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Rooney J, Rivera-de-Torre E, Li R, Mclean K, Price DR, Nisbet AJ, Laustsen AH, Jenkins TP, Hofmann A, Bakshi S, Zarkan A, Cantacessi C. Structural and functional analyses of nematode-derived antimicrobial peptides support the occurrence of direct mechanisms of worm-microbiota interactions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1522-1533. [PMID: 38633385 PMCID: PMC11021794 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex relationships between gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and the host gut microbiota have been implicated in key aspects of helminth disease and infection outcomes. Nevertheless, the direct and indirect mechanisms governing these interactions are, thus far, largely unknown. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate that the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) of key GI nematodes contain peptides that, when recombinantly expressed, exert antimicrobial activity in vitro against Bacillus subtilis. In particular, using time-lapse microfluidics microscopy, we demonstrate that exposure of B. subtilis to a recombinant saposin-domain containing peptide from the 'brown stomach worm', Teladorsagia circumcincta, and a metridin-like ShK toxin from the 'barber's pole worm', Haemonchus contortus, results in cell lysis and significantly reduced growth rates. Data from this study support the hypothesis that GI nematodes may modulate the composition of the vertebrate gut microbiota directly via the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, and pave the way for future investigations aimed at deciphering the impact of such changes on the pathophysiology of GI helminth infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Rooney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruizhe Li
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Mclean
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kulmbach, Germany
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Somenath Bakshi
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ashraf Zarkan
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Niciura SCM, Cardoso TF, Ibelli AMG, Okino CH, Andrade BG, Benavides MV, Chagas ACDS, Esteves SN, Minho AP, Regitano LCDA, Gondro C. Multi-omics data elucidate parasite-host-microbiota interactions and resistance to Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:102. [PMID: 38429820 PMCID: PMC10908167 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06205-9] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The integration of molecular data from hosts, parasites, and microbiota can enhance our understanding of the complex biological interactions underlying the resistance of hosts to parasites. Haemonchus contortus, the predominant sheep gastrointestinal parasite species in the tropics, causes significant production and economic losses, which are further compounded by the diminishing efficiency of chemical control owing to anthelmintic resistance. Knowledge of how the host responds to infection and how the parasite, in combination with microbiota, modulates host immunity can guide selection decisions to breed animals with improved parasite resistance. This understanding will help refine management practices and advance the development of new therapeutics for long-term helminth control. METHODS Eggs per gram (EPG) of feces were obtained from Morada Nova sheep subjected to two artificial infections with H. contortus and used as a proxy to select animals with high resistance or susceptibility for transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of the abomasum and 50 K single-nucleotide genotyping. Additionally, RNA-seq data for H. contortus were generated, and amplicon sequence variants (ASV) were obtained using polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of bacterial and archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA genes from sheep feces and rumen content. RESULTS The heritability estimate for EPG was 0.12. GAST, GNLY, IL13, MGRN1, FGF14, and RORC genes and transcripts were differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible animals. A genome-wide association study identified regions on chromosomes 2 and 11 that harbor candidate genes for resistance, immune response, body weight, and adaptation. Trans-expression quantitative trait loci were found between significant variants and differentially expressed transcripts. Functional co-expression modules based on sheep genes and ASVs correlated with resistance to H. contortus, showing enrichment in pathways of response to bacteria, immune and inflammatory responses, and hub features of the Christensenellaceae, Bacteroides, and Methanobrevibacter genera; Prevotellaceae family; and Verrucomicrobiota phylum. In H. contortus, some mitochondrial, collagen-, and cuticle-related genes were expressed only in parasites isolated from susceptible sheep. CONCLUSIONS The present study identified chromosome regions, genes, transcripts, and pathways involved in the elaborate interactions between the sheep host, its gastrointestinal microbiota, and the H. contortus parasite. These findings will assist in the development of animal selection strategies for parasite resistance and interdisciplinary approaches to control H. contortus infection in sheep.
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Palkumbura PGAS, Mahakapuge TAN, Wijesundera RRMKK, Wijewardana V, Kangethe RT, Rajapakse RPVJ. Mucosal Immunity of Major Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections in Small Ruminants Can Be Harnessed to Develop New Prevention Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1409. [PMID: 38338687 PMCID: PMC10855138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031409] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasitic nematode (GIN) infections are the cause of severe losses to farmers in countries where small ruminants such as sheep and goat are the mainstay of livestock holdings. There is a need to develop effective and easy-to-administer anti-parasite vaccines in areas where anthelmintic resistance is rapidly rising due to the inefficient use of drugs currently available. In this review, we describe the most prevalent and economically significant group of GIN infections that infect small ruminants and the immune responses that occur in the host during infection with an emphasis on mucosal immunity. Furthermore, we outline the different prevention strategies that exist with a focus on whole and purified native parasite antigens as vaccine candidates and their possible oral-nasal administration as a part of an integrated parasite control toolbox in areas where drug resistance is on the rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. G. Ashani S. Palkumbura
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Thilini A. N. Mahakapuge
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - R. R. M. K. Kavindra Wijesundera
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Viskam Wijewardana
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Richard Thiga Kangethe
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - R. P. V. Jayanthe Rajapakse
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
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Rooney J, Cantacessi C, Sotillo J, Cortés A. Gastrointestinal worms and bacteria: From association to intervention. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12955. [PMID: 36300732 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12955] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A plethora of studies, both experimental and epidemiological, have indicated the occurrence of associations between infections by gastrointestinal (GI) helminths and the composition and function of the host gut microbiota. Given the worldwide risk and spread of anthelmintic resistance, particularly for GI parasites of livestock, a better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the relationships between GI helminths and the gut microbiome, and between the latter and host health, may assist the development of novel microbiome-targeting and other bacteria-based strategies for parasite control. In this article, we review current and prospective methods to manipulate the host gut microbiome, and/or to exploit the immune stimulatory and modulatory properties of gut bacteria (and their products) to counteract the negative impact of GI worm infections; we also discuss the potential applications of these intervention strategies in programmes aimed to aid the fight against helminth diseases of humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Rooney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Cortés
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, València, Spain
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Excretory-secretory products from the brown stomach worm, Teladorsagia circumcincta, exert antimicrobial activity in in vitro growth assays. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:354. [PMID: 36184586 PMCID: PMC9528173 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05443-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decade, evidence has emerged of the ability of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites to alter the composition of the host gut microbiome; however, the mechanism(s) underpinning such interactions remain unclear. In the current study, we (i) undertake proteomic analyses of the excretory-secretory products (ESPs), including secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), of the 'brown stomach worm' Teladorsagia circumcincta, one of the major agents causing parasite gastroenteritis in temperate areas worldwide; (ii) conduct bioinformatic analyses to identify and characterise antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with putative antimicrobial activity; and (iii) assess the bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic properties of T. circumcincta EVs, and whole and EV-depleted ESPs, using bacterial growth inhibition assays. METHODS Size-exclusion chromatography was applied to the isolation of EVs from whole T. circumcincta ESPs, followed by EV characterisation via nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Proteomic analysis of EVs and EV-depleted ESPs was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and prediction of putative AMPs was performed using available online tools. The antimicrobial activities of T. circumcincta EVs and of whole and EV-depleted ESPs against Escherichia coli were evaluated using bacterial growth inhibition assays. RESULTS Several molecules with putative antimicrobial activity were identified in both EVs and EV-depleted ESPs from adult T. circumcincta. Whilst exposure of E. coli to whole ESPs resulted in a significant reduction of colony-forming units over 3 h, bacterial growth was not reduced following exposure to worm EVs or EV-depleted ESPs. CONCLUSIONS Our data points towards a bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic function of T. circumcincta ESPs, likely mediated by molecules with antimicrobial activity.
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Rooney J, Northcote HM, Williams TL, Cortés A, Cantacessi C, Morphew RM. Parasitic helminths and the host microbiome - a missing 'extracellular vesicle-sized' link? Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:737-747. [PMID: 35820945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infections by gastrointestinal (GI) helminths have been associated with significant alterations of the structure of microbial communities inhabiting the host gut. However, current understanding of the biological mechanisms that regulate these relationships is still lacking. We propose that helminth-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) likely represent key players in helminth-microbiota crosstalk. Here, we explore knowledge of helminth EVs with an emphasis on their putative antimicrobial properties, and we argue that (i) an enhanced understanding of the mechanisms governing such interactions might assist the discovery and development of novel strategies of parasite control, and that (ii) the identification and characterisation of helminth molecules with antimicrobial properties might pave the way towards the discovery of novel antibiotics, thus aiding the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Rooney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Holly M Northcote
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 2DA, UK
| | - Tim L Williams
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Alba Cortés
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK; Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Burjassot 46100, Spain
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - Russell M Morphew
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 2DA, UK.
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Papaiakovou M, Littlewood DTJ, Doyle SR, Gasser RB, Cantacessi C. Worms and bugs of the gut: the search for diagnostic signatures using barcoding, and metagenomics-metabolomics. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:118. [PMID: 35365192 PMCID: PMC8973539 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) helminth infections cause significant morbidity in both humans and animals worldwide. Specific and sensitive diagnosis is central to the surveillance of such infections and to determine the effectiveness of treatment strategies used to control them. In this article, we: (i) assess the strengths and limitations of existing methods applied to the diagnosis of GI helminth infections of humans and livestock; (ii) examine high-throughput sequencing approaches, such as targeted molecular barcoding and shotgun sequencing, as tools to define the taxonomic composition of helminth infections; and (iii) discuss the current understanding of the interactions between helminths and microbiota in the host gut. Stool-based diagnostics are likely to serve as an important tool well into the future; improved diagnostics of helminths and their environment in the gut may assist the identification of biomarkers with the potential to define the health/disease status of individuals and populations, and to identify existing or emerging anthelmintic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papaiakovou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | | | | | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES UK
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