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Martins Oliveira-Brito PK, de Campos GY, Guimarães JG, Machado MP, Serafim LC, Lazo Chica JE, Roque-Barreira MC, da Silva TA. Adjuvant ArtinM favored the host immunity against Cryptococcus gattii infection in C57BL/6 mice. Immunotherapy 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38940276 DOI: 10.1080/1750743x.2024.2360384] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cryptococcus gattii causes a severe fungal infection with high mortality rate among immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals. Due to limitation of current antifungal treatment, new immunotherapeutic approaches are explored. Methods: This study investigated an immunization strategy utilizing heat-inactivated C. gattii with ArtinM as an adjuvant. C57BL/6 mice were intranasally immunized with heat-killed C. gattii and ArtinM was administrated either before immunization or along with HK-C. gattii. Mice were infected with C. gattii and the efficacy of the immunization protocol was evaluated. Results: Mice that received ArtinM exhibited increased levels of IL-10 and relative expression of IL-23 in the lungs, reduced fungal burden and preserved tissue integrity post-infection. Conclusion: Adjuvant ArtinM improved immunization against C. gattii infection in C57BL/6 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Kellen Martins Oliveira-Brito
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology & Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Yamazaki de Campos
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology & Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Garcia Guimarães
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology & Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michele Procópio Machado
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology & Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Costa Serafim
- Microbiology Postgraduate Program of the Microbiology Department of the Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB) of University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Javier Emílio Lazo Chica
- Institute of Natural & Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology & Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology & Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Clinical Hematology Lab, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Araraquara (FCFAR), Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science & Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo,Brazil
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Gouveia-Eufrasio L, de Freitas GJC, Costa MC, Peres-Emidio EC, Carmo PHF, Rodrigues JGM, de Rezende MC, Rodrigues VF, de Brito CB, Miranda GS, de Lima PA, da Silva LMV, Oliveira JBS, da Paixão TA, da Glória de Souza D, Fagundes CT, Peres NTDA, Negrão-Correa DA, Santos DA. The Th2 Response and Alternative Activation of Macrophages Triggered by Strongyloides venezuelensis Is Linked to Increased Morbidity and Mortality Due to Cryptococcosis in Mice. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:968. [PMID: 37888224 PMCID: PMC10607621 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100968] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis that causes pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. Strongyloidiasis is a chronic gastrointestinal infection caused by parasites of the genus Strongyloides. Cryptococcosis and strongyloidiasis affect the lungs and are more prevalent in the same world regions, i.e., Africa and tropical countries such as Brazil. It is undeniable that those coincidences may lead to the occurrence of coinfections. However, there are no studies focused on the interaction between Cryptococcus spp. and Strongyloides spp. In this work, we aimed to investigate the interaction between Strongyloides venezuelensis (Sv) and Cryptococcus gattii (Cg) in a murine coinfection model. Murine macrophage exposure to Sv antigens reduced their ability to engulf Cg and produce reactive oxygen species, increasing the ability of fungal growth intracellularly. We then infected mice with both pathogens. Sv infection skewed the host's response to fungal infection, increasing lethality in a murine coinfection model. In addition to increased NO levels and arginase activity, coinfected mice presented a classic Th2 anti-Sv response: eosinophilia, higher levels of alternate activated macrophages (M2), increased concentrations of CCL24 and IL-4, and lower levels of IL-1β. This milieu favored fungal growth in the lungs with prominent translocation to the brain, increasing the host's tissue damage. In conclusion, our data shows that primary Sv infection promotes Th2 bias of the pulmonary response to Cg-infection and worsens its pathological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Gouveia-Eufrasio
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (L.G.-E.); (N.T.d.A.P.)
| | - Gustavo José Cota de Freitas
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (L.G.-E.); (N.T.d.A.P.)
| | - Marliete Carvalho Costa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (L.G.-E.); (N.T.d.A.P.)
| | - Eluzia Castro Peres-Emidio
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (L.G.-E.); (N.T.d.A.P.)
| | - Paulo Henrique Fonseca Carmo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (L.G.-E.); (N.T.d.A.P.)
| | - João Gustavo Mendes Rodrigues
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (D.A.N.-C.)
| | - Michelle Carvalho de Rezende
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (D.A.N.-C.)
| | - Vanessa Fernandes Rodrigues
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (D.A.N.-C.)
| | - Camila Bernardo de Brito
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (D.d.G.d.S.); (C.T.F.)
| | - Guilherme Silva Miranda
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (D.A.N.-C.)
| | - Pâmela Aparecida de Lima
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (T.A.d.P.)
| | - Lívia Mara Vitorino da Silva
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (L.G.-E.); (N.T.d.A.P.)
| | - Jefferson Bruno Soares Oliveira
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (T.A.d.P.)
| | - Tatiane Alves da Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (T.A.d.P.)
| | - Daniele da Glória de Souza
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (D.d.G.d.S.); (C.T.F.)
| | - Caio Tavares Fagundes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (D.d.G.d.S.); (C.T.F.)
| | - Nalu Teixeira de Aguiar Peres
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (L.G.-E.); (N.T.d.A.P.)
| | - Deborah Aparecida Negrão-Correa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil (D.A.N.-C.)
| | - Daniel Assis Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (L.G.-E.); (N.T.d.A.P.)
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3
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Brito ASD, Souza JG, Moraes Filho AV, Oliveira PG, Oliveira MAP, Barbosa MS, Sousa JMG, Pinto RM, Conceição EC, Silva CA. Immunostimulating activity of Uncaria tomentosa in RAW 264.7 macrophages. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 83:e271339. [PMID: 37729210 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.271339] [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: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncaria tomentosa is a plant native to the Amazon that has immunomodulatory and antitumor properties due to the alkaloids found in the plant, being able to modify the immune response by potentiating or suspending the action of cytokines secreted by macrophages that induce the immune response, either by the classical route (M1) or through the alternative route (M2). Macrophages activated by M1 convert L-arginine into L-citrulline and nitric oxide (NO), whereas macrophages activated by the M2 pathway use the enzymatic activity of arginase to convert the same substrate into L-ornithine and urea. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunostimulating activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract from the bark of the U. tomentosa stem in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Concentrations of 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05 mg/mL of U. tomentosa extract associated with LPS, INF-γ and IL-4 inducers were tested by determining NO production and arginase enzyme activity. Nitric oxide production was enhanced by the extract when associated with LPS and LPS + INF-γ inducers. In the activity of the arginase enzyme, the extract decreased the stimulation of IL-4 on the enzyme, mainly at 0.2 mg/mL concentration. Therefore, it is concluded that the crude hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of U. tomentosa in RAW 264.7 cells, at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, showed considerable pro-inflammatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J G Souza
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - A V Moraes Filho
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Alfredo Nasser, Aparecida de Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - P G Oliveira
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - M A P Oliveira
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - M S Barbosa
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - J M G Sousa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Assistência e Avaliação em Saúde, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - R M Pinto
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Assistência e Avaliação em Saúde, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | | | - C A Silva
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
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Lendoiro-Cino N, Rodríguez-Coello A, Saborido A, F-Burguera E, Fernández-Rodríguez JA, Meijide-Faílde R, Blanco FJ, Vaamonde-García C. Study of hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis in synovial tissue from diabetes-associated osteoarthritis and its influence on macrophage phenotype and abundance. J Physiol Biochem 2023:10.1007/s13105-023-00968-y. [PMID: 37335394 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-023-00968-y] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (DB) is an independent risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanisms underlying the connection between both diseases remain unclear. Synovial macrophages from OA patients with DB present a marked pro-inflammatory phenotype. Since hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has been previously described to be involved in macrophage polarization, in this study we examined H2S biosynthesis in synovial tissue from OA patients with DB, observing a reduction of H2S-synthetizing enzymes in this subset of individuals. To elucidate these findings, we detected that differentiated TPH-1 cells to macrophages exposed to high levels of glucose presented a lower expression of H2S-synthetizing enzymes and an increased inflammatory response to LPS, showing upregulated expression of markers associated with M1 phenotype (i.e., CD11c, CD86, iNOS, and IL-6) and reduced levels of those related to M2 fate (CD206 and CD163). The co-treatment of the cells with a slow-releasing H2S donor, GYY-4137, attenuated the expression of M1 markers, but failed to modulate the levels of M2 indicators. GYY-4137 also reduced HIF-1α expression and upregulated the protein levels of HO-1, suggesting their involvement in the anti-inflammatory effects of H2S induction. In addition, we observed that intraarticular administration of H2S donor attenuated synovial abundance of CD68+ cells, mainly macrophages, in an in vivo model of OA. Taken together, the findings of this study seem to reinforce the key role of H2S in the M1-like polarization of synovial macrophages associated to OA and specifically its metabolic phenotype, opening new therapeutic perspectives in the management of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Lendoiro-Cino
- Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Arianna Rodríguez-Coello
- Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Anna Saborido
- Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Elena F-Burguera
- Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer A Fernández-Rodríguez
- Grupo Envejecimiento e Inflamación, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rosa Meijide-Faílde
- Grupo de Terapia Celular y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias da Saúde, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Francisco J Blanco
- Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología y Salud, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Carlos Vaamonde-García
- Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006, A Coruña, Spain.
- Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología y Salud, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Departamento de Bioloxía, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15008, A Coruña, Spain.
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de Campos GY, Oliveira-Brito PKM, Guimarães JG, da Costa LS, Lazo Chica JE, da Silva TA. Adjuvant Pam3CSk4 does not improve the immunization against Cryptococcus gattii infection in C57BL/6 mice. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14778. [PMID: 36743957 PMCID: PMC9897066 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14778] [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] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcosis is a relevant invasive fungal infection that affects immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals when caused by Cryptococcus gattii. Host innate and adaptive immune responses can be subverted by C. gattii, that blocks the differentiation of T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells, which are involved in the protection against cryptococcosis. Moreover, the macrophage polarization is modulated by C. gattii infection that requires a balance in the macrophage subsets to control the C. gattii infection. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 agonists are important immunomodulators favoring a pro-inflammatory response with potential fungicidal activity, and TLR2 agonists have been used as adjuvants in vaccines against infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the tripalmitoyl lipopeptide S-glycerol cysteine (Pam3CSK4 or P3C4), a TLR2 agonist, as an adjuvant in the vaccination against C. gattii infection. Methods and Results C57BL/6 mice were immunized with 2 × 107 inactivated yeasts of C. gattii via intranasal route on day 1, 14 and 28 (Immunized group). Immunization was associated with 1µg or 10µg of adjuvant P3C4 (Immunized+P3C4-1µg or Immunized+P3C4-10 µg), followed by C. gattii infection on day 42 after the immunization protocol. Immunized+P3C4-1 µg group had reduced levels of IgG1, IgG2a and IgA and no significant difference in the IgG and IgM anti-GXM antibody titer was detected, compared to the Immunized group. High levels of IL-17 and IL-1β in lung tissue of mice from the Immunized+P3C4-1µg group did not promote a predominance of Th17 cells, in contrast, the frequency of TLR2+ cells was increased in immunized mice that received 1 µg of P3C4. The reduction in the relative expression of T-bet and high levels of Foxp3 detected in the lungs of the Immunized+P3C4-1µg group suggest a prevalence of regulatory T cells in the tissue, which did not contribute to the control of C. gattii infection. The immunization protocol associated with 10 µg of adjuvant P3C4 induced high levels of IL-17 in the lung tissue, whereas the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were downregulated. To evaluate the effect of adjuvant P3C4 in the control of C. gattii infection, quantification of the fungal burden in the lungs was performed by the CFU assay, and the groups with adjuvant P3C4 showed a pulmonary C. gattii burden that was not significantly altered when compared with the immunized group. The mice that received 1 µg of adjuvant P3C4 had a lower percentage of inflammatory infiltrate in the lungs. Conclusion The immunomodulatory effect of P3C4, associated with the immunization protocol, plays an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory response in the lungs that did not favor a protection against C. gattii infection, which is related to the immune response characterized by a suppressive/regulatory profile in the pulmonary microenvironment after C. gattii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Yamazaki de Campos
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia Garcia Guimarães
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Serafim da Costa
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Javier Emílio Lazo Chica
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Zhang W, Guan N, Zhang X, Liu Y, Gao X, Wang L. Study on the imbalance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization in severe chronic periodontitis. Technol Health Care 2023; 31:117-124. [PMID: 35964216 DOI: 10.3233/thc-220092] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages commonly exist in two distinct subsets in different microenvironments: classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). The imbalance of M1-M2 macrophage polarization is often related to various diseases or inflammatory states. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an imbalance in the expression of M1 and M2 macrophage-related cytokines in severe chronic periodontitis. METHODS A total of 30 clinical specimens, including severe chronic periodontitis tissues (n= 15) and healthy control tissues (n= 15), were used in this study. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot methods were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of M1 macrophage-related cytokines (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)) and M2 macrophage-related cytokines (arginase-1 (Arg-1) and STAT6), respectively. RESULTS The mRNA and protein expression levels of M1 macrophage-related cytokines (iNOS and STAT1) and M2 macrophage-related cytokines (Arg-1 and STAT6) were significantly increased in severe chronic periodontitis patients. In addition, the ratios of iNOS/Arg-1 and STAT1/STAT6 in the severe chronic periodontitis group were also significantly increased (P< 0.01). CONCLUSION The imbalance of M1/M2 macrophages exists in the pathogenesis of severe chronic periodontitis, and has a tendency towards M1 polarization. Therefore, maintaining the immune balance of M1/M2 macrophages may be a novel therapeutic alternative for the management of severe chronic periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Ning Guan
- Key Laboratory of Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yizhen Liu
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiuqiu Gao
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Linyuan Wang
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
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Dulin H, Hendricks N, Xu D, Gao L, Wuang K, Ai H, Hai R. Impact of Protein Nitration on Influenza Virus Infectivity and Immunogenicity. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0190222. [PMID: 36314966 PMCID: PMC9769652 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01902-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses are deadly respiratory pathogens of special importance due to their long history of global pandemics. During influenza virus infections, the host responds by producing interferons, which activate interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) inside target cells. One of these ISGs is inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). iNOS produces nitric oxide (NO) from arginine and molecular oxygen inside the cell. NO can react with superoxide radicals to form reactive nitrogen species, principally peroxynitrite. While much work has been done studying the many roles of nitric oxide in influenza virus infections, the direct effect of peroxynitrite on influenza virus proteins has not been determined. Manipulations of NO, either by knocking out iNOS or chemically inhibiting NO, produced no change in virus titers in mouse models of influenza infection. However, peroxynitrite has a known antimicrobial effect on various bacteria and parasites, and the reason for its lack of antimicrobial effect on influenza virus titers in vivo remains unclear. Therefore, we wished to test the direct effect of nitration of influenza virus proteins. We examined the impact of nitration on virus infectivity, replication, and immunogenicity. We observed that the nitration of influenza A virus proteins decreased virus infectivity and replication ex vivo. We also determined that the nitration of influenza virus hemagglutinin protein can reduce antibody responses to native virus protein. However, our study also suggests that nitration of influenza virus proteins in vivo is likely not extensive enough to inhibit virus functions substantially. These findings will help clarify the role of peroxynitrite during influenza virus infections. IMPORTANCE Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite produced during microbial infections have diverse and seemingly paradoxical functions. While nitration of lung tissue during influenza virus infection has been observed in both mice and humans, the direct effect of protein nitration on influenza viruses has remained elusive. We addressed the impact of nitration of influenza virus proteins on virus infectivity, replication, and immunogenicity. We observed that ex vivo nitration of influenza virus proteins reduced virus infectivity and immunogenicity. However, we did not detect nitration of influenza virus hemagglutinin protein in vivo. These results contribute to our understanding of the roles of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in influenza virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Dulin
- Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
- Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Nathan Hendricks
- Proteomics Core, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Duo Xu
- Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Linfeng Gao
- Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Keidy Wuang
- Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Huiwang Ai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rong Hai
- Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
- Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
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Pulmonary Fibrosis and Hypereosinophilia in TLR9-/- Mice Infected by Cryptococcus gattii. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090987. [PMID: 36145419 PMCID: PMC9505093 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is a worldwide-distributed basidiomycetous yeast that can infect immunocompetent hosts. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the disease. The innate immune response is essential to the control of infections by microorganisms. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is an innate immune receptor, classically described as a non-methylated DNA recognizer and associated with bacteria, protozoa and opportunistic mycosis infection models. Previously, our group showed that TLR9-/- mice were more susceptible to C. gattii after 21 days of infection. However, some questions about the innate immunity involving TLR9 response against C. gattii remain unknown. In order to investigate the systemic cryptococcal infection, we evaluated C57BL/6 mice and C57BL/6 TLR9-/- after intratracheal infection with 104C. gattii yeasts for 21 days. Our data evidenced that TLR9-/- was more susceptible to C. gattii. TLR9-/- mice had hypereosinophilia in pulmonary mixed cellular infiltrate, severe bronchiolitis and vasculitis and type 2 alveolar cell hyperplasia. In addition, TLR9-/- mice developed severe pulmonary fibrosis and areas with strongly birefringent fibers. Together, our results corroborate the hypothesis that TLR9 is important to support the Th1/Th17 response against C. gattii infection in the murine experimental model.
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Oliveira-Brito PKM, de Campos GY, Guimarães JG, Serafim da Costa L, Silva de Moura E, Lazo-Chica JE, Roque-Barreira MC, da Silva TA. Adjuvant Curdlan Contributes to Immunization against Cryptococcus gattii Infection in a Mouse Strain-Specific Manner. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040620. [PMID: 35455369 PMCID: PMC9030172 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040620] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The low efficacy and side effects associated with antifungal agents have highlighted the importance of developing immunotherapeutic approaches to treat Cryptococcus gattii infection. We developed an immunization strategy that uses selective Dectin-1 agonist as an adjuvant. BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice received curdlan or β-glucan peptide (BGP) before immunization with heat-killed C. gattii, and the mice were infected with viable C. gattii on day 14 post immunization and euthanized 14 days after infection. Adjuvant curdlan restored pulmonary tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) levels, as induced by immunization with heat-killed C. gattii. The average area and relative frequency of C. gattii titan cells in the lungs of curdlan-treated BALB/c mice were reduced. However, this did not reduce the pulmonary fungal burden or decrease the i0,nflammatory infiltrate in the pulmonary parenchyma of BALB/c mice. Conversely, adjuvant curdlan induced high levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-10 and decreased the C. gattii burden in the lungs of C57BL/6 mice, which was not replicated in β-glucan peptide-treated mice. The adjuvant curdlan favors the control of C. gattii infection depending on the immune response profile of the mouse strain. This study will have implications for developing new immunotherapeutic approaches to treat C. gattii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Kellen Martins Oliveira-Brito
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Gabriela Yamazaki de Campos
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Júlia Garcia Guimarães
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Letícia Serafim da Costa
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Edanielle Silva de Moura
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Javier Emílio Lazo-Chica
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-189, MG, Brazil;
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
- Thiago Aparecido da Silva, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-3049
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da Silva AR, de Oliveira WF, da Silva PM, de Siqueira Patriota LL, de Vasconcelos Alves RR, de Oliveira APS, Dos Santos Correia MT, Paiva PMG, Vainstein MH, Filho PEC, Fontes A, Napoleão TH. Quantum dots conjugated to lectins from Schinus terebinthifolia leaves (SteLL) and Punica granatum sarcotesta (PgTeL) as potential fluorescent nanotools for investigating Cryptococcus neoformans. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:232-240. [PMID: 34634324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the development of conjugates based on quantum dots (QD)s and lectins from Schinus terebinthifolia leaves (SteLL) and Punica granatum sarcotesta (PgTeL). Cryptococcus neoformans cells were chosen to evaluate the efficiency of the conjugates. Lectins were conjugated to QDs via adsorption, and the optical parameters (emission and absorption) were monitored. Lectin stability in the conjugates towards denaturing agents was investigated via fluorometry. The conjugation was evaluated using fluorescence microplate (FMA) and hemagglutination (HA) assays. The labeling of the C. neoformans cell surface was quantified using flow cytometry and observed via fluorescence microscopy. The QDs-SteLL and QDs-PgTeL conjugates, obtained at pH 7.0 and 8.0, respectively, showed the maintenance of colloidal and optical properties. FMA confirmed the conjugation, and the HA assay indicated that the lectin carbohydrate-binding ability was preserved after conjugation. SteLL and PgTeL showed stability towards high urea concentrations and heating. Conjugates labeled over 90% of C. neoformans cells as observed via flow cytometry and confirmed through fluorescence microscopy. C. neoformans labeling by conjugates was inhibited by glycoproteins, suggesting specific interactions through the lectin carbohydrate-binding site. Thus, an effective protocol for the conjugation of SteLL or PgTeL with QDs was proposed, yielding new nanoprobes useful for glycobiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdênego Rodrigues da Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil; Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Weslley Felix de Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil; Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marilene Henning Vainstein
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paulo Euzébio Cabral Filho
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Thiago Henrique Napoleão
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
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da Silva TA, Hauser PJ, Bandey I, Laskowski T, Wang Q, Najjar AM, Kumaresan PR. Glucuronoxylomannan in the Cryptococcus species capsule as a target for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy. Cytotherapy 2021; 23:119-130. [PMID: 33303326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The genus Cryptococcus comprises two major fungal species that cause clinical infections in humans: Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans. To establish invasive human disease, inhaled cryptococci must penetrate the lung tissue and reproduce. Each year, about 1 million cases of Cryptococcus infection are reported worldwide, and the infection's mortality rate ranges from 20% to 70%. Many HIV+/AIDS patients are affected by Cryptococcus infections, with 220,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis reported worldwide in this population every year (C. neoformans infection statistics, via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/cryptococcosis-neoformans/statistics.html). To escape from host immune cell attack, Cryptococcus covers itself in a sugar-based capsule composed primarily of glucuronoxylomannan (GXM). To evade phagocytosis, yeast cells increase to a >45-µm perimeter and become titan, or giant, cells. Cryptococci virulence is directly proportional to the percentage of titan/giant cells present during Cryptococcus infection. To combat cryptococcosis, the authors propose the redirection of CD8+ T cells to target the GXM in the capsule via expression of a GXM-specific chimeric antigen receptor (GXMR-CAR). RESULTS GXMR-CAR has an anti-GXM single-chain variable fragment followed by an IgG4 stalk in the extracellular domain, a CD28 transmembrane domain and CD28 and CD3-ς signaling domains. After lentiviral transduction of human T cells with the GXMR-CAR construct, flow cytometry demonstrated that 82.4% of the cells expressed GXMR-CAR on their surface. To determine whether the GXMR-CAR+ T cells exhibited GXM-specific recognition, these cells were incubated with GXM for 24 h and examined with the use of brightfield microscopy. Large clusters of proliferating GXMR-CAR+ T cells were observed in GXM-treated cells, whereas no clusters were observed in control cells. Moreover, the interaction of GXM with GXMR-CAR+ T cells was detected via flow cytometry by using a GXM-specific antibody, and the recognition of GXM by GXMR-CAR T cells triggered the secretion of granzyme and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). The ability of GXMR-CAR T cells to bind to the yeast form of C. neoformans was detected by fluorescent microscopy, but no binding was detected in mock-transduced control T cells (NoDNA T cells). Moreover, lung tissue sections were stained with Gomori Methenamine Silver and evaluated by NanoZoomer (Hamamatsu), revealing a significantly lower number of titan cells, with perimeters ranging from 50 to 130 µm and giant cells >130 µm in the CAR T-cell treated group when compared with other groups. Therefore, the authors validated the study's hypothesis by the redirection of GXMR-CAR+ T cells to target GXM, which induces the secretion of cytotoxic granules and IFN-γ that will aid in the control of cryptococcosis CONCLUSIONS: Thus, these findings reveal that GXMR-CAR+ T cells can target C. neoformans. Future studies will be focused on determining the therapeutic efficacy of GXMR-CAR+ T cells in an animal model of cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Deparment of Pediatric Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul J Hauser
- Deparment of Pediatric Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Irfan Bandey
- Deparment of Pediatric Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tamara Laskowski
- Deparment of Pediatric Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amer M Najjar
- Deparment of Pediatric Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pappanaicken R Kumaresan
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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de Campos GY, Oliveira RA, Oliveira-Brito PKM, Roque-Barreira MC, da Silva TA. Pro-inflammatory response ensured by LPS and Pam3CSK4 in RAW 264.7 cells did not improve a fungistatic effect on Cryptococcus gattii infection. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10295. [PMID: 33304649 PMCID: PMC7698691 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The macrophage lineage is characterized by plasticity due to the acquisition of distinct functional phenotypes, and two major subsets are evaluated; classical M1 activation (strong microbicidal activity) and alternative M2 activation (immunoregulatory functions). The M1 subset expresses inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which is a primary marker to identify these cells, whereas M2 macrophages are characterized by expression of Arginase-1, found in inflammatory zone 1 (Fizz1), chitinase-like molecule (Ym-1), and CD206. The micro-environmental stimuli and signals in tissues are critical in the macrophage polarization. Toll-like receptors (TLR) ligands, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), palmitoyl-3-cysteine-serine-lysine-4 (Pam3CSK4), and ArtinM (mannose-binding lectin) are inductors of M1 subset. The impact of TLR2 and TLR4 signals to fight against Cryptococcus gattii infection is unknown, which is a fungal pathogen that preferentially infects the lung of immunocompetent individuals. The macrophages initiate an immune response to combat the C. gattii, then we evaluated in RAW 264.7 cell the effect of TLR2 and TLR4 agonists on the macrophage polarization dynamic and the impact on the growth of C. gattii. Methods and Results We demonstrated that P3C4, LPS, and ArtinM induced an increase in the levels of iNOS transcripts in RAW 264.7 cells, whereas the relative expression of arginase-1, Ym-1, and Fizz1 was significantly increased in the presence of IL-4 alone. The effects of TLR2 and TLR4 agonists on repolarization from the M2 to M1 subset was evaluated, and the first stimulus was composed of IL-4 and, after 24 h of incubation, the cells were submitted to a second stimulus of P3C4, LPS, ArtinM, or Medium. These TLR agonists induced the production of TNF-α in polarized RAW 264.7 cells to the M2 subset, moreover the measurement of M1/M2 markers using qRT-PCR demonstrated that a second stimulus with LPS for 24 h induced a significant augmentation of levels of iNOS mRNA. This impact of TLR2 and TLR4 agonists in the activation of the RAW 264.7 macrophage was assayed in the presence of C. gattii, the macrophages stimulated with TLR2 and TLR4 agonists for 24 h and co-cultured with C. gattii, as a second stimulus, reached high levels of TNF-α even after incubation with different concentrations of C. gattii. The activation of RAW 264.7 cells induced by TLR2 and TLR4 agonists favored the phagocytosis of C. gattii and inhibited the growth of yeast in the early period of infection. However, RAW 264.7 cells incubated with C. gattii in the presence of TLR2 and TLR4 agonists did not result a significant difference in the colony forming unit (CFU) assay in the early period of C. gattii infection, compared to negative control. Conclusion Polarized RAW 264.7 cells to the M1 subset with TLR2 and TLR4 agonists did not inhibit the growth of C. gattii, whereas robust immunity was identified that could dysregulate host tolerance to this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Yamazaki de Campos
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Amorim Oliveira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kellen Martins Oliveira-Brito
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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