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Gallorini M, Marinacci B, Pellegrini B, Cataldi A, Dindo ML, Carradori S, Grande R. Immunophenotyping of hemocytes from infected Galleria mellonella larvae as an innovative tool for immune profiling, infection studies and drug screening. Sci Rep 2024; 14:759. [PMID: 38191588 PMCID: PMC10774281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51316-z] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a considerable increasing interest in the use of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella as an animal model. In vivo pharmacological tests, concerning the efficacy and the toxicity of novel compounds are typically performed in mammalian models. However, the use of the latter is costly, laborious and requires ethical approval. In this context, G. mellonella larvae can be considered a valid option due to their greater ease of use and the absence of ethical rules. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the immune system of these invertebrates has similarity with the one of mammals, thus guaranteeing the reliability of this in vivo model, mainly in the microbiological field. To better develop the full potential of this model, we present a novel approach to characterize the hemocyte population from G. mellonella larvae and to highlight the immuno modulation upon infection and treatments. Our approach is based on the detection in isolated hemocytes from G. mellonella hemolymph of cell membrane markers typically expressed by human immune cells upon inflammation and infection, for instance CD14, CD44, CD80, CD163 and CD200. This method highlights the analogies between G. mellonella larvae and humans. Furthermore, we provide an innovative tool to perform pre-clinical evaluations of the efficacy of antimicrobial compounds in vivo to further proceed with clinical trials and support drug discovery campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialucia Gallorini
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Marinacci
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Benedetta Pellegrini
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Dindo
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rossella Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
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Habich A, Unterweger D. Investigating Secretion Systems and Effectors on Galleria mellonella. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2715:601-608. [PMID: 37930555 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3445-5_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Infection experiments with Galleria mellonella enable the measurement of virulence that is mediated by secretion systems and their effector proteins in vivo. G. mellonella has an innate immune system and shares similarities with the complex host environment of mammals. Unlike other invertebrate model systems, experiments can be performed at mammalian body temperature. Here, we describe the systemic infection of G. mellonella with Pseudomonas aeruginosa with and without functional secretion systems. A Kaplan-Meier curve is constructed showing the percent survival of animals over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Habich
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Daniel Unterweger
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.
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Kaul L, Abdo AI, Coenye T, Swift S, Zannettino A, Süss R, Richter K. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of diethyldithiocarbamate with copper ions and its liposomal formulation for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Biofilm 2023; 5:100130. [PMID: 37274173 PMCID: PMC10238467 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100130] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) biofilms. Biofilms are aggregates of bacteria embedded in a self-produced matrix that offers protection against antibiotics and promotes the spread of antibiotic-resistance in bacteria. Consequently, antibiotic treatment frequently fails, resulting in the need for alternative therapies. The present study describes the in vitro efficacy of the Cu(DDC)2 complex (2:1 M ratio of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC-) and Cu2+) with additional Cu2+ against S. aureus and S. epidermidis biofilms in models mimicking SSIs and in vitro antibacterial activity of a liposomal Cu(DDC)2 + Cu2+ formulation. The in vitro activity on S. aureus and S. epidermidis biofilms grown on two hernia mesh materials and in a wound model was determined by colony forming unit (CFU) counting. Cu2+-liposomes and Cu(DDC)2-liposomes were prepared, and their antibacterial activity was assessed in vitro using the alamarBlue assay and CFU counting and in vivo using a Galleria mellonella infection model. The combination of 35 μM DDC- and 128 μM Cu2+ inhibited S. aureus and S. epidermidis biofilms on meshes and in a wound infection model. Cu(DDC)2-liposomes + free Cu2+ displayed similar antibiofilm activity to free Cu(DDC)2 + Cu2+, and significantly increased the survival of S. epidermidis-infected larvae. Whilst Cu(DDC)2 + Cu2+ showed substantial antibiofilm activity in vitro against clinically relevant biofilms, its application in mammalian in vivo models is limited by solubility. The liposomal Cu(DDC)2 + Cu2+ formulation showed antibiofilm activity in vitro and antibacterial activity and low toxicity in G. mellonella, making it a suitable water-soluble formulation for future application on infected wounds in animal trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurine Kaul
- Richter Lab, Department of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, University of Adelaide, 37 Woodville Road, Adelaide, SA, 5011, Australia
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Adrian I. Abdo
- Richter Lab, Department of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, University of Adelaide, 37 Woodville Road, Adelaide, SA, 5011, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Swift
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Andrew Zannettino
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Regine Süss
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Richter
- Richter Lab, Department of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, University of Adelaide, 37 Woodville Road, Adelaide, SA, 5011, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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The immunotoxicity of ten insecticides against insect hemocyte cells in vitro. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2022; 58:912-921. [PMID: 36443536 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-022-00738-y] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hemocytes in the hemolymph of insects perform innate immunity, but systematic studies to compare immunotoxicity of pesticides on hemocytes are still few. In this study, an insect hemocyte system was used to assess the impact of pesticides with different modes of action, which included loss of cell viability, inhibition of hemophagocytosis, and reduction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. Results showed that piericidin A was the most cytotoxic to hemocytes, chlorfluazuron and hexaflumuron were the next. Also, piericidin A, chlorfenapyr, and fipronil had strong inhibitory effects on hemophagocytosis, and the effects of piericidin A and chlorfenapyr were persistent, while that of fipronil was short-lived. Moreover, fenoxycarb and hexaflumuron selectively inhibited granulocyte phagocytosis, tebufenozide only showed inhibition on plasmatocyte phagocytosis, but both inhibitory effects were transient. Furthermore, fenoxycarb and hexaflumuron showed a short-term strong inhibitory effect on the activity of NOS, chlorfenapyr and piericidin A showed a weak induction of NOS activity, while other pesticides exhibited a strong induction. Taken together, piericidin A was the most toxic and imidacloprid was the least toxic to hemocytes, and the alterations in hemocyte functions compromised immunity.
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Admella J, Torrents E. A Straightforward Method for the Isolation and Cultivation of Galleria mellonella Hemocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13483. [PMID: 36362269 PMCID: PMC9657452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella is an alternative animal model of infection. The use of this species presents a wide range of advantages, as its maintenance and rearing are both easy and inexpensive. Moreover, its use is considered to be more ethically acceptable than other models, it is conveniently sized for manipulation, and its immune system has multiple similarities with mammalian immune systems. Hemocytes are immune cells that help encapsulate and eliminate pathogens and foreign particles. All of these reasons make this insect a promising animal model. However, cultivating G. mellonella hemocytes in vitro is not straightforward and it has many difficult challenges. Here, we present a methodologically optimized protocol to establish and maintain a G. mellonella hemocyte primary culture. These improvements open the door to easily and quickly study the toxicity of nanoparticles and the interactions of particles and materials in an in vitro environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Admella
- Bacterial Infections and Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Torrents
- Bacterial Infections and Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Microbiology Section, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 643 Diagonal Ave., 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Intracellular cytokine detection based on flow cytometry in hemocytes from Galleria mellonella larvae: A new protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274120. [PMID: 36173940 PMCID: PMC9521830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Invertebrates are becoming increasingly popular models for research on the immune system. The innate immunity possessed by insects shows both structural and functional similarity to the resistance displayed by mammals, and many processes occurring in insect hemocytes are similar to those that occur in mammals. However, the use of insects as research models requires the development of methods for working with hemocytes. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for intracellular cytokine detection in Galleria mellonella larvae hemocytes based on flow cytometry. It describes the anticoagulant composition of the buffer, the optimal conditions for hemocyte permeabilization and fixation, as well as the conditions of cell centrifugation to prevent cell disintegration. A key element is the selection of staining conditions, especially the length of the incubation time with the primary antibody, which turned out to be much longer than recommended for mammalian cells. The development of these individual steps allowed for the creation of a reproducible protocol for cytokine detection using flow cytometry in wax moth hemocytes. This will certainly facilitate the development of further protocols allowing for wider use of insect cells in immunological research.
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Auguste M, Melillo D, Corteggio A, Marino R, Canesi L, Pinsino A, Italiani P, Boraschi D. Methodological Approaches To Assess Innate Immunity and Innate Memory in Marine Invertebrates and Humans. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:842469. [PMID: 35295223 PMCID: PMC8915809 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.842469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the impact of drugs and contaminants on immune responses requires methodological approaches able to represent real-life conditions and predict long-term effects. Innate immunity/inflammation is the evolutionarily most widespread and conserved defensive mechanism in living organisms, and therefore we will focus here on immunotoxicological methods that specifically target such processes. By exploiting the conserved mechanisms of innate immunity, we have examined the most representative immunotoxicity methodological approaches across living species, to identify common features and human proxy models/assays. Three marine invertebrate organisms are examined in comparison with humans, i.e., bivalve molluscs, tunicates and sea urchins. In vivo and in vitro approaches are compared, highlighting common mechanisms and species-specific endpoints, to be applied in predictive human and environmental immunotoxicity assessment. Emphasis is given to the 3R principle of Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research and to the application of the ARRIVE guidelines on reporting animal research, in order to strengthen the quality and usability of immunotoxicology research data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Auguste
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Melillo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Annunziata Corteggio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Rita Marino
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Canesi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pinsino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), CNR, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Italiani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Italiani, ; Diana Boraschi,
| | - Diana Boraschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Paola Italiani, ; Diana Boraschi,
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Moyetta NR, Ramos FO, Leyria J, Canavoso LE, Fruttero LL. Morphological and Ultrastructural Characterization of Hemocytes in an Insect Model, the Hematophagous Dipetalogaster maxima (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12070640. [PMID: 34357299 PMCID: PMC8303341 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Chagas’ disease is a debilitating and life-threatening disease endemic of the Americas, although it currently affects about six to seven million people around the world. The triatomines, also known as kissing bugs, are blood-feeding insects that play a key role in the transmission of Chagas’ disease since they are the vectors of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of the illness. On the other hand, the hemocytes are the cells present in the circulatory system of insects and other invertebrates. These cells are comparable to the white blood cells of vertebrates and fulfill vital functions in coagulation and defense against pathogens. The classification of hemocytes is mainly based in their cell shape, which is technically challenging to assess, and the authors have not always agreed upon this subject. In this study we combined different techniques to classify the hemocytes of the kissing bug Dipetalogaster maxima in a juvenile stage of development. We characterized the hemocytes in five types, including plasmatocytes, granulocytes, prohemocytes, adipohemocytes and oenocytes. These findings contribute to the understanding of insect and triatomine physiology and can be applied to unravel basic aspects of insect immune responses, coagulation cascades and endocrine processes. Abstract Hemocytes, the cells present in the hemolymph of insects and other invertebrates, perform several physiological functions, including innate immunity. The current classification of hemocyte types is based mostly on morphological features; however, divergences have emerged among specialists in triatomines, the insect vectors of Chagas’ disease (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Here, we have combined technical approaches in order to characterize the hemocytes from fifth instar nymphs of the triatomine Dipetalogaster maxima. Moreover, in this work we describe, for the first time, the ultrastructural features of D. maxima hemocytes. Using phase contrast microscopy of fresh preparations, five hemocyte populations were identified and further characterized by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. The plasmatocytes and the granulocytes were the most abundant cell types, although prohemocytes, adipohemocytes and oenocytes were also found. This work sheds light on a controversial aspect of triatomine cell biology and physiology setting the basis for future in-depth studies directed to address hemocyte classification using non-microscopy-based markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia R. Moyetta
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (N.R.M.); (F.O.R.); (J.L.); (L.E.C.)
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Fabián O. Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (N.R.M.); (F.O.R.); (J.L.); (L.E.C.)
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (N.R.M.); (F.O.R.); (J.L.); (L.E.C.)
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Lilián E. Canavoso
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (N.R.M.); (F.O.R.); (J.L.); (L.E.C.)
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Leonardo L. Fruttero
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (N.R.M.); (F.O.R.); (J.L.); (L.E.C.)
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba 5000, Argentina
- Correspondence:
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