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Alderete JF, Chan H. Point-of-Care Diagnostic for Trichomonas vaginalis, the Most Prevalent, Non-Viral Sexually Transmitted Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010077. [PMID: 36678425 PMCID: PMC9863549 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A point-of-care (POC) diagnostic is needed for both women and men to establish universal screening and surveillance for the number one, non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. We developed a POC diagnostic for this STI using the MedMira Rapid Vertical Flow (RVF®) Technology test cartridge with a membrane that includes a Vertical procedural/reagent control line (referred to as CVL) and spotted with 1 µg of a 72.4-kDa truncated version of α-actinin called ACT::SOE3. This protein is a specific diagnostic target for antibody in sera of individuals with trichomoniasis. Serum antibody to ACT::SOE3 is a positive reaction with the test spot. Specificity of ACT::SOE3 was revealed with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) generated to ACT::SOE3. Addition of negative control serum with MAb 67B reactive to ACT::SOE3 shows detection of both ACT::SOE3 and the CVL. Only positive sera of individuals had antibody reactive with ACT::SOE3 and detected the presence of the spot and the CVL. Negative control sera were unreactive with ACT::SOE3 and only showed the presence of the CVL. Importantly, to show proof-of-principle for POC application, ACT::SOE3 was detected with the positive patient sera spiked with whole blood. Finally, packaged cartridges stored with desiccant packs at 37 °C for one year gave identical results with the positive and negative human sera. Our results show the validity of this new POC serodiagnostic for this STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F. Alderete
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Hermes Chan
- MedMira, Suite 1, 155 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1B3, Canada
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Mohammed ES, Nakamura R, Kalenda YDJ, Deloer S, Moriyasu T, Tanaka M, Fujii Y, Kaneko S, Hirayama K, Ibrahim AI, El-Seify MA, Metwally AM, Hamano S. Dynamics of serological responses to defined recombinant proteins during Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice before and after the treatment with praziquantel. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008518. [PMID: 32915790 PMCID: PMC7485895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To eliminate schistosomiasis, appropriate diagnostic tests are required to monitor its prevalence and transmission, especially in the settings with low endemicity resulting from the consecutive mass drug administration. Antibodies that react with either crude soluble schistosome egg antigens or soluble worm antigen preparations have been used to monitor infection in low-prevalence regions. However, these detection methods cannot discriminate current and past infections and are cross-reactive with other parasites because both antigens contain numerous proteins and glycans from schistosomes, and standard preparations need maintenance of the life cycle of the schistosome. To evaluate the potential utility of nine recombinant Schistosoma mansoni proteins as single defined antigens for serological diagnosis, we monitored the kinetics of antibodies to each antigen during S. mansoni infection in mice before and after the treatment with praziquantel. C57BL/6 mice were infected with 50 cercariae. The levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) raised against five recombinant antigens (RP26, sm31, sm32, GST, and LAP1) significantly increased as early as 2-4 weeks after infection and rapidly declined by 2 weeks after the treatment, whereas those raised against crude S. mansoni egg antigens or other antigens remained elevated long after the treatment. The IgG1 raised against RP26, sm31, and serpin decreased after the treatment with praziquantel, whereas the IgE raised against serpin declined strikingly after the treatment. This study clarifies the dynamics of the serological responses to recombinant S. mansoni proteins during infection and after the treatment with praziquantel and identifies several candidate antigens with potential utility in the monitoring and surveillance of schistosomiasis toward the elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Sayed Mohammed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Risa Nakamura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yombo DJ Kalenda
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Eco-epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Sharmina Deloer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Taeko Moriyasu
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mio Tanaka
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshito Fujii
- Department of Eco-epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kaneko
- Department of Eco-epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Nairobi Research Station, NUITM-KEMRI Project, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenji Hirayama
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ahmed I. Ibrahim
- Department of Poultry Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A. El-Seify
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M. Metwally
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Shinjiro Hamano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Nairobi Research Station, NUITM-KEMRI Project, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
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Advancing Prevention of STIs by Developing Specific Serodiagnostic Targets: Trichomonas vginalis as a Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165783. [PMID: 32785073 PMCID: PMC7460209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Point-of-Care (POC) serum antibody screening of large cohorts of women and men at risk for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis requires the availability of targets with high specificity. Such targets should comprise epitopes unique to T. vaginalis immunogenic proteins detected by sera of women and men patients with trichomonosis but not uninfected controls. Three enzymes to which patients make serum IgG antibody were identified as fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (A), α-enolase (E), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G). Epitopes within these proteins were identified that had no sequence identity to enzymes of humans and other pathogens. Therefore, I constructed a chimeric recombinant String-Of-Epitopes (SOE) protein consisting of 15-mer peptides, within which are the epitopes of A, E, and G. This novel protein of ~36-kD is comprised of two epitopes of A, ten epitopes of E, and seven epitopes of G (AEG::SOE2). The AEG::SOE2 protein was detected both by immunoblot and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using highly reactive sera of women and men but not negative serum unreactive to T. vaginalis proteins. Finally, AEG::SOE2 was found to be immunogenic, as evidenced by serum IgG from immunized mice. I discuss how this approach is important in relation to infectious disease diagnostic targets for detection of serum IgG antibody in exposed and/or infected individuals and how such novel targets may have potential as subunit vaccine candidates against microbial pathogens.
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Alderete JF. Epitopes within recombinant α-actinin protein is serodiagnostic target for Trichomonas vaginalis sexually transmitted infections. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00237. [PMID: 28203642 PMCID: PMC5288299 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To date there is no commercially-available serodiagnostic for women and men infected with Trichomonas vaginalis. Thirteen epitopes of the immunogenic T. vaginalis α-actinin (106.2-kDa) are detected by sera of women patients, and 5 epitopes, a subset of the 13, are detected by sera of men. A truncated recombinant protein called ACT-P2 (63.5-kDa) encoding the 5 epitopes is used for screening by ELISA for antibody in sera of women and men. Because ACT-P2 is poorly expressed in E. coli, we wanted alternative recombinant α-actinin proteins as serodiagnostic targets. We, therefore, constructed plasmids encoding two novel, small recombinant proteins of ∼25-kDa comprised of 15-mer peptides, each peptide of which contains one of the 13 epitopes. We refer to these novel proteins as α-actinin::string-of-epitopes1 (ACT::SOE1) and ACT::SOE2. We found the proteins to be unrecoverable from insoluble inclusion bodies without denaturing conditions, which rendered the proteins unsuitable for antibody detection. Thus, we synthesized a third ACT::SOE3 protein (72.4-kDa) with 7 epitopes that was synthesized in high amounts and was readily purified. Monoclonal antibodies to α-actinin detected ACT::SOE3 and ACT-P2 by ELISA. Further, we show that ACT::SOE3 is equal to ACT-P2 as a target protein for detection of serum IgG in positive sera of women and men. Data indicate that ACT::SOE3 is a target for screening of populations at-risk for this STI. Finally, the paper discusses the findings with regard to Point-of-Care diagnostic targets and vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Alderete
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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Iqbal J, Al-Rashed J, Kehinde EO. Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in prostate tissue and serostatus in patients with asymptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:506. [PMID: 27660027 PMCID: PMC5034458 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite a worldwide common and progressive nature of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in older men, no association has been observed between a causative pathogen and other etiology so far. Methods In this study, we investigated a causative association of Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellate protozoan parasite, in 171 BPH cases presenting without symptoms of prostatitis at a surgical outpatient clinic in Kuwait. We detected T. vaginalis DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and T. vaginalis antigen by immunocytochemistry (ICC) in the prostate tissue of these cases. A total of 171 age-matched controls with no urinary tract symptoms were also included in the study. A detailed information regarding the sexual history and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was enquired from all the enrolled subjects. Results We detected T. vaginalis DNA and T. vaginalis antigen in 42 (24.6 %) and 37 (21.6 %) of the 171 BPH cases respectively in their prostate tissue. Both these assays showed a very good agreement and statistically no significant difference in their sensitivities and specificities. A relatively higher seropositivity rate for antibodies to T. vaginalis was detected in BPH cases (53 of 171 cases, 31.0 %) than in the control group (26.9 %) [p: 0.19] and both were higher than in earlier reports but no significant association was observed between BPH and T. vaginalis serostatus. However, a greater proportion of seroreactive BPH cases had high IgG2 antibody absorbance score than in the control group (p:0.000). Furthermore, no significant association was observed between T. vaginalis seropositivity and presence of T. vaginalis DNA in the prostate tissue. Conclusions Our study documents T. vaginalis DNA and T. vaginalis antigen in 24.6 and 21.6 % respectively in the prostate tissue of the BPH cases. We also detected a relatively higher seropositivity rate for antibodies to T. vaginalis both in the BPH cases and in normal control group, 31 and 26.9 % respectively but no significant association was observed between BPH and T. vaginalis serostatus or presence of T. vaginalis DNA in the prostate tissue. Further epidemiological and case-controlled studies are needed to focus on local response to chronic asymptomatic retention of T. vaginalis in prostate tissue in the development of benign prostate hyperplasia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1843-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshaid Iqbal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, Safat, 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Jumanah Al-Rashed
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, Safat, 13110, Kuwait
| | - Elijah O Kehinde
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, Safat, 13110, Kuwait
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Trichomonas vaginalis Cysteine Proteinases: Iron Response in Gene Expression and Proteolytic Activity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:946787. [PMID: 26090464 PMCID: PMC4450334 DOI: 10.1155/2015/946787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We focus on the iron response of Trichomonas vaginalis to gene family products such as the cysteine proteinases (CPs) involved in virulence properties. In particular, we examined the effect of iron on the gene expression regulation and function of cathepsin L-like and asparaginyl endopeptidase-like CPs as virulence factors. We addressed some important aspects about CPs genomic organization and we offer possible explanations to the fact that only few members of this large gene family are expressed at the RNA and protein levels and the way to control their proteolytic activity. We also summarized all known iron regulations of CPs at transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels along with new insights into the possible epigenetic and miRNA processes.
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Hernández HM, Marcet R, Sarracent J. Biological roles of cysteine proteinases in the pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:54. [PMID: 25348828 PMCID: PMC4209856 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human trichomonosis, infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease in the world. The host-parasite interaction and pathophysiological processes of trichomonosis remain incompletely understood. This review focuses on the advancements reached in the area of the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis, especially in the role of the cysteine proteinases. It highlights various approaches made in this field and lists a group of trichomonad cysteine proteinases involved in diverse processes such as invasion of the mucous layer, cytoadherence, cytotoxicity, cytoskeleton disruption of red blood cells, hemolysis, and evasion of the host immune response. A better understanding of the biological roles of cysteine proteinases in the pathogenesis of this parasite could be used in the identification of new chemotherapeutic targets. An additional advantage could be the development of a vaccine in order to reduce transmission of T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda M Hernández
- Parasitology Department, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Ricardo Marcet
- Parasitology Department, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Jorge Sarracent
- Parasitology Department, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana 10400, Cuba
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Alderete JF, Neace CJ. Identification, characterization, and synthesis of peptide epitopes and a recombinant six-epitope protein for Trichomonas vaginalis serodiagnosis. Immunotargets Ther 2013; 2:91-103. [PMID: 27471691 PMCID: PMC4928357 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s46694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for a rapid, accurate serodiagnostic test useful for both women and men infected by Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes the number one sexually transmitted infection (STI). Women and men exposed to T. vaginalis make serum antibody to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (ALD), α-enolase (ENO), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP). We identified, by epitope mapping, the common and distinct epitopes of each protein detected by the sera of women patients with trichomonosis and by the sera of men highly seropositive to the immunogenic protein α-actinin (positive control sera). We analyzed the amino acid sequences to determine the extent of identity of the epitopes of each protein with other proteins in the databanks. This approach identified epitopes unique to T. vaginalis, indicating these peptide-epitopes as possible targets for a serodiagnostic test. Individual or combinations of 15-mer peptide epitopes with low to no identity with other proteins were reactive with positive control sera from both women and men but were unreactive with negative control sera. These analyses permitted the synthesis of a recombinant His6 fusion protein of 111 amino acids with an Mr of ~13.4 kDa, which consisted of 15-mer peptides of two distinct epitopes each for ALD, ENO, and GAP. This recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography. This composite protein was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), dot blots, and immunoblots, using positive control sera from women and men. These data indicate that it is possible to identify epitopes and that either singly, in combination, or as a composite protein represent targets for a point-of-care serodiagnostic test for T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Alderete
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Calvin J Neace
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Epitopes of the highly immunogenic Trichomonas vaginalis α-actinin are serodiagnostic targets for both women and men. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:2483-90. [PMID: 23616456 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00582-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need for a point-of-care serodiagnostic test for women and men for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Sera from women with this STI and sera from men that were analyzed in studies showing a relationship between serostatus and prostate cancer are highly seropositive in response to trichomonad α-actinin and its truncated protein (ACT-P2) (positive control sera). Epitope mapping experiments showed that positive control sera from women had antibodies to 13 distinct epitopes, 5 of which were detected by positive control sera from men. Sera from women and men that were unreactive with α-actinin (negative control sera) failed to detect any of the epitopes or other α-actinin amino acid sequences. The T. vaginalis α-actinin amino acid sequence and the sequences of the epitopes showed little or no identity with those of other proteins of microbial pathogens or the human α-actinin 1 (HuACTN1) homolog. Immunoassays such as dot blot, immunoblot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used. Positive control sera did not detect HuACTN1 in immunoassays, and the range of levels of identity of α-actinin epitopes with HuACTN1 was 0% to 50%. Comparison of the T. vaginalis α-actinin epitopes with proteins in data banks, such as Tritrichomonas suis, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins, gave a range of identity levels of 0% to 22%. Specific 15-mer peptide epitopes of α-actinin with low to no identity with other proteins were synthesized and were reactive with positive control sera only. These findings identify epitopes of α-actinin as candidate serodiagnostic targets and suggest strongly that a highly seropositive reaction to α-actinin suggests exposure to T. vaginalis.
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Klodnicki ME, McDougald LR, Beckstead RB. A Genomic Analysis ofHistomonas meleagridisThrough Sequencing of a cDNA Library. J Parasitol 2013; 99:264-9. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-3256.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Host-parasite interaction: parasite-derived and -induced proteases that degrade human extracellular matrix. J Parasitol Res 2012; 2012:748206. [PMID: 22792442 PMCID: PMC3390111 DOI: 10.1155/2012/748206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic protozoa are among the most important pathogens worldwide. Diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, and trypanosomiasis affect millions of people. Humans are constantly threatened by infections caused by these pathogens. Parasites engage a plethora of surface and secreted molecules to attach to and enter mammalian cells. The secretion of lytic enzymes by parasites into host organs mediates critical interactions because of the invasion and destruction of interstitial tissues, enabling parasite migration to other sites within the hosts. Extracellular matrix is a complex, cross-linked structure that holds cells together in an organized assembly and that forms the basement membrane lining (basal lamina). The extracellular matrix represents a major barrier to parasites. Therefore, the evolution of mechanisms for connective-tissue degradation may be of great importance for parasite survival. Recent advances have been achieved in our understanding of the biochemistry and molecular biology of proteases from parasitic protozoa. The focus of this paper is to discuss the role of protozoan parasitic proteases in the degradation of host ECM proteins and the participation of these molecules as virulence factors. We divide the paper into two sections, extracellular and intracellular protozoa.
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Trichomonas vaginalis Weakens human Amniochorion in an in vitro model of premature membrane rupture. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2010; 2:267-74. [PMID: 18475407 PMCID: PMC2364407 DOI: 10.1155/s1064744995000160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/1994] [Accepted: 01/25/1995] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection is associated with preterm rupture of membranes
(PROM) and preterm birth. We evaluated the effects of TV growth and metabolism on preparations
of human amniochorion to understand and characterize how TV may impair fetal-membrane
integrity and predispose to PROM and preterm birth. Methods: Term fetal membranes were evaluated using an established in vitro fetal-membrane
model. Fresh TV clinical isolates were obtained from pregnant women. The protozoa (5.0×105 to
1.5×106/ml) were incubated with fetal membranes in modified Diamond's medium for 20 h at 37°C
in 5% CO2.The effects of fetal-membrane strength (bursting tension, work to rupture, and elasticity)
were measured using a calibrated Wheatstone-bridge dynamometer. Tests were also performed to
evaluate the effects of 1) inoculum size; 2) metronidazole (50 μg/ml); and 3) cell-free filtrate. Results: The TV-induced membrane effects were 1) isolate variable; 2) inoculum dependent; 3)
incompletely protected by metronidazole; and 4) mediated by both live organisms as well as protozoan-free culture filtrates. Six of 9 isolates significantly reduced the calculated work to rupture
(P ≤ 0.02); 7 of 9 reduced bursting tension; and 1 of 9 reduced elasticity. One isolate significantly
increased the work to rupture and bursting tension (P ≤ 0.002). Conclusions: In vitro incubation of fetal membranes with TV can significantly impair the measures
of fetal-membrane strength. This model may be used to delineate the mechanisms of TV-induced
membrane damage. This study suggests that there are enzyme-specific effects as well as pH effects.
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Identification and molecular characterization of numerous Histomonas meleagridis proteins using a cDNA library. Parasitology 2009; 136:379-91. [PMID: 19154645 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182008005477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYHistomonas meleagridis is a protozoan parasite of various galliform birds causing a type of enterohepatitis termed histomonosis or 'blackhead disease'. Due to the ban of chemotherapeutic substances and an increase in free-range poultry production, histomonosis is currently a re-emerging disease. So far limited molecular knowledge is available. In the present work, mRNAs coding for antigenic proteins of H. meleagridis were identified. For this purpose, a cDNA expression library was constructed from a mono-eukaryotic culture of H. meleagridis. The library was screened with polyclonal rabbit serum raised against purified H. meleagridis trophozoites. Polyclonal rabbit serum specifically recognized the same major H. meleagridis antigens as chicken and turkey sera originating from animal trials, but displayed a significantly lower bacteria-dependent background signal. After 2 rounds of screening, a total of 95 positive clones were sequenced. Bioinformatics analyses were performed on nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences, identifying 37 unique clones. Based on the homology to other protozoan parasites, mostly Trichomonas vaginalis, the clones were grouped according to functional aspects: structural proteins, possible surface proteins, oxygen reducing proteins, ribosomal proteins, protein kinases and various other intracellular proteins.
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Kaur S, Khurana S, Bagga R, Wanchu A, Malla N. Antitrichomonas IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgG subclass responses in human intravaginal trichomoniasis. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:305-12. [PMID: 18437425 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0971-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2007] [Accepted: 03/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is a major nonviral sexually transmitted disease. Clinical spectrum varies from an asymptomatic state to mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. However, the exact factors leading to the variations in symptoms have not been well elucidated. Host's immune response to the parasite may be playing a role in varied symptomatology. The present study reports antitrichomonas IgM, IgA, IgG and its subclasses in doubling dilutions of serum and diluted vaginal washes of six T. vaginalis-infected symptomatic and four T. vaginalis-infected asymptomatic women and uninfected controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant difference was observed in serum IgG ELISA absorbance values from symptomatic compared to asymptomatic subjects (p > 0.05) while a significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted in serum IgM in all the tested dilutions and IgA up to a dilution of 400. This is the first report of the detection of specific IgG subclass response in T. vaginalis-infected female patients, and quantitative analysis of the antibody responses indicated that the production of local IgG particularly IgG1 in vaginal secretions may be playing a significant role in establishing symptomatic infection. The interesting observation of the present study is that the specific IgM was detected in 2 (33.3%) symptomatic and T. vaginalis-infected patients in > or =800 dilutions and in 1 (16.6%) up to 200 dilutions in serum, while it was not detectable in the vaginal secretions of symptomatic patients or in the serum and vaginal secretions of asymptomatic T. vaginalis-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simernjeet Kaur
- Department of Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Sutcliffe S, Giovannucci E, Alderete JF, Chang TH, Gaydos CA, Zenilman JM, De Marzo AM, Willett WC, Platz EA. Plasma antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis and subsequent risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006; 15:939-45. [PMID: 16702374 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-05-0781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several previous case-control studies have investigated associations between sexually transmitted infections (STI) and prostate cancer, most have focused on gonorrhea and syphilis, two well-recognized, symptomatic STIs. Another STI of interest for prostate carcinogenesis is trichomonosis, a less well recognized and frequently asymptomatic STI with known prostate involvement. We investigated this infection in relation to incident prostate cancer in a nested case-control study within the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. METHODS Prostate cancer cases were men diagnosed with prostate cancer between the date of blood draw (1993-1995) and 2000 (n = 691). Controls were men who had had at least one prostate-specific antigen test and who were free of prostate cancer and alive at the time of case diagnosis. One control was individually matched to each case by age (n = 691). Serologic evidence of a history of trichomonosis was assessed by a recombinant Trichomonas vaginalis alpha-actinin IgG ELISA. RESULTS Thirteen percent of cases and 9% of controls were seropositive for trichomonosis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.03). This association persisted after additional adjustment for such factors as a history of other STIs, and was strongest among men who used aspirin infrequently over the course of their lives (odds ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.02, P(interaction) = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS Serologic evidence of a history of trichomonosis was positively associated with incident prostate cancer in this large, nested case-control study of male health professionals. As this study is the first, to our knowledge, to investigate associations between T. vaginalis serology and prostate cancer, additional studies are necessary before conclusions can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Sutcliffe
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Room E6138, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Mendoza-López MR, Becerril-Garcia C, Fattel-Facenda LV, Avila-Gonzalez L, Ruíz-Tachiquín ME, Ortega-Lopez J, Arroyo R. CP30, a cysteine proteinase involved in Trichomonas vaginalis cytoadherence. Infect Immun 2000; 68:4907-12. [PMID: 10948104 PMCID: PMC101697 DOI: 10.1128/iai.68.9.4907-4912.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe here the participation of a Trichomonas vaginalis 30-kDa proteinase (CP30) with affinity to the HeLa cell surface in attachment of this parasite to host epithelial cells. The CP30 band is a cysteine proteinase because its activity was inhibited by E-64, a thiol proteinase inhibitor. In two-dimensional substrate gel electrophoresis of total extracts of the trichomonad isolate CNCD 147, three spots with proteolytic activity were detected in the 30-kDa region, in the pI range from 4.5 to 5.5. Two of the spots (pI 4.5 and 5.0) bound to the surfaces of fixed HeLa cells corresponding to the CP30 band. The immunoglobulin G fraction of the rabbit anti-CP30 antiserum that recognized a 30-kDa band by Western blotting and immunoprecipitated CP30 specifically inhibited trichomonal cytoadherence to HeLa cell monolayers in a concentration-dependent manner and reacted with CP30 at the parasite surface. CP30 degraded proteins found on the female urogenital tract, including fibronectin, collagen IV, and hemoglobin. Interestingly, CP30 digested fibronectin and collagen IV only at pH levels between 4.5 and 5.0. Moreover, trichomonosis patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by in vitro culture possessed antibody to CP30 in both sera and vaginal washes, and CP30 activity was found in vaginal washes. Our results suggest that surface CP30 is a cysteine proteinase necessary for trichomonal adherence to human epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Mendoza-López
- Departamento de Patología Experimental, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City D.F. CP 07360, Mexico
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Provenzano D, Alderete JF. Analysis of human immunoglobulin-degrading cysteine proteinases of Trichomonas vaginalis. Infect Immun 1995; 63:3388-95. [PMID: 7642267 PMCID: PMC173466 DOI: 10.1128/iai.63.9.3388-3395.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that causes a widely distributed sexually transmitted disease (STD). Since immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to specific trichomonad immunogens are found in serum and vaginal washes (VWs) from patients with trichomoniasis, a potential mechanism of immune evasion by this parasite might be the ability of T. vaginalis proteinases to degrade human immunoglobulins (Igs). Incubation of human IgG with lysates of T. vaginalis organisms resulted in time- and concentration-dependent degradation of the heavy chain. Secretory IgA was degraded similarly. Inhibitors of cysteine proteinases, when added to trichomonal lysates, abolished IgG and IgA degradation, while EDTA, a metalloproteinase inhibitor, did not. Substrate-gel electrophoresis with human IgG, IgM, or IgA copolymerized with acrylamide revealed several distinct cysteine proteinases in both lysates and culture supernatants from logarithmically growing parasites that degraded all classes of human antibodies. Trichomonal lysates and supernatants of numerous isolates tested all had Ig-degrading activity. Finally, proteolytic activity against IgG was detected in most (26 of 33; 78%) VWs from patients with trichomoniasis. In contrast, 18 of 28 (65%) VWs from women without trichomoniasis or from patients infected with other STDs had no detectable proteinases when tested in an identical manner. The other 10 of these 28 VWs (35%) had smaller amounts of detectable Ig-degrading proteinases. These differences in Ig-degrading proteinase activity between patients with and without trichomoniasis, regardless of coinfecting STDs, were statistically significant (P = 0.001). These results illustrate that T. vaginalis is capable of degrading human Igs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Provenzano
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7758, USA
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el Sayed F, Bazex J. Chronic perianal ulcerations: role of Trichomonas vaginalis? Genitourin Med 1993; 69:483-4. [PMID: 8282308 PMCID: PMC1195161 DOI: 10.1136/sti.69.6.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Alderete JF, Newton E, Dennis C, Neale KA. The vagina of women infected with Trichomonas vaginalis has numerous proteinases and antibody to trichomonad proteinases. Genitourin Med 1991; 67:469-74. [PMID: 1774051 PMCID: PMC1194770 DOI: 10.1136/sti.67.6.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with trichomoniasis have serum antibody to numerous T. vaginalis cysteine proteinases, indicating that the proteinases are expressed in vivo. It was important, therefore, to examine for the presence of soluble trichomonad proteinases and/or antibody to the proteinases in the vagina of infected women. METHODS Vaginal washes (VWs) from 20 women were examined for the presence of proteinases by electrophoresis using acrylamide co-polymerised with gelatin as the indicator system. Antibody to proteinases in VWs was detected by an immunoprecipitation assay involving protein A-bearing Staphylococcus aureus first coated with anti-human immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, which was then added to VWs. For VWs having soluble proteinases, the bacteria were used to determine whether immune complexes between antibody and proteinases were present. VWs without soluble proteinases were incubated with the anti-human IgG treated bacteria before adding to detergent extracts of T. vaginalis. Individual isolates from the patients examined in this study were also analysed by one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis for their proteinase content. Finally, VWs were from patients without any history of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as well as from individuals having numerous other STDs, including yeast, group B streptococcus, chlamydia, and syphilis. RESULTS Approximately one-third of patients had soluble proteinases in the VWs; the remaining two-thirds (70%) of patients and normal women had no detectable proteinases in VWs. Half of the patients without soluble proteinases had IgG which, when bound to S. aureus, immunoprecipitated many proteinases from a detergent extract of T. vaginalis. All soluble proteinases and those precipitated from trichomonal extracts were inhibited by inhibitors of cysteine proteinases. Finally, patients having trichomoniasis in addition to numerous other STD agents, including yeast, group B streptococcus, chlamydia, and syphilis did not have soluble proteinases in VWs. Equally noteworthy, some patients with soluble proteinases in VWs did not have other detectable STD agents. CONCLUSIONS Proteinases were detected in the vagina of some patients with trichomoniasis, and in most cases the proteinases were complexed with IgG, which was precipitated by S. aureus. Patients without soluble proteinases in VWs also had antibody specifically to trichomonad proteinases, again demonstrating both the expression and immunogenic nature of the proteinases in vivo. The absence of soluble proteinases in normal women and in patients having other STD agents as well as the presence of proteinases in VWs of patients without other detectable STD pathogens reinforced the idea that the proteinases were of T. vaginalis parasite origin. The findings of this study indicate that proteinases may be important to the T. vaginalis-host interrelationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Alderete
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7758
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