1
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Fontes JLM, Khouri R, Reinaldo LGC, Hassegawa EMA, Meneses Filho AJ, de Melo CVB, Ramos PIP, de Deus Moura R, Pagliari C, Santos M, Araújo RJC, Van Weyenbergh J, de Freitas LAR, Costa CHN, dos-Santos WLC. An integrated analysis of the structural changes and gene expression of spleen in human visceral leishmaniasis with and without HIV coinfection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011877. [PMID: 38843306 PMCID: PMC11265696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The spleen plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of visceral leishmaniasis. In severe forms of the disease, the spleen undergoes changes that can compromise its function in surveilling blood-circulating pathogens. In this study, we present an integrated analysis of the structural and gene expression alterations in the spleens of three patients with relapsing visceral leishmaniasis, two of whom were coinfected with HIV. Our findings reveal that the IL6 signaling pathway plays a significant role in the disorganization of the white pulp, while BCL10 and ICOSLG are associated with spleen organization. Patients coinfected with HIV and visceral leishmaniasis exhibited lower splenic CD4+ cell density and reduced expression of genes such as IL15. These effects may contribute to a compromised immune response against L. infantum in coinfected individuals, further impacting the structural organization of the spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L. M. Fontes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Khouri
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Caroline V. B. de Melo
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael de Deus Moura
- Departamento de Medicina Especializada, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Carla Pagliari
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marta Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Raimundo José C. Araújo
- Departamento de Medicina Especializada, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carlos Henrique N. Costa
- Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portela, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Washington L. C. dos-Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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2
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Ewald S, Nasuhidehnavi A, Feng TY, Lesani M, McCall LI. The intersection of host in vivo metabolism and immune responses to infection with kinetoplastid and apicomplexan parasites. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0016422. [PMID: 38299836 PMCID: PMC10966954 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00164-22] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYProtozoan parasite infection dramatically alters host metabolism, driven by immunological demand and parasite manipulation strategies. Immunometabolic checkpoints are often exploited by kinetoplastid and protozoan parasites to establish chronic infection, which can significantly impair host metabolic homeostasis. The recent growth of tools to analyze metabolism is expanding our understanding of these questions. Here, we review and contrast host metabolic alterations that occur in vivo during infection with Leishmania, trypanosomes, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, and Cryptosporidium. Although genetically divergent, there are commonalities among these pathogens in terms of metabolic needs, induction of the type I immune responses required for clearance, and the potential for sustained host metabolic dysbiosis. Comparing these pathogens provides an opportunity to explore how transmission strategy, nutritional demand, and host cell and tissue tropism drive similarities and unique aspects in host response and infection outcome and to design new strategies to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Azadeh Nasuhidehnavi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tzu-Yu Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mahbobeh Lesani
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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3
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Sherman TJ, Petty D, Schountz T, Hodges N, Hawkinson AC. Increased Ifng and Il10 Expression Correlate with Disease in Rodent Models Experimentally Infected with Modoc Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051026. [PMID: 35632766 PMCID: PMC9146023 DOI: 10.3390/v14051026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses present an ongoing threat to global public health, although the factors that contribute to the disease remain incompletely understood. We examined an acute Modoc virus (MODV) infection of two rodent models. Viral RNA was detected in the kidneys, spleen, liver, brain, urine, and sera of experimentally infected deer mice, a reservoir host of MODV, and Syrian hamsters, a known disease model. As expected, clinical outcomes differed between species, and the levels of viral RNA recovered from various tissues demonstrated signs of differential replication and tissue tropism. Multivariate analysis indicated significance in the profile of expressed genes between species when analyzed across tissues and over time (p = 0.02). Between-subject effects with corrected models revealed a significance specific to the expression of Ifng (p = 0.01). the expression of Ifng was elevated in hamsters as compared to deer mice in brain tissues at all timepoints. As the over-expression of Ifng has been shown to correlate with decreased vascular integrity, the findings presented here offer a potential mechanism for viral dissemination into the CNS. The expression of IL10 also differed significantly between species at certain timepoints in brain tissues; however, it is uncertain how increased expression of this cytokine may influence the outcome of MODV-induced pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Sherman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (D.P.); (T.S.); (N.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Douglas Petty
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (D.P.); (T.S.); (N.H.)
| | - Tony Schountz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (D.P.); (T.S.); (N.H.)
| | - Natasha Hodges
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (D.P.); (T.S.); (N.H.)
| | - Ann C. Hawkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80524, USA;
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4
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Forrester S, Goundry A, Dias BT, Leal-Calvo T, Moraes MO, Kaye PM, Mottram JC, Lima APCA. Tissue Specific Dual RNA-Seq Defines Host-Parasite Interplay in Murine Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0067922. [PMID: 35384718 PMCID: PMC9045295 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00679-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with hepato-splenomegaly and altered immune and hematological parameters in both preclinical animal models and humans. We studied mouse experimental visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani in BALB/c mice using dual RNA-seq to investigate the transcriptional response of host and parasite in liver and spleen. We identified only 4 species-specific parasite expressed genes (SSPEGs; log2FC >1, FDR <0.05) in the infected spleen, and none in the infected liver. For the host transcriptome, we found 789 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; log2FC >1, FDR <0.05) in the spleen that were common to both infections, with IFNγ signaling and complement and coagulation cascade pathways highly enriched, and an additional 286 and 186 DEGs that were selective to L. donovani and L. infantum infection, respectively. Among those, there were network interactions between genes of amino acid metabolism and PPAR signaling in L. donovani infection and increased IL1β and positive regulation of fatty acid transport in L. infantum infection, although no pathway enrichment was observed. In the liver, there were 1,939 DEGs in mice infected with either L. infantum or L. donovani in comparison to uninfected mice, and the most enriched pathways were IFNγ signaling, neutrophil mediated immunity, complement and coagulation, cytokine-chemokine responses, and hemostasis. Additionally, 221 DEGs were selective in L. donovani and 429 DEGs in L. infantum infections. These data show that the host response for these two visceral leishmaniasis infection models is broadly similar, and ∼10% of host DEGs vary in infections with either parasite species. IMPORTANCE Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by two species of Leishmania parasites, L. donovani in the Old World and L. infantum in the New World and countries bordering the Mediterranean. Although cardinal features such as hepato-splenomegaly and alterations in blood and immune function are evident, clinical presentation may vary by geography, with for example severe bleeding often associated with VL in Brazil. Although animal models of both L. donovani and L. infantum have been widely used to study disease pathogenesis, a direct side-by-side comparison of how these parasites species impact the infected host and/or how they might respond to the stresses of mammalian infection has not been previously reported. Identifying common and distinct pathways to pathogenesis will be important to ensure that new therapeutic or prophylactic approaches will be applicable across all forms of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Forrester
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Goundry
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna Torres Dias
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paul M. Kaye
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Paula C. A. Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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5
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Chaparro V, Graber TE, Alain T, Jaramillo M. Transcriptional profiling of macrophages reveals distinct parasite stage-driven signatures during early infection by Leishmania donovani. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6369. [PMID: 35430587 PMCID: PMC9013368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages undergo swift changes in mRNA abundance upon pathogen invasion. Herein we describe early remodelling of the macrophage transcriptome during infection by amastigotes or promastigotes of Leishmania donovani. Approximately 10–16% of host mRNAs were differentially modulated in L. donovani-infected macrophages when compared to uninfected controls. This response was partially stage-specific as a third of changes in mRNA abundance were either exclusively driven by one of the parasite forms or significantly different between them. Gene ontology analyses identified categories associated with immune functions (e.g. antigen presentation and leukocyte activation) among significantly downregulated mRNAs during amastigote infection while cytoprotective-related categories (e.g. DNA repair and apoptosis inhibition) were enriched in upregulated transcripts. Interestingly a combination of upregulated (e.g. cellular response to IFNβ) and repressed (e.g. leukocyte activation, chemotaxis) immune-related transcripts were overrepresented in the promastigote-infected dataset. In addition, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) associated specific mRNA subsets with a number of upstream transcriptional regulators predicted to be modulated in macrophages infected with L. donovani amastigotes (e.g. STAT1 inhibition) or promastigotes (e.g. NRF2, IRF3, and IRF7 activation). Overall, our results indicate that early parasite stage-driven transcriptional remodelling in macrophages contributes to orchestrate both protective and deleterious host cell responses during L. donovani infection.
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6
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Cytokines and splenic remodelling during Leishmania donovani infection. Cytokine X 2020; 2:100036. [PMID: 33604560 PMCID: PMC7885873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis leads to extensive remodelling of splenic microarchitecture. Splenomegaly is associated with compartmentalised vascular remodelling. Alterations in white pulp stromal cells affects leucocyte segregation. Splenic remodelling involves multiple cytokines from diverse cellular sources. Understanding splenic remodelling may lead to new therapeutic interventions.
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) causes extensive splenic pathology that contributes to dysfunctional immune responses, in part through displacement and destruction of cell populations involved in maintaining splenic structural integrity. The expression of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines is crucial in orchestrating the delicate balance that exists between host resistance and tissue pathology. In an effort to restore homeostatic balance to the local microenvironment, remodelling of the splenic architecture occurs in a compartmentalised manner to retain some level of functionality, despite persistent inflammatory pressures. Animal models of VL as well as human studies have significantly contributed to our understanding of the architectural changes that occur in the spleen during VL. Here, we review the role of cytokines in mediating microarchitectural changes associated with the development of splenomegaly during VL.
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7
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Pessenda G, da Silva JS. Arginase and its mechanisms in Leishmania persistence. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12722. [PMID: 32294247 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected infectious disease with clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic or mild symptoms to chronic infection and eventual death. The mechanisms of disease susceptibility and pathology have been extensively studied, but there are no steadfast rules regarding leishmaniasis. A Th1 response is usually associated with infection control, while a predominant Th2 response is detrimental to the patient. In this scenario, the enzymes arginase and inducible nitric oxide synthase represent two possible pathways of immune response. While the former contributes to parasite replication, the latter is crucial for its control. In the present review, we collected study results that associate arginase expression in patients and in experimental models with disease susceptibility/chronicity and show some proposed mechanisms that explain the role of arginase in maintaining Leishmania infection, including polyamine and thiol synthesis, tissue-resident macrophage (TRM) proliferation and activation and T-cell suppression and exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pessenda
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Santana da Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Bi-institucional, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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8
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Lecoeur H, Prina E, Rosazza T, Kokou K, N’Diaye P, Aulner N, Varet H, Bussotti G, Xing Y, Milon G, Weil R, Meng G, Späth GF. Targeting Macrophage Histone H3 Modification as a Leishmania Strategy to Dampen the NF-κB/NLRP3-Mediated Inflammatory Response. Cell Rep 2020; 30:1870-1882.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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9
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Fakiola M, Singh OP, Syn G, Singh T, Singh B, Chakravarty J, Sundar S, Blackwell JM. Transcriptional blood signatures for active and amphotericin B treated visceral leishmaniasis in India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007673. [PMID: 31419223 PMCID: PMC6713396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphotericin B provides improved therapy for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani, with single dose liposomal-encapsulated Ambisome providing the best cure rates. The VL elimination program aims to reduce the incidence rate in the Indian subcontinent to <1/10,000 population/year. Ability to predict which asymptomatic individuals (e.g. anti-leishmanial IgG and/or Leishmania-specific modified Quantiferon positive) will progress to clinical VL would help in monitoring disease outbreaks. Here we examined whole blood transcriptional profiles associated with asymptomatic infection, active disease, and in treated cases. Two independent microarray experiments were performed, with analysis focussed primarily on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) concordant across both experiments. No DEGs were identified for IgG or Quantiferon positive asymptomatic groups compared to negative healthy endemic controls. We therefore concentrated on comparing concordant DEGs from active cases with all healthy controls, and in examining differences in the transcriptome following different regimens of drug treatment. In these comparisons 6 major themes emerged: (i) expression of genes and enrichment of gene sets associated with erythrocyte function in active cases; (ii) strong evidence for enrichment of gene sets involved in cell cycle in comparing active cases with healthy controls; (iii) identification of IFNG encoding interferon-γ as the major hub gene in concordant gene expression patterns across experiments comparing active cases with healthy controls or with treated cases; (iv) enrichment for interleukin signalling (IL-1/3/4/6/7/8) and a prominent role for CXCL10/9/11 and chemokine signalling pathways in comparing active cases with treated cases; (v) the novel identification of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor signalling as a significant canonical pathway when comparing active cases with healthy controls or with treated cases; and (vi) global expression profiling support for more effective cure at day 30 post-treatment with a single dose of liposomal encapsulated amphotericin B compared to multi-dose non-liposomal amphotericin B treatment over 30 days. (296 words; 300 words allowed).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Fakiola
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- INGM-National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Om Prakash Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Genevieve Syn
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Toolika Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Bhawana Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Jaya Chakravarty
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Jenefer M. Blackwell
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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10
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Stamper BD, Davis M, Scott-Collins S, Tran J, Ton C, Simidyan A, Roberts SC. Model-based Evaluation of Gene Expression Changes in Response to Leishmania Infection. GENE REGULATION AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2019; 13:1177625019828350. [PMID: 30792575 PMCID: PMC6376507 DOI: 10.1177/1177625019828350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Since the development of high-density microarray technology in the late 1990s, global host gene expression changes in response to various stimuli have been extensively studied. More than a dozen peer-reviewed publications have investigated the effect of Leishmania infection in various models since 2001. This review covers the transcriptional changes in macrophage models induced by various Leishmania species and summarizes the resulting impact these studies have on our understanding of the host response to leishmaniasis in vitro. Characterization of the similarities and differences between various model systems will not only further our understanding of Leishmania-induced changes to macrophage gene expression but also identify potential therapeutic targets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madison Davis
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University Oregon, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | | | - Julie Tran
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University Oregon, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Caryn Ton
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University Oregon, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Agapi Simidyan
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University Oregon, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Sigrid C Roberts
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University Oregon, Hillsboro, OR, USA
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11
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Ashwin H, Seifert K, Forrester S, Brown N, MacDonald S, James S, Lagos D, Timmis J, Mottram JC, Croft SL, Kaye PM. Tissue and host species-specific transcriptional changes in models of experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 3:135. [PMID: 30542664 PMCID: PMC6248268 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14867.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human visceral leishmaniasis, caused by infection with Leishmania donovani or L. infantum, is a potentially fatal disease affecting 50,000-90,000 people yearly in 75 disease endemic countries, with more than 20,000 deaths reported. Experimental models of infection play a major role in understanding parasite biology, host-pathogen interaction, disease pathogenesis, and parasite transmission. In addition, they have an essential role in the identification and pre-clinical evaluation of new drugs and vaccines. However, our understanding of these models remains fragmentary. Although the immune response to Leishmania donovani infection in mice has been extensively characterized, transcriptomic analysis capturing the tissue-specific evolution of disease has yet to be reported. Methods: We provide an analysis of the transcriptome of spleen, liver and peripheral blood of BALB/c mice infected with L. donovani. Where possible, we compare our data in murine experimental visceral leishmaniasis with transcriptomic data in the public domain obtained from the study of L. donovani-infected hamsters and patients with human visceral leishmaniasis. Digitised whole slide images showing the histopathology in spleen and liver are made available via a dedicated website, www.leishpathnet.org. Results: Our analysis confirms marked tissue-specific alterations in the transcriptome of infected mice over time and identifies previously unrecognized parallels and differences between murine, hamster and human responses to infection. We show commonality of interferon-regulated genes whilst confirming a greater activation of type 2 immune pathways in infected hamsters compared to mice. Cytokine genes and genes encoding immune checkpoints were markedly tissue specific and dynamic in their expression, and pathways focused on non-immune cells reflected tissue specific immunopathology. Our data also addresses the value of measuring peripheral blood transcriptomics as a potential window into underlying systemic disease. Conclusions: Our transcriptomic data, coupled with histopathologic analysis of the tissue response, provide an additional resource to underpin future mechanistic studies and to guide clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Ashwin
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Karin Seifert
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Sarah Forrester
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Najmeeyah Brown
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sandy MacDonald
- Bioscience Technology Facility, Deptartment of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sally James
- Bioscience Technology Facility, Deptartment of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Dimitris Lagos
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jon Timmis
- Dept of Electronic Engineering, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jeremy C Mottram
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Simon L. Croft
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Paul M. Kaye
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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12
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Ashwin H, Seifert K, Forrester S, Brown N, MacDonald S, James S, Lagos D, Timmis J, Mottram JC, Croft SL, Kaye PM. Tissue and host species-specific transcriptional changes in models of experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:135. [PMID: 30542664 PMCID: PMC6248268 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14867.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Human visceral leishmaniasis, caused by infection with Leishmania donovani or L. infantum, is a potentially fatal disease affecting 50,000-90,000 people yearly in 75 disease endemic countries, with more than 20,000 deaths reported. Experimental models of infection play a major role in understanding parasite biology, host-pathogen interaction, disease pathogenesis, and parasite transmission. In addition, they have an essential role in the identification and pre-clinical evaluation of new drugs and vaccines. However, our understanding of these models remains fragmentary. Although the immune response to Leishmania donovani infection in mice has been extensively characterized, transcriptomic analysis capturing the tissue-specific evolution of disease has yet to be reported. Methods: We provide an analysis of the transcriptome of spleen, liver and peripheral blood of BALB/c mice infected with L. donovani. Where possible, we compare our data in murine experimental visceral leishmaniasis with transcriptomic data in the public domain obtained from the study of L. donovani-infected hamsters and patients with human visceral leishmaniasis. Digitised whole slide images showing the histopathology in spleen and liver are made available via a dedicated website, www.leishpathnet.org. Results: Our analysis confirms marked tissue-specific alterations in the transcriptome of infected mice over time and identifies previously unrecognized parallels and differences between murine, hamster and human responses to infection. We show commonality of interferon-regulated genes whilst confirming a greater activation of type 2 immune pathways in infected hamsters compared to mice. Cytokine genes and genes encoding immune checkpoints were markedly tissue specific and dynamic in their expression, and pathways focused on non-immune cells reflected tissue specific immunopathology. Our data also addresses the value of measuring peripheral blood transcriptomics as a potential window into underlying systemic disease. Conclusions: Our transcriptomic data, coupled with histopathologic analysis of the tissue response, provide an additional resource to underpin future mechanistic studies and to guide clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Ashwin
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Karin Seifert
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Sarah Forrester
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Najmeeyah Brown
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sandy MacDonald
- Bioscience Technology Facility, Deptartment of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sally James
- Bioscience Technology Facility, Deptartment of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Dimitris Lagos
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jon Timmis
- Dept of Electronic Engineering, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jeremy C Mottram
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Simon L. Croft
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Paul M. Kaye
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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13
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Kong F, Saldarriaga OA, Spratt H, Osorio EY, Travi BL, Luxon BA, Melby PC. Transcriptional Profiling in Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis Reveals a Broad Splenic Inflammatory Environment that Conditions Macrophages toward a Disease-Promoting Phenotype. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006165. [PMID: 28141856 PMCID: PMC5283737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), caused by the intracellular protozoan Leishmania donovani, is characterized by relentlessly increasing visceral parasite replication, cachexia, massive splenomegaly, pancytopenia and ultimately death. Progressive disease is considered to be due to impaired effector T cell function and/or failure of macrophages to be activated to kill the intracellular parasite. In previous studies, we used the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) as a model because it mimics the progressive nature of active human VL. We demonstrated previously that mixed expression of macrophage-activating (IFN-γ) and regulatory (IL-4, IL-10, IL-21) cytokines, parasite-induced expression of macrophage arginase 1 (Arg1), and decreased production of nitric oxide are key immunopathologic factors. Here we examined global changes in gene expression to define the splenic environment and phenotype of splenic macrophages during progressive VL. We used RNA sequencing coupled with de novo transcriptome assembly, because the Syrian hamster does not have a fully sequenced and annotated reference genome. Differentially expressed transcripts identified a highly inflammatory spleen environment with abundant expression of type I and type II interferon response genes. However, high IFN-γ expression was ineffective in directing exclusive M1 macrophage polarization, suppressing M2-associated gene expression, and restraining parasite replication and disease. While many IFN-inducible transcripts were upregulated in the infected spleen, fewer were induced in splenic macrophages in VL. Paradoxically, IFN-γ enhanced parasite growth and induced the counter-regulatory molecules Arg1, Ido1 and Irg1 in splenic macrophages. This was mediated, at least in part, through IFN-γ-induced activation of STAT3 and expression of IL-10, which suggests that splenic macrophages in VL are conditioned to respond to macrophage activation signals with a counter-regulatory response that is ineffective and even disease-promoting. Accordingly, inhibition of STAT3 activation led to a reduced parasite load in infected macrophages. Thus, the STAT3 pathway offers a rational target for adjunctive host-directed therapy to interrupt the pathogenesis of VL. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected parasitic disease that is caused by the intracellular protozoan Leishmania donovani. Patients with this disease suffer from muscle wasting, enlargement of the spleen, reduced blood counts and ultimately will die without treatment. Progressive disease is considered to be due to impaired cellular immunity, with T cell or macrophage dysfunction, or both. We studied the Syrian hamster as an infection model because it mimics the progressive nature of human disease. We examined global changes in gene expression in the spleen and splenic macrophages during experimental VL and identified a highly inflammatory spleen environment with abundant expression of interferon and interferon-response genes that would be expected to control the infection. However, the high level of IFN-γ expression was ineffective in mediating a protective macrophage response, restraining parasite replication and halting progression of disease. We found that IFN-γ itself stimulated parasite growth in splenic macrophages and induced expression of counter-regulatory molecules, which may paradoxically make the host more susceptible. These data give insights into the nature of the immune response that promotes the infection, and identifies potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanping Kong
- Bioinformatics Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Omar A. Saldarriaga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Heidi Spratt
- Bioinformatics Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (PCM); (HS)
| | - E. Yaneth Osorio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bruno L. Travi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Tropical Diseases and Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bruce A. Luxon
- Bioinformatics Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter C. Melby
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Tropical Diseases and Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (PCM); (HS)
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14
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Gardinassi LG, Garcia GR, Costa CHN, Costa Silva V, de Miranda Santos IKF. Blood Transcriptional Profiling Reveals Immunological Signatures of Distinct States of Infection of Humans with Leishmania infantum. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005123. [PMID: 27828962 PMCID: PMC5102635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) can be lethal if untreated; however, the majority of human infections with the etiological agents are asymptomatic. Using Illumina Bead Chip microarray technology, we investigated the patterns of gene expression in blood of active VL patients, asymptomatic infected individuals, patients under remission of VL and controls. Computational analyses based on differential gene expression, gene set enrichment, weighted gene co-expression networks and cell deconvolution generated data demonstrating discriminative transcriptional signatures. VL patients exhibited transcriptional profiles associated with pathways and gene modules reflecting activation of T lymphocytes via MHC class I and type I interferon signaling, as well as an overall down regulation of pathways and gene modules related to myeloid cells, mainly due to differences in the relative proportions of monocytes and neutrophils. Patients under remission of VL presented heterogeneous transcriptional profiles associated with activation of T lymphocytes via MHC class I, type I interferon signaling and cell cycle and, importantly, transcriptional activity correlated with activation of Notch signaling pathway and gene modules that reflected increased proportions of B cells after treatment of disease. Asymptomatic and uninfected individuals presented similar gene expression profiles, nevertheless, asymptomatic individuals exhibited particularities which suggest an efficient regulation of lymphocyte activation and a strong association with a type I interferon response. Of note, we validated a set of target genes by RT-qPCR and demonstrate the robustness of expression data acquired by microarray analysis. In conclusion, this study profiles the immune response during distinct states of infection of humans with Leishmania infantum with a novel strategy that indicates the molecular pathways that contribute to the progression of the disease, while also providing insights into transcriptional activity that can drive protective mechanisms. Infections of humans with the protozoan parasites L. donvani and L. infantum can lead to the development of the disease visceral leishmaniasis, but also to an asymptomatic status. However, the mechanisms that result in these clinical outcomes after infection are poorly understood. In this study, we applied a data-driven approach to obtain insights into the immunological processes linked to the progression of the disease or to protective mechanisms. For this purpose, we evaluated the patterns of expression for genes that code proteins from the entire human genome in the peripheral blood from patients with visceral leishmaniasis, from individuals who remained asymptomatic after infections with L. infantum, from patients who were recovering from disease after treatment and from uninfected individuals. By employing computational analysis to evaluate the blood transcriptional activity of each group, we identified transcriptional signatures that correlate with previous findings obtained through different analytical methods. Moreover, our analyses uncovered hitherto unidentified molecular pathways and gene networks associated with the transcriptional profiles of individuals recovering from disease or that did not develop symptoms after infection. This suggests that activation of protective responses can be useful targets for the development of new therapies for visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Gustavo Gardinassi
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Rocha Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Nery Costa
- Department of Community Medicine, Natan Portela Institute for Tropical Diseases, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Vladimir Costa Silva
- Department of Community Medicine, Natan Portela Institute for Tropical Diseases, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
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