether, our data show that Il10 can weaken the immune defense against M. marinum infection in zebrafish by restricting ifng1 response. Importantly, our findings support the relevance of M. marinum infection in zebrafish as a model for tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna-Kaisa E Harjula
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Markus J T Ojanen
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Laboratory of Immunoregulation, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sinja Taavitsainen
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matti Nykter
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mika Rämet
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. .,Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland. .,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland. .,PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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8
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Myllymäki H, Niskanen M, Oksanen KE, Sherwood E, Ahava M, Parikka M, Rämet M. Identification of novel antigen candidates for a tuberculosis vaccine in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181942. [PMID: 28742838 PMCID: PMC5526617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge and the development of a better vaccine takes center stage in fighting the disease. For this purpose, animal models that are capable of replicating the course of the disease and are suitable for the early-stage screening of vaccine candidates are needed. A Mycobacterium marinum infection in adult zebrafish resembles human TB. Here, we present a pre-clinical screen for a DNA-based tuberculosis vaccine in the adult zebrafish using an M. marinum infection model. We tested 15 antigens representing different types of mycobacterial proteins, including the Resuscitation Promoting factors (Rpf), PE/PPE protein family members, other membrane proteins and metabolic enzymes. The antigens were expressed as GFP fusion proteins, facilitating the validation of their expression in vivo. The efficiency of the antigens was tested against a low-dose intraperitoneal M. marinum infection (≈ 40 colony forming units), which mimics a primary M. tuberculosis infection. While none of the antigens was able to completely prevent a mycobacterial infection, four of them, namely RpfE, PE5_1, PE31 and cdh, led to significantly reduced bacterial burdens at four weeks post infection. Immunization with RpfE also improved the survival of the fish against a high-dose intraperitoneal injection with M. marinum (≈ 10.000 colony forming units), resembling the disseminated form of the disease. This study shows that the M. marinum infection model in adult zebrafish is suitable for the pre-clinical screening of tuberculosis vaccines and presents RpfE as a potential antigen candidate for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henna Myllymäki
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Mirja Niskanen
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kaisa Ester Oksanen
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Eleanor Sherwood
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maarit Ahava
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mataleena Parikka
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mika Rämet
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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9
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Aittomäki S, Valanne S, Lehtinen T, Matikainen S, Nyman TA, Rämet M, Pesu M. Proprotein convertase Furin1 expression in the Drosophila fat body is essential for a normal antimicrobial peptide response and bacterial host defense. FASEB J 2017; 31:4770-4782. [PMID: 28705811 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700296r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Invading pathogens provoke robust innate immune responses in Dipteran insects, such as Drosophila melanogaster In a systemic bacterial infection, a humoral response is induced in the fat body. Gram-positive bacteria trigger the Toll signaling pathway, whereas gram-negative bacterial infections are signaled via the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway. We show here that the RNA interference-mediated silencing of Furin1-a member of the proprotein convertase enzyme family-specifically in the fat body, results in a reduction in the expression of antimicrobial peptides. This, in turn, compromises the survival of adult fruit flies in systemic infections that are caused by both gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Furin1 plays a nonredundant role in the regulation of immune responses, as silencing of Furin2, the other member of the enzyme family, had no effect on survival or the expression of antimicrobial peptides upon a systemic infection. Furin1 does not directly affect the Toll or IMD signaling pathways, but the reduced expression of Furin1 up-regulates stress response factors in the fat body. We also demonstrate that Furin1 is a negative regulator of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway, which is implicated in stress responses in the fly. In summary, our data identify Furin1 as a novel regulator of humoral immunity and cellular stress responses in Drosophila-Aittomäki, S., Valanne, S., Lehtinen, T., Matikainen, S., Nyman, T. A., Rämet, M., Pesu, M. Proprotein convertase Furin1 expression in the Drosophila fat body is essential for a normal antimicrobial peptide response and bacterial host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara Aittomäki
- Immunoregulation Group, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Susanna Valanne
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Experimental Immunology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tapio Lehtinen
- Immunoregulation Group, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Tuula A Nyman
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Rämet
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Experimental Immunology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, and.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Immunoregulation Group, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland .,BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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10
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Vähätupa M, Aittomäki S, Martinez Cordova Z, May U, Prince S, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Järvinen TA, Pesu M. T-cell-expressed proprotein convertase FURIN inhibits DMBA/TPA-induced skin cancer development. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1245266. [PMID: 28123881 PMCID: PMC5214164 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1245266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertases (PCSK) have a critical role in the body homeostasis as enzymes responsible for processing precursor proteins into their mature forms. FURIN, the first characterized member of the mammalian PCSK family, is overexpressed in multiple malignancies and the inhibition of its activity has been considered potential cancer treatment. FURIN has also an important function in the adaptive immunity, since its deficiency in T cells causes an impaired peripheral immune tolerance and accelerates immune responses. We addressed whether deleting FURIN from the immune cells would strengthen anticancer responses by subjecting mouse strains lacking FURIN from either T cells or macrophages and granulocytes to the DMBA/TPA two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol. Unexpectedly, deficiency of FURIN in T cells resulted in enhanced and accelerated development of tumors, whereas FURIN deletion in macrophages and granulocytes had no effect. The epidermises of T-cell-specific FURIN deficient mice were significantly thicker with more proliferating Ki67+ cells. In contrast, there were no differences in the numbers of the T cells. The flow cytometric analyses of T-cell populations in skin draining lymph nodes showed that FURIN T-cell KO mice have an inherent upregulation of early activation marker CD69 as well as more CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ positive T regulatory cells. In the early phase of tumor promotion, T cells from the T-cell-specific FURIN knockout animals produced more interferon gamma, whereas at later stage the production of Th2- and Th17-type cytokines was more prominent than in wild-type controls. In conclusion, while PCSK inhibitors are promising therapeutics in cancer treatment, our results show that inhibiting FURIN specifically in T cells may promote squamous skin cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vähätupa
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland
| | - Saara Aittomäki
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Ulrike May
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland
| | - Stuart Prince
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Tampere , Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Tero A Järvinen
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Immunoregulation, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Department of Dermatology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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11
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Myllymäki H, Bäuerlein CA, Rämet M. The Zebrafish Breathes New Life into the Study of Tuberculosis. Front Immunol 2016; 7:196. [PMID: 27242801 PMCID: PMC4871865 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health emergency. Up to one-third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the pathogen continues to kill 1.5 million people annually. Currently, the means for preventing, diagnosing, and treating TB are unsatisfactory. One of the main reasons for the poor progress in TB research has been a lack of good animal models to study the latency, dormancy, and reactivation of the disease. Although sophisticated in vitro and in silico methods suitable for TB research are constantly being developed, they cannot reproduce the complete vertebrate immune system and its interplay with pathogens and vaccines. However, the zebrafish has recently emerged as a useful alternative to more traditional models, such as mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, and non-human primates, for studying the complex pathophysiology of a mycobacterial infection. The model is based on the similarity between Mycobacterium marinum – a natural fish pathogen – and M. tuberculosis. In both zebrafish larvae and adult fish, an infection with M. marinum leads to the formation of macrophage aggregates and granulomas, which resemble the M. tuberculosis infections in humans. In this review, we will summarize the current status of the zebrafish model in TB research and highlight the advantages of using zebrafish to dissect mycobacterial virulence strategies as well as the host immune responses elicited against them. In addition, we will discuss the possibilities of using the adult zebrafish model for studying latency, dormancy, and reactivation in a mycobacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mika Rämet
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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12
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Oksanen KE, Myllymäki H, Ahava MJ, Mäkinen L, Parikka M, Rämet M. DNA vaccination boosts Bacillus Calmette-Guérin protection against mycobacterial infection in zebrafish. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 54:89-96. [PMID: 26363085 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of the current Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, tuberculosis is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vaccination with BCG does not prevent a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, nor does it inhibit the reactivation of latent tuberculosis. Here, we show that adult zebrafish are modestly and variably protected from a mycobacterial infection by BCG vaccination. An intraperitoneal (i.p.) BCG vaccination was associated with enhanced survival upon a high-dose (20,000 bacteria) Mycobacterium marinum infection. In addition, BCG-vaccinated fish were more able to restrict a low-dose (30 bacteria) intraperitoneal infection with M. marinum, as indicated by lower bacterial loads at six weeks post infection (wpi). However, the vaccination could not completely prevent an infection. A qRT-PCR analysis comparing BCG-vaccinated and unvaccinated fish upon a mycobacterial infection indicated that the induction of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was more modest in vaccinated fish. The partial protection gained by BCG could be boosted by a DNA vaccine combining Ag85B, ESAT6 and a resuscitation-related gene RpfE, suggesting that this combination of antigens could be useful for a future BCG booster vaccine. We conclude that zebrafish is a useful early-phase preclinical model for studying subunit vaccines designed for boosting the effects of BCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisa E Oksanen
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, FIN 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Henna Myllymäki
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, FIN 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maarit J Ahava
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, FIN 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Leena Mäkinen
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, FIN 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Mika Rämet
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, FIN 33014, Tampere, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, FIN 33521, Tampere, Finland; Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; PEDEGO Research Unit, and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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Saralahti A, Rämet M. Zebrafish and Streptococcal Infections. Scand J Immunol 2015; 82:174-83. [PMID: 26095827 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcal bacteria are a versatile group of gram-positive bacteria capable of infecting several host organisms, including humans and fish. Streptococcal species are common colonizers of the human respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, but they also cause some of the most common life-threatening, invasive infections in humans and aquaculture. With its unique characteristics and efficient tools for genetic and imaging applications, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful vertebrate model for infectious diseases. Several zebrafish models introduced so far have shown that zebrafish are suitable models for both zoonotic and human-specific infections. Recently, several zebrafish models mimicking human streptococcal infections have also been developed. These models show great potential in providing novel information about the pathogenic mechanisms and host responses associated with human streptococcal infections. Here, we review the zebrafish infection models for the most relevant streptococcal species: the human-specific Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, and the zoonotic Streptococcus iniae and Streptococcus agalactiae. The recent success and the future potential of these models for the study of host-pathogen interactions in streptococcal infections are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Saralahti
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - M Rämet
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,PEDEGO Research Center, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Protection and pathology in TB: learning from the zebrafish model. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 38:261-73. [PMID: 26324465 PMCID: PMC4779130 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0522-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish has earned its place among animal models of tuberculosis. Its natural pathogen, Mycobacterium marinum, shares major virulence factors with the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In adult zebrafish, which possess recombination-activated adaptive immunity, it can cause acute infection or a chronic progressive disease with containment of mycobacteria in well-structured, caseating granulomas. In addition, a low-dose model that closely mimics human latent infection has recently been developed. These models are used alongside infection of optically transparent zebrafish embryos and larvae that rely on innate immunity and permit non-invasive visualization of the early stages of developing granulomas that are inaccessible in other animal models. By microinjecting mycobacteria intravenously or into different tissues, systemic and localized infections can be induced, each useful for studying particular aspects of early pathogenesis, such as phagocyte recruitment, granuloma expansion and maintenance, vascularization of granulomas, and the phagocyte-mediated dissemination of mycobacteria. This has contributed to new insights into the mycobacteria-driven mechanisms that promote granuloma formation, the double-edged role of inflammation, the mechanisms of macrophage cell death that favor disease progression, and the host-protective role of autophagy. As a result, zebrafish models are now increasingly used to explore strategies for adjunctive therapy of tuberculosis with host-directed drugs.
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