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Chepkwony M, Wragg D, Latré de Laté P, Paxton E, Cook E, Ndambuki G, Kitala P, Gathura P, Toye P, Prendergast J. Longitudinal transcriptome analysis of cattle infected with Theileria parva. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:799-813. [PMID: 36244429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The apicomplexan cattle parasite Theileria parva is a major barrier to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Africa, killing over one million cattle on the continent each year. Although exotic breeds not native to Africa are highly susceptible to the disease, previous studies have illustrated that such breeds often show innate tolerance to infection by the parasite. The mechanisms underlying this tolerance remain largely unclear. To better understand the host response to T. parva infection we characterised the transcriptional response over 15 days in tolerant and susceptible cattle (n = 29) naturally exposed to the parasite. We identify key genes and pathways activated in response to infection as well as, importantly, several genes differentially expressed between the animals that ultimately survived or succumbed to infection. These include genes linked to key cell proliferation and infection pathways. Furthermore, we identify response expression quantitative trait loci containing genetic variants whose impact on the expression level of nearby genes changes in response to the infection. These therefore provide an indication of the genetic basis of differential host responses. Together these results provide a comprehensive analysis of the host transcriptional response to this under-studied pathogen, providing clues as to the mechanisms underlying natural tolerance to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chepkwony
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), ILRI Kenya, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - D Wragg
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - P Latré de Laté
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), ILRI Kenya, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - E Paxton
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - E Cook
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), ILRI Kenya, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - G Ndambuki
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), ILRI Kenya, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - P Kitala
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00624, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P Gathura
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS), University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00624, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P Toye
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), ILRI Kenya, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - J Prendergast
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG, UK.
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Tretina K, Pelle R, Orvis J, Gotia HT, Ifeonu OO, Kumari P, Palmateer NC, Iqbal SBA, Fry LM, Nene VM, Daubenberger CA, Bishop RP, Silva JC. Re-annotation of the Theileria parva genome refines 53% of the proteome and uncovers essential components of N-glycosylation, a conserved pathway in many organisms. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:279. [PMID: 32245418 PMCID: PMC7126163 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6683-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The apicomplexan parasite Theileria parva causes a livestock disease called East coast fever (ECF), with millions of animals at risk in sub-Saharan East and Southern Africa, the geographic distribution of T. parva. Over a million bovines die each year of ECF, with a tremendous economic burden to pastoralists in endemic countries. Comprehensive, accurate parasite genome annotation can facilitate the discovery of novel chemotherapeutic targets for disease treatment, as well as elucidate the biology of the parasite. However, genome annotation remains a significant challenge because of limitations in the quality and quantity of the data being used to inform the location and function of protein-coding genes and, when RNA data are used, the underlying biological complexity of the processes involved in gene expression. Here, we apply our recently published RNAseq dataset derived from the schizont life-cycle stage of T. parva to update structural and functional gene annotations across the entire nuclear genome. RESULTS The re-annotation effort lead to evidence-supported updates in over half of all protein-coding sequence (CDS) predictions, including exon changes, gene merges and gene splitting, an increase in average CDS length of approximately 50 base pairs, and the identification of 128 new genes. Among the new genes identified were those involved in N-glycosylation, a process previously thought not to exist in this organism and a potentially new chemotherapeutic target pathway for treating ECF. Alternatively-spliced genes were identified, and antisense and multi-gene family transcription were extensively characterized. CONCLUSIONS The process of re-annotation led to novel insights into the organization and expression profiles of protein-coding sequences in this parasite, and uncovered a minimal N-glycosylation pathway that changes our current understanding of the evolution of this post-translational modification in apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Tretina
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Roger Pelle
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Orvis
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Hanzel T Gotia
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Olukemi O Ifeonu
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Priti Kumari
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Nicholas C Palmateer
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Shaikh B A Iqbal
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Lindsay M Fry
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | | | - Claudia A Daubenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Richard P Bishop
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Joana C Silva
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Olds CL, Paul T, Scoles GA. Detection of Theileria parva in tissues of cattle undergoing severe East Coast fever disease show significant parasite DNA accumulation in the spleen. Vet Parasitol 2016; 232:32-35. [PMID: 27890079 PMCID: PMC5142468 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Infiltration and proliferation of Theileria parva infected lymphocytes in bovine host lymphoid organs is one of the hallmarks of T. parva infection. The relative abundance of parasites within infected host tissues, both lymphoid and non-lymphoid is however unknown. Using quantitative PCR, we have shown that significantly higher concentrations of T. parva DNA are detected in the spleens of cattle undergoing severe disease compared to other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Olds
- Washington State University, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, P.O. Box 647040, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, United States.
| | - Tasha Paul
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, United States.
| | - Glen A Scoles
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, United States.
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Nene V, Morrison WI. Approaches to vaccination against Theileria parva and Theileria annulata. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:724-734. [PMID: 27647496 PMCID: PMC5299472 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Despite having different cell tropism, the pathogenesis and immunobiology of the diseases caused by Theileria parva and Theileria annulata are remarkably similar. Live vaccines have been available for both parasites for over 40 years, but although they provide strong protection, practical disadvantages have limited their widespread application. Efforts to develop alternative vaccines using defined parasite antigens have focused on the sporozoite and intracellular schizont stages of the parasites. Experimental vaccination studies using viral vectors expressing T. parva schizont antigens and T. parva and T. annulata sporozoite antigens incorporated in adjuvant have, in each case, demonstrated protection against parasite challenge in a proportion of vaccinated animals. Current work is investigating alternative antigen delivery systems in an attempt to improve the levels of protection. The genome architecture and protein-coding capacity of T. parva and T. annulata are remarkably similar. The major sporozoite surface antigen in both species and most of the schizont antigens are encoded by orthologous genes. The former have been shown to induce species cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies, and comparison of the schizont antigen orthologues has demonstrated that some of them display high levels of sequence conservation. Hence, advances in development of subunit vaccines against one parasite species are likely to be readily applicable to the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nene
- The International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - W I Morrison
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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The biology of Theileria parva and control of East Coast fever – Current status and future trends. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:549-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Kim YM, Lee JA, Jung BG, Kim TH, Lee BJ, Suh GH. Reference ranges of hematology and lymphocyte subsets in healthy Korean native cattle (Hanwoo) and Holstein dairy cattle. Anim Sci J 2015; 87:796-801. [PMID: 26419947 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There are no accurate reference ranges for hematology parameters and lymphocyte subsets in Korean native beef cattle (Hanwoo). This study was performed to establish reliable reference ranges of hematology and lymphocyte subsets using a large number of Hanwoo cattle (n = 350) and to compare differences between Hanwoo and Holstein dairy cattle (n = 334). Additionally, age-related changes in lymphocyte subsets were studied. Bovine leukocyte subpopulation analysis was performed using mono or dual color flow cytometry. The leukocyte subpopulations investigated in healthy cattle included: CD2(+) cells, sIgM(+) cells, MHC class II(+) cells, CD3(+) CD4(+) cells, CD3(+) CD8(+) cells, and WC1(+) cells. Although Hanwoo and Holstein cattle are the same species, results showed several differences in hematology and lymphocyte subsets between Hanwoo and Holstein cattle. This study is the first report to establish reference ranges of hematology and lymphocyte subsets in adult Hanwoo cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Mi Kim
- Department of Veterinary Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-A Lee
- Department of Veterinary Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Bock-Gie Jung
- Center for Pulmonary and Infectious Disease Control, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Joo Lee
- Department of Veterinary Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Guk-Hyun Suh
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Role of the polymorphic immunodominant molecule in entry of Theileria parva sporozoites into bovine lymphocytes. Infect Immun 2014; 82:1786-92. [PMID: 24549329 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01029-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria parva is a tick-transmitted apicomplexan parasite that infects cattle and African buffalo. In cattle, it causes a fatal lymphoproliferative disease called East Coast fever. The polymorphic immunodominant molecule (PIM) is expressed by two stages of the parasite: the sporozoite, which is inoculated by the tick to infect mammalian lymphocytes, and the schizont, the established intralymphocytic stage. Here, we demonstrate that monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to PIM can reduce the ability of sporozoites to infect bovine lymphocytes in vitro. This reduction appears to be due to blocking of sporozoite attachment by binding of the MAb to several regions of PIM. Interestingly, one MAb, which recognizes an epitope in the central variable region of PIM, did not inhibit sporozoite infectivity. We also demonstrate that PIM antigen, as a recombinant molecule, can also reduce sporozoite infectivity in vitro by blocking both attachment and internalization of sporozoites. Electron microscopic studies showed that PIM is present in microspheres below the sporozoite surface and is transported to the parasite surface soon after contact with bovine lymphocytes. The results suggest that at least two sporozoite molecules, PIM and the previously described p67, are involved in the entry of T. parva into mammalian lymphocytes.
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Ramsay JD, Ueti MW, Johnson WC, Scoles GA, Knowles DP, Mealey RH. Lymphocytes and macrophages are infected by Theileria equi, but T cells and B cells are not required to establish infection in vivo. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76996. [PMID: 24116194 PMCID: PMC3792048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria equi has a biphasic life cycle in horses, with a period of intraleukocyte development followed by patent erythrocytic parasitemia that causes acute and sometimes fatal hemolytic disease. Unlike Theileria spp. that infect cattle (Theileria parva and Theileria annulata), the intraleukocyte stage (schizont) of Theileria equi does not cause uncontrolled host cell proliferation or other significant pathology. Nevertheless, schizont-infected leukocytes are of interest because of their potential to alter host cell function and because immune responses directed against this stage could halt infection and prevent disease. Based on cellular morphology, Theileria equi has been reported to infect lymphocytes in vivo and in vitro, but the specific phenotype of schizont-infected cells has yet to be defined. To resolve this knowledge gap in Theileria equi pathogenesis, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were infected in vitro and the phenotype of infected cells determined using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. These experiments demonstrated that the host cell range of Theileria equi was broader than initially reported and included B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages. To determine if B and T lymphocytes were required to establish infection in vivo, horses affected with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), which lack functional B and T lymphocytes, were inoculated with Theileria equi sporozoites. SCID horses developed patent erythrocytic parasitemia, indicating that B and T lymphocytes are not necessary to complete the Theileria equi life cycle in vivo. These findings suggest that the factors mediating Theileria equi leukocyte invasion and intracytoplasmic differentiation are common to several leukocyte subsets and are less restricted than for Theileria annulata and Theileria parva. These data will greatly facilitate future investigation into the relationships between Theileria equi leukocyte tropism and pathogenesis, breed susceptibility, and strain virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Ramsay
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Wendell C. Johnson
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Glen A. Scoles
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Mealey
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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