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Henry B, Phillips AJ, Sibley LD, Rosenberg A. A combination of four Toxoplasma gondii nuclear-targeted effectors protects against interferon gamma-driven human host cell death. mBio 2024; 15:e0212424. [PMID: 39292011 PMCID: PMC11481881 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02124-24] [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: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In both mice and humans, Type II interferon gamma (IFNγ) is crucial for the regulation of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection, during acute or chronic phases. To thwart this defense, T. gondii secretes protein effectors hindering the host's immune response. For example, T. gondii relies on the MYR translocon complex to deploy soluble dense granule effectors (GRAs) into the host cell cytosol or nucleus. Recent genome-wide loss-of-function screens in IFNγ-primed primary human fibroblasts identified MYR translocon components as crucial for parasite resistance against IFNγ-driven vacuole clearance. However, these screens did not pinpoint specific MYR-dependent GRA proteins responsible for IFNγ signaling blockade, suggesting potential functional redundancy. Our study reveals that T. gondii depends on the MYR translocon complex to prevent parasite premature egress and host cell death in human cells stimulated with IFNγ post-infection, a unique phenotype observed in various human cell lines but not in murine cells. Intriguingly, inhibiting parasite egress did not prevent host cell death, indicating this mechanism is distinct from those described previously. Genome-wide loss-of-function screens uncovered TgIST, GRA16, GRA24, and GRA28 as effectors necessary for a complete block of IFNγ response. GRA24 and GRA28 directly influenced IFNγ-driven transcription, GRA24's action depended on its interaction with p38 MAPK, while GRA28 disrupted histone acetyltransferase activity of CBP/p300. Given the intricate nature of the immune response to T. gondii, it appears that the parasite has evolved equally elaborate mechanisms to subvert IFNγ signaling, extending beyond direct interference with the JAK/STAT1 pathway, to encompass other signaling pathways as well.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasite, affects nearly one-third of the global human population, posing significant risks for immunocompromised patients and infants infected in utero. In murine models, the core mechanisms of IFNγ-mediated immunity against T. gondii are consistently preserved, showcasing a remarkable conservation of immune defense mechanisms. In humans, the recognized restriction mechanisms vary among cell types, lacking a universally applicable mechanism. This difference underscores a significant variation in the genes employed by T. gondii to shield itself against the IFNγ response in human vs murine cells. Here, we identified a specific combination of four parasite-secreted effectors deployed into the host cell nucleus, disrupting IFNγ signaling. This disruption is crucial in preventing premature egress of the parasite and host cell death. Notably, this phenotype is exclusive to human cells, highlighting the intricate and unique mechanisms T. gondii employs to modulate host responses in the human cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Henry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Aubrey J. Phillips
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alex Rosenberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Tachibana Y, Sasai M, Yamamoto M. CRISPR screens identify genes essential for in vivo virulence among proteins of hyperLOPIT-unassigned subcellular localization in Toxoplasma. mBio 2024; 15:e0172824. [PMID: 39082802 PMCID: PMC11389413 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01728-24] [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: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The research field to identify and characterize genes essential for in vivo virulence in Toxoplasma gondii has been dramatically advanced by a series of in vivo clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screens. Although subcellular localizations of thousands of proteins were predicted by the spatial proteomic method called hyperLOPIT, those of more than 1,000 proteins remained unassigned, and their essentiality in virulence was also unknown. In this study, we generated two small-scale gRNA libraries targeting approximately 600 hyperLOPIT-unassigned proteins and performed in vivo CRISPR screens. As a result, we identified several genes essential for in vivo virulence that were previously unreported. We further characterized two candidates, TgGTPase and TgRimM, which are localized in the cytoplasm and the apicoplast, respectively. Both genes are essential for parasite virulence and widely conserved in the phylum Apicomplexa. Collectively, our current study provides a resource for estimating the in vivo essentiality of Toxoplasma proteins with previously unknown localizations.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes severe infection in immunocompromised patients or newborns. Toxoplasma possesses more than 8,000 genes; however, the genes essential for in vivo virulence were not fully identified. The apicomplexan parasites, including Toxoplasma, developed unique organelles that do not exist in other model organisms; thus, determining the subcellular location of parasite proteins is important for understanding their functions. Here, we used in vivo genetic screens that enabled us to investigate hundreds of genes in Toxoplasma during mouse infection. We screened approximately 600 parasite proteins with previously unknown subcellular localizations. We identified many novel genes that confer parasite virulence in mice. Among the top hits, we characterized two genes essential for in vivo virulence, TgGTPase and TgRimM, which are widely conserved in the phylum Apicomplexa. Our findings will contribute to understanding how apicomplexans adapt to the host environment and cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Tachibana
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miwa Sasai
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Herneisen AL, Peters ML, Smith TA, Shortt E, Lourido S. SPARK regulates AGC kinases central to the Toxoplasma gondii asexual cycle. eLife 2024; 13:RP93877. [PMID: 39136687 PMCID: PMC11321763 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93877] [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: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites balance proliferation, persistence, and spread in their metazoan hosts. AGC kinases, such as PKG, PKA, and the PDK1 ortholog SPARK, integrate environmental signals to toggle parasites between replicative and motile life stages. Recent studies have cataloged pathways downstream of apicomplexan PKG and PKA; however, less is known about the global integration of AGC kinase signaling cascades. Here, conditional genetics coupled to unbiased proteomics demonstrates that SPARK complexes with an elongin-like protein to regulate the stability of PKA and PKG in the model apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii. Defects attributed to SPARK depletion develop after PKG and PKA are down-regulated. Parasites lacking SPARK differentiate into the chronic form of infection, which may arise from reduced activity of a coccidian-specific PKA ortholog. This work delineates the signaling topology of AGC kinases that together control transitions within the asexual cycle of this important family of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice L Herneisen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Michelle L Peters
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Tyler A Smith
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Emily Shortt
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Sebastian Lourido
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
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4
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Uzelac A, Klun I, Djurković-Djaković O. Early immune response to Toxoplasma gondii lineage III isolates of different virulence phenotype. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1414067. [PMID: 38912206 PMCID: PMC11190176 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite of importance to human and veterinary health. The structure and diversity of the genotype population of T. gondii varies considerably with respect to geography, but three lineages, type I, II and III, are distributed globally. Lineage III genotypes are the least well characterized in terms of biology, host immunity and virulence. Once a host is infected with T.gondii, innate immune mechanisms are engaged to reduce the parasite burden in tissues and create a pro-inflammatory environment in which the TH1 response develops to ensure survival. This study investigated the early cellular immune response of Swiss-Webster mice post intraperitoneal infection with 10 tachyzoites of four distinct non-clonal genotypes of lineage III and a local isolate of ToxoDB#1. The virulence phenotype, cumulative mortality (CM) and allele profiles of ROP5, ROP16, ROP18 and GRA15 were published previously. Methods Parasite dissemination in different tissues was analyzed by real-time PCR and relative expression levels of IFNγ, IL12-p40, IL-10 and TBX21 in the cervical lymph nodes (CLN), brain and spleen were calculated using the ΔΔCt method. Stage conversion was determined by detection of the BAG1 transcript in the brain. Results Tissue dissemination depends on the virulence phenotype but not CM, while the TBX21 and cytokine levels and kinetics correlate better with CM than virulence phenotype. The earliest detection of BAG1 was seven days post infection. Only infection with the genotype of high CM (69.4%) was associated with high T-bet levels in the CLN 24 h and high systemic IFNγ expression which was sustained over the first week, while infection with genotypes of lower CM (38.8%, 10.7% and 6.8%) is characterized by down-regulation and/or low systemic levels of IFNγ. The response intensity, as assessed by cytokine levels, to the genotype of high CM wanes over time, while it increases gradually to genotypes of lower CM. Discussion The results point to the conclusion that the immune response is not correlated with the virulence phenotype and/or allele profile, but an early onset, intense pro-inflammatory response is characteristic of genotypes with high CM. Additionally, high IFNγ level in the brain may hamper stage conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Uzelac
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Herneisen AL, Peters ML, Smith TA, Shortt E, Lourido S. SPARK regulates AGC kinases central to the Toxoplasma gondii asexual cycle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.30.564746. [PMID: 37961644 PMCID: PMC10634940 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites balance proliferation, persistence, and spread in their metazoan hosts. AGC kinases, such as PKG, PKA, and the PDK1 ortholog SPARK, integrate environmental signals to toggle parasites between replicative and motile life stages. Recent studies have cataloged pathways downstream of apicomplexan PKG and PKA; however, less is known about the global integration of AGC kinase signaling cascades. Here, conditional genetics coupled to unbiased proteomics demonstrates that SPARK complexes with an elongin-like protein to regulate the stability of PKA and PKG in the model apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii. Defects attributed to SPARK depletion develop after PKG and PKA are down-regulated. Parasites lacking SPARK differentiate into the chronic form of infection, which may arise from reduced activity of a coccidian-specific PKA ortholog. This work delineates the signaling topology of AGC kinases that together control transitions within the asexual cycle of this important family of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice L. Herneisen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Michelle L. Peters
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Tyler A. Smith
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Emily Shortt
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Sebastian Lourido
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
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Zhang ZW, Wang M, Sun LX, Elsheikha HM, Lei CL, Wang JL, Fu BQ, Luo JX, Zhu XQ, Li TT. Trx4, a novel thioredoxin protein, is important for Toxoplasma gondii fitness. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:178. [PMID: 38576040 PMCID: PMC10996207 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06259-9] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To successfully replicate within the host cell, Toxoplasma gondii employs several mechanisms to overcome the host cell defenses and mitigate the harmful effects of the free radicals resulting from its own metabolic processes using effectors such as thioredoxin proteins. In this study, we characterize the location and functions of a newly identified thioredoxin in T. gondii, which was named Trx4. METHODS We characterized the functional role of Trx4 in T. gondii Type I RH and Type II Pru strains by gene knockout and studied its subcellular localization by endogenous protein HA tagging using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. The enzyme-catalyzed proximity labeling technique, the TurboID system, was employed to identify the proteins in proximity to Trx4. RESULTS Trx4 was identified as a dense granule protein of T. gondii predominantly expressed in the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) and was partially co-localized with GRA1 and GRA5. Functional analysis showed that deletion of trx4 markedly influenced the parasite lytic cycle, resulting in impaired host cell invasion capacity in both RH and Pru strains. Mutation of Trx domains in Trx4 in RH strain revealed that two Trx domains were important for the parasite invasion. By utilizing the TurboID system to biotinylate proteins in proximity to Trx4, we identified a substantial number of proteins, some of which are novel, and others are previously characterized, predominantly distributed in the dense granules. In addition, we uncovered three novel proteins co-localized with Trx4. Intriguingly, deletion of trx4 did not affect the localization of these three proteins. Finally, a virulence assay demonstrated that knockout of trx4 resulted in a significant attenuation of virulence and a significant reduction in brain cyst loads in mice. CONCLUSIONS Trx4 plays an important role in T. gondii invasion and virulence in Type I RH strain and Type II Pru strain. Combining the TurboID system with CRISPR-Cas9 technique revealed many PV-localized proximity proteins associated with Trx4. These findings suggest a versatile role of Trx4 in mediating the processes that occur in this distinctive intracellular membrane-bound vacuolar compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Cheng-Lin Lei
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Quan Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Xun Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610213, People's Republic of China.
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Hesping E, Boddey JA. Whole-genome CRISPR screens to understand Apicomplexan-host interactions. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:717-726. [PMID: 38225194 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15221] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites are aetiological agents of numerous diseases in humans and livestock. Functional genomics studies in these parasites enable the identification of biological mechanisms and protein functions that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. Recent improvements in forward genetics and whole-genome screens utilising CRISPR/Cas technology have revolutionised the functional analysis of genes during Apicomplexan infection of host cells. Here, we highlight key discoveries from CRISPR/Cas9 screens in Apicomplexa or their infected host cells and discuss remaining challenges to maximise this technology that may help answer fundamental questions about parasite-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hesping
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin A Boddey
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Wang Y, Hollingsworth LR, Sangaré LO, Paredes-Santos TC, Krishnamurthy S, Penn BH, Wu H, Saeij JPJ. Host E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH mediates Toxoplasma gondii effector GRA35-triggered NLRP1 inflammasome activation and cell-autonomous immunity. mBio 2024; 15:e0330223. [PMID: 38376248 PMCID: PMC10936166 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03302-23] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that can activate the NLRP1 inflammasome leading to macrophage pyroptosis in Lewis rats, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR screen and identified the dense granule proteins GRA35, GRA42, and GRA43 as the Toxoplasma effectors mediating cell death in Lewis rat macrophages. GRA35 localizes on the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, where it interacts with the host E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH. Inhibition of proteasome activity or ITCH knockout prevented pyroptosis in Toxoplasma-infected Lewis rat macrophages, consistent with the "NLRP1 functional degradation model." However, there was no evidence that ITCH directly ubiquitinates or interacts with rat NLRP1. We also found that GRA35-ITCH interaction affected Toxoplasma fitness in IFNγ-activated human fibroblasts, likely due to ITCH's role in recruiting ubiquitin and the parasite-restriction factor RNF213 to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. These findings identify a new role of host E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH in mediating effector-triggered immunity, a critical concept that involves recognizing intracellular pathogens and initiating host innate immune responses.IMPORTANCEEffector-triggered immunity represents an innate immune defense mechanism that plays a crucial role in sensing and controlling intracellular pathogen infection. The NLRP1 inflammasome in the Lewis rats can detect Toxoplasma infection, which triggers proptosis in infected macrophages and eliminates the parasite's replication niche. The work reported here revealed that host E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH is able to recognize and interact with Toxoplasma effector protein GRA35 localized on the parasite-host interface, leading to NLRP1 inflammasome activation in Lewis rat macrophages. Furthermore, ITCH-GRA35 interaction contributes to the restriction of Toxoplasma in human fibroblasts stimulated by IFNγ. Thus, this research provides valuable insights into understanding pathogen recognition and restriction mediated by host E3 ubiquitin ligase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - L. Robert Hollingsworth
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lamba Omar Sangaré
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Tatiana C. Paredes-Santos
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Shruthi Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Bennett H. Penn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, California, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Lüder CGK. IFNs in host defence and parasite immune evasion during Toxoplasma gondii infections. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356216. [PMID: 38384452 PMCID: PMC10879624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines with diverse functions in host resistance to pathogens and in immune regulation. Type II IFN, i.e. IFN-γ, is widely recognized as a major mediator of resistance to intracellular pathogens, including the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. More recently, IFN-α/β, i.e. type I IFNs, and IFN-λ (type III IFN) have been identified to also play important roles during T. gondii infections. This parasite is a widespread pathogen of humans and animals, and it is a model organism to study cell-mediated immune responses to intracellular infection. Its success depends, among other factors, on the ability to counteract the IFN system, both at the level of IFN-mediated gene expression and at the level of IFN-regulated effector molecules. Here, I review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IFN-mediated host resistance and immune regulation during T. gondii infections. I also discuss those mechanisms that T. gondii has evolved to efficiently evade IFN-mediated immunity. Knowledge of these fascinating host-parasite interactions and their underlying signalling machineries is crucial for a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis, and it might also identify potential targets of parasite-directed or host-directed supportive therapies to combat the parasite more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten G. K. Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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10
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Lotfalizadeh N, Sadr S, Morovati S, Lotfalizadeh M, Hajjafari A, Borji H. A potential cure for tumor-associated immunosuppression by Toxoplasma gondii. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1963. [PMID: 38109851 PMCID: PMC10850000 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1963] [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] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, immunotherapy has become very hopeful for cancer therapy. Cancer treatment through immunotherapy has excellent specificity and less toxicity than conventional chemoradiotherapy. Pathogens have been used in cancer immunotherapy for a long time. The current study aims to evaluate the possibility of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) as a probable treatment for cancers such as melanoma, breast, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Nonreplicating type I uracil auxotrophic mutants of T. gondii can stimulate immune responses against tumors by reverse immunosuppression at the cellular level. T. gondii can be utilized to research T helper 1 (Th1) cell immunity in intracellular infections. Avirulent T. gondii uracil auxotroph vaccine can change the tumor's immunosuppression and improve the production of type 1 helper cell cytokines, i.e., Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and activate tumor-related Cluster of Differentiation 8 (CD8+) T cells to identify and destroy cancer cells. The T. gondii profilin protein, along with T. gondii secreted proteins, have been found to exhibit promising properties in the treatment of various cancers. These proteins are being studied for their potential to inhibit tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Their unique mechanisms of action make them valuable candidates for targeted interventions in ovarian cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer treatments. CONCLUSION In summary, the study underscores the significant potential of harnessing T. gondii, including its diverse array of proteins and antigens, particularly in its avirulent form, as a groundbreaking approach in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Lotfalizadeh
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Soheil Sadr
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Solmaz Morovati
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - Mohammadhassan Lotfalizadeh
- Board Certificate Oral and Maxillofacial RadiologistNorth Khorasan University of Medical Sciences (NKUMS)BojnurdIran
| | - Ashkan Hajjafari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineIslamic Azad University, Science and Research BranchTehranIran
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
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Henry B, Sibley LD, Rosenberg A. A Combination of Four Nuclear Targeted Effectors Protects Toxoplasma Against Interferon Gamma Driven Human Host Cell Death During Acute Infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.24.573224. [PMID: 38234811 PMCID: PMC10793417 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.24.573224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
In both mice and humans, Type II interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is crucial for regulation of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection, during acute or chronic phases. To thwart this defense, T. gondii secretes protein effectors hindering the hosťs immune response. For example, T. gondii relies on the MYR translocon complex to deploy soluble dense granule effectors (GRAs) into the host cell cytosol or nucleus. Recent genome-wide loss-of-function screens in IFNγ-primed primary human fibroblasts identified MYR translocon components as crucial for parasite resistance against IFNγ driven vacuole clearance. However, these screens did not pinpoint specific MYR-dependent GRA proteins responsible for IFNγ signaling blockade, suggesting potential functional redundancy. Our study reveals that T. gondii depends on the MYR translocon complex to prevent host cell death and parasite premature egress in human cells stimulated with IFNγ postinfection, a unique phenotype observed in various human cell lines but not in murine cells. Intriguingly, inhibiting parasite egress did not prevent host cell death, indicating this mechanism is distinct from those described previously. Genome-wide loss-of-function screens uncovered TgIST, GRA16, GRA24, and GRA28 as effectors necessary for a complete block of IFNγ response. GRA24 and GRA28 directly influenced IFNγ driven transcription, GRA24's action depended on its interaction with p38 MAPK, while GRA28 disrupted histone acetyltransferase activity of CBP/p300. Given the intricate nature of the immune response to T. gondii, it appears that the parasite has evolved equally elaborate mechanisms to subvert IFNγ signaling, extending beyond direct interference with the JAK/STAT1 pathway, to encompass other signaling pathways as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Henry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alex Rosenberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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Wang Y, Hollingsworth LR, Sangaré LO, Paredes-Santos TC, Krishnamurthy S, Penn BH, Wu H, Saeij JPJ. Host E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH mediates Toxoplasma gondii effector GRA35-triggered NLRP1 inflammasome activation and cell-autonomous immunity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571530. [PMID: 38168400 PMCID: PMC10760081 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that can activate the NLRP1 inflammasome leading to macrophage pyroptosis in Lewis rats, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR screen and identified the dense granule proteins GRA35, GRA42, and GRA43 as the Toxoplasma effectors mediating cell death in Lewis rat macrophages. GRA35 localizes on the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, where it interacts with the host E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH. Inhibition of proteasome activity or ITCH knockout prevented pyroptosis in Toxoplasma-infected Lewis rat macrophages, consistent with the "NLRP1 functional degradation model". However, there was no evidence that ITCH directly ubiquitinates or interacts with rat NLRP1. We also found that GRA35-ITCH interaction affected Toxoplasma fitness in IFNγ-activated human fibroblasts, likely due to ITCH's role in recruiting ubiquitin and the parasite-restriction factor RNF213 to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. These findings identify a new role of host E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH in mediating effector-triggered immunity, a critical concept that involves recognizing intracellular pathogens and initiating host innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - L. Robert Hollingsworth
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lamba Omar Sangaré
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tatiana C. Paredes-Santos
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Shruthi Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bennett H. Penn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Butterworth S, Kordova K, Chandrasekaran S, Thomas KK, Torelli F, Lockyer EJ, Edwards A, Goldstone R, Koshy AA, Treeck M. High-throughput identification of Toxoplasma gondii effector proteins that target host cell transcription. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1748-1762.e8. [PMID: 37827122 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens and other endosymbionts reprogram host cell transcription to suppress immune responses and recalibrate biosynthetic pathways. This reprogramming is critical in determining the outcome of infection or colonization. We combine pooled CRISPR knockout screening with dual host-microbe single-cell RNA sequencing, a method we term dual perturb-seq, to identify the molecular mediators of these transcriptional interactions. Applying dual perturb-seq to the intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, we are able to identify previously uncharacterized effector proteins and directly infer their function from the transcriptomic data. We show that TgGRA59 contributes to the export of other effector proteins from the parasite into the host cell and identify an effector, TgSOS1, that is necessary for sustained host STAT6 signaling and thereby contributes to parasite immune evasion and persistence. Together, this work demonstrates a tool that can be broadly adapted to interrogate host-microbe transcriptional interactions and reveal mechanisms of infection and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Butterworth
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Kristina Kordova
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | | | - Francesca Torelli
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Eloise J Lockyer
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Amelia Edwards
- Advanced Sequencing Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robert Goldstone
- Advanced Sequencing Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Anita A Koshy
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Moritz Treeck
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; Cell Biology of Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal.
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