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Tadege G, Dagne A, Bizuneh GK, Abebe D, Nureye D. Efficacy of Albizia malacophylla (A.Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) methanol (80%) leaf extract and solvent fractions against Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria in mice model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118413. [PMID: 38824975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118413] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Novel drugs are needed to address the issue of malarial infection resistance; natural items can be a different source of these medications. Albizia malacophylla (A. Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) is listed as one of the antimalarial medicinal plants in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, there are no reports regarding the biological activity or phytochemistry of the plant. AIM OF THE STUDY Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the A. malacophylla crude extract and solvent fractions' in vivo antimalarial activity utilizing 4-day suppressive, preventative, and curative tests in mice infected with P. berghei. MATERIALS AND METHODS The parasite Plasmodium berghei, which causes rodent malaria, was used to infect healthy male Swiss Albino mice, weighing 23-28 g and aged 6-8 weeks. Solvent fractions such as methanol, water, and chloroform were given in addition to an 80% methanolic extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses. A Conventional test such as parasitemia, survival time, body weight, temperature, and packed cell capacity were employed to ascertain factors such as the suppressive, curative, and preventive tests. RESULTS Every test substance dramatically reduced the number of parasites in every experiment. Crude extract (with the highest percentage suppression of 67.78%) performs better antimalarial effect than the methanol fraction, which is the most efficient solvent fraction with a percentage suppression of 55.74%. With a suppression value of 64.83% parasitemia level, the therapeutic effects of 80% methanolic crude extract were greater than its curative and preventative effects in a four-day suppressive test. The survival period (17 days) was longer with the hydroalcoholic crude extract dose of 400 mg/kg than with other doses of the materials under investigation. CONCLUSIONS The results of this investigation validate the antimalarial characteristics of A. malacophylla leaf extract. The crude extract prevented weight loss, a decline in temperature, and a reduction in PCV. The results demonstrate that the plant has a promising antimalarial effect against P. berghei, hence supporting the traditional use of the plant. Therefore, it could serve as a foundation for the development of new antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getnet Tadege
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Northwest, Ethiopia.
| | - Abebe Dagne
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Northwest, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Kassahun Bizuneh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dehnnet Abebe
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Northwest, Ethiopia.
| | - Dejen Nureye
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Southwest, Ethiopia
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Mousavi Shafi ZS, Firouz ZM, Pirahmadi S. Gene expression analysis of Anopheles Meigen, 1818 (Diptera: Culicidae) innate immunity after Plasmodium Marchiafava & Celli, 1885 (Apicomplexa) infection: Toward developing new malaria control strategies. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105650. [PMID: 39089500 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105650] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite the critical role of the Anopheles innate immune system in defending against Plasmodium infection, there is still limited information about the key immune mechanisms in Anopheles. This review assesses recent findings on the expression characteristics of immune-related genes in Anopheles following exposure to Plasmodium. A literature review, unrestricted by publication date, was conducted to evaluate immune-related gene expression in different organs of Anopheles after Plasmodium infection. Mosquito immune responses in the midgut are essential for reducing parasite populations. Additionally, innate immune responses in the salivary glands and hemocytes circulating in the hemocoel play key roles in defense against the parasite. Transcriptomic analysis of the mosquito's innate immune response to Plasmodium infection provides valuable insights into key immune mechanisms in mosquito defense. A deeper understanding of immune mechanisms in different organs of Anopheles following Plasmodium infection will aid in discovering critical targets for designing novel control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sadat Mousavi Shafi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Mohammadi Firouz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Schinkel M, Bousema T, van Rij RP. Tripartite interactions between viruses, parasites, and mosquitoes. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 64:101222. [PMID: 38908822 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases have a major impact on global human health. Biological agents that colonize the mosquito vector are increasingly explored as an intervention strategy to prevent vector-borne disease transmission. For instance, the release of mosquitoes carrying the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia effectively reduced dengue virus incidence and disease. Insect-specific viruses are likewise considered as biocontrol agents against vector-borne diseases. While most studies focused on insect-specific viruses as an intervention against arthropod-borne viruses, we here consider whether mosquito-specific viruses may affect the transmission of the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasite by Anopheles mosquitoes. Although there is no direct experimental evidence addressing this question, we found that viral infections in dipteran insects activate some of the immune pathways that are antiparasitic in Anopheles. These findings suggest that indirect virus-parasite interactions could occur and that insect-specific viruses may modulate malaria transmission. Tripartite interactions between viruses, parasites, and Anopheles mosquitoes thus merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Schinkel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald P van Rij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Liu T, Wang J, Li X, Yu S, Zheng D, Liu Z, Yang X, Wang Y. Human Defensin 5 Inhibits Plasmodium yoelii Development in Anopheles stephensi by Promoting Innate Immune Response. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:169. [PMID: 39195607 PMCID: PMC11360097 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9080169] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria poses a serious threat to human health. Existing vector-based interventions have shortcomings, such as environmental pollution, strong resistance to chemical insecticides, and the slow effects of biological insecticides. Therefore, the need to develop novel strategies for controlling malaria, such as reducing mosquito vector competence, is escalating. Human defensin 5 (HD5) has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. To determine its effect on Plasmodium development in mosquitoes, HD5 was injected into Anopheles stephensi at various time points. The infection density of Plasmodium yoelii in An. stephensi was substantially reduced by HD5 treatment administered 24 h prior to infection or 6, 12, or 24 h post-infection (hpi). We found that HD5 treatment upregulated the expression of the innate immune effectors TEP1, MyD88, and Rel1 at 24 and 72 hpi. Furthermore, the RNA interference of MyD88, a key upstream molecule in the Toll signaling pathway, decreased the HD5-induced resistance of mosquitoes against Plasmodium infection. These results suggest that HD5 microinjection inhibits the development of malaria parasites in An. stephensi by activating the Toll signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (T.L.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (T.L.)
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (T.L.)
| | - Shasha Yu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (T.L.)
| | - Dan Zheng
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (T.L.)
- School of Public Health, the Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhilong Liu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (T.L.)
| | - Xuesen Yang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (T.L.)
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (T.L.)
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Kefi M, Cardoso-Jaime V, Saab SA, Dimopoulos G. Curing mosquitoes with genetic approaches for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:487-499. [PMID: 38760256 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.010] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Malaria remains a persistent global public health challenge because of the limitations of current prevention tools. The use of transgenic mosquitoes incapable of transmitting malaria, in conjunction with existing methods, holds promise for achieving elimination of malaria and preventing its reintroduction. In this context, population modification involves the spread of engineered genetic elements through mosquito populations that render them incapable of malaria transmission. Significant progress has been made in this field over the past decade in revealing promising targets, optimizing genetic tools, and facilitating the transition from the laboratory to successful field deployments, which are subject to regulatory scrutiny. This review summarizes recent advances and ongoing challenges in 'curing' Anopheles vectors of the malaria parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kefi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sally A Saab
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Bevivino G, Maurizi L, Ammendolia MG, Longhi C, Arcà B, Lombardo F. Peptides with Antimicrobial Activity in the Saliva of the Malaria Vector Anopheles coluzzii. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5529. [PMID: 38791567 PMCID: PMC11121840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105529] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquito saliva plays a crucial physiological role in both sugar and blood feeding by helping sugar digestion and exerting antihemostatic functions. During meal acquisition, mosquitoes are exposed to the internalization of external microbes. Since mosquitoes reingest significant amounts of saliva during feeding, we hypothesized that salivary antimicrobial components may participate in the protection of mouthparts, the crop, and the gut by inhibiting bacterial growth. To identify novel potential antimicrobials from mosquito saliva, we selected 11 candidates from Anopheles coluzzii salivary transcriptomic datasets and obtained them either using a cell-free transcription/translation expression system or, when feasible, via chemical synthesis. Hyp6.2 and hyp13, which were predicted to be produced as propeptides and cleaved in shorter mature forms, showed the most interesting results in bacterial growth inhibition assays. Hyp6.2 (putative mature form, 35 amino acid residues) significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) bacteria. Hyp13 (short form, 19 amino acid residues) dose-dependently inhibited E. coli and S. marcescens growth, inducing membrane disruption in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as indicated with scanning electron microscopy. In conclusion, we identified two A. coluzzii salivary peptides inhibiting Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria growth and possibly contributing to the protection of mosquito mouthparts and digestive tracts from microbial infection during and/or after feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bevivino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Linda Maurizi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Maria Grazia Ammendolia
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Catia Longhi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Bruno Arcà
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
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7
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HARAGUCHI A, TAKANO M, FUJIWARA K, HAKOZAKI J, NAKAYAMA K, NAKAMURA S, YOSHIKAWA Y, FUKUMOTO S, KUSAKISAKO K, IKADAI H. Searching for new molecules involved in Anopheles mosquitoes' response to Plasmodium infection. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:485-492. [PMID: 38569883 PMCID: PMC11144534 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.24-0008] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites within mosquitoes are exposed to various physiological processes, such as blood meal digestion activity, the gonotrophic cycle, and host responses preventing the entry of parasites into the midgut wall. However, when in vitro-cultured ookinetes are injected into the hemocoel of mosquitoes, Plasmodium parasites are not affected by the vertebrate host's blood contents and do not pass through the midgut epithelial cells. This infection method might aid in identifying mosquito-derived factors affecting Plasmodium development within mosquitoes. This study investigated novel mosquito-derived molecules related to parasite development in Anopheles mosquitoes. We injected in vitro-cultured Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) ookinetes into female and male Anopheles stephensi (STE2 strain) mosquitoes and found that the oocyst number was significantly higher in males than in females, suggesting that male mosquitoes better support the development of parasites. Next, RNA-seq analysis was performed on the injected female and male mosquitoes to identify genes exhibiting changes in expression. Five genes with different expression patterns between sexes and greatest expression changes were identified as being potentially associated with Plasmodium infection. Two of the five genes also showed expression changes with infection by blood-feeding, indicating that these genes could affect the development of Plasmodium parasites in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako HARAGUCHI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Makoto TAKANO
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kanta FUJIWARA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Jun HAKOZAKI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko NAKAYAMA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Sakure NAKAMURA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yasunaga YOSHIKAWA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Shinya FUKUMOTO
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Kodai KUSAKISAKO
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Hiromi IKADAI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
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Samantsidis GR, Kwon H, Wendland M, Fonder C, Smith RC. TNF signaling mediates cellular immune function and promotes malaria parasite killing in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592209. [PMID: 38746363 PMCID: PMC11092648 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine and a master regulator of immune cell function in vertebrates. While previous studies have implicated TNF signaling in invertebrate immunity, the roles of TNF in mosquito innate immunity and vector competence have yet to be explored. Herein, we confirm the identification of a conserved TNF-α pathway in Anopheles gambiae consisting of the TNF-α ligand, Eiger, and its cognate receptors Wengen and Grindelwald. Through gene expression analysis, RNAi, and in vivo injection of recombinant TNF-α, we provide direct evidence for the requirement of TNF signaling in regulating mosquito immune cell function by promoting granulocyte midgut attachment, increased granulocyte abundance, and oenocytoid rupture. Moreover, our data demonstrate that TNF signaling is an integral component of anti-Plasmodium immunity that limits malaria parasite survival. Together, our data support the existence of a highly conserved TNF signaling pathway in mosquitoes that mediates cellular immunity and influences Plasmodium infection outcomes, offering potential new approaches to interfere with malaria transmission by targeting the mosquito host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Megan Wendland
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Catherine Fonder
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Vandana V, Dong S, Sheth T, Sun Q, Wen H, Maldonado A, Xi Z, Dimopoulos G. Wolbachia infection-responsive immune genes suppress Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles stephensi. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012145. [PMID: 38598552 PMCID: PMC11034644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia, a maternally transmitted symbiotic bacterium of insects, can suppress a variety of human pathogens in mosquitoes, including malaria-causing Plasmodium in the Anopheles vector. However, the mechanistic basis of Wolbachia-mediated Plasmodium suppression in mosquitoes is not well understood. In this study, we compared the midgut and carcass transcriptomes of stably infected Anopheles stephensi with Wolbachia wAlbB to uninfected mosquitoes in order to discover Wolbachia infection-responsive immune genes that may play a role in Wolbachia-mediated anti-Plasmodium activity. We show that wAlbB infection upregulates 10 putative immune genes and downregulates 14 in midguts, while it upregulates 31 putative immune genes and downregulates 15 in carcasses at 24 h after blood-fed feeding, the time at which the Plasmodium ookinetes are traversing the midgut tissue. Only a few of these regulated immune genes were also significantly differentially expressed between Wolbachia-infected and non-infected midguts and carcasses of sugar-fed mosquitoes. Silencing of the Wolbachia infection-responsive immune genes TEP 4, TEP 15, lysozyme C2, CLIPB2, CLIPB4, PGRP-LD and two novel genes (a peritrophin-44-like gene and a macro domain-encoding gene) resulted in a significantly greater permissiveness to P. falciparum infection. These results indicate that Wolbachia infection modulates mosquito immunity and other processes that are likely to decrease Anopheles permissiveness to Plasmodium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Vandana
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tanaya Sheth
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Han Wen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Amanda Maldonado
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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dos Santos NAC, Bastos ADS, Araújo JE, Pontual JDC, Medeiros JF, Vinetz JM, Araujo MDS. Case Report: Plasmodium vivax Sporozoite Melanization in the Midgut and Salivary Gland of the Malaria Vector Anopheles darlingi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:444-447. [PMID: 38350139 PMCID: PMC10919193 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0349] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Anopheles darlingi is the primary malaria vector in the Amazon region and is highly susceptible to both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Although anopheline mosquitoes may develop melanotic encapsulation in response to Plasmodium parasites, there is no record of An. darlingi exhibiting a melanization response to P. vivax, the main malaria parasite in the Americas. Here, we report the occurrence of P. vivax sporozoite melanization in An. darlingi mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najara Akira Costa dos Santos
- Plataforma de Produção e Infecção de Vetores da Malária- PIVEM, Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAMO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Alessandra da Silva Bastos
- Plataforma de Produção e Infecção de Vetores da Malária- PIVEM, Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Evangelista Araújo
- Plataforma de Produção e Infecção de Vetores da Malária- PIVEM, Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Experimental – Universidade Federal de Rondônia/Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - José Daniel Costa Pontual
- Plataforma de Produção e Infecção de Vetores da Malária- PIVEM, Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Jansen Fernandes Medeiros
- Plataforma de Produção e Infecção de Vetores da Malária- PIVEM, Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAMO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Joseph Michael Vinetz
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Maisa da Silva Araujo
- Plataforma de Produção e Infecção de Vetores da Malária- PIVEM, Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAMO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Conservação e uso de Recursos Naturais – PPGReN, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Translacional e Clínica, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
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Ntabi JDM, Lissom A, Djontu JC, Nkemngo FN, Diafouka-Kietela S, Mayela J, Missontsa G, Djogbenou L, Ndo C, Wondji C, Adegnika AA, Lenga A, Borrmann S, Ntoumi F. Entomological indicators of Plasmodium species transmission in Goma Tsé-Tsé and Madibou districts, in the Republic of Congo. Malar J 2024; 23:21. [PMID: 38229020 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04823-9] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health problem in the Republic of Congo, with Plasmodium falciparum being the deadliest species of Plasmodium in humans. Vector transmission of malaria is poorly studied in the country and no previous report compared rural and urban data. This study aimed to determine the Anopheles fauna and the entomological indices of malaria transmission in the rural and urban areas in the south of Brazzaville, and beyond. METHODS Indoor household mosquitoes capture using electric aspirator was performed in rural and urban areas during raining and dry seasons in 2021. The identification of Anopheles species was done using binocular magnifier and nested-PCR. TaqMan and nested-PCR were used to detect the Plasmodium species in the head/thorax and abdomens of Anopheles. Some entomological indices including the sporozoite infection rate, the entomological inoculation rate and the man biting rate were estimated. RESULTS A total of 699 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected: Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (90.7%), Anopheles funestus s.l. (6.9%), and Anopheles moucheti (2.4%). Three species of An. gambiae s.l. were identified including Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (78.9%), Anopheles coluzzii (15.4%) and Anopheles arabiensis (5.7%). The overall sporozoite infection rate was 22.3% with a predominance of Plasmodium falciparum, followed by Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale. Anopheles aggressiveness rate was higher in households from rural area (1.1 bites/night) compared to that from urban area (0.8 ib/p/n). The overall entomological inoculation rate was 0.13 ib/p/n. This index was 0.17 ib/p/n and 0.092 ib/p/n in rural and in urban area, respectively, and was similar during the dry (0.18 ib/p/n) and rainy (0.14 ib/p/n) seasons. CONCLUSION These findings highlight that malaria transmission remains high in rural and urban area in the south of Republic of Congo despite the ongoing control efforts, thereby indicating the need for more robust interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Dollon Mbama Ntabi
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
- Faculté Des Sciences Et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
| | - Abel Lissom
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Jean Claude Djontu
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Francis N Nkemngo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Centre Region, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Jolivet Mayela
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Missontsa
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Luc Djogbenou
- Tropical Infectious Deseases Research Center (TIDRC), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Cyrille Ndo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Centre Region, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Center for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Charles Wondji
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroun
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center of Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arsène Lenga
- Faculté Des Sciences Et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center of Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
- Faculté Des Sciences Et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Arora G, Tang X, Cui Y, Yang J, Chuang YM, Joshi J, Sajid A, Dong Y, Cresswell P, Dimopoulos G, Fikrig E. mosGILT controls innate immunity and germ cell development in Anopheles gambiae. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:42. [PMID: 38191283 PMCID: PMC10775533 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09887-0] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene-edited mosquitoes lacking a gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase-like protein, namely (mosGILTnull) have lower Plasmodium infection, which is linked to impaired ovarian development and immune activation. The transcriptome of mosGILTnull Anopheles gambiae was therefore compared to wild type (WT) mosquitoes by RNA-sequencing to delineate mosGILT-dependent pathways. Compared to WT mosquitoes, mosGILTnull A. gambiae demonstrated altered expression of genes related to oogenesis, 20-hydroxyecdysone synthesis, as well as immune-related genes. Serendipitously, the zero population growth gene, zpg, an essential regulator of germ cell development was found to be one of the most downregulated genes in mosGILTnull mosquitoes. These results provide a crucial missing link between two previous studies on the role of zpg and mosGILT in ovarian development. This study further demonstrates that mosGILT has the potential to serve as a target for the biological control of mosquito vectors and to influence the Plasmodium life cycle within the vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA.
| | - Xiaotian Tang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
- Current Affiliation: Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Yu-Min Chuang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
| | - Jayadev Joshi
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, USA
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Peter Cresswell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA.
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13
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Skorokhod O, Vostokova E, Gilardi G. The role of P450 enzymes in malaria and other vector-borne infectious diseases. Biofactors 2024; 50:16-32. [PMID: 37555735 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne infectious diseases are still an important global health problem. Malaria is the most important among them, mainly pediatric, life-threatening disease. Malaria and other vector-borne disorders caused by parasites, bacteria, and viruses have a strong impact on public health and significant economic costs. Most vector-borne diseases could be prevented by vector control, with attention to the ecological and biodiversity conservation aspects. Chemical control with pesticides and insecticides is widely used as a measure of prevention although increasing resistance to insecticides is a serious issue in vector control. Metabolic resistance is the most common mechanism and poses a big challenge. Insect enzyme systems, including monooxygenase CYP P450 enzymes, are employed by vectors mainly to metabolize insecticides thus causing resistance. The discovery and application of natural specific inhibitors/blockers of vector P450 enzymes as synergists for commonly used pesticides will contribute to the "greening" of insecticides. Besides vector CYPs, host CYP enzymes could also be exploited to fight against vector-borne diseases: using mostly their detoxifying properties and involvement in the immune response. Here, we review published research data on P450 enzymes from all players in vector-borne infections, that is, pathogens, vectors, and hosts, regarding the potential role of CYPs in disease. We discuss strategies on how to exploit cytochromes P450 in vector-borne disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksii Skorokhod
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Ekaterina Vostokova
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Gilardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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14
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Garrigós M, Ylla G, Martínez-de la Puente J, Figuerola J, Ruiz-López MJ. Two avian Plasmodium species trigger different transcriptional responses on their vector Culex pipiens. Mol Ecol 2023:e17240. [PMID: 38108558 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17240] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Plasmodium that affects both humans and wildlife. The fitness consequences of infections by avian malaria are well known in birds, however, little information exists on its impact on mosquitoes. Here we study how Culex pipiens mosquitoes transcriptionally respond to infection by two different Plasmodium species, P. relictum and P. cathemerium, differing in their virulence (mortality rate) and transmissibility (parasite presence in exposed mosquitoes' saliva). We studied the mosquito response to the infection at three critical stages of parasite development: the formation of ookinetes at 24 h post-infection (hpi), the release of sporozoites into the hemocoel at 10 days post-infection (dpi), and the storage of sporozoites in the salivary glands at 21 dpi. For each time point, we characterized the gene expression of mosquitoes infected with each P. relictum and P. cathemerium and mosquitoes fed on an uninfected bird and, subsequently, compared their transcriptomic responses. Differential gene expression analysis showed that most transcriptomic changes occurred during the early infection stage (24 hpi), especially when comparing P. relictum and P. cathemerium-infected mosquitoes. Differentially expressed genes in mosquitoes infected with each species were related mainly to the metabolism of the immune response, trypsin, and other serine-proteases. We conclude that these differences in response may partly play a role in the differential virulence and transmissibility previously observed between P. relictum and P. cathemerium in Cx. pipiens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garrigós
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Guillem Ylla
- Bioinformatics and Genome Biology Lab, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María José Ruiz-López
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
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15
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Hernandez-Caballero I, Hellgren O, Garcia-Longoria Batanete L. Genomic advances in the study of the mosquito vector during avian malaria infection. Parasitology 2023; 150:1330-1339. [PMID: 37614176 PMCID: PMC10941221 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrate host–parasite associations are one of the keystones in order to understand vector-borne diseases. The study of these specific interactions provides information not only about how the vector is affected by the parasite at the gene-expression level, but might also reveal mosquito strategies for blocking the transmission of the parasites. A very well-known vector for human malaria is Anopheles gambiae. This mosquito species has been the main focus for genomics studies determining essential key genes and pathways over the course of a malaria infection. However, to-date there is an important knowledge gap concerning other non-mammophilic mosquito species, for example some species from the Culex genera which may transmit avian malaria but also zoonotic pathogens such as West Nile virus. From an evolutionary perspective, these 2 mosquito genera diverged 170 million years ago, hence allowing studies in both species determining evolutionary conserved genes essential during malaria infections, which in turn might help to find key genes for blocking malaria cycle inside the mosquito. Here, we extensively review the current knowledge on key genes and pathways expressed in Anopheles over the course of malaria infections and highlight the importance of conducting genomic investigations for detecting pathways in Culex mosquitoes linked to infection of avian malaria. By pooling this information, we underline the need to increase genomic studies in mosquito–parasite associations, such as the one in Culex–Plasmodium, that can provide a better understanding of the infection dynamics in wildlife and reduce the negative impact on ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Hernandez-Caballero
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, E-06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, SE-22362, Sweden
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16
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Cardoso-Jaime V, Maya-Maldonado K, Tsutsumi V, Hernández-Martínez S. Mosquito pericardial cells upregulate Cecropin expression after an immune challenge. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 147:104745. [PMID: 37268262 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Most mosquito-transmitted pathogens grow or replicate in the midgut before invading the salivary glands. Pathogens are exposed to several immunological factors along the way. Recently, it was shown that hemocytes gather near the periostial region of the heart to efficiently phagocytose pathogens circulating in the hemolymph. Nerveless, not all pathogens can be phagocyted by hemocytes and eliminated by lysis. Interestingly, some studies have shown that pericardial cells (PCs) surrounding periostial regions, may produce humoral factors, such as lysozymes. Our current work provides evidence that Anopheles albimanus PCs are a major producer of Cecropin 1 (Cec1). Furthermore, our findings reveal that after an immunological challenge, PCs upregulate Cec1 expression. We conclude that PCs are positioned in a strategic location that could allow releasing humoral components, such as cecropin, to lyse pathogens on the heart or circulating in the hemolymph, implying that PCs could play a significant role in the systemic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Av. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62100, Mexico; Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México, C.P. 07360, Mexico
| | - Krystal Maya-Maldonado
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Av. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62100, Mexico; Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México, C.P. 07360, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México, C.P. 07360, Mexico.
| | - Salvador Hernández-Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Av. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62100, Mexico.
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17
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Arora G, Tang X, Cui Y, Yang J, Chuang YM, Joshi J, Sajid A, Dong Y, Cresswell P, Dimopoulos G, Fikrig E. Anopheles gambiae mosGILT regulates innate immune genes and zpg expression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.01.551536. [PMID: 37577703 PMCID: PMC10418185 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.01.551536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Gene-edited mosquitoes lacking a g amma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase-like protein, namely ( mosGILT null ) have lower Plasmodium infection, which is linked to impaired ovarian development and immune activation. The transcriptome of mosGILT null A. gambiae was therefore compared to wild type (WT) by RNA-sequencing to delineate mosGILT-dependent pathways. Compared to WT mosquitoes, mosGILT null A. gambiae demonstrated altered expression of genes related to oogenesis, 20-hydroxyecdysone synthesis, as well as immune-related genes. Serendipitously, the zero population growth gene, zpg , an essential regulator of germ cell development was found to be one of the most downregulated genes in mosGILT null mosquitoes. These results provide the crucial missing link between two previous studies on the role of zpg and mosGILT in ovarian development. This study further demonstrates that mosGILT has the potential to serve as a target for the biological control of mosquito vectors and to influence the Plasmodium life cycle within the vector.
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18
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Garrido M, Veiga J, Garrigós M, Martínez-de la Puente J. The interplay between vector microbial community and pathogen transmission on the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus: current knowledge and future directions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1208633. [PMID: 37577425 PMCID: PMC10413570 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1208633] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasive Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is nowadays broadly distributed with established populations in all continents except Antarctica. In the invaded areas, this species represents an important nuisance for humans and, more relevant, it is involved in the local transmission of pathogens relevant under a public health perspective. Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of parasites such as Dirofilaria and viruses including dengue virus, Zika virus, and chikungunya virus, among others. The mosquito microbiota has been identified as one of the major drivers of vector competence, acting upon relevant vector functions as development or immunity. Here, we review the available literature on the interaction between Ae. albopictus microbiota and pathogen transmission and identify the knowledge gaps on the topic. Most studies are strictly focused on the interplay between pathogens and Wolbachia endosymbiont while studies screening whole microbiota are still scarce but increasing in recent years, supported on Next-generation sequencing tools. Most experimental trials use lab-reared mosquitoes or cell lines, exploring the molecular mechanisms of the microbiota-pathogen interaction. Yet, correlational studies on wild populations are underrepresented. Consequently, we still lack sufficient evidence to reveal whether the microbiota of introduced populations of Ae. albopictus differ from those of native populations, or how microbiota is shaped by different environmental and anthropic factors, but especially, how these changes affect the ability of Ae. albopictus to transmit pathogens and favor the occurrence of outbreaks in the colonized areas. Finally, we propose future research directions on this research topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Garrido
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Veiga
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marta Garrigós
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Abate A, Hassen J, Dembele L, Menard D, Golassa L. Differential transmissibility to Anopheles arabiensis of Plasmodium vivax gametocytes in patients with diverse Duffy blood group genotypes. Malar J 2023; 22:136. [PMID: 37098534 PMCID: PMC10131423 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04570-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measuring risk of malaria transmission is complex, especially in case of Plasmodium vivax. This may be overcome using membrane feeding assays in the field where P. vivax is endemic. However, mosquito-feeding assays are affected by a number of human, parasite and mosquito factors. Here, this study identified the contributions of Duffy blood group status of P. vivax-infected patients as a risk of parasite transmission to mosquitoes. METHODS A membrane feeding assay was conducted on a total of 44 conveniently recruited P. vivax infected patients in Adama city and its surroundings in East Shewa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia from October, 2019 to January, 2021. The assay was performed in Adama City administration. Mosquito infection rates were determined by midgut dissections at seven to 8 days post-infection. Duffy genotyping was defined for each of the 44 P. vivax infected patients. RESULTS The infection rate of Anopheles mosquitoes was 32.6% (296/907) with 77.3% proportion of infectious participants (34/44). Infectiousness of participants to Anopheles mosquitoes appeared to be higher among individuals with homozygous Duffy positive blood group (TCT/TCT) than heterozygous (TCT/CCT), but the difference was not statistically significant. The mean oocyst density was significantly higher among mosquitoes fed on blood of participants with FY*B/FY*BES than other genotypes (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Duffy antigen polymorphisms appears to contribute to transmissibility difference of P. vivax gametocytes to Anopheles mosquitoes, but further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andargie Abate
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
| | - Jifar Hassen
- School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Laurent Dembele
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Didier Menard
- Institut Pasteur, Malaria Genetics and Resistance Unit, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, 75015, Paris, France
- Federation of Translational Medicine, Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, University of Strasbourg, UR7292 Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Bhattacharjee S, Ghosh D, Saha R, Sarkar R, Kumar S, Khokhar M, Pandey RK. Mechanism of Immune Evasion in Mosquito-Borne Diseases. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050635. [PMID: 37242305 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, mosquito-borne illnesses have emerged as a major health burden in many tropical regions. These diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus infection, Rift Valley fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile virus infection, are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These pathogens have been shown to interfere with the host's immune system through adaptive and innate immune mechanisms, as well as the human circulatory system. Crucial immune checkpoints such as antigen presentation, T cell activation, differentiation, and proinflammatory response play a vital role in the host cell's response to pathogenic infection. Furthermore, these immune evasions have the potential to stimulate the human immune system, resulting in other associated non-communicable diseases. This review aims to advance our understanding of mosquito-borne diseases and the immune evasion mechanisms by associated pathogens. Moreover, it highlights the adverse outcomes of mosquito-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debanjan Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Rounak Saha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Rima Sarkar
- DBT Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
| | - Saurav Kumar
- DBT Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
| | - Manoj Khokhar
- Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Jodhpur 342005, India
| | - Rajan Kumar Pandey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
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Hamid-Adiamoh M, Jabang AMJ, Opondo KO, Ndiath MO, Assogba BS, Amambua-Ngwa A. Distribution of Anopheles gambiae thioester-containing protein 1 alleles along malaria transmission gradients in The Gambia. Malar J 2023; 22:89. [PMID: 36899431 PMCID: PMC9999626 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) is a highly polymorphic gene playing an important role in mosquito immunity to parasite development and associated with Anopheles gambiae vectorial competence. Allelic variations in TEP1 could render mosquito either susceptible or resistant to parasite infection. Despite reports of TEP1 genetic variations in An. gambiae, the correlation between TEP1 allelic variants and transmission patterns in malaria endemic settings remains unclear. METHODS TEP1 allelic variants were characterized by PCR from archived genomic DNA of > 1000 An. gambiae mosquitoes collected at 3 time points between 2009 and 2019 from eastern Gambia, where malaria transmission remains moderately high, and western regions with low transmission. RESULTS Eight common TEP1 allelic variants were identified at varying frequencies in An. gambiae from both transmission settings. These comprised the wild type TEP1, homozygous susceptible genotype, TEP1s; homozygous resistance genotypes: TEP1rA and TEP1rB, and the heterozygous resistance genotypes: TEP1srA, TEP1srB, TEP1rArB and TEP1srArB. There was no significant disproportionate distribution of the TEP1 alleles by transmission setting and the temporal distribution of alleles was also consistent across the transmission settings. TEP1s was the most common in all vector species in both settings (allele frequencies: East = 21.4-68.4%. West = 23.5-67.2%). In Anopheles arabiensis, the frequency of wild type TEP1 and susceptible TEP1s was significantly higher in low transmission setting than in high transmission setting (TEP1: Z = - 4.831, P < 0.0001; TEP1s: Z = - 2.073, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS The distribution of TEP1 allele variants does not distinctly correlate with malaria endemicity pattern in The Gambia. Further studies are needed to understand the link between genetic variations in vector population and transmission pattern in the study settings. Future studies on the implication for targeting TEP1 gene for vector control strategy such as gene drive systems in this settings is also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majidah Hamid-Adiamoh
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia.
| | - Abdoulie Mai Janko Jabang
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Kevin Ochieng Opondo
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Mamadou Ousmane Ndiath
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Benoit Sessinou Assogba
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
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22
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Transcriptome Analysis of Response to Zika Virus Infection in Two Aedes albopictus Strains with Different Vector Competence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054257. [PMID: 36901688 PMCID: PMC10002152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054257] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), which is mainly transmitted by Aedes albopictus in temperate zones, can causes serious neurological disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms that influence the vector competence of Ae. albopictus for ZIKV are poorly understood. In this study, the vector competence of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes from Jinghong (JH) and Guangzhou (GZ) Cities of China were evaluated, and transcripts in the midgut and salivary gland tissues were sequenced on 10 days post-infection. The results showed that both Ae. albopictus JH and GZ strains were susceptible to ZIKV, but the GZ strain was more competent. The categories and functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to ZIKV infection were quite different between tissues and strains. Through a bioinformatics analysis, a total of 59 DEGs that may affect vector competence were screened-among which, cytochrome P450 304a1 (CYP304a1) was the only gene significantly downregulated in both tissues of two strains. However, CYP304a1 did not influence ZIKV infection and replication in Ae. albopictus under the conditions set in this study. Our results demonstrated that the different vector competence of Ae. albopictus for ZIKV may be determined by the transcripts in the midgut and salivary gland, which will contribute to understanding ZIKV-mosquito interactions and develop arbovirus disease prevention strategies.
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23
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García-Longoria L, Ahrén D, Berthomieu A, Kalbskopf V, Rivero A, Hellgren O. Immune gene expression in the mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus during an avian malaria infection. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:904-919. [PMID: 36448733 PMCID: PMC10108303 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium relictum is the most widespread avian malaria parasite in the world. It is listed as one of the 100 most dangerous invasive species, having been responsible for the extinction of several endemic bird species, and the near-demise of several others. Here we present the first transcriptomic study focused on the effect of P. relictum on the immune system of its vector (the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus) at different times post-infection. We show that over 50% of immune genes identified as being part of the Toll pathway and 30%-40% of the immune genes identified within the Imd pathway are overexpressed during the critical period spanning the parasite's oocyst and sporozoite formation (8-12 days), revealing the crucial role played by both these pathways in this natural mosquito-Plasmodium combination. Comparison of infected mosquitoes with their uninfected counterparts also revealed some unexpected immune RNA expression patterns earlier and later in the infection: significant differences in expression of several immune effectors were observed as early as 30 min after ingestion of the infected blood meal. In addition, in the later stages of the infection (towards the end of the mosquito lifespan), we observed an unexpected increase in immune investment in uninfected, but not in infected, mosquitoes. In conclusion, our work extends the comparative transcriptomic analyses of malaria-infected mosquitoes beyond human and rodent parasites and provides insights into the degree of conservation of immune pathways and into the selective pressures exerted by Plasmodium parasites on their vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz García-Longoria
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Dag Ahrén
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Victor Kalbskopf
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ana Rivero
- MIVEGEC (CNRS, Université de Montpellier, IRD), Montpellier, France
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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24
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Vinayagam S, Rajendran D, Sekar K, Renu K, Sattu K. The microbiota, the malarial parasite, and the mosquito [MMM] - A three-sided relationship. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2023; 253:111543. [PMID: 36642385 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111543] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito gut microbiota is vital to the proper functioning of the host organism. Mosquitoes may benefit from this microbiota in their guts because it promotes factors including blood digestion, fecundity, metamorphosis, and living habitat and inhibits malarial parasites (Plasmodium) growth or transmission. In this overview, we analyzed how mosquitoes acquire their gut microbiota, characterized those bacteria, and discussed the functions they provide. We also investigated the effects of microbiota on malaria vectors, with a focus on the mosquito species Anopheles, as well as the relationship between microbiota and Plasmodium, the aspects in which microbiota influences Plasmodium via immune response, metabolism, and redox mechanisms, and the strategies in which gut bacteria affect the life cycle of malaria vectors and provide the ability to resist insecticides. This article explores the difficulties in studying triadic interactions, such as the interplay between Mosquitoes, Malarial parasite, and the Microbiota that dwell in the mosquitoes' guts, and need additional research for a better understanding of these multiple connections to implement an exact vector control strategies using Gut microbiota in malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathishkumar Vinayagam
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Centre for Postgraduate and Research Studies, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu 635205, India
| | - Devianjana Rajendran
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Centre for Postgraduate and Research Studies, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu 635205, India
| | - Kathirvel Sekar
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Centre for Postgraduate and Research Studies, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu 635205, India
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India
| | - Kamaraj Sattu
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Centre for Postgraduate and Research Studies, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu 635205, India.
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25
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Chandley P, Ranjan R, Kumar S, Rohatgi S. Host-parasite interactions during Plasmodium infection: Implications for immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1091961. [PMID: 36685595 PMCID: PMC9845897 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1091961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a global infectious disease that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Multiple environmental and host and parasite factors govern the clinical outcomes of malaria. The host immune response against the Plasmodium parasite is heterogenous and stage-specific both in the human host and mosquito vector. The Plasmodium parasite virulence is predominantly associated with its ability to evade the host's immune response. Despite the availability of drug-based therapies, Plasmodium parasites can acquire drug resistance due to high antigenic variations and allelic polymorphisms. The lack of licensed vaccines against Plasmodium infection necessitates the development of effective, safe and successful therapeutics. To design an effective vaccine, it is important to study the immune evasion strategies and stage-specific Plasmodium proteins, which are targets of the host immune response. This review provides an overview of the host immune defense mechanisms and parasite immune evasion strategies during Plasmodium infection. Furthermore, we also summarize and discuss the current progress in various anti-malarial vaccine approaches, along with antibody-based therapy involving monoclonal antibodies, and research advancements in host-directed therapy, which can together open new avenues for developing novel immunotherapies against malaria infection and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chandley
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Ravikant Ranjan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Soma Rohatgi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India,*Correspondence: Soma Rohatgi,
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26
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Guo Y, Guo J, Li Y. Wolbachia wPip Blocks Zika Virus Transovarial Transmission in Aedes albopictus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0263321. [PMID: 35894613 PMCID: PMC9603370 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02633-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia is being developed as a biological tool to suppress mosquito populations and/or interfere with their transmitted viruses. Adult males with an artificial Wolbachia infection have been released, successfully yielding population suppression in multiple field trials. The main characteristic of the artificial Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes used in the suppression program is the lower vector competence than that in native infected/uninfected mosquitoes in horizontal and vertical transmission. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the Aedes albopictus HC line infected with a trio of Wolbachia strains exhibited almost complete blockade of dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) in horizontal and vertical transmission. However, the extent to which Wolbachia inhibits virus transovarial transmission is unknown since no studies have been performed to determine whether Wolbachia protects ovarian cells against viral infection. Here, we employed ovarian cells of the Ae. albopictus GUA (a wild-type mosquito line superinfected with two native Wolbachia strains, wAlbA and wAlbB), HC, and GT lines (tetracycline-cured, Wolbachia-uninfected mosquitoes), which exhibit key traits, and compared them to better understand how Wolbachia inhibits ZIKV transovarial transmission. Our results showed that the infection rate of adult GT progeny was significantly higher than that of GUA progeny during the first and second gonotrophic cycles. In contrast, the infection rates of adult GT and GUA progeny were not significantly different during the third gonotrophic cycle. All examined adult HC progeny from three gonotrophic cycles were negative for ZIKV infection. A strong negative linear correlation existed between Wolbachia density and ZIKV load in the ovaries of mosquitoes. Although there is no obvious coexistence area in the ovaries for Wolbachia and ZIKV, host immune responses may play a role in Wolbachia blocking ZIKV expansion and maintenance in the ovaries of Ae. albopictus. These results will aid in understanding Wolbachia-ZIKV interactions in mosquitoes. IMPORTANCE Area-wide application of Wolbachia to suppress mosquito populations and their transmitted viruses has achieved success in multiple countries. However, the mass release of Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes involves a potential risk of accidentally releasing fertile females. In this study, we employed ovarian cells of the Ae. albopictus GUA, HC, and GT lines, which exhibit key traits, and compared them to better understand how Wolbachia inhibits ZIKV transovarial transmission. Our results showed an almost complete blockade of ZIKV transmission in HC female mosquitoes. Wolbachia in natively infected GUA mosquitoes negative affected ZIKV, and this interference was shown by slightly lower loads than those in HC mosquitoes. Overall, our work helps show how Wolbachia blocks ZIKV expansion and maintenance in the ovaries of Ae. albopictus and aids in understanding Wolbachia-ZIKV interactions in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiatian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of the Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifeng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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27
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Akorli EA, Ubiaru PC, Pradhan S, Akorli J, Ranford-Cartwright L. Bio-products from Serratia marcescens isolated from Ghanaian Anopheles gambiae reduce Plasmodium falciparum burden in vector mosquitoes. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022; 3:979615. [PMID: 36742111 PMCID: PMC7614139 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.979615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel ideas for control of mosquito-borne disease include the use of bacterial symbionts to reduce transmission. Bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae isolated from mosquito midgut have shown promise in limiting Plasmodium intensity in the Anopheles vector. However, the mechanism of interaction between bacteria and parasite remains unclear. This study aimed at screening bio-products of two bacteria candidates for their anti-Plasmodial effects on mosquito stages of P. falciparum. Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens were isolated from field-caught Anopheles gambiae s.l. Spent media from liquid cultures of these bacteria were filtered, lyophilized and dissolved in sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The re-dissolved bacterial products were added to gametocytaemic blood meals and fed to An. gambiae mosquitoes via membrane feeders. Control groups were fed on infected blood with or without lyophilized LB medium. The effect of the products on the infection prevalence and intensity of P. falciparum in mosquitoes was assessed by dissecting mosquito midguts and counting oocysts 10-11 days post-infection. S. marcescens bio-products elicited significant reduction in the number of mosquitoes infected (P=4.02 x10-5) with P. falciparum and the oocyst intensity (P<2 x 10-16) than E. cloacae products (P>0.05 for both prevalence and intensity) compared to the control (lyophilized LB medium). These data support the use of bioproducts released by S. marcescens for malaria control based on transmission blocking in the vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esinam Abla Akorli
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon Accra, Ghana,School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Prince Chigozirim Ubiaru
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sabyasachi Pradhan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jewelna Akorli
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon Accra, Ghana,CORRESPONDENCE: Jewelna Akorli, ; , Lisa Ranford-Cartwright,
| | - Lisa Ranford-Cartwright
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom,CORRESPONDENCE: Jewelna Akorli, ; , Lisa Ranford-Cartwright,
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28
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Kolli SK, Molina-Cruz A, Araki T, Geurten FJA, Ramesar J, Chevalley-Maurel S, Kroeze HJ, Bezemer S, de Korne C, Withers R, Raytselis N, El Hebieshy AF, Kim RQ, Child MA, Kakuta S, Hisaeda H, Kobayashi H, Annoura T, Hensbergen PJ, Franke-Fayard BM, Barillas-Mury C, Scheeren FA, Janse CJ. Malaria parasite evades mosquito immunity by glutaminyl cyclase-mediated posttranslational protein modification. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209729119. [PMID: 35994647 PMCID: PMC9436314 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209729119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) modifies N-terminal glutamine or glutamic acid residues of target proteins into cyclic pyroglutamic acid (pGlu). Here, we report the biochemical and functional analysis of Plasmodium QC. We show that sporozoites of QC-null mutants of rodent and human malaria parasites are recognized by the mosquito immune system and melanized when they reach the hemocoel. Detailed analyses of rodent malaria QC-null mutants showed that sporozoite numbers in salivary glands are reduced in mosquitoes infected with QC-null or QC catalytically dead mutants. This phenotype can be rescued by genetic complementation or by disrupting mosquito melanization or phagocytosis by hemocytes. Mutation of a single QC-target glutamine of the major sporozoite surface protein (circumsporozoite protein; CSP) of the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei also results in melanization of sporozoites. These findings indicate that QC-mediated posttranslational modification of surface proteins underlies evasion of killing of sporozoites by the mosquito immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Kumar Kolli
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Alvaro Molina-Cruz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Tamasa Araki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Fiona J. A. Geurten
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Ramesar
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Severine Chevalley-Maurel
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J. Kroeze
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Bezemer
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Clarize de Korne
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Roxanne Withers
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Nadia Raytselis
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Angela F. El Hebieshy
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Q. Kim
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew A. Child
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Soichiro Kakuta
- Laboratory of Morphology and Image Analysis, Research Support Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hajime Hisaeda
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjukuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Takeshi Annoura
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Paul J. Hensbergen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Blandine M. Franke-Fayard
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Ferenc A. Scheeren
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Chris J. Janse
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
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29
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Moreno M, Torres K, Tong C, García Castillo SS, Carrasco-Escobar G, Guedez G, Torres L, Herrera-Varela M, Guerra L, Guzman-Guzman M, Wong D, Ramirez R, Llanos-Cuentas A, Conn JE, Gamboa D, Vinetz JM. Insights into Plasmodium vivax Asymptomatic Malaria Infections and Direct Skin-Feeding Assays to Assess Onward Malaria Transmission in the Amazon. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:154-161. [PMID: 35895359 PMCID: PMC9294676 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the reservoir and infectivity of Plasmodium gametocytes to vector mosquitoes is crucial to align strategies aimed at malaria transmission elimination. Yet, experimental information is scarce regarding the infectivity of Plasmodium vivax for mosquitoes in diverse epidemiological settings where the proportion of asymptomatically infected individuals varies at a microgeographic scale. We measured the transmissibility of clinical and subclinical P. vivax malaria parasite carriers to the major mosquito vector in the Amazon Basin, Nyssorhynchus darlingi (formerly Anopheles). A total of 105 participants with natural P. vivax malaria infection were recruited from a cohort study in Loreto Department, Peruvian Amazon. Four of 18 asymptomatic individuals with P. vivax positivity by blood smear infected colony-grown Ny. darlingi (22%), with 2.6% (19 of 728) mosquitoes infected. In contrast, 77% (44/57) of symptomatic participants were infectious to mosquitoes with 51% (890 of 1,753) mosquitoes infected. Infection intensity was greater in symptomatic infections (mean, 17.8 oocysts/mosquito) compared with asymptomatic infections (mean, 0.28 oocysts/mosquito), attributed to parasitemia/gametocytemia level. Paired experiments (N = 27) using direct skin-feeding assays and direct membrane mosquito-feeding assays showed that infectivity to mosquitoes was similar for both methods. Longitudinal studies with longer follow-up of symptomatic and asymptomatic parasite infections are needed to determine the natural variations of disease transmissibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Moreno
- Department of Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Katherine Torres
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Alexander von Humboldt,” Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Address correspondence to Katherine Torres, Malaria Laboratory, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Faculty of Science and Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 15102, Lima, Perú. E-mail:
| | - Carlos Tong
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Stefano S. García Castillo
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Parásitos y Vectores, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Gerson Guedez
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Lutecio Torres
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Manuela Herrera-Varela
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Layné Guerra
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Mitchel Guzman-Guzman
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Alexander von Humboldt,” Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Daniel Wong
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Roberson Ramirez
- Laboratorio ICEMR-Amazonia, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Jan E. Conn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany–State University of New York, Albany, New York
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Alexander von Humboldt,” Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Parásitos y Vectores, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Departamento de Ciencias Celulares y Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Joseph M. Vinetz
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Alexander von Humboldt,” Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- S Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Hearn J, Riveron JM, Irving H, Weedall GD, Wondji CS. Gene Conversion Explains Elevated Diversity in the Immunity Modulating APL1 Gene of the Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1102. [PMID: 35741864 PMCID: PMC9222773 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat proteins and antimicrobial peptides are the key components of the innate immune response to Plasmodium and other microbial pathogens in Anopheles mosquitoes. The APL1 gene of the malaria vector Anopheles funestus has exceptional levels of non-synonymous polymorphism across the range of An. funestus, with an average πn of 0.027 versus a genome-wide average of 0.002, and πn is consistently high in populations across Africa. Elevated APL1 diversity was consistent between the independent pooled-template and target-enrichment datasets, however no link between APL1 diversity and insecticide resistance was observed. Although lacking the diversity of APL1, two further mosquito innate-immunity genes of the gambicin anti-microbial peptide family had πn/πs ratios greater than one, possibly driven by either positive or balancing selection. The cecropin antimicrobial peptides were expressed much more highly than other anti-microbial peptide genes, a result discordant with current models of anti-microbial peptide activity. The observed APL1 diversity likely results from gene conversion between paralogues, as evidenced by shared polymorphisms, overlapping read mappings, and recombination events among paralogues. In conclusion, we hypothesize that higher gene expression of APL1 than its paralogues is correlated with a more open chromatin formation, which enhances gene conversion and elevated diversity at this locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Hearn
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (J.M.R.); (H.I.); (C.S.W.)
| | - Jacob M. Riveron
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (J.M.R.); (H.I.); (C.S.W.)
- LSTM Research Unit, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon
| | - Helen Irving
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (J.M.R.); (H.I.); (C.S.W.)
| | - Gareth D. Weedall
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
| | - Charles S. Wondji
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (J.M.R.); (H.I.); (C.S.W.)
- LSTM Research Unit, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon
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The Aedes aegypti siRNA pathway mediates broad-spectrum defense against human pathogenic viruses and modulates antibacterial and antifungal defenses. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001668. [PMID: 35679279 PMCID: PMC9182253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito’s innate immune system defends against a variety of pathogens, and the conserved siRNA pathway plays a central role in the control of viral infections. Here, we show that transgenic overexpression of Dicer2 (Dcr2) or R2d2 resulted in an accumulation of 21-nucleotide viral sequences that was accompanied by a significant suppression of dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) replication, thus indicating the broad-spectrum antiviral response mediated by the siRNA pathway that can be applied for the development of novel arbovirus control strategies. Interestingly, overexpression of Dcr2 or R2d2 regulated the mRNA abundance of a variety of antimicrobial immune genes, pointing to additional functions of DCR2 and R2D2 as well as cross-talk between the siRNA pathway and other immune pathways. Accordingly, transgenic overexpression of Dcr2 or R2d2 resulted in a lesser proliferation of the midgut microbiota and increased resistance to bacterial and fungal infections. This study shows that transgenic overexpression of siRNA pathway factors in mosquitoes mediates a broad-spectrum antiviral action against human pathogenic viruses such as dengue, Zika and Chikungunya virus, with implications for novel arbovirus control strategies; the siRNA pathway also regulates antimicrobial immune responses against bacterial and fungal infections.
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Omondi ZN, Arserim SK, Töz S, Özbel Y. Host-Parasite Interactions: Regulation of Leishmania Infection in Sand Fly. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:606-618. [PMID: 35107776 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00519-3] [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: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sand flies are the only proven vectors of leishmaniases, a tropical neglected disease endemic in at least 92 countries. Vector-parasite interactions play a significant role in vector-borne disease transmission. There are various bottlenecks to Leishmania colonization of the sand fly midgut. Such bottlenecks include the production of innate immune-related molecules, digestive proteases, parasite impermeable peritrophic membrane, and resident gut microbiota. These barriers determine the parasite load transmitted and, consequently, the disease outcome in mammalian host. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular responses of both sand fly and Leishmania during infection. METHOD Here, we reviewed the published literature on sand fly-Leishmania interactions bringing together earlier and current findings to highlight new developments and research gaps in the field. CONCLUSION Recent research studies on sand fly-Leishmania interaction have revealed contrasting observations to past studies. However, how Leishmania parasites evade the sand fly immune response still needs further research. Sand fly response to Leishmania infection can be best understood by analyzing its tissue transcriptome. Better characterization of the role of midgut components could be a game changer in development of transmission-blocking strategies for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeph Nelson Omondi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Erzene Street, 35040, Bornova/Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Suha Kenan Arserim
- Vocational School of Health Sciences, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Seray Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Özbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Defining the mechanisms of action and mosquito larva midgut response to a yeast-encapsulated orange oil larvicide. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:183. [PMID: 35643588 PMCID: PMC9148471 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05307-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yeast-encapsulated orange oil (YEOO) is a novel, ingestible larvicide that combines the benefits of a low-cost essential oil with yeast, an attractive food source for mosquito larvae. In this work, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of action associated with YEOO ingestion by Aedes aegypti larvae. METHODS Aedes aegypti third-stage larvae (L3) were treated with sublethal or lethal concentrations of YEOO. Genes associated with apoptosis, autophagy and innate immune responses were investigated by RT-qPCR in guts and carcasses dissected from treated and control larvae. Differential expression of cytochrome P450 genes in the CYP6 and CYP9 families were also investigated. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess damage caused by YEOO throughout the larval alimentary canal. TUNEL was used to assess apoptosis via DNA fragmentation. RESULTS The apoptosis genes IAP1 and IAP2 in larvae displayed opposing effects following exposure to lethal doses of YEOO, with a 26-fold induction of IAP1 at 8 h post YEOO ingestion. The effector caspase CASPS8 displayed a 6.7-fold induction in the gut and concomitant 70-fold induction in the carcass at 8 h post YEOO ingestion. The midgut epithelia regenerator, Vein, had an 11-fold induction in the gut after 4 h and was repressed 7.6-fold in the carcass at 24 h. Sublethal concentrations (< LC50) led to significant differential expression of CYP6 and CYP9 genes. Midgut epithelial damage was highlighted by the destruction of microvilli, vacuolization of midgut cells and damage to cell junctions and basal lamina as early as 30 min. Larval type 2 peritrophic matrix structural integrity and porosity remain unchanged. CONCLUSION Our results strongly suggest that the robust larvicidal activity of YEOO is due to a generalized broad-acting mechanism combining epithelial damage and apoptosis, with concomitant expression of multiple innate response genes involved in epithelial regeneration and detoxification. YEOO's amenability for use as part of an integrated vector management program makes this novel larvicide a practical approach for mosquito larval control in the future.
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Nkemngo FN, Mugenzi LMJ, Tchouakui M, Nguiffo-Nguete D, Wondji MJ, Mbakam B, Tchoupo M, Ndo C, Wanji S, Wondji CS. Xeno-monitoring of molecular drivers of artemisinin and partner drug resistance in P. falciparum populations in malaria vectors across Cameroon. Gene 2022; 821:146339. [PMID: 35183684 PMCID: PMC8942117 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
High Plasmodium infection rate in the major Anopheles vectors across Cameroon. Emerging signal of the R575I polymorphism in the k13 propeller domain backbone. Dominance of the N86F184mdr1 variants in natural P. falciparum populations. Low k13 and mdr1 genetic diversity in P. falciparum-infected mosquitoes.
Background Monitoring of drug resistance in Plasmodium populations is crucial for malaria control. This has primarily been performed in humans and rarely in mosquitoes where parasites genetic recombination occurs. Here, we characterized the Plasmodium spp populations in wild Anopheles vectors by analyzing the genetic diversity of the P. falciparum kelch13 and mdr1 gene fragments implicated in artemisinin and partner drug resistance across Cameroon in three major malaria vectors. Methods Anopheles mosquitoes were collected across nine localities in Cameroon and dissected into the head/thorax (H/T) and abdomen (Abd) after species identification. A TaqMan assay was performed to detect Plasmodium infection. Fragments of the Kelch 13 and mdr1 genes were amplified in P. falciparum positive samples and directly sequenced to assess their drug resistance polymorphisms and genetic diversity profile. Results The study revealed a high Plasmodium infection rate in the major Anopheles vectors across Cameroon. Notably, An. funestus vector recorded the highest sporozoite (8.0%) and oocyst (14.4%) infection rates. A high P. falciparum sporozoite rate (80.08%) alongside epidemiological signatures of significant P. malariae (15.9%) circulation were recorded in these vectors. Low genetic diversity with six (A578S, R575I, G450R, L663L, G453D, N458D) and eight (H53H, V62L, V77E, N86Y, G102G, L132I, H143H, Y184F) point mutations were observed in the k13 and mdr1 backbones respectively. Remarkably, the R575I (4.4%) k13 and Y184F (64.2%) mdr1 mutations were the predominant variants in the P. falciparum populations. Conclusion The emerging signal of the R575I polymorphism in the Pfk13 propeller backbone entails the regular surveillance of molecular markers to inform evidence-based policy decisions. Moreover, the high frequency of the 86N184F allele highlights concerns on the plausible decline in efficacy of artemisinin-combination therapies (ACTs); further implying that parasite genotyping from mosquitoes can provide a more relevant scale for quantifying resistance epidemiology in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis N Nkemngo
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon.
| | - Leon M J Mugenzi
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Magellan Tchouakui
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Daniel Nguiffo-Nguete
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Murielle J Wondji
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom.
| | - Bertrand Mbakam
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Micareme Tchoupo
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Cyrille Ndo
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon; Research Foundation in Tropical Diseases and Environment, Buea, Cameroon.
| | - Charles S Wondji
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom.
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Phylogeny of Anopheles darlingi (Diptera:Culicidae) based on the antimicrobial peptide genes cecropin and defensin. Acta Trop 2022; 227:106285. [PMID: 34921765 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cecropins and defensins are the main classes of antimicrobial peptides in the mosquito innate immune system, acting against bacteria, fungi and protozoa. There is a knowledge gap concerning these peptide genes in anopheline mosquitoes from the Brazilian Amazon. Thus, this work aimed to describe molecular techniques for detecting the genes encoding the antimicrobial peptides cecropin A (CecA) and defensin in Anopheles darlingi mosquitoes and to perform molecular phylogeny of the sequenced genes using the maximum likelihood method and Bayesian inference with other species from different geographic areas. Our results show, for the first time, a molecular biology method for detecting CecA and defensin in Anopheles darlingi that allows for the use of these molecular markers for phylogenetic analysis in anopheline species, separating the species into single and monophyletic clades.
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Carr AL, Rinker DC, Dong Y, Dimopoulos G, Zwiebel LJ. Transcriptome profiles of Anopheles gambiae harboring natural low-level Plasmodium infection reveal adaptive advantages for the mosquito. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22578. [PMID: 34799605 PMCID: PMC8604914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01842-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anopheline mosquitoes are the sole vectors for the Plasmodium pathogens responsible for malaria, which is among the oldest and most devastating of human diseases. The continuing global impact of malaria reflects the evolutionary success of a complex vector-pathogen relationship that accordingly has been the long-term focus of both debate and study. An open question in the biology of malaria transmission is the impact of naturally occurring low-level Plasmodium infections of the vector on the mosquito's health and longevity as well as critical behaviors such as host-preference/seeking. To begin to answer this, we have completed a comparative RNAseq-based transcriptome profile study examining the effect of biologically salient, salivary gland transmission-stage Plasmodium infection on the molecular physiology of Anopheles gambiae s.s. head, sensory appendages, and salivary glands. When compared with their uninfected counterparts, Plasmodium infected mosquitoes exhibit increased transcript abundance of genes associated with olfactory acuity as well as a range of synergistic processes that align with increased fitness based on both anti-aging and reproductive advantages. Taken together, these data argue against the long-held paradigm that malaria infection is pathogenic for anophelines and, instead suggests there are biological and evolutionary advantages for the mosquito that drive the preservation of its high vectorial capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann L Carr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - David C Rinker
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Laurence J Zwiebel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.
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Agamah FE, Damena D, Skelton M, Ghansah A, Mazandu GK, Chimusa ER. Network-driven analysis of human-Plasmodium falciparum interactome: processes for malaria drug discovery and extracting in silico targets. Malar J 2021; 20:421. [PMID: 34702263 PMCID: PMC8547565 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence and spread of malaria drug resistance have resulted in the need to understand disease mechanisms and importantly identify essential targets and potential drug candidates. Malaria infection involves the complex interaction between the host and pathogen, thus, functional interactions between human and Plasmodium falciparum is essential to obtain a holistic view of the genetic architecture of malaria. Several functional interaction studies have extended the understanding of malaria disease and integrating such datasets would provide further insights towards understanding drug resistance and/or genetic resistance/susceptibility, disease pathogenesis, and drug discovery. METHODS This study curated and analysed data including pathogen and host selective genes, host and pathogen protein sequence data, protein-protein interaction datasets, and drug data from literature and databases to perform human-host and P. falciparum network-based analysis. An integrative computational framework is presented that was developed and found to be reasonably accurate based on various evaluations, applications, and experimental evidence of outputs produced, from data-driven analysis. RESULTS This approach revealed 8 hub protein targets essential for parasite and human host-directed malaria drug therapy. In a semantic similarity approach, 26 potential repurposable drugs involved in regulating host immune response to inflammatory-driven disorders and/or inhibiting residual malaria infection that can be appropriated for malaria treatment. Further analysis of host-pathogen network shortest paths enabled the prediction of immune-related biological processes and pathways subverted by P. falciparum to increase its within-host survival. CONCLUSIONS Host-pathogen network analysis reveals potential drug targets and biological processes and pathways subverted by P. falciparum to enhance its within malaria host survival. The results presented have implications for drug discovery and will inform experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis E Agamah
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Delesa Damena
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michelle Skelton
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anita Ghansah
- College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana
| | - Gaston K Mazandu
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, 5-7 Melrose Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7945, South Africa.
| | - Emile R Chimusa
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Vythilingam I, Chua TH, Liew JWK, Manin BO, Ferguson HM. The vectors of Plasmodium knowlesi and other simian malarias Southeast Asia: challenges in malaria elimination. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 113:131-189. [PMID: 34620382 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite of great public health concern has been reported from most countries in Southeast Asia and exported to various countries around the world. Currently P. knowlesi is the predominant species infecting humans in Malaysia. Besides this species, other simian malaria parasites such as P. cynomolgi and P. inui are also infecting humans in the region. The vectors of P. knowlesi and other Asian simian malarias belong to the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes which are generally forest dwelling species. Continual deforestation has resulted in these species moving into forest fringes, farms, plantations and human settlements along with their macaque hosts. Limited studies have shown that mosquito vectors are attracted to both humans and macaque hosts, preferring to bite outdoors and in the early part of the night. We here review the current status of simian malaria vectors and their parasites, knowledge of vector competence from experimental infections and discuss possible vector control measures. The challenges encountered in simian malaria elimination are also discussed. We highlight key knowledge gaps on vector distribution and ecology that may impede effective control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra Vythilingam
- Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Tock Hing Chua
- Department of Pathobiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sabah Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
| | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benny O Manin
- Department of Pathobiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sabah Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Heather M Ferguson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Dong S, Dong Y, Simões ML, Dimopoulos G. Mosquito transgenesis for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:54-66. [PMID: 34483052 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases. Because of the ineffectiveness of current malaria-control methods, several novel mosquito vector-based control strategies have been proposed to supplement existing control strategies. Mosquito transgenesis and gene drive have emerged as promising tools for preventing the spread of malaria by either suppressing mosquito populations by self-destructing mosquitoes or replacing mosquito populations with disease-refractory populations. Here we review the development of mosquito transgenesis and its application for malaria control, highlighting the transgenic expression of antiparasitic effector genes, inactivation of host factor genes, and manipulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs. Overall, from a malaria-control perspective, mosquito transgenesis is not envisioned as a stand-alone approach; rather, its use is proposed as a complement to existing vector-control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Evaluation of Total Female and Male Aedes aegypti Proteomes Reveals Significant Predictive Protein-Protein Interactions, Functional Ontologies, and Differentially Abundant Proteins. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080752. [PMID: 34442320 PMCID: PMC8396896 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Aedes aegypti is a significant vector for flavivirus diseases. Only the female mosquito transmits pathogens, while the male plays a vital role in mating and species continuity. In this study, female and male Ae. aegypti proteins were analysed using a mass analyser. Then, we identified proteins for the examination of protein-protein interactions, functional enrichment, and differential protein abundance analysis. This study identified 422 and 682 proteins exclusive to male and female Ae. aegypti, respectively, with 608 proteins found in both sexes. The most significant protein-protein interaction clusters and functional enrichments were observed in the biological process, molecular function, and cellular component for the proteins of both sexes. The abundance of the proteins differed, with one protein showing an increase (elongation factor 1 α, EF1α) and two showing reductions (actin family) in females versus males. The study highlights the protein differences in male and female Ae. aegypti, and future research could further investigate their roles in mosquito–viral interactions for blocking disease transmission. Abstract Aedes aegypti is a significant vector for many tropical and subtropical flavivirus diseases. Only the female mosquito transmits pathogens, while the male plays a vital role in mating and species continuity. This study explored the total proteomes of females and males based on the physiological and genetic differences of female and male mosquitoes. Protein extracts from mosquitoes were analysed using LC–ESI–MS/MS for protein identification, protein interaction network analysis, functional ontology enrichment, and differential protein abundance analyses. Protein identification revealed 422 and 682 proteins exclusive to males and females, respectively, with 608 common proteins found in both sexes. The most significant PPIs (<1.0 × 10−16) were for common proteins, followed by proteins exclusive to females (<1.0 × 10−16) and males (1.58 × 10−12). Significant functional enrichments were observed in the biological process, molecular function, and cellular component for the male and female proteins. The abundance of the proteins differed, with one protein showing an increase (elongation factor 1 α, EF1α) and two showing reductions (actin family) in females versus males. Overall, the study verified the total proteomes differences between male and female Ae. aegypti based on protein identification and interactions, functional ontologies, and differentially abundant proteins. Some of the identified proteins merit further investigation to elucidate their roles in blocking viral transmission.
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Chen TY, Lee Y, Wang X, Mathias D, Caragata EP, Smartt CT. Profiling Transcriptional Response of Dengue-2 Virus Infection in Midgut Tissue of Aedes aegypti. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.708817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mosquito antiviral response could reveal target pathways or genes of interest that could form the basis of new disease control applications. However, there is a paucity of data in the current literature in understanding antiviral response during the replication period. To illuminate the gene expression patterns in the replication stage, we collected gene expression data at 2.5 days after Dengue-2 virus (DENV-2) infection. We sequenced the whole transcriptome of the midgut tissue and compared gene expression levels between the control and virus-infected group. We identified 31 differentially expressed genes. Based on their function, we identified that those genes fell into two major functional categories - (1) nucleic acid/protein process and (2) immunity/oxidative stress response. Our study has identified candidate genes that can be followed up for gene overexpression/inhibition experiments to examine if the perturbed gene interaction may impact the mosquito’s immune response against DENV. This is an important step to understanding how mosquitoes eliminate the virus and provides an important foundation for further research in developing novel dengue control strategies.
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Magadán S, Mikelez-Alonso I, Borrego F, González-Fernández Á. Nanoparticles and trained immunity: Glimpse into the future. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113821. [PMID: 34087325 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidences show that innate immune cells can display changes in their functional programs after infection or vaccination, which lead to immunomodulation (increased or reduced responsiveness) upon secondary activation to the same stimuli or even to a different one. Innate cells acquire features of immunological memory, nowadays using the new term of "trained immunity" or "innate immune memory", which is different from the specific memory immune response elicited by B and T lymphocytes. The review focused on the concept of trained immunity, mostly on myeloid cells. Special attention is dedicated to the pathogen recognition along the evolution (bacteria, plants, invertebrate and vertebrate animals), and to techniques used to study epigenetic reprogramming and metabolic rewiring. Nanomaterials can be recognized by immune cells offering a very promising way to learn about trained immunity. Nanomaterials could be modified in order to immunomodulate the responses ad hoc. Many therapeutic possibilities are opened, and they should be explored.
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Caragata EP, Dong S, Dong Y, Simões ML, Tikhe CV, Dimopoulos G. Prospects and Pitfalls: Next-Generation Tools to Control Mosquito-Transmitted Disease. Annu Rev Microbiol 2021; 74:455-475. [PMID: 32905752 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-011320-025557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-transmitted diseases, including malaria and dengue, are a major threat to human health around the globe, affecting millions each year. A diverse array of next-generation tools has been designed to eliminate mosquito populations or to replace them with mosquitoes that are less capable of transmitting key pathogens. Many of these new approaches have been built on recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. These initiatives have driven the development of pathogen-resistant lines, new genetics-based sexing methods, and new methods of driving desirable genetic traits into mosquito populations. Many other emerging tools involve microorganisms, including two strategies involving Wolbachia that are achieving great success in the field. At the same time, other mosquito-associated bacteria, fungi, and even viruses represent untapped sources of new mosquitocidal or antipathogen compounds. Although there are still hurdles to be overcome, the prospect that such approaches will reduce the impact of these diseases is highly encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Caragata
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - S Dong
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - Y Dong
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - M L Simões
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - C V Tikhe
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - G Dimopoulos
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
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Tan WH, Talla V, Mongue AJ, de Roode JC, Gerardo NM, Walters JR. Population genomics reveals variable patterns of immune gene evolution in monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Mol Ecol 2021; 30:4381-4391. [PMID: 34245613 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Humoral and cellular immune responses provide animals with major defences against harmful pathogens. While it is often assumed that immune genes undergo rapid diversifying selection, this assumption has not been tested in many species. Moreover, it is likely that different classes of immune genes experience different levels of evolutionary constraint, resulting in varying selection patterns. We examined the evolutionary patterns for a set of 91 canonical immune genes of North American monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), using as an outgroup the closely related soldier butterfly (Danaus eresimus). As a comparison to these immune genes, we selected a set of control genes that were paired with each immune for approximate size and genomic location. As a whole, these immune genes had a significant but modest reduction in Tajima's D relative to paired-control genes, but otherwise did not show distinct patterns of population genetic variation or evolutionary rates. When further partitioning these immune genes into four functional classes (recognition, signalling, modulation, and effector), we found distinct differences among these groups. Relative to control genes, recognition genes exhibit increased nonsynonymous diversity and divergence, suggesting reduced constraints on evolution, and supporting the notion that coevolution with pathogens results in diversifying selection. In contrast, signalling genes showed an opposite pattern of reduced diversity and divergence, suggesting evolutionary constraints and conservation. Modulator and effector genes showed no statistical differences from controls. These results are consistent with patterns found in immune genes in fruit flies and Pieris butterflies, suggesting that consistent selective pressures on different classes of immune genes broadly govern the evolution of innate immunity among insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Tan
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Venkat Talla
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew J Mongue
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | | | | | - James R Walters
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Maya-Maldonado K, Cime-Castillo J, Maya-Lucas O, Argotte-Ramos R, Rodríguez MC, Lanz-Mendoza H. Transcriptome analysis uncover differential regulation in cell cycle, immunity, and metabolism in Anopheles albimanus during immune priming with Plasmodium berghei. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 120:104046. [PMID: 33600838 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In invertebrates, "immunological priming" is considered as the ability to acquire a protective (adaptive) immune response against a pathogen due to previous exposure to the same organism. To date, the mechanism by which this type of adaptive immune response originates in insects is not well understood. In the Anopheles albimanus - Plasmodium berghei model, a DNA synthesis that probably indicates an endoreplication process during priming induction has been evidenced. This work aimed to know the transcriptomic profile in the midguts of An. albimanus after priming induction. Our analysis indicates the participation of regulatory elements of the cell cycle in the immunological priming and points out the importance of the cell cycle regulation in the mosquito midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal Maya-Maldonado
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP. 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jorge Cime-Castillo
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP. 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Otoniel Maya-Lucas
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research. University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rocio Argotte-Ramos
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP. 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Maria Carmen Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP. 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Humberto Lanz-Mendoza
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP. 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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Lanzaro GC, Sánchez C HM, Collier TC, Marshall JM, James AA. Population modification strategies for malaria vector control are uniquely resilient to observed levels of gene drive resistance alleles. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000282. [PMID: 34151435 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cas9/guide RNA (gRNA)-based gene drive systems are expected to play a transformative role in malaria elimination efforts., whether through population modification, in which the drive system contains parasite-refractory genes, or population suppression, in which the drive system induces a severe fitness load resulting in population decline or extinction. DNA sequence polymorphisms representing alternate alleles at gRNA target sites may confer a drive-resistant phenotype in individuals carrying them. Modeling predicts that, for observed levels of SGV at potential target sites and observed rates of de novo DRA formation, population modification strategies are uniquely resilient to DRAs. We conclude that gene drives can succeed when fitness costs incurred by drive-carrying mosquitoes are low enough to prevent strong positive selection for DRAs produced de novo or as part of the SGV and that population modification strategies are less prone to failure due to drive resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Lanzaro
- Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hector M Sánchez C
- Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Travis C Collier
- Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Anthony A James
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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Lourenço AP, Guidugli-Lazzarini KR, de Freitas NHA, Message D, Bitondi MMG, Simões ZLP, Teixeira ÉW. Immunity and physiological changes in adult honey bees (Apis mellifera) infected with Nosema ceranae: The natural colony environment. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 131:104237. [PMID: 33831437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a microsporidium that infects Apis mellifera, causing diverse physiological and behavioral alterations. Given the existence of individual and social mechanisms to reduce infection and fungal spread in the colony, bees may respond differently to infection depending on their rearing conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of N. ceranae in honey bee foragers naturally infected with different fungal loads in a tropical region. In addition, we explored the effects of N. ceranae artificially infected young bees placed in a healthy colony under field conditions. Honey bees naturally infected with higher loads of N. ceranae showed downregulation of genes from Toll and IMD immune pathways and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes, but hemolymph total protein amount and Vitellogenin (Vg) titers were not affected. Artificially infected bees spread N. ceranae to the controls in the colony, but fungal loads were generally lower than those observed in cages, probably because of social immunity. Although no significant changes in mRNA levels of AMP-encoding were observed, N. ceranae artificially infected bees showed downregulation of miR-989 (an immune-related microRNA), lower vitellogenin gene expression, and decreased hemolymph Vg titers. Our results demonstrate for the first time that natural infection by N. ceranae suppresses the immune system of honey bee foragers in the field. This parasite is detrimental to the immune system of young and old bees, and disease spread, mitigation and containment will depend on the colony environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anete P Lourenço
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, Brazil.
| | - Karina R Guidugli-Lazzarini
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Nayara H A de Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Dejair Message
- Laboratório Especializado de Sanidade Apícola (LASA), Instituto Biológico, APTA, SAA-SP, Pindamonhangaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia M G Bitondi
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Zilá L P Simões
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Érica W Teixeira
- Laboratório Especializado de Sanidade Apícola (LASA), Instituto Biológico, APTA, SAA-SP, Pindamonhangaba, SP, Brazil
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Glucose-mediated proliferation of a gut commensal bacterium promotes Plasmodium infection by increasing mosquito midgut pH. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108992. [PMID: 33882310 PMCID: PMC8116483 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-nectar-derived sugar is the major energy source for mosquitoes, but its influence on vector competence for malaria parasites remains unclear. Here, we show that Plasmodium berghei infection of Anopheles stephensi results in global metabolome changes, with the most significant impact on glucose metabolism. Feeding on glucose or trehalose (the main hemolymph sugars) renders the mosquito more susceptible to Plasmodium infection by alkalizing the mosquito midgut. The glucose/trehalose diets promote proliferation of a commensal bacterium, Asaia bogorensis, that remodels glucose metabolism in a way that increases midgut pH, thereby promoting Plasmodium gametogenesis. We also demonstrate that the sugar composition from different natural plant nectars influences A. bogorensis growth, resulting in a greater permissiveness to Plasmodium. Altogether, our results demonstrate that dietary glucose is an important determinant of mosquito vector competency for Plasmodium, further highlighting a key role for mosquito-microbiota interactions in regulating the development of the malaria parasite.
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Więch A, Tarczewska A, Ożyhar A, Orłowski M. Metal Ions Induce Liquid Condensate Formation by the F Domain of Aedes aegypti Ecdysteroid Receptor. New Perspectives of Nuclear Receptor Studies. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030571. [PMID: 33807814 PMCID: PMC7999165 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The superfamily of nuclear receptors (NRs), composed of ligand-activated transcription factors, is responsible for gene expression as a reaction to physiological and environmental changes. Transcriptional machinery may require phase separation to fulfil its role. Although NRs have a similar canonical structure, their C-terminal domains (F domains) are considered the least conserved and known regions. This article focuses on the peculiar molecular properties of the intrinsically disordered F domain of the ecdysteroid receptor from the Aedes aegypti mosquito (AaFEcR), the vector of the world's most devastating human diseases such as dengue and Zika. The His-Pro-rich segment of AaFEcR was recently shown to form the unique poly-proline helix II (PPII) in the presence of Cu2+. Here, using widefield microscopy of fluorescently labeled AaFEcR, Zn2+- and Cu2+-induced liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) was observed for the first time for the members of NRs. The perspectives of this finding on future research on the F domain are discussed, especially in relation to other NR members.
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Feng Y, Chen L, Gao L, Dong L, Wen H, Song X, Luo F, Cheng G, Wang J. Rapamycin inhibits pathogen transmission in mosquitoes by promoting immune activation. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009353. [PMID: 33626094 PMCID: PMC7939355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated blood meals provide essential nutrients for mosquito egg development and routes for pathogen transmission. The target of rapamycin, the TOR pathway, is essential for vitellogenesis. However, its influence on pathogen transmission remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that rapamycin, an inhibitor of the TOR pathway, effectively suppresses Plasmodium berghei infection in Anopheles stephensi. An. stephensi injected with rapamycin or feeding on rapamycin-treated mice showed increased resistance to P. berghei infection. Exposing An. stephensi to a rapamycin-coated surface not only decreased the numbers of both oocysts and sporozoites but also impaired mosquito survival and fecundity. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the inhibitory effect of rapamycin on parasite infection was through the enhanced activation of immune responses, especially the NF-κB transcription factor REL2, a regulator of the immune pathway and complement system. Knockdown of REL2 in rapamycin-treated mosquitoes abrogated the induction of the complement-like proteins TEP1 and SPCLIP1 and abolished rapamycin-mediated refractoriness to Plasmodium infection. Together, these findings demonstrate a key role of the TOR pathway in regulating mosquito immune responses, thereby influencing vector competence. Anautogenous mosquitoes must consume vertebrate blood meals to complete oogenesis. Repeated blood feeding makes the mosquitoes efficient disease-transmitting vectors. The TOR pathway activated by ingested blood is known as an important regulator for vitellogenesis in mosquitoes. Herein, we show that the protein kinase TOR is involved in the regulation of mosquitoes’ susceptibility to Plasmodium infection. Inhibition of the TOR pathway by rapamycin upregulates the expression of REL2, a transcription factor controlling the expression of a variety of immune effectors. The enhanced immune responses in turn promote parasite elimination. Therefore, the TOR pathway plays a dual role in not only regulating mosquito reproduction but also in their vector potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebiao Feng
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Gao
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Dong
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Wen
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiumei Song
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Luo
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (GC); (JW)
| | - Jingwen Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (GC); (JW)
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