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Lu KC, Tsai KW, Wang YK, Hu WC. Types of cell death and their relations to host immunological pathways. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:206035. [PMID: 39120579 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Various immune pathways have been identified in the host, including TH1, TH2, TH3, TH9, TH17, TH22, TH1-like, and THαβ immune reactions. While TH2 and TH9 responses primarily target multicellular parasites, host immune pathways directed against viruses, intracellular microorganisms (such as bacteria, protozoa, and fungi), and extracellular microorganisms can employ programmed cell death mechanisms to initiate immune responses or execute effective strategies for pathogen elimination. The types of programmed cell death involved include apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and NETosis. Specifically, apoptosis is associated with host anti-virus eradicable THαβ immunity, autophagy with host anti-virus tolerable TH3 immunity, pyroptosis with host anti-intracellular microorganism eradicable TH1 immunity, ferroptosis with host anti-intracellular microorganism tolerable TH1-like immunity, necroptosis with host anti-extracellular microorganism eradicable TH22 immunity, and NETosis with host anti-extracellular microorganism tolerable TH17 immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuo-Wang Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Kuen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan Armed Forced General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Clinical pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan, ROC
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Mwesigwa A, Ocan M, Musinguzi B, Nante RW, Nankabirwa JI, Kiwuwa SM, Kinengyere AA, Castelnuovo B, Karamagi C, Obuku EA, Nsobya SL, Mbulaiteye SM, Byakika-Kibwika P. Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection based on msp-1, msp-2, glurp and microsatellite genetic markers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J 2024; 23:97. [PMID: 38589874 PMCID: PMC11000358 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04925-y] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Plasmodium falciparum causes most of the malaria cases. Despite its crucial roles in disease severity and drug resistance, comprehensive data on Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) are sparse in SSA. This study summarizes available information on genetic diversity and MOI, focusing on key markers (msp-1, msp-2, glurp, and microsatellites). The systematic review aimed to evaluate their influence on malaria transmission dynamics and offer insights for enhancing malaria control measures in SSA. METHODS The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Two reviewers conducted article screening, assessed the risk of bias (RoB), and performed data abstraction. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model in STATA version 17. RESULTS The review included 52 articles: 39 cross-sectional studies and 13 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)/cohort studies, involving 11,640 genotyped parasite isolates from 23 SSA countries. The overall pooled mean expected heterozygosity was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.51-0.78). Regionally, values varied: East (0.58), Central (0.84), Southern (0.74), and West Africa (0.69). Overall pooled allele frequencies of msp-1 alleles K1, MAD20, and RO33 were 61%, 44%, and 40%, respectively, while msp-2 I/C 3D7 and FC27 alleles were 61% and 55%. Central Africa reported higher frequencies (K1: 74%, MAD20: 51%, RO33: 48%) than East Africa (K1: 46%, MAD20: 42%, RO33: 31%). For msp-2, East Africa had 60% and 55% for I/C 3D7 and FC27 alleles, while West Africa had 62% and 50%, respectively. The pooled allele frequency for glurp was 66%. The overall pooled mean MOI was 2.09 (95% CI: 1.88-2.30), with regional variations: East (2.05), Central (2.37), Southern (2.16), and West Africa (1.96). The overall prevalence of polyclonal Plasmodium falciparum infections was 63% (95% CI: 56-70), with regional prevalences as follows: East (62%), West (61%), Central (65%), and South Africa (71%). CONCLUSION The study shows substantial regional variation in Plasmodium falciparum parasite genetic diversity and MOI in SSA. These findings suggest a need for malaria control strategies and surveillance efforts considering regional-specific factors underlying Plasmodium falciparum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Mwesigwa
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Kabale University, P. O Box 314, Kabale, Uganda.
| | - Moses Ocan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
- African Center for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Benson Musinguzi
- Departent of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muni University, P.O Box 725, Arua, Uganda
| | - Rachel Wangi Nante
- African Center for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joaniter I Nankabirwa
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven M Kiwuwa
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere, University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alison Annet Kinengyere
- Albert Cook Library, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Castelnuovo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Karamagi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ekwaro A Obuku
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
- African Center for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Samuel L Nsobya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sam M Mbulaiteye
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Dr, 6E-118, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Pauline Byakika-Kibwika
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Hu W, Yang Y, Cheng C, Tu Y, Chang H, Tsai K. Overexpression of malic enzyme is involved in breast cancer growth and is correlated with poor prognosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18163. [PMID: 38445776 PMCID: PMC10915829 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Malic enzyme (ME) genes are key functional metabolic enzymes playing a crucial role in carcinogenesis. However, the detailed effects of ME gene expression on breast cancer progression remain unclear. Here, our results revealed ME1 expression was significantly upregulated in breast cancer, especially in patients with oestrogen receptor/progesterone receptor-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer. Furthermore, upregulation of ME1 was significantly associated with more advanced pathological stages (p < 0.001), pT stage (p < 0.001) and tumour grade (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed ME1 upregulation was associated with poor disease-specific survival (DSS: p = 0.002) and disease-free survival (DFS: p = 0.003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed ME1 upregulation was significantly correlated with poor DSS (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.08-2.52; p = 0.021) and DFS (AHR, 1.57; 95% CI: 1.03-2.41; p = 0.038). Stratification analysis indicated ME1 upregulation was significantly associated with poor DSS (p = 0.039) and DFS (p = 0.038) in patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, ME1 expression did not affect the DSS of patients with TNBC. Biological function analysis revealed ME1 knockdown could significantly suppress the growth of breast cancer cells and influence its migration ability. Furthermore, the infiltration of immune cells was significantly reduced when they were co-cultured with breast cancer cells with ME1 knockdown. In summary, ME1 plays an oncogenic role in the growth of breast cancer; it may serve as a potential biomarker of progression and constitute a therapeutic target in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan‐Chung Hu
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi HospitalBuddhist Tzu Chi Medical FoundationNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Yi‐Fang Yang
- Department of Medical Education and ResearchKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Ching‐Feng Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi HospitalBuddhist Tzu Chi Medical FoundationNew Taipei CityTaiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of PediatricsTzu Chi UniversityHualienTaiwan
| | - Ya‐Ting Tu
- Department of ResearchTaipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical FoundationNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Hong‐Tai Chang
- Department of SurgeryKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Kuo‐Wang Tsai
- Department of ResearchTaipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical FoundationNew Taipei CityTaiwan
- Department of NursingCardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and ManagementNew Taipei CityTaiwan
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Shih LJ, Yang CC, Liao MT, Lu KC, Hu WC, Lin CP. An important call: Suggestion of using IL-10 as therapeutic agent for COVID-19 with ARDS and other complications. Virulence 2023; 14:2190650. [PMID: 36914565 PMCID: PMC10026935 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2190650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a detrimental impact on public health. COVID-19 usually manifests as pneumonia, which can progress into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to uncontrolled TH17 immune reaction. Currently, there is no effective therapeutic agent to manage COVID-19 with complications. The currently available anti-viral drug remdesivir has an effectiveness of 30% in SARS-CoV-2-induced severe complications. Thus, there is a need to identify effective agents to treat COVID-19 and the associated acute lung injury and other complications. The host immunological pathway against this virus typically involves the THαβ immune response. THαβ immunity is triggered by type 1 interferon and interleukin-27 (IL-27), and the main effector cells of the THαβ immune response are IL10-CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, NK cells, and IgG1-producing B cells. In particular, IL-10 exerts a potent immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory effect and is an anti-fibrotic agent for pulmonary fibrosis. Concurrently, IL-10 can ameliorate acute lung injury or ARDS, especially those caused by viruses. Owing to its anti-viral activity and anti-pro-inflammatory effects, in this review, IL-10 is suggested as a possible treatment agent for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jane Shih
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chun Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Min-Tser Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- National Defense Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Pei Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- h Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Chu YT, Liao MT, Tsai KW, Lu KC, Hu WC. Interplay of Chemokines Receptors, Toll-like Receptors, and Host Immunological Pathways. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2384. [PMID: 37760825 PMCID: PMC10525553 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092384] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive framework has been established for understanding immunological pathways, which can be categorized into eradicated and tolerable immune responses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are associated with specific immune responses. TH1 immunity is related to TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9, while TH2 immunity is associated with TLR1, TLR2, and TLR6. TH22 immunity is linked to TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5, and THαβ (Tr1) immunity is related to TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9. The chemokine receptor CXCR5 is a marker of follicular helper T cells, and other chemokine receptors can also be classified within a framework based on host immunological pathways. On the basis of a literature review on chemokines and immunological pathways, the following associations were identified: CCR5 with TH1 responses, CCR1 with TH1-like responses, CCR4 (basophils) and CCR3 (eosinophils) with TH2 and TH9 responses, CCR10 with TH22 responses, CCR6 with TH17 responses, CXCR3 with THαβ responses, CCR8 with regulatory T cells (Treg), and CCR2 with TH3 responses. These findings contribute to the identification of biomarkers for immune cells and provide insights into host immunological pathways. Understanding the chemokine and Toll-like receptor system is crucial for comprehending the function of the innate immune system, as well as adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Tung Chu
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan;
| | - Min-Tser Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan;
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan 325, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Wang Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan; (K.-W.T.); (K.-C.L.)
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan; (K.-W.T.); (K.-C.L.)
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan; (K.-W.T.); (K.-C.L.)
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Lee YH, Tsai KW, Lu KC, Shih LJ, Hu WC. Cancer as a Dysfunctional Immune Disorder: Pro-Tumor TH1-like Immune Response and Anti-Tumor THαβ Immune Response Based on the Complete Updated Framework of Host Immunological Pathways. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102497. [PMID: 36289759 PMCID: PMC9599225 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Host immunological pathways are delicate to cope with different types of pathogens. In this article, we divide immunological pathways into two groups: Immunoglobulin G-related eradicable immunities and Immunoglobulin A-related tolerable immunities. Once immune cells encounter an antigen, they can become anergic or trigger immune reactions. Immunoglobulin D B cells and γδ T cells are recognizing self-antigens to become anergic. Immunoglobulin M B cells and αβ T cells can trigger host immune reactions. Eradicable immune responses can be divided into four groups: TH1/TH2/TH22/THαβ (TH—T Helper cell groups). Tolerable immune responses can be divided into four groups: TH1-like/TH9/TH17/TH3. Four groups mean hosts can cope with four types of pathogens. Cancer is related to immune dysfunction. TH1-like immunity is pro-tumor immunity and THαβ is anti-tumor immunity. TH1-like immunity is the host tolerable immunity against intracellular micro-organisms. THαβ immunity is the host eradicable immunity against viruses. Cancer is also related to clonal anergy by Immunoglobulin D B cells and γδ T cells. Oncolytic viruses are related to the activation of anti-viral THαβ immunity. M2 macrophages are related to the tolerable TH1-like immunity, and they are related to metastasis. This review is key to understanding the immune pathogenesis of cancer. We can then develop better therapeutic agents to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsin Lee
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Wang Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 243, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jane Shih
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Longtan, Taoyuan 325, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-266289779 (ext. 67633)
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Lombardini ED, Turner GDH, Brown AE, Inamnuay L, Kaewamatawong T, Sunyakumthorn P, Ferguson DJP. A systematic analysis of ultrastructural lesions in the Plasmodium coatneyi splenectomized rhesus macaque model of severe malaria. Vet Pathol 2022; 59:873-882. [DOI: 10.1177/03009858221088783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases and with ongoing concerns of evolving drug resistance, there is a need for continued refinement of the Plasmodium coatneyi infection model in macaques to study severe malaria. As such, the systemic ultrastructural lesions associated with P. coatneyi infection in splenectomized rhesus macaques was evaluated in 6 animals. Autopsy samples from multiple areas of the central nervous system (CNS), kidneys, heart, liver, and lungs of all 6 animals were processed for electron microscopy. A systematic analysis of the ultrastructural changes associated with the plasmodium was undertaken by multiple pathologists to ensure consensus. All tissues exhibited marked sequestration of infected red blood cells comprised either of cytoadherence to endothelium or rosette formation, associated with variable degrees of host cell damage in a range of tissues that in severe cases resulted in necrosis. This is the first complete systemic evaluation of ultrastructural tissue lesions in P. coatneyi–infected rhesus macaques, and the findings have important implications evaluating of the use of this model for the study of severe malaria caused by P. falciparum in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gareth D. H. Turner
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arthur E. Brown
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Laksanee Inamnuay
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
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Wen TH, Tsai KW, Wu YJ, Liao MT, Lu KC, Hu WC. The Framework for Human Host Immune Responses to Four Types of Parasitic Infections and Relevant Key JAK/STAT Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413310. [PMID: 34948112 PMCID: PMC8705408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human host immune responses to parasitic infections are complex. They can be categorized into four immunological pathways mounted against four types of parasitic infections. For intracellular protozoa, the eradicable host immunological pathway is TH1 immunity involving macrophages (M1), interferon gamma (IFNγ) CD4 T cells, innate lymphoid cells 1 (NKp44+ ILC1), CD8 T cells (Effector-Memory4, EM4), invariant natural killer T cells 1 (iNKT1) cells, and immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) B cells. For intracellular protozoa, the tolerable host immunological pathway is TH1-like immunity involving macrophages (M2), interferon gamma (IFNγ)/TGFβ CD4 T cells, innate lymphoid cells 1 (NKp44- ILC1), CD8 T cells (EM3), invariant natural killer T 1 (iNKT1) cells, and immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) B cells. For free-living extracellular protozoa, the eradicable host immunological pathway is TH22 immunity involving neutrophils (N1), interleukin-22 CD4 T cells, innate lymphoid cells 3 (NCR+ ILC3), iNKT17 cells, and IgG2 B cells. For free-living extracellular protozoa, the tolerable host immunological pathway is TH17 immunity involving neutrophils (N2), interleukin-17 CD4 T cells, innate lymphoid cells 3 (NCR- ILC3), iNKT17 cells, and IgA2 B cells. For endoparasites (helminths), the eradicable host immunological pathway is TH2a immunity with inflammatory eosinophils (iEOS), interleukin-5/interleukin-4 CD4 T cells, interleukin-25 induced inflammatory innate lymphoid cells 2 (iILC2), tryptase-positive mast cells (MCt), iNKT2 cells, and IgG4 B cells. For ectoparasites (parasitic insects and arachnids), the eradicable host immunological pathway is TH2b immunity with inflammatory basophils, chymase- and tryptase-positive mast cells (MCct), interleukin-3/interleukin-4 CD4 T cells, interleukin-33 induced nature innate lymphoid cells 2 (nILC2), iNKT2 cells, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) B cells. The tolerable host immunity against ectoparasites and endoparasites is TH9 immunity with regulatory eosinophils, regulatory basophils, interleukin-9 mast cells (MMC9), thymic stromal lymphopoietin induced innate lymphoid cells 2, interleukin-9 CD4 T cells, iNKT2 cells, and IgA2 B cells. In addition, specific transcription factors important for specific immune responses were listed. This JAK/STAT signaling is key to controlling or inducing different immunological pathways. In sum, Tfh is related to STAT5β, and BCL6 expression. Treg is related to STAT5α, STAT5β, and FOXP3. TH1 immunity is related to STAT1α, STAT4, and T-bet. TH2a immunity is related to STAT6, STAT1α, GATA1, and GATA3. TH2b immunity is related to STAT6, STAT3, GATA2, and GATA3. TH22 immunity is associated with both STAT3α and AHR. THαβ immunity is related to STAT1α, STAT1β, STAT2, STAT3β, and ISGF. TH1-like immunity is related to STAT1α, STAT4, STAT5α, and STAT5β. TH9 immunity is related to STAT6, STAT5α, STAT5β, and PU.1. TH17 immunity is related to STAT3α, STAT5α, STAT5β, and RORG. TH3 immunity is related to STAT1α, STAT1β, STAT2, STAT3β, STAT5α, STAT5β, and ISGF. This categorization provides a complete framework of immunological pathways against four types of parasitic infections. This framework as well as relevant JAK/STAT signaling can provide useful knowledge to control allergic hypersensitivities and parasitic infections via development of vaccines or drugs in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Wen
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan;
| | - Kuo-Wang Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan;
| | - Yan-Jun Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan City 325, Taiwan; (Y.-J.W.); (M.-T.L.)
| | - Min-Tser Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan City 325, Taiwan; (Y.-J.W.); (M.-T.L.)
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
| | - Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation No. 289, Jianguo Road, Xindian District, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-89676779
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Lipopolysaccharide Preconditioning Augments Phagocytosis of Malaria-Parasitized Red Blood Cells by Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages in the Liver, Thereby Increasing the Murine Survival after Plasmodium yoelii Infection. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0024921. [PMID: 34424755 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00249-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a grave concern for humans, as effective medical countermeasures for Plasmodium infection have yet to be developed. Phagocytic clearance of parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs) by macrophages is an important front-line innate host defense against Plasmodium infection. We previously showed that repeated injections of low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prior to bacterial infection, called LPS preconditioning, strongly augmented phagocytic/bactericidal activity in murine macrophages. However, whether LPS preconditioning prevents murine Plasmodium infection is unclear. We investigated the protective effects of LPS preconditioning against lethal murine Plasmodium infection, focusing on CD11bhigh F4/80low liver macrophages, which are increased by LPS preconditioning. Mice were subjected to LPS preconditioning by intraperitoneal injections of low-dose LPS for 3 consecutive days, and 24 h later, they were intravenously infected with pRBCs of Plasmodium yoelii 17XL. LPS preconditioning markedly increased the murine survival and reduced parasitemia, while it did not reduce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretions, only delaying the peak of plasma gamma interferon (IFN-γ) after Plasmodium infection in mice. An in vitro phagocytic clearance assay of pRBCs showed that the CD11bhigh F4/80low liver macrophages, but not spleen macrophages, in the LPS-preconditioned mice had significantly augmented phagocytic activity against pRBCs. The adoptive transfer of CD11bhigh F4/80low liver macrophages from LPS-preconditioned mice to control mice significantly improved survival after Plasmodium infection. We conclude that LPS preconditioning stimulated CD11bhigh F4/80low liver macrophages to augment the phagocytic clearance of pRBCs, which may play a central role in resistance against Plasmodium infection.
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Hu WC. The Central THαβ Immunity Associated Cytokine: IL-10 Has a Strong Anti-Tumor Ability Toward Established Cancer Models In Vivo and Toward Cancer Cells In Vitro. Front Oncol 2021; 11:655554. [PMID: 33912464 PMCID: PMC8072451 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.655554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising new approach for cancer treatment. In this study, I propose to use the THαβ-mediated immune response for cancer treatment. The THαβ-mediated immune response is activated by IL-10 and IL-15. Thus, I used IL-10 and-15 as therapeutic agents in the 4T1 cell line, which is a mouse cell line of breast cancer, and the NXS2 cell line, which is a mouse cell line of neuroblastoma. Cells from 4T1 and NXS2 were subcutaneously inoculated in wild type BALB/c female mice and AJ mice, respectively, and administered cytokines or an antibody treatment at various dosages. My results showed that IL-10 and IL-15 administration led to reduction in tumor volume and increase in survival. However, traditional TH1 cytokine IFN-γ administration led to increase in tumor volume and decline in survival. Antibody treatment in conjunction with IL-10 was not significantly better than IL-10, due to the expression of GD2 on immune cells. Moreover, an anti-GD2 antibody inhibited the immune cells themselves. Additionally, I found that IL-10 was directly toxic to tumor cells in vitro. Thus, I conclude that the THαβ immunological pathway is a good treatment strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chung Hu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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11
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Mario-Vásquez JE, Naranjo-González CA, Montiel J, Zuluaga LM, Vásquez AM, Tobón-Castaño A, Bedoya G, Segura C. Association of variants in IL1B, TLR9, TREM1, IL10RA, and CD3G and Native American ancestry on malaria susceptibility in Colombian populations. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 87:104675. [PMID: 33316430 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Host genetics is an influencing factor in the manifestation of infectious diseases. In this study, the association of mild malaria with 28 variants in 16 genes previously reported in other populations and/or close to ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) selected was evaluated in an admixed 736 Colombian population sample. Additionally, the effect of genetic ancestry on phenotype expression was explored. For this purpose, the ancestral genetic composition of Turbo and El Bagre was determined. A higher Native American ancestry trend was found in the population with lower malaria susceptibility [odds ratio (OR) = 0.416, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.234-0.740, P = 0.003]. Three AIMs presented significant associations with the disease phenotype (MID1752, MID921, and MID1586). The first two were associated with greater malaria susceptibility (D/D, OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.06-4.69, P = 0.032 and I/D-I/I, OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.18-3.87, P = 0.011, respectively), and the latter has a protective effect on the appearance of malaria (I/I, OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.08-0.40, P < 0.0001). After adjustment by age, sex, municipality, and genetic ancestry, genotype association analysis showed evidence of association with malaria susceptibility for variants in or near IL1B, TLR9, TREM1, IL10RA, and CD3G genes: rs1143629-IL1B (G/A-A/A, OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21-0.78, P = 0.0051), rs352139-TLR9 (T/T, OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11-0.72, P = 0.0053), rs352140-TLR9 (C/C, OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.20-0.87, P = 0.019), rs2234237-TREM1 (T/A-A/A, OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.23-0.79, P = 0.0056), rs4252246-IL10RA (C/A-A/A, OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.18-3.75, P = 0.01), and rs1561966-CD3G (A/A, OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.06-0.69, P = 0.0058). The results showed the participation of genes involved in immunological processes and suggested an effect of ancestral genetic composition over the traits analyzed. Compared to the paisa population (Antioquia), Turbo and El Bagre showed a strong decrease in European ancestry and an increase in African and Native American ancestries. Also, a novel association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms with malaria susceptibility was identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Eliécer Mario-Vásquez
- Grupo Genética Molecular (GENMOL), Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Lab 430. Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Jehidys Montiel
- Grupo Malaria-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lina M Zuluaga
- Grupo Malaria-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana M Vásquez
- Grupo Malaria-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Alberto Tobón-Castaño
- Grupo Malaria-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Bedoya
- Grupo Genética Molecular (GENMOL), Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Lab 430. Medellín, Colombia
| | - Cesar Segura
- Grupo Malaria-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia.
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12
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Hu WC. A Framework of All Discovered Immunological Pathways and Their Roles for Four Specific Types of Pathogens and Hypersensitivities. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1992. [PMID: 32849663 PMCID: PMC7426516 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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13
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Abstract
Immunity to malaria has been linked to the availability and function of helper CD4+ T cells, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells that can respond to both the asymptomatic liver stage and the symptomatic blood stage of Plasmodium sp. infection. These T cell responses are also thought to be modulated by regulatory T cells. However, the precise mechanisms governing the development and function of Plasmodium-specific T cells and their capacity to form tissue-resident and long-lived memory populations are less well understood. The field has arrived at a point where the push for vaccines that exploit T cell-mediated immunity to malaria has made it imperative to define and reconcile the mechanisms that regulate the development and functions of Plasmodium-specific T cells. Here, we review our current understanding of the mechanisms by which T cell subsets orchestrate host resistance to Plasmodium infection on the basis of observational and mechanistic studies in humans, non-human primates and rodent models. We also examine the potential of new experimental strategies and human infection systems to inform a new generation of approaches to harness T cell responses against malaria.
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14
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Circulating Monocytes, Tissue Macrophages, and Malaria. J Trop Med 2019; 2019:3720838. [PMID: 31662766 PMCID: PMC6791199 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3720838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. The Plasmodium parasite has a complex life cycle with mosquito, liver, and blood stages. The blood stages can preferentially affect organs such as the brain and placenta. In each of these stages and organs, the parasite will encounter monocytes and tissue-specific macrophages—key cell types in the innate immune response. Interactions between the Plasmodium parasite and monocytes/macrophages lead to several changes at both cellular and molecular levels, such as cytokine release and receptor expression. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the relationship between malaria and blood intervillous monocytes and tissue-specific macrophages of the liver (Kupffer cells), central nervous system (microglia), and placenta (maternal intervillous monocytes and fetal Hofbauer cells). We describe their potential roles in modulating outcomes from infection and areas for future investigation.
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15
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Bobade D, Khandare AV, Deval M, Shastry P, Deshpande P. Hemozoin-induced activation of human monocytes toward M2-like phenotype is partially reversed by antimalarial drugs-chloroquine and artemisinin. Microbiologyopen 2018; 8:e00651. [PMID: 29877619 PMCID: PMC6436431 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria is the most severe form of malaria with several complications. The malaria pigment‐hemozoin (Hz) is associated with severe anemia, cytokine dysfunction, and immunosuppression, thus making it an interesting target for developing new strategies for antimalarial therapy. Monocytes (MO) in circulation actively ingest Hz released by Plasmodium parasites and secrete pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. M1 and M2 types represent the two major forms of MO/macrophages (MQ) with distinct phenotypes and opposing functions. Imbalance in the polarization of these types is reported in many infectious diseases. Though the association of Hz with immunosuppression is well documented, its role in activation of MO in context of M1/M2 phenotypes remains to be addressed. We report here that natural Hz drives human MO toward M2‐like phenotype as evidenced by the expression of M2 signature markers. Hz‐fed MO showed elevated transcript and secreted level of IL‐10, CCL17, CCL1, expression of mannose‐binding lectin receptor (CD206), and arginase activity. Hz attenuated HLA‐DR expression, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species production, which are the features of M1 phenotype. Our data also implicate the involvement of p38 MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and NF‐κB signaling pathways in skewing of Hz‐fed MO toward M2‐like type and suppression of mitogen‐stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. Importantly, antimalarial drugs—chloroquine and artemisinin—partially reversed activation of Hz‐induced MO toward M2‐like phenotype. Considering the limitations in the current therapeutic options for malaria, we propose that these drugs may be re‐examined for their potential as immunomodulators and candidates for adjunctive treatment in malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mangesh Deval
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
| | - Padma Shastry
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
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16
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Dieye Y, Mbengue B, Dagamajalu S, Fall MM, Loke MF, Nguer CM, Thiam A, Vadivelu J, Dieye A. Cytokine response during non-cerebral and cerebral malaria: evidence of a failure to control inflammation as a cause of death in African adults. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1965. [PMID: 27168977 PMCID: PMC4860323 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. With 214 million cases and 438,000 deaths in 2015, malaria remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in tropical countries. Several species of the protozoan Plasmodium cause malaria. However, almost all the fatalities are due to Plasmodium falciparum, a species responsible for the severest cases including cerebral malaria. Immune response to Plasmodium falciparum infection is mediated by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors whose actions are crucial for the control of the parasites. Following this response, the induction of anti-inflammatory immune mediators downregulates the inflammation thus preventing its adverse effects such as damages to various organs and death. Methods. We performed a retrospective, nonprobability sampling study using clinical data and sera samples from patients, mainly adults, suffering of non-cerebral or cerebral malaria in Dakar, Sénégal. Healthy individuals residing in the same area were included as controls. We measured the serum levels of 29 biomarkers including growth factors, chemokines, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Results. We found an induction of both pro- and anti-inflammatory immune mediators during malaria. The levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers were higher in the cerebral malaria than in the non-cerebral malaria patients. In contrast, the concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines were comparable in these two groups or lower in CM patients. Additionally, four pro-inflammatory biomarkers were significantly increased in the deceased of cerebral malaria compared to the survivors. Regarding organ damage, kidney failure was significantly associated with death in adults suffering of cerebral malaria. Conclusions. Our results suggest that a poorly controlled inflammatory response determines a bad outcome in African adults suffering of cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakhya Dieye
- Vice-Chancellor's Office, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Babacar Mbengue
- Département d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médicine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontostomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal; Unité d'Immunogénétique, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Shobha Dagamajalu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | | | - Mun Fai Loke
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Cheikh Momar Nguer
- Département Génie Chimique et Biologie Appliquée, École Supérieure Polytechnique, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar , Dakar , Sénégal
| | - Alassane Thiam
- Unité d'Immunogénétique, Institut Pasteur de Dakar , Dakar , Sénégal
| | - Jamuna Vadivelu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Alioune Dieye
- Département d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médicine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontostomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal; Unité d'Immunogénétique, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
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17
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Blessing or curse? Proteomics in granzyme research. Proteomics Clin Appl 2014; 8:351-81. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.201300096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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18
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van den Bogaart E, Talha ABA, Straetemans M, Mens PF, Adams ER, Grobusch MP, Nour BYM, Schallig HDFH. Cytokine profiles amongst Sudanese patients with visceral leishmaniasis and malaria co-infections. BMC Immunol 2014; 15:16. [PMID: 24886212 PMCID: PMC4024313 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-15-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune system plays a critical role in the development of co-infections, promoting or preventing establishment of multiple infections and shaping the outcome of pathogen-host interactions. Its ability to mediate the interplay between visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and malaria has been suggested, but poorly documented. The present study investigated whether concomitant infection with Leishmania donovani complex and Plasmodium falciparum in naturally co-infected patients altered the immunological response elicited by the two pathogens individually. RESULTS Circulating levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were assessed in sera of patients infected with active VL and/or malaria and healthy individuals from Gedarif State, Sudan. Comparative analysis of cytokine profiles from co- and mono-infected patients highlighted significant differences in the immune response mounted upon co-infection, confirming the ability of L. donovani and P. falciparum to mutually interact at the immunological level. Progressive polarization towards type-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokine patterns characterized the co-infected patients, whose response partly reflected the effect elicited by VL (IFN-γ, TNF) and malaria (IL-2, IL-13), and partly resulted from a synergistic interaction of the two diseases upon each other (IL-17A). Significantly reduced levels of P. falciparum parasitaemia (P <0.01) were detected in the co-infected group as opposed to the malaria-only patients, suggesting either a protective or a non-detrimental effect of the co-infection against P. falciparum infection. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a new immunological scenario may occur when L. donovani and P. falciparum co-infect the same patient, with potential implications on the course and resolution of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika van den Bogaart
- Department of Biomedical Research, Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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