1
|
Ihara F, Kyan H, Takashima Y, Ono F, Hayashi K, Matsuo T, Igarashi M, Nishikawa Y, Hikosaka K, Sakamoto H, Nakamura S, Motooka D, Yamauchi K, Ichikawa-Seki M, Fukumoto S, Sasaki M, Ikadai H, Kusakisako K, Ohari Y, Yoshida A, Sasai M, Grigg ME, Yamamoto M. Far-East Asian Toxoplasma isolates share ancestry with North and South/Central American recombinant lineages. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4278. [PMID: 38778039 PMCID: PMC11111807 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47625-6] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a global protozoan pathogen. Clonal lineages predominate in Europe, North America, Africa, and China, whereas highly recombinant parasites are endemic in South/Central America. Far East Asian T. gondii isolates are not included in current global population genetic structure analyses at WGS resolution. Here we report a genome-wide population study that compared eight Japanese and two Chinese isolates against representative worldwide T. gondii genomes using POPSICLE, a novel population structure analyzing software. Also included were 7 genomes resurrected from non-viable isolates by target enrichment sequencing. Visualization of the genome structure by POPSICLE shows a mixture of Chinese haplogroup (HG) 13 haploblocks introgressed within the genomes of Japanese HG2 and North American HG12. Furthermore, two ancestral lineages were identified in the Japanese strains; one lineage shares a common ancestor with HG11 found in both Japanese strains and North American HG12. The other ancestral lineage, found in T. gondii isolates from a small island in Japan, is admixed with genetically diversified South/Central American strains. Taken together, this study suggests multiple ancestral links between Far East Asian and American T. gondii strains and provides insight into the transmission history of this cosmopolitan organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Ihara
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hisako Kyan
- Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment, Uruma, Okinawa, 904-2241, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1112, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Translational Research, COMIT, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1112, Japan
| | - Fumiko Ono
- Department of Veterinary Associated Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime, 794-8555, Japan
| | - Kei Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime, 794-8555, Japan
| | - Tomohide Matsuo
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Makoto Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-0856, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Sakamoto
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-0856, Japan
| | - Shota Nakamura
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yamauchi
- Laboratory of Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Madoka Ichikawa-Seki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukumoto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Motoki Sasaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hiromi Ikadai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Kodai Kusakisako
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Yuma Ohari
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2155, Japan
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2155, Japan
| | - Miwa Sasai
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brito RMDM, de Lima Bessa G, Bastilho AL, Dantas-Torres F, de Andrade-Neto VF, Bueno LL, Fujiwara RT, Magalhães LMD. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in South America: occurrence, immunity, and fate of infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:461. [PMID: 38115102 PMCID: PMC10729521 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. Toxoplasma gondii infections are of great concern for public health, and their impact is usually most severe in pregnant women and their foetuses, and in immunocompromised individuals. Displaying considerable genetic diversity, T. gondii strains differ widely according to geographical location, with archetypal strains predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere and non-archetypal (atypical) strains, with highly diverse genotypes, found mainly in South America. In this review, we present an overview of the identification and distribution of non-archetypal strains of T. gondii. Special attention is paid to the strains that have been isolated in Brazil, their interaction with the host immunological response, and their impact on disease outcomes. The genetic differences among the strains are pivotal to the distinct immunological responses that they elicit. These differences arise from polymorphisms of key proteins released by the parasite, which represent important virulence factors. Infection with divergent non-archetypal strains can lead to unusual manifestations of the disease, even in immunocompetent individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Lazoski Bastilho
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Luisa M D Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feitosa TF, Vilela VLR, Batista SP, Silva SS, Mota RA, Katzer F, Bartley PM. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in goats and sheep from the Northeast Region of Brazil destined for human consumption. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 5:100163. [PMID: 38196495 PMCID: PMC10775902 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to genotype isolates of Toxoplasma gondii obtained from samples of brain, diaphragm and heart of goats and sheep intended for human consumption in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. Tissue samples from 14 animals, goats (n = 5) and lambs (n = 9), were sourced from public slaughterhouses in seven cities and bio-assayed in mice. The brains of the mice were utilized for DNA extraction. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using 10 markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, c22-8, PK1, GRA6, L358, c-29-2 and Apico). A total of 10 isolates were fully genotyped (i.e. at all loci), three from goats and seven from sheep, revealing five distinct genotypes: #13 (n = 4); #48 (n = 3); #57 (n = 1); #273 (n = 1); and one new genotype that had not been previously described. Genotype #13 is frequently found in the Northeast of Brazil and represents a clonal lineage circulating in this region and was the most prevalent genotype identified (n = 4). Moreover, in the present study genotypes #13, #48, #57, and #273 were documented for the first time in sheep from Brazil, and the novel genotype was isolated from a goat. Our findings align with previous studies on T. gondii from Brazil, where new genotypes are continuously being identified, highlighting a high level of genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Ferreira Feitosa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Institute of Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, Paraíba, ZC 58800-970, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Institute of Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, Paraíba, ZC 58800-970, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Science and Animal Health, Federal University of Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, Paraíba, ZC 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Samira Pereira Batista
- Postgraduate Program in Science and Animal Health, Federal University of Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, Paraíba, ZC 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Samara Santos Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, ZC 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, ZC 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Frank Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dos Santos EH, Barreira GA, Yamamoto L, Rocha MC, Rodrigues KA, Cruz MCP, Kanunfre KA, Okay TS. New Allele-Specific Oligonucleotide (ASO) amplifications for Toxoplasma gondii rop18 allele typing: Analysis of 86 human congenital infections in Brazil. Acta Trop 2023; 247:107011. [PMID: 37652181 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107011] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to detect and differentiate Toxoplasma gondii by the allele typing of its polymorphic rop18 gene. For this purpose, a novel genotyping system using allele-specific oligonucleotides (ASOs) was designed, consisting of three ASO pairs. The first and third pairs specifically amplify rop18 allele I and allele III, while the second pair amplify both allele I and II. Genomic DNA from 86 congenital infections was analyzed by ASO-PCRs, successfully typing 82 (95.35%) samples. The remaining 4 samples (4.65%) required sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the amplification products. The distribution of samples according to rop18 alleles was: 39.5% of allele III, 38.4% of allele II, 19.8% of mixed rop18 alleles (I/III or II/III), and 2.3% of allele I. The six severely compromised infants exhibited the highest parasite load levels and were infected during the first and early second trimesters of pregnancy. Among these cases, two were associated with rop18 allele I parasites, two with mixed rop18 alleles (I/III), one with allele II, and one with allele III parasites. In conclusion, all severe cases of congenital toxoplasmosis were infected during early pregnancy, but they were not exclusively associated with rop18 allele I parasites, as observed in murine toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, nearly one-fifth of parasites were non-archetypal, exhibiting more than one rop18 allele, indicating a higher genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in this South American sample. Overall, a robust T. gondii rop18 allele typing was developed and suggested that congenital toxoplasmosis in humans involves complex mechanisms beyond the parasite genotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilly Henrique Dos Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Gabriel Acca Barreira
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Lidia Yamamoto
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Mussya Cisotto Rocha
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Karen Alessandra Rodrigues
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | - Thelma Suely Okay
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Adhikari RB, Dhakal MA, Ghimire TR. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in street dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) with highlights on zoonosis in Lalitpur, Nepal. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2513-2526. [PMID: 37669424 PMCID: PMC10650340 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1258] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of intestinal parasites influences the growth and well-being of canids. Additionally, infected dogs and their faeces with considerably higher eggs/oocysts released per gram (epg/opg) of zoonotic parasites contribute to parasitic spillover to humans, domestic animals and sympatric wildlife. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to reveal the prevalence of intestinal parasites (protozoa and helminths) and to list the zoonotically significant parasites in free-roaming street dogs in Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Nepal. METHODS Fresh faecal samples (n = 332) were collected from feral dogs of varying ages and sexes and transported to the research laboratory. The copro microscopic examination was carried out via direct wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, acid-fast staining and sporulation techniques. RESULTS Coproscopy revealed an overall 95.7% (318/332) prevalence rate with 23 diverse species of intestinal parasites (10 protozoa and 13 helminths). Among them, 5 protozoa and 11 helminths possessed zoonotic potential, and their overall prevalence was 92.5%. Helminth's overall prevalence was double that of the protozoa (87.7% vs. 43%). Polyparasitism was dominant over mono parasitism (79.5% vs. 16.3%), and co-infection of up to seven species of parasites at a time was recorded. CONCLUSIONS Urban street dogs harboured a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites that varied with age and sex. Since most of the reported parasites are zoonotic, dog density and parasitic richness indicate a greater spillover risk to humans and domestic animals. Furthermore, this study also provides appropriate 'baseline' data for assessing effective control measures against parasitic infestations among street dogs and controlling their transmission to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Babu Adhikari
- Nepali Army College of Health Sciences (NACHS)KathmanduNepal
- Third Pole ConservancyBhaktapurNepal
- Institute of Medical ScienceAlka Hospital Pvt. Ltd.LalitpurNepal
- Nepal Academy of Science and TechnologyLalitpurNepal
| | - Madhuri Adhikari Dhakal
- Department of Microbiology and Research and DevelopmentNew Edge MicrobialsAlburyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tirth Raj Ghimire
- Nepal Academy of Science and TechnologyLalitpurNepal
- Department of ZoologyTri‐Chandra Multiple CampusTribhuvan UniversityKathmanduNepal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo Q, Guo X, Ji N, Shen B, Zhong X, Xiao L, Feng Y, Xia N. Role of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase enzyme 1 in growth and virulence of Toxoplasma gondii and development of attenuated live vaccine. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1957-1970. [PMID: 37556171 PMCID: PMC10527188 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous pathogen that infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, causing substantial socioeconomic and healthcare burdens. However, there is no ideal vaccine for toxoplasmosis. As metabolism is important in the growth and virulence of Toxoplasma, some key pathways are promising antiparasitic targets. Here, we identified 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase 1 (Tg6PGDH1) in the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway as a cytoplasmic protein that is dispensable for tachyzoite growth of T. gondii in vitro but critical for virulence and cyst formation in vivo. The depletion of Tg6PGDH1 causes decreased gene transcription involved in signal transduction, transcriptional regulation and virulence. Furthermore, we analysed the protective effect of the ME49Δ6pgdh1 mutant as an attenuated vaccine and found that ME49Δ6pgdh1 immunization stimulated strong protective immunity against lethal challenges and blocked cyst formation caused by reinfection. Furthermore, we showed that ME49Δ6pgdh1 immunization stimulated increased levels of interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies. These data highlight the role of Tg6PGDH1 in the growth and virulence of T. gondii and its potential as a target for the development of a live-attenuated vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xuefang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Nuo Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xinhua Zhong
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Materials and EnergySouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ningbo Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jin QW, Yu T, Pan M, Fan YM, Huang SY. ROP16 of Toxoplasma gondii Inhibits Innate Immunity by Triggering cGAS-STING Pathway Inactivity through the Polyubiquitination of STING. Cells 2023; 12:1862. [PMID: 37508526 PMCID: PMC10378213 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
cGAS-STING signaling is a major pathway in inducing type Ⅰ IFN, which plays a crucial role in the defense against T. gondii infection. In contrast, T. gondii develops multiple strategies to counteract the host defense, causing serious diseases in a wide range of hosts. Here, we demonstrate that T. gondii rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) dampens type I interferon signaling via the inhibition of the cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase) pathway through the polyubiquitination of STING. Mechanistically, ROP16 interacts with STING through the SignalP domain and inhibits the K63-linked ubiquitination of STING in an NLS (nuclear localization signal)-domain-dependent manner. Consequently, knocking out the ROP16 in PRU tachyzoites promotes the STING-mediated production of type I IFNs and limits the replication of T. gondii. Together, these findings describe a distinct pathway where T. gondii exploits the ubiquitination of STING to evade host anti-parasite immunity, revealing new insights into the interaction between the host and parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Wang Jin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ming Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yi-Min Fan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
García-López LL, Vargas-Montes M, Osorio-Méndez JF, Cardona N, Hernández De Los Ríos A, Toro-Acevedo CA, Arenas-García JC, Mantilla-Muriel LE, Torres E, Valencia-Hernández JD, Acosta-Dávila A, de-la-Torre A, Celis-Giraldo D, Mejía Oquendo M, Sepúlveda-Arias JC, Gómez-Marín JE. CD8+ T-cell Exhaustion Phenotype in Human Asymptomatic and Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37315178 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2217906] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This work analyzed exhaustion markers in CD8+ T-cell subpopulations in 21 samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with ocular toxoplasmosis (n = 9), chronic asymptomatic toxoplasmosis (n = 7), and non-infected people (n = 5) by using RT-qPCR and flow cytometry techniques. The study found that gene expression of PD-1 and CD244, but not LAG-3, was higher in individuals with ocular toxoplasmosis versus individuals with asymptomatic infection or uninfected. Expression of PD1 in CD8+ central memory (CM) cells was higher in nine individuals with toxoplasmosis versus five uninfected individuals (p = .003). After ex vivo stimulation, an inverse correlation was found between the exhaustion markers and quantitative clinical characteristics (lesion size, recurrence index, and number of lesions). A total exhaustion phenotype was found in 55.5% (5/9) of individuals with ocular toxoplasmosis. Our results suggest that the CD8+ exhaustion phenotype is involved in the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mónica Vargas-Montes
- GEPAMOL, Biomedical Research Center, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | | | - Néstor Cardona
- GEPAMOL, Biomedical Research Center, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | | | - Carlos Andrés Toro-Acevedo
- Grupo Infección e Inmunidad, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | | | - Luz Eliana Mantilla-Muriel
- Grupo Infección e Inmunidad, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- GEPAMOL, Biomedical Research Center, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | | | | | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- GEPAMOL, Biomedical Research Center, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
- NeURos Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniel Celis-Giraldo
- GEPAMOL, Biomedical Research Center, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Manuela Mejía Oquendo
- GEPAMOL, Biomedical Research Center, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Sepúlveda-Arias
- Grupo Infección e Inmunidad, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kongsomboonvech AK, García-López L, Njume F, Rodriguez F, Souza SP, Rosenberg A, Jensen KDC. Variation in CD8 T cell IFNγ differentiation to strains of Toxoplasma gondii is characterized by small effect QTLs with contribution from ROP16. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130965. [PMID: 37287466 PMCID: PMC10242045 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii induces a strong CD8 T cell response characterized by the secretion of IFNγ that promotes host survival during infection. The initiation of CD8 T cell IFNγ responses in vitro differs widely between clonal lineage strains of T. gondii, in which type I strains are low inducers, while types II and III strains are high inducers. We hypothesized this phenotype is due to a polymorphic "Regulator Of CD8 T cell Response" (ROCTR). Methods Therefore, we screened F1 progeny from genetic crosses between the clonal lineage strains to identify ROCTR. Naïve antigen-specific CD8 T cells (T57) isolated from transnuclear mice, which are specific for the endogenous and vacuolar TGD057 antigen, were measured for their ability to become activated, transcribe Ifng and produce IFNγ in response to T. gondii infected macrophages. Results Genetic mapping returned four non-interacting quantitative trait loci (QTL) with small effect on T. gondii chromosomes (chr) VIIb-VIII, X and XII. These loci encompass multiple gene candidates highlighted by ROP16 (chrVIIb-VIII), GRA35 (chrX), TgNSM (chrX), and a pair of uncharacterized NTPases (chrXII), whose locus we report to be significantly truncated in the type I RH background. Although none of the chromosome X and XII candidates bore evidence for regulating CD8 T cell IFNγ responses, type I variants of ROP16 lowered Ifng transcription early after T cell activation. During our search for ROCTR, we also noted the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) targeting factor for dense granules (GRAs), GRA43, repressed the response suggesting PVM-associated GRAs are important for CD8 T cell activation. Furthermore, RIPK3 expression in macrophages was an absolute requirement for CD8 T cell IFNγ differentiation implicating the necroptosis pathway in T cell immunity to T. gondii. Discussion Collectively, our data suggest that while CD8 T cell IFNγ production to T. gondii strains vary dramatically, it is not controlled by a single polymorphism with strong effect. However, early in the differentiation process, polymorphisms in ROP16 can regulate commitment of responding CD8 T cells to IFNγ production which may have bearing on immunity to T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel K. Kongsomboonvech
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Quantitative Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Laura García-López
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Quantitative Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Ferdinand Njume
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Felipe Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Scott P. Souza
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Quantitative Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Alex Rosenberg
- The Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Faral-Tello P, Pagotto R, Bollati-Fogolín M, Francia ME. Modeling the human placental barrier to understand Toxoplasma gondii´s vertical transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130901. [PMID: 36968102 PMCID: PMC10034043 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite that can infect virtually any warm-blooded animal. Acquired infection during pregnancy and the placental breach, is at the core of the most devastating consequences of toxoplasmosis. T. gondii can severely impact the pregnancy’s outcome causing miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, babies with hydrocephalus, microcephaly or intellectual disability, and other later onset neurological, ophthalmological or auditory diseases. To tackle T. gondii’s vertical transmission, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions at the maternal-fetal interface. Nonetheless, the complexity of the human placenta and the ethical concerns associated with its study, have narrowed the modeling of parasite vertical transmission to animal models, encompassing several unavoidable experimental limitations. Some of these difficulties have been overcome by the development of different human cell lines and a variety of primary cultures obtained from human placentas. These cellular models, though extremely valuable, have limited ability to recreate what happens in vivo. During the last decades, the development of new biomaterials and the increase in stem cell knowledge have led to the generation of more physiologically relevant in vitro models. These cell cultures incorporate new dimensions and cellular diversity, emerging as promising tools for unraveling the poorly understood T. gondii´s infection mechanisms during pregnancy. Herein, we review the state of the art of 2D and 3D cultures to approach the biology of T. gondii pertaining to vertical transmission, highlighting the challenges and experimental opportunities of these up-and-coming experimental platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faral-Tello
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Pagotto
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Maria E. Francia
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Maria E. Francia,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Overview of Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Inflammatory Processes in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020253. [PMID: 36839525 PMCID: PMC9966443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite. During the parasitic invasion, T. gondii creates a parasitophorous vacuole, which enables the modulation of cell functions, allowing its replication and host infection. It has effective strategies to escape the immune response and reach privileged immune sites and remain inactive in a controlled environment in tissue cysts. This current review presents the factors that affect host cells and the parasite, as well as changes in the immune system during host cell infection. The secretory organelles of T. gondii (dense granules, micronemes, and rhoptries) are responsible for these processes. They are involved with proteins secreted by micronemes and rhoptries (MIC, AMA, and RONs) that mediate the recognition and entry into host cells. Effector proteins (ROP and GRA) that modify the STAT signal or GTPases in immune cells determine their toxicity. Interference byhost autonomous cells during parasitic infection, gene expression, and production of microbicidal molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), result in the regulation of cell death. The high level of complexity in host cell mechanisms prevents cell death in its various pathways. Many of these abilities play an important role in escaping host immune responses, particularly by manipulating the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Here we present recent works that define the mechanisms by which T. gondii interacts with these processes in infected host cells.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang Y, Li D, Lu S, Zheng B. Toxoplasmosis vaccines: what we have and where to go? NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:131. [PMID: 36310233 PMCID: PMC9618413 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00563-0] [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: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent major advances in developing effective vaccines against toxoplasmosis, finding new protective vaccination strategies remains a challenging and elusive goal as it is critical to prevent the disease. Over the past few years, various experimental approaches have shown that developing an effective vaccine against T. gondii is achievable. However, more remains unknown due to its complicated life cycle, difficulties in clinical translation, and lack of a standardized platform. This minireview summarizes the recent advances in the development of T. gondii vaccines and the main obstacles to developing a safe, effective and durable T. gondii vaccine. The successes and failures in developing and testing vaccine candidates for the T. gondii vaccine are also discussed, which may facilitate the future development of T. gondii vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhuo Zhang
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Li
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohong Lu
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guimarães Gois PS, Franco PS, Cota Teixeira S, Guirelli PM, de Araújo TE, da Fonseca Batistão DW, de Oliveira FC, Lícia Santos Ferreira G, de Oliveira Gomes A, Favoreto S, Mineo JR, de Freitas Barbosa B, Ferro EAV. Polarisation of human macrophages towards an M1 subtype triggered by an atypical Brazilian strain of Toxoplasma gondii results in a reduction in parasite burden. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2022; 69. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
14
|
A unique Toxoplasma gondii haplotype accompanied the global expansion of cats. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5778. [PMID: 36182919 PMCID: PMC9526699 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cyst-forming apicomplexan parasite of virtually all warm-blooded species, with all true cats (Felidae) as definitive hosts. It is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease causing substantial public health burden worldwide. Few intercontinental clonal lineages represent the large majority of isolates worldwide. Little is known about the evolutionary forces driving the success of these lineages, the timing and the mechanisms of their global dispersal. In this study, we analyse a set of 156 genomes and we provide estimates of T. gondii mutation rate and generation time. We elucidate how the evolution of T. gondii populations is intimately linked to the major events that have punctuated the recent history of cats. We show that a unique haplotype, whose length represents only 0.16% of the whole T. gondii genome, is common to all intercontinental lineages and hybrid populations derived from these lineages. This haplotype has accompanied wildcats (Felis silvestris) during their emergence from the wild to domestic settlements, their dispersal in the Old World, and their expansion in the last five centuries to the Americas. The selection of this haplotype is most parsimoniously explained by its role in sexual reproduction of T. gondii in domestic cats.
Collapse
|
15
|
Live-attenuated ME49Δcdpk3 strain of Toxoplasma gondii protects against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:98. [PMID: 35986017 PMCID: PMC9391373 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00518-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a common parasitic disease, is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which infects approximately 30% of the world’s population. This obligate intracellular protozoan causes significant economic losses and poses serious public health challenges worldwide. However, the development of an effective toxoplasmosis vaccine in humans remains a challenge to date. In this study, we observed that the knockout of calcium-dependent protein kinase 3 (CDPK3) in the type II ME49 strain greatly attenuated virulence in mice and significantly reduced cyst formation. Hence, we evaluated the protective immunity of ME49Δcdpk3 as a live attenuated vaccine against toxoplasmosis. Our results showed that ME49Δcdpk3 vaccination triggered a strong immune response marked by significantly elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels, such as IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α, and increased the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. The high level of Toxoplasma-specific IgG was maintained, with mixed IgG1/IgG2a levels. Mice vaccinated with ME49Δcdpk3 were efficiently protected against the tachyzoites of a variety of wild-type strains, including type I RH, type II ME49, Chinese 1 WH3 and Chinese 1 WH6, as well as the cysts of wild-type strains ME49 and WH6. These data demonstrated that ME49Δcdpk3 inoculation induced effective cellular and humoral immune responses against acute and chronic Toxoplasma infections with various strains and was a potential candidate to develop a vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Vargas-Villavicencio JA, Cañedo-Solares I, Correa D. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM Long Persistence: What Are the Underlying Mechanisms? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081659. [PMID: 36014077 PMCID: PMC9415799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii acute infection was first attempted by detection of specific IgM antibodies, as for other infectious diseases. However, it was noted that this immunoglobulin declines slowly and may last for months or even years. Apart from the diagnostic problem imposed on clinical management, this phenomenon called our attention due to the underlying phenomena that may be causing it. We performed a systematic comparison of reports studying IgM antibody kinetics, and the data from the papers were used to construct comparative plots and other graph types. It became clear that this phenomenon is quite generalized, and it may also occur in animals. Moreover, this is not a technical issue, although some tests make more evident the prolonged IgM decay than others. We further investigated biological reasons for its occurrence, i.e., infection dynamics (micro-reactivation–encystment, reinfection and reactivation), parasite strain relevance, as well as host innate, natural B cell responses and Ig class-switch problems inflicted by the parasite. The outcomes of these inquiries are presented and discussed herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irma Cañedo-Solares
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Dolores Correa
- Dirección de Investigación/Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Av Universidad Anáhuc 46, Lomas Anáhuac, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-(55)-5627-0210-7637
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rico-Torres CP, Valenzuela-Moreno LF, Méndez-Cruz ST, Cedillo-Peláez C, Caballero-Ortega H. Can cloning and sequencing help to genotype positive Toxoplasma gondii clinical samples? Results and validation using SAG3 as a model. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 101:105283. [PMID: 35421607 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105283] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Genotyping of T. gondii in human cases is relevant to understand the transmission patterns and epidemiology of this parasitosis. However, this genetic characterization can be hampered by the difficulty of isolating the parasite from mild or asymptomatic cases and by the detection efficiency of molecular assays such as the multilocus nested-polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (Mn-PCR-RLFP). To propose an alternative for the genotyping of positive clinical samples of T. gondii with a low amount of the parasite DNA mixed within the host DNA or mixed infections, we carried out this study to validate the sequences of the SAG3 gene of T. gondii obtained after two rounds of amplification cloned into a bacterial model, thereby achieving the separation and identification of more than one genotype of T. gondii. Also, the detection limit of the parasite DNA and the fidelity of the reagents used in the nested PCR-RFLP in artificial clinical samples by sequencing were determined. T. gondii DNA was detected from 6.25 ng of DNA and 200 parasites/mL of blood. The fidelity of the AmpliTaq Gold™ polymerase after 65 cycles of amplification was 100%. Denaturation of the products obtained after two rounds of nested PCR amplification showed no evidence of chimera or artifact production. The cloning efficiency was 97.5% (39/40 clones), and none of the experiments produced recombinant sequences. Thus, the generation of chimeras with this methodology could be ruled out. Genotyping of clinical samples is important because there is no strain selection bias, as can occur in the bioassay (where more virulent strains can be selected over nonvirulent strains), and therefore, mixed infections can be detected through cloning and sequencing. Furthermore, these two techniques could be useful tools to genotype weak amplicons of any T. gondii gene obtained during nested PCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Patricia Rico-Torres
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, 04530 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis Fernando Valenzuela-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, 04530 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sara Teresa Méndez-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, 04530 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Carlos Cedillo-Peláez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, 04530 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Heriberto Caballero-Ortega
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, 04530 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sánchez-Arcila JC, Jensen KDC. Forward Genetics in Apicomplexa Biology: The Host Side of the Story. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:878475. [PMID: 35646724 PMCID: PMC9133346 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.878475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forward genetic approaches have been widely used in parasitology and have proven their power to reveal the complexities of host-parasite interactions in an unbiased fashion. Many aspects of the parasite’s biology, including the identification of virulence factors, replication determinants, antibiotic resistance genes, and other factors required for parasitic life, have been discovered using such strategies. Forward genetic approaches have also been employed to understand host resistance mechanisms to parasitic infection. Here, we will introduce and review all forward genetic approaches that have been used to identify host factors involved with Apicomplexa infections, which include classical genetic screens and QTL mapping, GWAS, ENU mutagenesis, overexpression, RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 library screens. Collectively, these screens have improved our understanding of host resistance mechanisms, immune regulation, vaccine and drug designs for Apicomplexa parasites. We will also discuss how recent advances in molecular genetics give present opportunities to further explore host-parasite relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Sánchez-Arcila
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kirk D. C. Jensen,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Khan IA, Moretto M. Nfkbid-mediated humoral immunity during secondary toxoplasmosis. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:272-273. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
20
|
Valenzuela-Moreno LF, Méndez-Cruz ST, Rico-Torres CP, Cedillo-Peláez C, Correa D, Caballero-Ortega H. SAG3 Toxoplasma gondii cloning reveals unexpected fivefold infection in the blood of feral cats in the Mexican Caribbean. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:33. [PMID: 35031031 PMCID: PMC8759159 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, more than 300 genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) have been described throughout the world, demonstrating its wide genetic diversity. The SAG3 locus is one of the genes included in the genotyping panel of this parasite. It is associated with its virulence since it participates during the invasion process of the host cells. Therefore, cloning, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were used to deepen the understanding of the SAG3 locus genetic diversity of T. gondii in blood samples from feral cats. Results Six different SAG3 sequences were detected, five of which were detected in one feline. Three sequences were first reported here; one of them was an intragenic recombinant. In the cladogram, four out of ten SAG3 sequences did not share nodes with others reported worldwide. Conclusions Cloning and sequencing of samples with more than one restriction pattern by PCR-RFLP were very helpful tools to demonstrate the presence of more than three genotypes of T. gondii in the blood of feral cats from southeastern Mexico. This suggests a potential mixed infection of multiple T. gondii strains and high genetic diversity of the parasites in felines in this tropical region of Mexico. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-03129-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Valenzuela-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, Insurgentes Sur 3700C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, C.P. 04530, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sara Teresa Méndez-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04530, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Claudia Patricia Rico-Torres
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, Insurgentes Sur 3700C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, C.P. 04530, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos Cedillo-Peláez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, Insurgentes Sur 3700C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, C.P. 04530, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Dolores Correa
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, Insurgentes Sur 3700C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, C.P. 04530, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Heriberto Caballero-Ortega
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Colonia Insurgentes-Cuicuilco, Delegación Coyoacán, Insurgentes Sur 3700C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, C.P. 04530, Ciudad de México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Souza SP, Splitt SD, Sànchez-Arcila JC, Alvarez JA, Wilson JN, Wizzard S, Luo Z, Baumgarth N, Jensen KDC. Genetic mapping reveals Nfkbid as a central regulator of humoral immunity to Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010081. [PMID: 34871323 PMCID: PMC8675933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective immunity to parasitic infections has been difficult to elicit by vaccines. Among parasites that evade vaccine-induced immunity is Toxoplasma gondii, which causes lethal secondary infections in chronically infected mice. Here we report that unlike susceptible C57BL/6J mice, A/J mice were highly resistant to secondary infection. To identify correlates of immunity, we utilized forward genetics to identify Nfkbid, a nuclear regulator of NF-κB that is required for B cell activation and B-1 cell development. Nfkbid-null mice (“bumble”) did not generate parasite-specific IgM and lacked robust parasite-specific IgG, which correlated with defects in B-2 cell maturation and class-switch recombination. Though high-affinity antibodies were B-2 derived, transfer of B-1 cells partially rescued the immunity defects observed in bumble mice and were required for 100% vaccine efficacy in bone marrow chimeric mice. Immunity in resistant mice correlated with robust isotype class-switching in both B cell lineages, which can be fine-tuned by Nfkbid gene expression. We propose a model whereby humoral immunity to T. gondii is regulated by Nfkbid and requires B-1 and B-2 cells for full protection. Eukaryotic parasitic diseases account for approximately one fifth of all childhood deaths, yet no highly protective vaccine exists for any human parasite. More research must be done to discover how to elicit protective vaccine-induced immunity to parasitic pathogens. We used an unbiased genetic screen to find key genes responsible for immunity to the eukaryotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Our screen found Nfkbid, a transcription factor regulator, which controls B cell activation and innate-like B-1 cell development. Mice without Nfkbid were not protected against T. gondii and were deficient at making antibodies against the parasite. Our survival studies of vaccinated mice with and without B-1 compartments found that B-1 cells improved survival, suggesting that B-1 cells act in conjunction with B-2 cells to provide vaccine-induced immunity. Nfkbid and other loci identified in our unbiased screen represent potential targets for vaccines to elicit protective immune responses against parasitic pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott P. Souza
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Samantha D. Splitt
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Juan C. Sànchez-Arcila
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Julia A. Alvarez
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Jessica N. Wilson
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Safuwra Wizzard
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Zheng Luo
- Center for Immunology & Infectious Diseases, and Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Nicole Baumgarth
- Center for Immunology & Infectious Diseases, and Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
- Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Arranz-Solís D, Carvalheiro CG, Zhang ER, Grigg ME, Saeij JPJ. Toxoplasma GRA Peptide-Specific Serologic Fingerprints Discriminate Among Major Strains Causing Toxoplasmosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:621738. [PMID: 33680990 PMCID: PMC7935526 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.621738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The severity of toxoplasmosis depends on a combination of host and parasite factors. Among them, the Toxoplasma strain causing the infection is an important determinant of the disease outcome. Type 2 strains dominate in Europe, whereas in North America type 2, followed by type 3 and 12 strains are commonly isolated from wildlife and patients. To identify the strain type a person is infected with, serological typing provides a promising alternative to the often risky and not always possible biopsy-based DNA methods of genotyping. However, despite recent advances in serotyping, improvements in the sensitivity and specificity are still needed, and it does not yet discriminate among the major Toxoplasma lineages infecting people. Moreover, since infections caused by non-1/2/3 strains have been associated with more severe disease, the ability to identify these is critical. In the present study we investigated the diagnostic potential of an ELISA-based assay using 28 immunogenic Toxoplasma peptides derived from a recent large-scale peptide array screen. Our results show that a discrete number of peptides, derived from Toxoplasma dense granule proteins (GRA3, GRA5, GRA6, and GRA7) was sufficient to discriminate among archetypal strains that infect mice and humans. The assay specifically relies on ratios that compare individual serum reactivities against GRA-specific polymorphic peptide variants in order to determine a "reactivity fingerprint" for each of the major strains. Importantly, nonarchetypal strains that possess a unique combination of alleles, different from types 1/2/3, showed either a non-reactive, or different combinatorial, mixed serum reactivity signature that was diagnostic in its own right, and that can be used to identify these strains. Of note, we identified a distinct "HG11/12" reactivity pattern using the GRA6 peptides that is able to distinguish HG11/12 from archetypal North American/European strain infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Arranz-Solís
- Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology Department, Veterinary Medicine School 3A, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Cristina G. Carvalheiro
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Molecular Parasitology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States,Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth R. Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Molecular Parasitology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Molecular Parasitology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology Department, Veterinary Medicine School 3A, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Jeroen P. J. Saeij,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hamidović A, Etougbétché JR, Tonouhewa ABN, Galal L, Dobigny G, Houémènou G, Da Zoclanclounon H, Amagbégnon R, Laleye A, Fievet N, Piry S, Berthier K, Pena HFJ, Dardé ML, Mercier A. A hotspot of Toxoplasma gondii Africa 1 lineage in Benin: How new genotypes from West Africa contribute to understand the parasite genetic diversity worldwide. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008980. [PMID: 33571262 PMCID: PMC7904144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Through international trades, Europe, Africa and South America share a long history of exchanges, potentially of pathogens. We used the worldwide parasite Toxoplasma gondii to test the hypothesis of a historical influence on pathogen genetic diversity in Benin, a West African country with a longstanding sea trade history. In Africa, T. gondii spatial structure is still non-uniformly studied and very few articles have reported strain genetic diversity in fauna and clinical forms of human toxoplasmosis so far, even in African diaspora. Sera from 758 domestic animals (mainly poultry) in two coastal areas (Cotonou and Ouidah) and two inland areas (Parakou and Natitingou) were tested for T. gondii antibodies using a Modified Agglutination Test (MAT). The hearts and brains of 69 seropositive animals were collected for parasite isolation in a mouse bioassay. Forty-five strains were obtained and 39 genotypes could be described via 15-microsatellite genotyping, with a predominance of the autochthonous African lineage Africa 1 (36/39). The remaining genotypes were Africa 4 variant TUB2 (1/39) and two identical isolates (clone) of Type III (2/39). No difference in terms of genotype distribution between inland and coastal sampling sites was found. In particular, contrarily to what has been described in Senegal, no type II (mostly present in Europe) was isolated in poultry from coastal cities. This result seems to refute a possible role of European maritime trade in Benin despite it was one of the most important hubs during the slave trade period. However, the presence of the Africa 1 genotype in Brazil, predominant in Benin, and genetic analyses suggest that the triangular trade was a route for the intercontinental dissemination of genetic strains from Africa to South America. This supports the possibility of contamination in humans and animals with potentially imported virulent strains. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide-distributed pathogen, able to infect all warm-blooded animals. There are important differences in the clinical expression of the infection in direct relation with the parasite genetic profile. In some regions, the geographical structuration of its genetic diversity points towards a crucial role of human activities in some lineages introduction or sorting. Benin is a West African country with a history of extensive transcontinental exchanges. Our genetic study of Toxoplasma in Benin shows a surprisingly homogeneous and autochthonous diversity, which contrasts with previous studies from other West and Central African countries. In Benin, the absence of European Toxoplasma lineages may be explained by the extreme rarity of the house mouse (Mus musculus), a host species that was previously described as highly susceptible to the mouse-virulent African strains. Might Benin be the origin region for the Africa 1 lineage, our results suggest that Guinean Gulf coasts may be a starting point of this lineage towards South America, especially Brazil, during the slave trade. As a whole, the present study provides further insights into the recent evolutionary history of Toxoplasma gondii and its consequences on human and animal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azra Hamidović
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Jonas Raoul Etougbétché
- UAC, EPAC, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Lokman Galal
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Gauthier Dobigny
- UAC, EPAC, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Cotonou, Benin
- Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, MUSE, Montpellier, France
| | - Gualbert Houémènou
- UAC, EPAC, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Honoré Da Zoclanclounon
- Laboratoire d’Expérimentation Animale, Unité de Biologie Humaine, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Richard Amagbégnon
- Laboratoire de biologie médicale, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant Lagune (CHU-MEL), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Anatole Laleye
- Laboratoire d’Expérimentation Animale, Unité de Biologie Humaine, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Nadine Fievet
- UMR216-MERIT, IRD, Université Paris-5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Centre d’Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l’Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Sylvain Piry
- Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, MUSE, Montpellier, France
| | - Karine Berthier
- Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, MUSE, Montpellier, France
| | - Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Saad-Roy CM, Grenfell BT, Levin SA, Pellis L, Stage HB, van den Driessche P, Wingreen NS. Superinfection and the evolution of an initial asymptomatic stage. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:202212. [PMID: 33614103 PMCID: PMC7890506 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.202212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens have evolved a variety of life-history strategies. An important strategy consists of successful transmission by an infected host before the appearance of symptoms, that is, while the host is still partially or fully asymptomatic. During this initial stage of infection, it is possible for another pathogen to superinfect an already infected host and replace the previously infecting pathogen. Here, we study the effect of superinfection during the first stage of an infection on the evolutionary dynamics of the degree to which the host is asymptomatic (host latency) in that same stage. We find that superinfection can lead to major differences in evolutionary behaviour. Most strikingly, the duration of immunity following infection can significantly influence pathogen evolutionary dynamics, whereas without superinfection the outcomes are independent of host immunity. For example, changes in host immunity can drive evolutionary transitions from a fully symptomatic to a fully asymptomatic first infection stage. Additionally, if superinfection relative to susceptible infection is strong enough, evolution can lead to a unique strategy of latency that corresponds to a local fitness minimum, and is therefore invasible by nearby mutants. Thus, this strategy is a branching point, and can lead to coexistence of pathogens with different latencies. Furthermore, in this new framework with superinfection, we also find that there can exist two interior singular strategies. Overall, new evolutionary outcomes can cascade from superinfection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chadi M. Saad-Roy
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Bryan T. Grenfell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Division of International Epidemiology and Population Studies, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Simon A. Levin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Lorenzo Pellis
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | - Helena B. Stage
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - P. van den Driessche
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ned S. Wingreen
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ge P, Ong CY, Abdalkareem AE, Khoo BY, Yuan B. IFN-γ and IL-18 in conditioned media of parasite-infected host and IL-21-silenced colorectal cancer cells. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:103. [PMID: 33335566 PMCID: PMC7739864 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of certain soluble factors may provide a possible selective advantage for a parasite to gradually modify cell proliferation in neighbouring cells, which may result in chronic diseases. These soluble factors present in the conditioned medium also allow the parasite to invade rapidly into more host cells. The present study aimed to determine the levels of a group of type 1 T helper (Th1) cytokines in the conditioned media of host cells infected with parasites and in IL-21-silenced colorectal cancer cells. The conditioned media of human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) parasitized with the RH and ME49 strains of Toxoplasma gondii for 10 days were prepared, and subsequently the levels of the Th1 cytokines in the conditioned media were determined by ELISA. HFFs were incubated with the growth media containing selected soluble factors, and cell proliferation markers were subsequently analysed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The mRNA expression level of cell proliferation markers was also examined in IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells, where the levels of soluble factors in the conditioned media were also determined as aforementioned. The results of the present study demonstrated that HFFs parasitized with ME49 released elevated levels of IFN-γ and lower levels of IL-18 into the conditioned medium compared with the controls. These phenomena were not observed in the conditioned medium of HFFs parasitized with RH. Similar levels of these soluble factors were also detected in the conditioned medium of IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells. The results of the present study also revealed that Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen mRNA expression was altered in host cells incubated with various levels of IFN-γ and IL-18, as well as in IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells compared with the respective controls. In conclusion, the current study provided preliminary evidence on the fundamental molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interactions that result in chronic diseases, which may aid in the treatment of these diseases in the relevant endemic regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
| | - Ching Yi Ong
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Abdalla Eshtiyag Abdalkareem
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Boon Yin Khoo
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mévélec MN, Lakhrif Z, Dimier-Poisson I. Key Limitations and New Insights Into the Toxoplasma gondii Parasite Stage Switching for Future Vaccine Development in Human, Livestock, and Cats. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:607198. [PMID: 33324583 PMCID: PMC7724089 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.607198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease affecting human, livestock and cat. Prophylactic strategies would be ideal to prevent infection. In a One Health vaccination approach, the objectives would be the prevention of congenital disease in both women and livestock, prevention/reduction of T. gondii tissue cysts in food-producing animals; and oocyst shedding in cats. Over the last few years, an explosion of strategies for vaccine development, especially due to the development of genetic-engineering technologies has emerged. The field of vaccinology has been exploring safer vaccines by the generation of recombinant immunogenic proteins, naked DNA vaccines, and viral/bacterial recombinants vectors. These strategies based on single- or few antigens, are less efficacious than recombinant live-attenuated, mostly tachyzoite T. gondii vaccine candidates. Reflections on the development of an anti-Toxoplasma vaccine must focus not only on the appropriate route of administration, capable of inducing efficient immune response, but also on the choice of the antigen (s) of interest and the associated delivery systems. To answer these questions, the choice of the animal model is essential. If mice helped in understanding the protection mechanisms, the data obtained cannot be directly transposed to humans, livestock and cats. Moreover, effectiveness vaccines should elicit strong and protective humoral and cellular immune responses at both local and systemic levels against the different stages of the parasite. Finally, challenge protocols should use the oral route, major natural route of infection, either by feeding tissue cysts or oocysts from different T. gondii strains. Effective Toxoplasma vaccines depend on our understanding of the (1) protective host immune response during T. gondii invasion and infection in the different hosts, (2) manipulation and modulation of host immune response to ensure survival of the parasites able to evade and subvert host immunity, (3) molecular mechanisms that define specific stage development. This review presents an overview of the key limitations for the development of an effective vaccine and highlights the contributions made by recent studies on the mechanisms behind stage switching to offer interesting perspectives for vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zineb Lakhrif
- Team BioMAP, Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Velasco-Velásquez S, Celis-Giraldo D, Botero Hincapié A, Alejandro Hincapie Erira D, Sofia Cordero López S, Marulanda Orozco N, Enrique Gómez-Marín J. Clinical, Socio-economic and Environmental Factors Related with Recurrences in Ocular Toxoplasmosis in Quindío, Colombia. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2020; 28:258-264. [PMID: 33115293 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2020.1839509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and environmental factors associated with recurrences in ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). METHODS Retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients who consulted in the Health Centre at Universidad del Quindío between 2004 and 2017. Patients with retinochoroiditis due to Toxoplasma gondii infection and follow up >12 months were included. Comparisons were made with a recurrence index adjusted for months of follow up. For the statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed in Epi Info 7.2 and SPSS 14.0. A statistical significance is shown if p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS A total of 58 patients were included, with median age of 28 years (range 1-61) and 55.1% were women. The median of recurrences was 1.4 (range 0.6-16.6). High recurrence index was present in 43.1% of the patients. A higher size of lesions was observed in low socioeconomic groups (p = .016) and patients with congenital infection had more bilateral compromise (p = .002). Intake of boiled water was related to a lower recurrence index (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS Low socioeconomic level was associated with bigger lesions and congenital infection was related with higher frequency of bilateral OT. Finally, intake of boiled water is related to a lower recurrence index of OT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefany Velasco-Velásquez
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Daniel Celis-Giraldo
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Andrea Botero Hincapié
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Diego Alejandro Hincapie Erira
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Sara Sofia Cordero López
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Marulanda Orozco
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marín
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Toxoplasma gondii: Cytokine responses in mice reinfected with atypical strains. Exp Parasitol 2020; 218:108006. [PMID: 32991867 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the cellular immune response against Toxoplasma gondii in chronically infected mice reinfected with different strains of the parasite to elucidate the immunological basis for chronicity or virulence and to uncover the involvement of genes that encode virulence proteins and modulate the immune response. BALB/c mice were infected by oral gavage with non-virulent D8 strain and challenged 45 days post-infection with virulent EGS or CH3 strains. Cytokine measurement was performed 2 days post-challenge in cell extracts of the small intestine and 2, 7, and 14 days post-challenge in serum. Virulence gene allele type of these strains was analyzed. Challenged mice survived by avoiding exacerbated inflammation and inhibiting the overproduction of cytokines. Local and systemic cytokine response in challenged mice was similar to chronic controls and quite distinct in mice acutely infected with the EGS or CH3 strains. Allelic combinations of the virulence genes ROP5/ROP18 was predictive of virulence in mice when tested in these T. gondii strains. Other allelic combinations of rhoptries and dense granules genes showed discrepancies.
Collapse
|
29
|
Saki J, Sabaghan M, Arjmand R, Teimoori A, Rashno M, Saki G, Shojaee S. Spermatogonia apoptosis induction as a possible mechanism of Toxoplasma gondii-induced male infertility. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:1164-1171. [PMID: 32963738 PMCID: PMC7491504 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.43535.10224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii as an intracellular protozoan is widely prevalent in humans and animals. Infection generally occurs through consuming food contaminated with oocysts and tissue cysts from undercooked meat. The parasite is carried in sexual fluids like semen but there is little information about the effect of T. gondii on the male reproductive system. In this study, we examined the effect of T. gondii tachyzoites on apoptosis induction in type B spermatogonia (GC-1) cells. Materials and Methods: Fresh tachyzoites taken of infected BALB/c mice, GC-1 spg cells were infected with increasing concentrations of tachyzoites of T. gondii, then apoptotic cells were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. The genes associated with apoptosis were evaluated by RT2 Profiler PCR Array. Results: PCR array analysis of 84 apoptosis-related genes demonstrated that 12 genes were up-regulated at least 4-fold and that one gene was down-regulated at least 2-fold in the T. gondii infection group compared with levels in the control group. The number of genes whose expression had increased during the period of infection with T. gondii was significantly higher than those whose expressions had decreased (18 versus 1) and Tnfrsf11b had the highest rate of gene expression. Conclusion: T. gondii induce in vitro apoptosis of GC-1 spg cells. This effect shows a trend of concentration-dependent increase so that with an increase in the ratio of parasite burden to spermatogonial cells, in addition to an increase in the number of genes whose expression has changed, the fold of these changes has increased as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohamad Sabaghan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Arjmand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Virology Department, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kongsomboonvech AK, Rodriguez F, Diep AL, Justice BM, Castallanos BE, Camejo A, Mukhopadhyay D, Taylor GA, Yamamoto M, Saeij JPJ, Reese ML, Jensen KDC. Naïve CD8 T cell IFNγ responses to a vacuolar antigen are regulated by an inflammasome-independent NLRP3 pathway and Toxoplasma gondii ROP5. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008327. [PMID: 32853276 PMCID: PMC7480859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Host resistance to Toxoplasma gondii relies on CD8 T cell IFNγ responses, which if modulated by the host or parasite could influence chronic infection and parasite transmission between hosts. Since host-parasite interactions that govern this response are not fully elucidated, we investigated requirements for eliciting naïve CD8 T cell IFNγ responses to a vacuolar resident antigen of T. gondii, TGD057. Naïve TGD057 antigen-specific CD8 T cells (T57) were isolated from transnuclear mice and responded to parasite-infected bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) in an antigen-dependent manner, first by producing IL-2 and then IFNγ. T57 IFNγ responses to TGD057 were independent of the parasite’s protein export machinery ASP5 and MYR1. Instead, host immunity pathways downstream of the regulatory Immunity-Related GTPases (IRG), including partial dependence on Guanylate-Binding Proteins, are required. Multiple T. gondii ROP5 isoforms and allele types, including ‘avirulent’ ROP5A from clade A and D parasite strains, were able to suppress CD8 T cell IFNγ responses to parasite-infected BMDMs. Phenotypic variance between clades B, C, D, F, and A strains suggest T57 IFNγ differentiation occurs independently of parasite virulence or any known IRG-ROP5 interaction. Consistent with this, removal of ROP5 is not enough to elicit maximal CD8 T cell IFNγ production to parasite-infected cells. Instead, macrophage expression of the pathogen sensors, NLRP3 and to a large extent NLRP1, were absolute requirements. Other members of the conventional inflammasome cascade are only partially required, as revealed by decreased but not abrogated T57 IFNγ responses to parasite-infected ASC, caspase-1/11, and gasdermin D deficient cells. Moreover, IFNγ production was only partially reduced in the absence of IL-12, IL-18 or IL-1R signaling. In summary, T. gondii effectors and host machinery that modulate parasitophorous vacuolar membranes, as well as NLR-dependent but inflammasome-independent pathways, determine the full commitment of CD8 T cells IFNγ responses to a vacuolar antigen. Parasites are excellent “students” of our immune system as they can deflect, antagonize and confuse the immune response making it difficult to vaccinate against these pathogens. In this report, we analyzed how a widespread parasite of mammals, Toxoplasma gondii, manipulates an immune cell needed for immunity to many intracellular pathogens, the CD8 T cell. Host pathways that govern CD8 T cell production of the immune protective cytokine, IFNγ, were also explored. We hypothesized the secreted T. gondii virulence factor, ROP5, work to inhibit the MHC 1 antigen presentation pathway therefore making it difficult for CD8 T cells to see T. gondii antigens sequestered inside a parasitophorous vacuole. However, manipulation through T. gondii ROP5 does not fully explain how CD8 T cells commit to making IFNγ in response to infection. Importantly, CD8 T cell IFNγ responses to T. gondii require the pathogen sensor NLRP3 to be expressed in the infected cell. Other proteins associated with NLRP3 activation, including members of the conventional inflammasome activation cascade pathway, are only partially involved. Our results identify a novel pathway by which NLRP3 regulates T cell function and underscore the need for NLRP3-activating adjuvants in vaccines aimed at inducing CD8 T cell IFNγ responses to parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel K. Kongsomboonvech
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Felipe Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Anh L. Diep
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Brandon M. Justice
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Brayan E. Castallanos
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Ana Camejo
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Debanjan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Gregory A. Taylor
- Departments of Medicine; Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; and Immunology; and Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Michael L. Reese
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Baker TL, Sun M, Semple BD, Tyebji S, Tonkin CJ, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR. Catastrophic consequences: can the feline parasite Toxoplasma gondii prompt the purrfect neuroinflammatory storm following traumatic brain injury? J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:222. [PMID: 32711529 PMCID: PMC7382044 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, treatment development is hindered by the heterogenous nature of TBI presentation and pathophysiology. In particular, the degree of neuroinflammation after TBI varies between individuals and may be modified by other factors such as infection. Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects approximately one-third of the world’s population, has a tropism for brain tissue and can persist as a life-long infection. Importantly, there is notable overlap in the pathophysiology between TBI and T. gondii infection, including neuroinflammation. This paper will review current understandings of the clinical problems, pathophysiological mechanisms, and functional outcomes of TBI and T. gondii, before considering the potential synergy between the two conditions. In particular, the discussion will focus on neuroinflammatory processes such as microglial activation, inflammatory cytokines, and peripheral immune cell recruitment that occur during T. gondii infection and after TBI. We will present the notion that these overlapping pathologies in TBI individuals with a chronic T. gondii infection have the strong potential to exacerbate neuroinflammation and related brain damage, leading to amplified functional deficits. The impact of chronic T. gondii infection on TBI should therefore be investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies as the possible interplay could influence treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shiraz Tyebji
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii ROP18 with strain-specific reactivity. Parasitology 2020; 147:940-948. [PMID: 32046796 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The rhoptry kinase 18 of Toxoplasma gondii (TgROP18) has been identified as a key virulence factor that allows the parasite to escape from host immune defences and promotes its proliferation in host cells. Although much research is focused on the interaction between host cells and TgROP18, the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against TgROP18 has not been reported till date. To produce mAbs targeting TgROP18, two hybridomas secreting mAbs against TgROP18, designated as A1 and T2, were generated using cell fusion technology. The subtypes of the A1 and T2 mAbs were identified as IgG3 λ and IgM κ, and peptide scanning revealed that the core sequences of the antigenic epitopes were 180LRAQRRRSELVFE192 and 351NYFLLMMRAEADM363, respectively. The T2 mAb specifically reacted with both T. gondii type I and Chinese I, but not with T. gondii type II, Plasmodium falciparum or Schistosoma japonicum. Finally, the sequences of heavy chain and light chain complementarity-determining regions of T2 were amplified, cloned and characterized, making the modification of the mAb feasible in the future. The development of mAbs against TgROP18 would aid the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of host cellular functions by TgROP18, and in the development of strategies to diagnose and treat Toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Toxoplasma is a widespread parasite of animals including many rodents that are a natural part of the transmission cycle between cats, which serve as the definitive host. Although wild rodents, including house mice, are relatively resistant, laboratory mice are highly susceptible to infection. As such, laboratory mice have been used to compare pathogenesis of natural variants and to evaluate the contributions of both host and parasite genes to infection. Protocols are provided here for evaluating acute and chronic infection with different parasite strains in laboratory mice. These protocols should provide uniform standards for evaluating natural variants and attenuated mutants and for comparing outcomes across different studies and between different laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Arranz-Solís D, Cordeiro C, Young LH, Dardé ML, Commodaro AG, Grigg ME, Saeij JPJ. Serotyping of Toxoplasma gondii Infection Using Peptide Membrane Arrays. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:408. [PMID: 31850240 PMCID: PMC6895565 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause chronic infections in most warm-blooded animals, including humans. In the USA, strains belonging to four different Toxoplasma clonal lineages (types 1, 2, 3, and 12) are commonly isolated, whereas strains not belonging to these lineages are predominant in other continents such as South America. Strain type plays a pivotal role in determining the severity of Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, it is epidemiologically relevant to develop a non-invasive and inexpensive method for determining the strain type in Toxoplasma infections and to correlate the genotype with disease outcome. Serological typing is based on the fact that many host antibodies are raised against immunodominant parasite proteins that are highly polymorphic between strains. However, current serological assays can only reliably distinguish type 2 from non-type 2 infections. To improve these assays, mouse, rabbit, and human infection serum were reacted against 950 peptides from 62 different polymorphic Toxoplasma proteins by using cellulose membrane peptide arrays. This allowed us to identify the most antigenic peptides and to pinpoint the most relevant polymorphisms that determine strain specificity. Our results confirm the utility of previously described peptides and identify novel peptides that improve and increase the specificity of the assay. In addition, a large number of novel proteins showed potential to be used for Toxoplasma diagnosis. Among these, peptides derived from several rhoptry, dense granule, and surface proteins represented promising candidates that may be used in future experiments to improve Toxoplasma serotyping. Moreover, a redesigned version of the published GRA7 typing peptide performed better and specifically distinguished type 3 from non-type 3 infections in sera from mice, rabbits, and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Arranz-Solís
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia Cordeiro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, United States.,Biology Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lucy H Young
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marie Laure Dardé
- Faculty of Medicine, Parasitologie-Mycologie, UMR INSERM 1094, National Reference Center and Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasmosis, CHU Dupuytren 2, Limoges, France
| | - Alessandra G Commodaro
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bessa GL, Costa JGL, Rêgo WMF, Baraviera RCA, Pinto LV, Lopes REN, Vitor RWA. Tissue dissemination and humoral response after experimental reinfection with atypical Toxoplasma gondii strains obtained from congenital human toxoplasmosis in Brazil. Exp Parasitol 2019; 207:107781. [PMID: 31626796 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The paradigm that Toxoplasma gondii infection generates sterilizing protective immunity was broken by case studies in which reinfections were observed in immunocompetent pregnant women in the chronic phase of toxoplasmosis. Since then, several murine models have suggested that immunoprotection against a previous T. gondii infection may be violated after reinfection with strains of different genotypes. This study aimed to evaluate the dissemination of the parasite after reinfection with the virulent TgCTBr9 and EGS strains in BALB/c mice chronically infected with the avirulent TgCTBr5 strain. Three mice were euthanized at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h post challenge (p.c.) and at 7, 14 and 30 days p.c. Intestines, mesenteric lymph nodes, lungs and brains were collected for PCR-RFLP. Blood samples were collected to measure total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a by ELISA. The reinfected animals survived and presented reduced morbidity after challenge with the virulent strains. Mice challenged with the TgCTBr9 strain showed a slight increase in anti-T. gondii IgG1. The spread of the TgCTBr5 strain was observed to occur earlier than the dissemination of the virulent TgCTBr9 or EGS strains. The TgCTBr9 strain was observed in the mesenteric lymph node at 7 days post challenge (d.p.c.); in the intestine and lungs at 14 d.p.c.; and in the brain at 30 d.p.c. EGS strain was demonstrated in the mesenteric lymph node and lung at 7 d.p.c and in the intestine and brain at a later time point. The immune response promoted by the primary infection with the avirulent strain (TgCTBr5) protected the animals from death after challenge with the virulent strains (TgCTBr9 or EGS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Lima Bessa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Júlia Gatti Ladeia Costa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Wagner Martins Fontes Rêgo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ramon Castro Araújo Baraviera
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lorena Velozo Pinto
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosálida Estevam Nazar Lopes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner Almeida Vitor
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Simon S, de Thoisy B, Mercier A, Nacher M, Demar M. Virulence of atypical Toxoplasma gondii strains isolated in French Guiana in a murine model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:60. [PMID: 31549631 PMCID: PMC6757855 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite of warm-blooded vertebrates. Most infections in immunocompetent patients are asymptomatic. However, since 2000s, strains with particular genetic profiles that differ from the known clonal type (type I, II, III), have been described. In French Guiana, these strains are highly pathogenic in immunocompetent patients. They have defined a new clinical entity called Amazonian Toxoplasmosis. The present study aims to further improve our knowledge on the pathogenicity of these Amazonian T. gondii strains in comparison with three reference strains using Swiss strain mice. With these data, we tried to establish a predictive virulence score to classify these strains, but also to correlate this virulence with the severity of the disease in infected patients. Results. All the virulence indicators revealed that the Amazonian strains isolated in French Guiana presented a high virulence profile, but lower than the highly virulent type I reference RH strain. The findings reveal differences in virulence between human and animal strains, but also between anthropized and wild strains. Conclusion. In addition to being a clinically relevant animal model of Amazonian Toxoplasmosis, this model could also provide a solid experimental basis for future studies aiming to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Amazonian Toxoplasmosis disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Simon
- Equipe EA3593 - Ecosystèmes Amazoniens et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de la Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana - Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie, Cayenne General Hospital, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Benoit de Thoisy
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges 87025, France - Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Ressource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France
| | - Mathieu Nacher
- Equipe EA3593 - Ecosystèmes Amazoniens et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de la Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana - Centre d'Investigation Clinique Epidémiologie Clinique Antilles Guyane CIC CIE 1424, Cayenne General Hospital, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Magalie Demar
- Equipe EA3593 - Ecosystèmes Amazoniens et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de la Guyane, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana - Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie, Cayenne General Hospital, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Innes EA, Hamilton C, Garcia JL, Chryssafidis A, Smith D. A one health approach to vaccines against Toxoplasma gondii. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00053. [PMID: 32095623 PMCID: PMC7034027 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a serious disease with global impact, now recognised as one of the most important food borne diseases worldwide and a major cause of production loss in livestock. A one health approach to develop a vaccination programme to tackle toxoplasmosis is an attractive and realistic prospect. Knowledge of disease epidemiology, parasite transmission routes and main risk groups has helped to target key host species and outcomes for a vaccine programme and these would be to prevent/reduce congenital disease in women and sheep; prevent/reduce T. gondii tissue cysts in food animal species and to prevent/reduce T. gondii oocyst shedding in cats. Most animals, including humans, develop good protective immunity following infection, involving cell mediated immune responses, which may explain why live vaccines are generally more effective to protect against T. gondii. Recent advances in our knowledge of parasite genetics and gene manipulation, strain variation, key antigenic epitopes, delivery systems and induction of immune responses are all contributing to the prospects of developing new vaccines which may be more widely applicable. A key area in progressing vaccine development is to devise standard vaccine efficacy models in relevant animal hosts and this is where a one health approach bringing together researchers across different disciplines can be of major benefit. The tools and technologies are in place to make a real impact in tackling toxoplasmosis using vaccination and it just requires a collective will to make it happen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A. Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, Scotland EH26 OPZ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Clare Hamilton
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, Scotland EH26 OPZ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Joao L. Garcia
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitario, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 380, CEP 86057-970 Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Andreas Chryssafidis
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitario, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 380, CEP 86057-970 Londrina, Parana, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC, Brazil
| | - David Smith
- 5740A Medical Science Building II, 1150 W. Medical Centre Dr, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5620, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Valenzuela-Moreno LF, Rico-Torres CP, Cedillo-Peláez C, Luna-Pastén H, Méndez-Cruz ST, Lara-Martínez G, Correa D, Caballero-Ortega H. Mixed Toxoplasma gondii infection and new genotypes in feral cats of Quintana Roo, México. Acta Trop 2019; 193:199-205. [PMID: 30851257 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii that infects homeothermic animals, including humans. To date, as many as 287 genotypes have been described worldwide. Genetic characterization of the parasite is crucial because the parasite type can determine the presentation and severity of toxoplasmosis. Previously, we reported that the Yucatán Peninsula has a frequency of infection of over 70% in humans and other animals; moreover, there are seven species of felids, including domestic cats; thus, we hypothesized that this might be a region with a high diversity of the parasite. Nevertheless, no genotyping of this protozoan has been performed in this region. Thus, the aim of this study was to genotype T. gondii from naturally infected feral cats of Quintana Roo, within the Yucatán Peninsula, and to describe its genetic variability. Eleven feral cats were captured and bled to obtain the buffy coat; then, they were euthanized to collect target organs or tissues to extract DNA. Samples were processed by PCR for diagnosis, and ten polymorphic markers were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Atypical GRA6 gene products were cloned and sequenced. Ten of the eleven cats were PCR positive for toxoplasmosis in blood; of these, seven had mixed infections. Also, two isolates were obtained from the heart and diaphragm of two animals. At least 23 different genotypes were detected, from which 18 are new worldwide. From the atypical GRA6 gene cloning and sequencing analysis, a mixed infection was discovered, due to one strain identical to GT1 and another to VAND. In conclusion, T. gondii genetic diversity in the region is high and different from that in other regions, with new genotypes exclusive to México and some others shared with USA and South America.
Collapse
|
39
|
Galal L, Hamidović A, Dardé ML, Mercier M. Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains at the global level and its determinants. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00052. [PMID: 32095622 PMCID: PMC7033991 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The population structure of Toxoplasma gondii is characterized by contrasting geographic patterns of strain diversity at different spatial scales: global, regional and even local scales in some regions. The determinants of this diversity pattern and its possible evolutionary mechanisms are still largely unexplored. This review will focus on three main dichotomies observed in the population structure of the parasite: (1) domestic versus wild, (2) South America versus the rest of the world and (3) intercontinental clonal lineages versus regional or local clonal lineages. Here, the impact in terms of public health of this remarkably contrasting geographic diversity of T. gondii populations is discussed, with emphasis on the role of globalization of exchanges that could lead to rapid evolution of T. gondii population spatial structure and new challenges in a One Health context. Recombination events drive the evolution of population structure of Toxoplasma gondii. The population structure of Toxoplasma is different in wild and domestic environments. Virulence of Toxoplasma strains in reservoir hosts influences selection of local strains. Globalization of exchanges will impact the population structure of the parasite. Clinicians should be aware of more pathogenic strains imported from the wild environment or from South America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Galal
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - A Hamidović
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - M L Dardé
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000 Limoges, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France
| | - M Mercier
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000 Limoges, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Murillo-León M, Müller UB, Zimmermann I, Singh S, Widdershooven P, Campos C, Alvarez C, Könen-Waisman S, Lukes N, Ruzsics Z, Howard JC, Schwemmle M, Steinfeldt T. Molecular mechanism for the control of virulent Toxoplasma gondii infections in wild-derived mice. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1233. [PMID: 30874554 PMCID: PMC6420625 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Some strains of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (such as RH) are virulent in laboratory mice because they are not restricted by the Immunity-Related GTPase (IRG) resistance system in these mouse strains. In some wild-derived Eurasian mice (such as CIM) on the other hand, polymorphic IRG proteins inhibit the replication of such virulent T. gondii strains. Here we show that this resistance is due to direct binding of the IRG protein Irgb2-b1CIM to the T. gondii virulence effector ROP5 isoform B. The Irgb2-b1 interface of this interaction is highly polymorphic and under positive selection. South American T. gondii strains are virulent even in wild-derived Eurasian mice. We were able to demonstrate that this difference in virulence is due to polymorphic ROP5 isoforms that are not targeted by Irgb2-b1CIM, indicating co-adaptation of host cell resistance GTPases and T. gondii virulence effectors. Toxoplasma gondii virulence in wild-derived mice is restricted by Immunity-Related GTPases (IRG). Here, the authors show specific binding of the IRG tandem protein Irgb2-b1 with the virulence effector ROP5, and provide insights into how different ROP5 isoforms and IRG alleles shape virulence among T. gondii strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Murillo-León
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Urs B Müller
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Zimmermann
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shishir Singh
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pia Widdershooven
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Cologne, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cláudia Campos
- Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catalina Alvarez
- Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Stephanie Könen-Waisman
- Department for Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital of Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nahleen Lukes
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Aachen, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Zsolt Ruzsics
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan C Howard
- Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Martin Schwemmle
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Steinfeldt
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hamilton CM, Black L, Oliveira S, Burrells A, Bartley PM, Melo RPB, Chianini F, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Innes EA, Kelly PJ, Katzer F. Comparative virulence of Caribbean, Brazilian and European isolates of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:104. [PMID: 30871587 PMCID: PMC6416883 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3372-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of global importance. The outcome of infection in humans can depend on a number of factors including the infecting stage of the parasite, inoculating dose and virulence of the infecting strain. Molecular epidemiological studies have demonstrated an abundance of atypical strains of T. gondii in South America, many of which have been associated with more severe sequelae of infection. The aim of this study was to compare the virulence of T. gondii strains isolated in the Caribbean to a virulent Brazilian strain and an avirulent European strain. Methods One hundred and twenty Swiss CD-1 mice were split into 8 groups of 15 mice and each group was inoculated with 200 tachyzoites of one of 8 isolates, comprising ToxoDB genotypes #1, #141, #265, #13, #3 and #6. Five mice per group were euthanized at day 8 post-inoculation (p.i.) and parasite burden was determined in heart, lungs and eyes using quantitative PCR. Lungs and brain were also examined by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The remaining 10 mice per group were part of a survival experiment to assess virulence. DNA was extracted from tachyzoites of each of the 8 T. gondii isolates and genotyped at four ROP gene loci, including ROP5, ROP16, ROP17 and ROP18 to look for association with markers of virulence. Results Infection with ToxoDB genotype #13 from the Caribbean resulted in 100% of mice being euthanized which was comparative to infection with the virulent Brazilian strain (ToxoDB genotype #6). Significantly higher parasite burdens were recorded in the lungs and eyes of mice infected with ToxoDB genotypes #13 and #6. Genotyping of ROP loci revealed that the virulent Caribbean isolates had a different ROP18/ROP5 allelic profile (3/1) to the virulent Brazilian isolate (1/3); however, the avirulent Caribbean isolate (ToxoDB genotype #1) had the same ROP18/ROP5 profile as the avirulent European isolate (ToxoDB #3) (both 2/2). Caribbean isolates of intermediate virulence (ToxoDB #141 and #265) all had the same ROP18/ROP5 allelic profile (2/2). Conclusions Isolates from the Caribbean with ToxoDB genotype #13 were acutely virulent for mice and comparable to a known virulent Brazilian isolate. The ROP protein allelic profile of the virulent Caribbean and Brazilian isolates differed indicating that perhaps other factors are involved in predicting virulence. Understanding virulence is important for predicting disease outcome in humans and may also aid vaccine design as well as drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Hamilton
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
| | - Lauren Black
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Solange Oliveira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Alison Burrells
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Paul M Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Renata Pimentel B Melo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Infectious-Contagious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Francesca Chianini
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | | | - Elisabeth A Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Patrick J Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Island Main Road, West Farm, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Frank Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Prediction of Toxoplasma gondii virulence factor ROP18 competitive inhibitors by virtual screening. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:98. [PMID: 30867024 PMCID: PMC6416898 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3341-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18) is a key virulence factor of Toxoplasma gondii. The host’s immune responses mediated by immune-related GTPases (IRGs) could be blocked by ROP18’s kinase activity. ROP18 also interacts with various substrates, such as activating transcription factor 6 beta (ATF6β) and affects multiple physiological functions within host cells, thereby inducing intense virulence. In this study, competitive inhibitors targeted to ROP18 were subjected to virtual screening based on the principle of structure-based drug design (SBDD). Methods The preparation of the ROP18 structure was conducted using the “Structure Prepare” function of Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software. The ATP-binding pocket was selected as the starting point for virtual screening. Construction of the pharmacophore model used Extended Hückel Theory (EHT) half-quantitative measurement and construction, as well as the characteristics of Type I kinase inhibitors. The pharmacophore model of ROP18 was imported into the Specs database for small molecule similarity screening using EHT pharmacophore measurement. Hit compounds were selected using the functions of London dG and generalized-born volume integral/weighted surface area (GBVI/WSA) scoring. The top 100 hits were analyzed by molecular docking and structure activity relationships (SAR) analysis. Results The final pharmacophore comprised three typical characteristics: three hydrogen bond acceptors/donors, two ring aromatic features occupying the hydrophobic core, and one cation group feature targeted to the terminus of ATP. A total of 1314 hit compounds analogous to ROP18 pharmacophore were passed through the Specs. After two rounds of docking, 25 out of 100 hits were identified as belonging to two main scaffold types: phthalimide ring structure, thiazole ring and styrene structure. Additionally, the screen also identified 13 inhibitors with distinct scaffold types. The docking models and SAR analysis demonstrated that these hits could engage in multiple hydrogen bonds, salt bridges halogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions with ROP18, and para-position halo substituents on the benzene ring may enhance their affinity scoring. Conclusions A pharmacophore against the ROP18 ATP-binding pocket was successfully constructed, and 25 representative inhibitors from 15 scaffold clusters were screened using the Specs database. Our results provide useful scaffold types for the chemical inhibition of ROP18 or alternative conformations to develop new anti-toxoplasmosis drug leads. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3341-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang JL, Zhang NZ, Li TT, He JJ, Elsheikha HM, Zhu XQ. Advances in the Development of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Vaccines: Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:239-253. [PMID: 30718083 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Important progress has been made in understanding how immunity is elicited against Toxoplasma gondii - a complex pathogen with multiple mechanisms of immune evasion. Many vaccine candidates have been tested using various strategies in animal models. However, none of these strategies has delivered as yet, and important challenges remain in the development of vaccines that can eliminate the tissue cysts and/or fully block vertical transmission. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the host immune response to T. gondii infection and summarize the key limitations for the development of an effective, safe, and durable toxoplasmosis vaccine. We also discuss how the successes and failures in developing and testing vaccine candidates have provided a roadmap for future vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains shaped by commensal communities of small mammals. Int J Parasitol 2018; 49:267-275. [PMID: 30578812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Commensal rodent species are key reservoirs for Toxoplasma gondii in the domestic environment. In rodents, different T. gondii strains show variable patterns of virulence according to host species. Toxoplasma gondii strains causing non-lethal chronic infections in local hosts will be more likely to persist in a given environment, but few studies have addressed the possible role of these interactions in shaping the T. gondii population structure. In addition, the absence of validated techniques for upstream detection of T. gondii chronic infection in wild rodents hinders exploration of this issue under natural conditions. In this study, we took advantage of an extensive survey of commensal small mammals in three coastal localities of Senegal, with a species assemblage constituted of both native African species and invasive species. We tested 828 individuals for T. gondii chronic infection using the modified agglutination test for antibody detection in serum samples and a quantitative PCR assay for detection of T. gondii DNA in brain samples. The infecting T. gondii strains were genotyped whenever possible by the analysis of 15 microsatellite markers. We found (i) a very poor concordance between molecular detection and serology in the invasive house mouse, (ii) significantly different levels of prevalence by species and (iii) the autochthonous T. gondii Africa 1 lineage strains, which are lethal for laboratory mice, only in the native African species of commensal small mammals. Overall, this study highlights the need to reconsider the use of MAT serology in natural populations of house mice and provides the first known data about T. gondii genetic diversity in invasive and native species of small mammals from Africa. In light of these results, we discuss the role of invasive and native species, with their variable adaptations to different T. gondii strains, in shaping the spatial structure of T. gondii genetic diversity in Africa.
Collapse
|
45
|
PD-L1, TIM-3, and CTLA-4 Blockade Fails To Promote Resistance to Secondary Infection with Virulent Strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00459-18. [PMID: 29967089 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00459-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell exhaustion is a state of hyporesponsiveness that develops during many chronic infections and cancer. Neutralization of inhibitory receptors, or "checkpoint blockade," can reverse T cell exhaustion and lead to beneficial prognoses in experimental and clinical settings. Whether checkpoint blockade can resolve lethal acute infections is less understood but may be beneficial in vaccination protocols that fail to elicit sterilizing immunity. Since a fully protective vaccine for any human parasite has yet to be developed, we explored the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors in a mouse model of Toxoplasma gondii reinfection. Mice chronically infected with an avirulent type III strain survive reinfection with the type I RH strain but not the MAS, GUY-DOS, and GT1 parasite strains. We report here that mouse susceptibility to secondary infection correlates with the initial parasite burden and that protection against the RH strain is dependent on CD8 but not CD4 T cells in this model. When given a lethal secondary infection, CD8 and CD4 T cells upregulate several coinhibitory receptors, including PD-1, TIM-3, 4-1bb, and CTLA-4. Moreover, the gamma interferon (IFN-γ) response of CD8 but not CD4 T cells is significantly reduced during secondary infection with virulent strains, suggesting that checkpoint blockade may reduce disease severity. However, single and combination therapies targeting TIM-3, CTLA-4, and/or PD-L1 failed to reverse susceptibility to secondary infection. These results suggest that additional host responses, which are refractory to checkpoint blockade, are likely required for immunity to this pathogen.
Collapse
|
46
|
Xia N, Zhou T, Liang X, Ye S, Zhao P, Yang J, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Shen B. A Lactate Fermentation Mutant of Toxoplasma Stimulates Protective Immunity Against Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1814. [PMID: 30147689 PMCID: PMC6096001 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic pathogen infecting one-third of the world’s population and numerous animals, causing significant healthcare burden and socioeconomic problems. Vaccination is an efficient way to reduce global sero-prevalence, however, ideal vaccines are not yet available. We recently discovered that the Toxoplasma mutant lacking both lactate dehydrogenases LDH1 and LDH2 (Δldh) grew well in vitro but was unable to propagate in mice, making it a good live vaccine candidate. Here, we tested the protection efficacy of ME49 Δldh using a mouse model. Vaccinated mice were efficiently protected from the lethal challenge of a variety of wild-type strains, including type 1 strain RH, type 2 strain ME49, type 3 strain VEG, and a field isolate of Chinese 1. The protection efficacies of a single vaccination were nearly 100% for most cases and it worked well against the challenges of both tachyzoites and tissue cysts. Re-challenging parasites were unable to propagate in vaccinated mice, nor did they make tissue cysts. High levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG were produced 30 days after immunization and stayed high during the whole tests (at least 125 days). However, passive immunization of naïve mice with sera from vaccinated mice did reduce parasite propagation, but the overall protection against parasite infections was rather limited. On the other hand, Δldh immunization evoked elevated levels of Th1 cytokines like INF-γ and IL-12, at early time points. In addition, splenocytes extracted from immunized mice were able to induce quick and robust INF-γ and other pro-inflammatory cytokine production upon T. gondii antigen stimulation. Together these results suggest that cellular immune responses are the main contributors to the protective immunity elicited by Δldh vaccination, and humoral immunity also contributes partially. We also generated uracil auxotrophic mutants in ME49 and compared their immune protection efficiencies to the Δldh mutants. The results showed that these two types of mutants have similar properties as live vaccine candidates. Taken together, these results suggest that mutants lacking LDH were severely attenuated in virulence but were able to induce strong anti-toxoplasma immune responses, therefore are good candidates for live vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningbo Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Taifang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jichao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Steinberg HE, Russo P, Angulo N, Ynocente R, Montoya C, Diestra A, Ferradas C, Schiaffino F, Florentini E, Jimenez J, Calderón M, Carruthers VB, Gilman RH, Liotta L, Luchini A. Toward detection of toxoplasmosis from urine in mice using hydro-gel nanoparticles concentration and parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2018; 14:461-469. [PMID: 29203146 PMCID: PMC5844831 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of clinical toxoplasmosis remains a challenge, thus limiting the availability of human clinical samples. Though murine models are an approximation of human response, their definitive infection status and tissue availability make them critical to the diagnostic development process. Hydrogel mesh nanoparticles were used to concentrate antigen to detectable levels for mass spectrometry. Seven Toxoplasma gondii isolates were used to develop a panel of potential peptide sequences for detection by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mass spectrometry. Nanoparticles were incubated with decreasing concentrations of tachyzoite lysate to explore the limits of detection of PRM. Mice whose toxoplasmosis infection status was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR had urine tested by PRM after hydrogel mesh concentration for known T. gondii peptides. Peptides from GRA1, GRA12, ROP4, ROP5, SAG1, and SAG2A proteins were detected by PRM after nanoparticle concentration of urine, confirming detection of T. gondii antigen in the urine of an infected mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Steinberg
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Paul Russo
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, VA, USA
| | - Noelia Angulo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Raúl Ynocente
- Laboratorio de Parasitología de Fauna Silvestre y Zoonosis, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Cristina Montoya
- Laboratorio de Parasitología de Fauna Silvestre y Zoonosis, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Andrea Diestra
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Cusi Ferradas
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Francesca Schiaffino
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Edgar Florentini
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan Jimenez
- Laboratorio de Parasitología de Fauna Silvestre y Zoonosis, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
| | - Maritza Calderón
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lance Liotta
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, VA, USA
| | - Alessandra Luchini
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Alvarado-Esquivel C, Corella-Madueno MAG, Hernandez-Tinoco J, Rascon-Careaga A, Sanchez-Anguiano LF, Martinez-Robinson KG, Aldana-Madrid ML, Quizan-Plata T, Canez-Carrasco MG, Perez-Martinez CJ. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Northwestern Mexican City. J Clin Med Res 2018; 10:210-216. [PMID: 29416579 PMCID: PMC5798267 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr3284w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Through a cross-sectional survey, we determined the seroprevalence and correlates of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in women of reproductive age in Hermosillo City, Mexico. Methods We studied 445 women of reproductive age in Hermosillo City in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. Women were enrolled in the University of Sonora. Sera of women were examined for IgG and IgM antibodies to T. gondii by commercially available enzyme immunoassays. The association of T. gondii seropositivity with the characteristics of the pregnant women was determined by bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results Of the 445 women (mean age: 22.18 ± 5.6 years) studied, 16 (3.6%) had IgG antibodies to T. gondii, and two (12.5%) were also positive for IgM antibodies to T. gondii. Of the 16 anti-T. gondii IgG-positive women, six (37.5%) had IgG levels higher than 150 IU/mL, four (25.0%) between 100 and 150 IU/mL, and six (37.5%) between 9 and 99 IU/mL. Multivariate analysis of socio-demographic and behavioral variables showed that T. gondii seropositivity was associated with older age (odds ratio (OR): 5.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37 - 20.50; P = 0.01) and boar meat consumption (OR: 6.86; 95% CI: 1.27 - 37.07; P = 0.02). Conclusions Women of reproductive age in Hermosillo City had a low seroprevalence of T. gondii infection. However, this finding indicates that most of these women were susceptible to a primary infection. Factors associated with T. gondii infection found in this study may be useful for the optimal planning of preventive measures against T. gondii infection and its sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Jesus Hernandez-Tinoco
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm", Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - Antonio Rascon-Careaga
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N, 83000 Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Luis Francisco Sanchez-Anguiano
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm", Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - Karla Guadalupe Martinez-Robinson
- Center for Food and Development Research, Department of Technology of Food From Animal Origin, Carretera a la Victoria Km. 6, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Maria Lourdes Aldana-Madrid
- Department of Research and Postgraduate in Food, University of Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N, 83000 Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Trinidad Quizan-Plata
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N, 83000 Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Maria Guadalupe Canez-Carrasco
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N, 83000 Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Cinthia Jhovanna Perez-Martinez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N, 83000 Hermosillo, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kinetics of parasite distribution after reinfection with genetically distinct strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Parasitol 2017; 184:22-30. [PMID: 29146488 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent data shows that prior infection by Toxoplasma gondii does not protect the host from subsequent reinfection even after the development of immunological memory. Although animal models for T. gondii reinfection were proposed after cases of natural human reinfection were described, little is known about the events that occur immediately after challenge. To further understand these events, BALB/c mice were chronically infected with D8 non-virulent strain (genotype ToxoDB#8 BrIII) and challenged with two different virulent strains: EGS (genotype ToxoDB #229) or CH3 strain (genotype ToxoDB #19). Primary infection protected animals from lethal challenge and morbidity was reduced. Reinfection was confirmed by PCR-RFLP, showing differences in the way the parasites spread in challenged animals. Parasites reached the lungs during early infection and a parasitism delay in the intestine was observed in D8+CH3 group. Parasites from challenge strains were not detected in the brain of D8+CH3 and in the intestine and brain of D8+EGS group. Previous infection with D8 strain of T. gondii protected against lethal challenges, but it did not prevent parasite spread to some organs.
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhou DH, Zheng WB, Hou JL, Ma JG, Zhang XX, Zhu XQ, Cong W. Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in farmed raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Shandong province, eastern China. Acta Trop 2017; 172:143-146. [PMID: 28476602 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a successful opportunistic parasite, affecting a wide range of vertebrate animals and humans. Genetic diversity of T. gondii in raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is of great importance to understand the transmission of T. gondii in the environment. However, no information is available about the distribution of genetic diversity of T. gondii infection in raccoon dogs. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and genetic characterization of T. gondii from raccoon dogs in Shandong province, eastern China. A total of 314 brain tissue samples of raccoon dogs were collected and genomic DNA was extracted and assayed for T. gondii infection using semi-nested PCR targeting B1 gene. The positive DNA samples were typed at 10 genetic markers (SAG1, SAG2(5'+3' SAG2, alter.SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico) by multiplex multilocus nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (Mn- PCR-RFLP) technology. Thirty-five (11.15%) of 314 DNA samples were detected positive. Only six samples were completely typed at all genetic loci, and these samples represented ToxoDB genotype#9. Two sample were typed at 9 genetic loci and one was typed at 8 genetic loci, all of them represented Type I. To our knowledge, this is the first report of genetic characterization of T. gondii in raccoon dogs in China. These results revealed the existence of genetic diversity of T. gondii in raccoon dogs in China. These data provided base-line information for controlling T. gondii infection in raccoon dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Jun-Ling Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Jian-Gang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Wei Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong Province 264209, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|