Differential cytokine gene expression according to outcome in a hamster model of leptospirosis

Characterization of cellular immune response in hamsters immunized with recombinant vaccines against leptospirosis based on LipL32:LemA:LigAni chimeric protein

In the last 20 years, various research groups have endeavored to develop recombinant vaccines against leptospirosis to overcome the limitations of commercially available bacterins. Numerous antigens and vaccine formulations have been tested thus far. However, the analysis of cellular response in these vaccine formulations is not commonly conducted, primarily due to the scarcity of supplies and kits for the hamster animal model. Our research group has already tested the Q1 antigen, a chimeric protein combining the immunogenic regions of LipL32, LemA, and LigANI, in recombinant subunit and BCG-vectored vaccines. In both strategies, 100 % of the hamsters were protected against clinical signs of leptospirosis. However, only the recombinant BCG-vectored vaccine provided protection against renal colonization. Thus, the objective of this study is to characterize the cellular immune response in hamsters immunized with different vaccine formulations based on the Q1 antigen through transcriptional analysis of cytokines. The hamsters were allocated into groups and vaccinated as follows: recombinant subunit (rQ1), recombinant BCG (rBCG:Q1), and saline and BCG Pasteur control vaccines. To assess the cellular response induced by the vaccines, we cultured and stimulated splenocytes, followed by RNA extraction from the cells and analysis of cytokines using real-time PCR. The results revealed that the recombinant subunit vaccine elicited a Th2-type response, characterized by the expression of cytokines IL-10, IL-1α, and TNF-α. This pattern closely resembles the cytokines expressed in severe cases of leptospirosis. On the other hand, the rBCG-vectored vaccine induced a Th1-type response with significant up-regulation of IFN-γ. These findings suggest the involvement of the cellular response and the IFN-γ mediated inflammatory response in the sterilizing immunity mediated by rBCG. Therefore, this study may assist future investigations in characterizing the cellular response in hamsters, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of efficacy and establish potential correlates of protection.

Impaired functions of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells and induction of regulatory T cells by pathogenic Leptospira

Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira. The disease outcome is influenced by the interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in shaping the adaptive immune response. A recent study revealed that pathogenic Leptospira limited the activation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) compared to non-pathogenic Leptospira, but their impact on T-cell responses has not been investigated. Our study is the first to explore how viable pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leptospira affect the interaction between human MoDCs and T cells. We found that MoDCs infected with pathogenic leptospires (L. interrogans serovar Pomona and a clinical isolate, MoDCs-P) exhibited lower levels of CD80 and CD83 expression, suggesting partially impaired MoDC maturation, induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) while failing to induce CD4+ T cell proliferation, compared to MoDCs infected with non-pathogenic leptospires (L. biflexa serovar Patoc and L. meyeri serovar Ranarum, MoDCs-NP). In contrast, non-pathogenic leptospires enhanced MoDC maturation and induced higher T cell proliferation including IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells, indicative of a Th1-type response. Furthermore, pathogenic leptospires induced higher MoDC apoptosis through a cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease-3 (caspase-3)-dependent pathway and upregulated expression of the prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) gene. Notably, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a product of the PTGS2 pathway, was found at higher levels in the sera of patients with acute leptospirosis and in the supernatant of MoDCs-P, possibly contributing to Treg induction, compared to those of healthy donors and MoDCs-NP, respectively. In conclusion, this study reveals a novel immunosuppressive strategy employed by pathogenic Leptospira to evade host immunity by partially impairing MoDC maturation and inducing Tregs. These findings deepen our understanding of leptospirosis pathogenesis in humans and may provide a novel strategy to modulate DCs for the prevention and treatment of the disease.

Organ-specific immune profiling of Leishmania donovani-infected hamsters

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and involvement of visceral organs. Organ-specific immune response against the Leishmania donovani (Ld) complex is not yet understood due to the unavailability of an appropriate experimental model. In reference to our recent work on comparing the hamster model with VL patients, it is now possible to understand immune profiling in different visceral organs. This may offer an answer to varying parasite loads in different visceral organs in the same host. Herein, we analysed a panel of immune markers (Th-2/Th-1) in visceral organs of Ld-infected hamsters and quantified parasitic load in the same tissues using qPCR assay. In spleen, liver, bone marrow and lymph node (mesenteric) from Ld-infected hamsters, the parasite burden was quantified along with mRNA expression of a panel of Th-2 and Th-1 type immune markers, namely IL-10, IL-4, Arginase-I, GATA-3, SOCS-3, IL-12, IFN-γ, iNOS, T-bet and SOCS-5. A clear dichotomy was absent between Th-2 and Th-1 type immune markers and the major players of this immune response were IFN-γ, IL-10, T-bet, GATA-3, SOCS-5 and SOCS-3.

Immune response at a vaccine-challenge study using beagle dogs and locally isolated Leptospira spp

Determination of the immune response of dogs by measuring the antibody levels (utilizing MAT) and levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4 and IFN-γ) post-vaccination with locally produced killed whole-celled Leptospiral vaccine and post-challenge with a locally isolated Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae Copenhageni strain. For assessment of immunity of the vaccine serum antibodies were detected before and after vaccination and challenge in three studies. The effects of the challenge were determined by a variety of parameters including reisolation of the challenge Leptospira spp. via blood, urine, and kidney samples. The challenge strain did not produce generalised infection but elevated circulating antibody levels in both the control and vaccinated dogs in any of the three studies, however leptospires were reisolated from the urine of the control dogs but not the vaccinated dogs. Cytokine levels (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-4) were detected post-challenge in the vaccinated dogs to determine the immune profile response. The whole-killed cell vaccine in this study did not prevent leptospireamia but prevented leptospiruria in vaccinated dogs after a challenge with a live Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiea Copenhageni. The vaccine-challenge showed increased antibody (MAT) levels due to vaccination and infection (through challenge). Cytokine production (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-4) by the host immune system was observed post-challenge with live leptospires.

Role of animal models in biomedical research: a review

The animal model deals with the species other than the human, as it can imitate the disease progression, its’ diagnosis as well as a treatment similar to human. Discovery of a drug and/or component, equipment, their toxicological studies, dose, side effects are in vivo studied for future use in humans considering its’ ethical issues. Here lies the importance of the animal model for its enormous use in biomedical research. Animal models have many facets that mimic various disease conditions in humans like systemic autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, Atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc., and many more. Besides, the model has tremendous importance in drug development, development of medical devices, tissue engineering, wound healing, and bone and cartilage regeneration studies, as a model in vascular surgeries as well as the model for vertebral disc regeneration surgery. Though, all the models have some advantages as well as challenges, but, present review has emphasized the importance of various small and large animal models in pharmaceutical drug development, transgenic animal models, models for medical device developments, studies for various human diseases, bone and cartilage regeneration model, diabetic and burn wound model as well as surgical models like vascular surgeries and surgeries for intervertebral disc degeneration considering all the ethical issues of that specific animal model. Despite, the process of using the animal model has facilitated researchers to carry out the researches that would have been impossible to accomplish in human considering the ethical prohibitions.

Pulmonary haemorrhage as the earliest sign of severe leptospirosis in hamster model challenged with Leptospira interrogans strain HP358

Background

Severe leptospirosis is challenging as it could evolve rapidly and potentially fatal if appropriate management is not performed. An understanding of the progression and pathophysiology of Leptospira infection is important to determine the early changes that could be potentially used to predict the severe occurrence of leptospirosis. This study aimed to understand the kinetics pathogenesis of Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 in the hamster model and identify the early parameters that could be used as biomarkers to predict severe leptospirosis.

Methodology/Principal findings

Male Syrian hamsters were infected with Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 and euthanized after 24 hours, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days post-infection. Blood, lungs, liver and kidneys were collected for leptospiral detection, haematology, serum biochemistry and differential expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Macroscopic and microscopic organ damages were investigated. Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 was highly pathogenic and killed hamsters within 6–7 days post-infection. Pulmonary haemorrhage and blood vessel congestion in organs were noticed as the earliest pathological changes. The damages in organs and changes in biochemistry value were preceded by changes in haematology and immune gene expression.

Conclusion/Significance

This study deciphered haemorrhage as the earliest manifestation of severe leptospirosis and high levels of IL-1β, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL3/MIP-α, neutrophils and low levels of lymphocytes and platelets serve as a cumulative panel of biomarkers in severe leptospirosis.

As the severe form of leptospirosis could progress rapidly and be potentially fatal if not treated earlier, deciphering the pathophysiology kinetics of infection is crucial to determine the parameters of disease severity. To understand this, we challenged hamsters with the highly virulent Leptospira interrogans strain HP358. Pulmonary haemorrhage was observed as the earliest pathological change followed by liver and kidneys damages. The increased expression of IL-1β, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL3/MIP-α, high neutrophils and low lymphocytes and platelets production observed in the present study indicate that these parameters could serve as a cumulative panel of biomarkers in severe leptospirosis.

Anti-Leptospira immunoglobulin profiling in mice reveals strain specific IgG and persistent IgM responses associated with virulence and renal colonization

Leptospira interrogans is a pathogenic spirochete responsible for leptospirosis, a neglected, zoonotic reemerging disease. Humans are sensitive hosts and may develop severe disease. Some animal species, such as rats and mice can become asymptomatic renal carriers. More than 350 leptospiral serovars have been identified, classified on the basis of the antibody response directed against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Similarly to whole inactivated bacteria used as human vaccines, this response is believed to confer only short-term, serogroup-specific protection. The immune response of hosts against leptospires has not been thoroughly studied, which complicates the testing of vaccine candidates. In this work, we studied the immunoglobulin (Ig) profiles in mice infected with L. interrogans over time to determine whether this humoral response confers long-term protection after homologous challenge six months post-infection. Groups of mice were injected intraperitoneally with 2×10⁷ leptospires of one of three pathogenic serovars (Manilae, Copenhageni or Icterohaemorrhagiae), attenuated mutants or heat-killed bacteria. Leptospira-specific immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG and 4 subclasses) produced in the first weeks up to 6 months post-infection were measured by ELISA. Strikingly, we found sustained high levels of IgM in mice infected with the pathogenic Manilae and Copenhageni strains, both colonizing the kidney. In contrast, the Icterohaemorrhagiae strain did not lead to kidney colonization, even at high dose, and triggered a classical IgM response that peaked at day 8 post-infection and disappeared. The virulent Manilae and Copenhageni serovars elicited high levels and similar profiles of IgG subclasses in contrast to Icterohaemorrhagiae strains that stimulated weaker antibody responses. Inactivated heat-killed Manilae strains elicited very low responses. However, all mice pre-injected with leptospires challenged with high doses of homologous bacteria did not develop acute leptospirosis, and all antibody responses were boosted after challenge. Furthermore, we showed that 2 months post-challenge, mice pre-infected with the attenuated M895 Manilae LPS mutant or heat-killed bacterin were completely protected against renal colonization. In conclusion, we observed a sustained IgM response potentially associated with chronic leptospiral renal infection. We also demonstrated in mice different profiles of protective and cross-reactive antibodies after L. interrogans infection, depending on the serovar and virulence of strains.

Leptospira interrogans is a pathogenic spirochete responsible for leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic reemerging disease. The immune response of hosts against these bacteria has not been thoroughly studied. Here, we studied over 6 months the antibody profiles in mice infected with L. interrogans and determined whether this humoral response confers long-term protection after homologous challenge six months after primary infection. Groups of mice were infected intraperitoneally with 2×10⁷ bacteria of one of three different pathogenic serovars (Manilae, Copenhageni and Icterohaemorrhagiae) and some corresponding attenuated avirulent mutants. We measured by ELISA each type of Leptospira-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) (IgA, IgM, IgG and 4 subclasses) produced in the first weeks up to 6 months post-infection and studied their cross-reactivities among serovars. We showed different profiles of antibody response after L. interrogans challenge in mice, depending on the serovar and virulence of strains. However, all infected mice, including the ones harboring low antibody levels, like mice vaccinated with an inactivated, heat-killed strain, were protected against leptospirosis after challenge. Notably, we also showed an unusual sustained IgM response associated with chronic leptospiral colonization. Altogether, this long-term immune protection is different from what is known in humans and warrants further investigation.

Correlation of Immunomodulatory Cytokine Expression with Histopathological Changes and Viral Antigen in a Hamster Model of Equine Herpesvirus-9 Encephalitis

A group of hamsters (n = 25) was intranasally infected with equine herpesvirus-9 (EHV-9) and mRNA transcription levels of several proinflammatory (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β) cytokines were investigated in brain tissue using RT-qPCR. These levels were correlated with the severity of sequential histopathological changes and intensity of immunohistochemical labelling of virus antigen in brain. Early and progressive upregulation of all the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines investigated (P < 0.05) was correlated with increasing severity of encephalitis and viral antigen expression from 2 days post infection (dpi) with a peak at 4-5 dpi (P <0.05).

Leptospirosis is an invasive infectious and systemic inflammatory disease

Pathogenic Leptospira species are the causative agents of leptospirosis, a world-spreading zoonotic infectious disease. The pathogens possess a powerful invasiveness by invading human body through mucosal/skin barriers, rapid entry into bloodstream to cause septicemia, diffusion from bloodstream into internal organs and tissues to cause aggravation of disease, and discharge from urine through renal tubules to form natural infectious sources. Leptospirosis patients present severe inflammatory symptoms such as high fever, myalgia and lymphadenectasis. Hemorrhage and jaundice are the pathological features of this disease. Previous studies revealed that some outer membrane proteins of Leptospira interrogans, the most important pathogenic Leptospira species, acted as adherence factors to binding to receptor molecules (fibronectin, laminin and collagens) in extracellular matrix of host cells. Collagenase, metallopeptidases and endoflagellum contributed to the invasiveness of L. interrogans. Except for lipopolysaccharide, multiple hemolysins of L. interrogans displayed a powerful ability to induce pro-inflammatory cytokines and hepatocyte apoptosis. vWA and platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase-like proteins from L. interrogans could induce severe pulmonary hemorrhage in mice. L. interrogans utilized cellular endocytic recycling and vesicular transport systems for intracellular migration and transcellular transport. All the research achievements are helpful for further understanding the virulence of pathogenic Leptospira species and pathogenesis of leptospirosis.

Use of Golden Syrian Hamster as an Animal Model to Study Leptospirosis-Associated Immune Responses

Experimental infections greatly contribute to further deepen our knowledge of infectious diseases. In the case of leptospirosis, hamsters as well as gerbils and guinea pigs have been used as animal models of acute leptospirosis in studying the pathophysiology of the disease. Here we describe a typical Leptospira infection using golden Syrian hamsters. We will also present techniques we use to study the resulting bacterial burden and gene expression patterns in the host in order to decipher the innate immune response to leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis Pathophysiology: Into the Storm of Cytokines

Leptospirosis is a neglected tropical zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Infected reservoir animals, typically mice and rats, are asymptomatic, carry the pathogen in their renal tubules, and shed pathogenic spirochetes in their urine, contaminating the environment. Humans are accidental hosts of pathogenic Leptospira. Most human infections are mild or asymptomatic. However, 10% of human leptospirosis cases develop into severe forms, including high leptospiremia, multi-organ injuries, and a dramatically increased mortality rate, which can relate to a sepsis-like phenotype. During infection, the triggering of the inflammatory response, especially through the production of cytokines, is essential for the early elimination of pathogens. However, uncontrolled cytokine production can result in a cytokine storm process, followed by a state of immunoparalysis, which can lead to sepsis and associated organ failures. In this review, the involvement of cytokine storm and subsequent immunoparalysis in the development of severe leptospirosis in susceptible hosts will be discussed. The potential contribution of major pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of tissue lesions and systemic inflammatory response, as well as the role of anti-inflammatory cytokines in contributing to the onset of a deleterious immunosuppressive cascade will also be examined. Data from studies comparing susceptible and resistant mouse models will be included. Lastly, a concise discussion on the use of cytokines for therapeutic purposes or as biomarkers of leptospirosis severity will be provided.

Leptospira interrogans infection leads to IL-1β and IL-18 secretion from a human macrophage cell line through reactive oxygen species and cathepsin B mediated-NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by spirochetes from the genus Leptospira. Although there is a large diversity of clinical signs and symptoms, a severe inflammatory response is common to all leptospirosis patients. The mechanism of IL-1β secretion during Leptospira infection has been previously studied in mouse macrophages. However, the outcome of Leptospira infection is very different in human and murine macrophages, and the mechanisms responsible for IL-1β secretion in human macrophages had not been investigated. This study therefore examines the effects of Leptospira interrogans infection on inflammasome activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression in human macrophages. Increased mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 was observed by real time RT-PCR and flow cytometry at 1 h after co-cultivation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) determination showed that IL-1β and IL-18 are released in the culture supernatants at 1 h after cultivation. The inhibition assay showed that glybenclamide (a K⁺ efflux inhibitor that blocks NLRP3 inflammasome activation) and N-benzyloxycarbony-Val-Ala-Asp (O-methyl)-fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD-FMK; a caspase-1 inhibitor) and NLRP3 depletion with siRNAs reduced the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 release. Moreover, the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 production decreased in CA-074 (a cathepsin B inhibitor) and NAC (an anti-oxidant) pretreated human macrophages, compared to untreated controls. This study suggests that L. interrogans infection leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS)- and cathepsin B-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which subsequently mediates caspase-1 activation and IL-1β and IL-18 release.

High level of IL-10 expression in the blood of animal models possibly relates to resistance against leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a severe zoonosis which immunopathogenesis is poorly understood. We evaluated correlation between acute form of the disease and the ratio of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 to the pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β expression during the early phase of infection comparing resistant mice and susceptible hamsters infected with two different species of virulent Leptospira. The IL-10/TNF-α and IL-10/IL-1β expression ratios were higher in mouse compared to hamster independently of the Leptospira strain, suggesting a preponderant role of the host response and notably these cytokines in the clinical expression and survival to leptospirosis. Using an IL-10 neutralization strategy in Leptospira-infected mouse model, we also showed evidence of a possible role of this cytokine on host susceptibility, bacterial clearance and on regulation of cytokine gene expression.

Eyedrop Inoculation Causes Sublethal Leptospirosis in Mice

Leptospirosis is potentially a fatal zoonosis acquired by contact of skin and mucosal surfaces with soil and water contaminated with infected urine. We analyzed the outcome of infection of C3H/HeJ mice with Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni using an enzootic mode of transmission, the conjunctival route. Infection led to weight loss and L. interrogans dissemination from blood to urine, and spirochetes were detected in blood and urine simultaneously. The infectious dose that led to consistent dissemination to kidney after conjunctival infection was ∼10⁸ leptospires. Interestingly, a lower number of spirochetes appeared to colonize the kidney, given that we quantified ∼10⁵ and ∼10 leptospires per μl of urine and per μg of kidney, respectively. Leptospira-specific IgM and IgG were detected at 15 days postinfection, and isotyping of the Ig subclass showed that the total IgG response switched from an IgG1 response to an IgG3 response after infection with L. interrogans Histological periodic acid-Schiff D staining of infected kidney showed interstitial nephritis, mononuclear cell infiltrates, and reduced size of glomeruli. Quantification of proinflammatory immunomediators in kidney showed that keratinocyte-derived chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, RANTES, tumor necrosis factor alpha, gamma interferon, and interleukin-10 were upregulated in infected mice. We show that the kinetics of disease progression after infection via the ocular conjunctiva is delayed compared with infection via the standard intraperitoneal route. Differences may be related to the number of L. interrogans spirochetes that succeed in overcoming the natural defenses of the ocular conjunctiva and transit through tissue.

Animal Models of Leptospirosis: Of Mice and Hamsters

Pathogenic Leptospira sp. are spirochetal bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, an emerging worldwide zoonosis. These spirochetes are very successful pathogens that infect a wide range of hosts such as fish, reptiles, birds, marsupials, and mammals. Transmission occurs when chronically infected animals excrete live bacteria in their urine, contaminating the environment. Leptospira sp. enter their hosts through damaged skin and mucosa. Chronically infected rats and mice are asymptomatic and are considered as important reservoirs of the disease. Infected humans may develop either a flu-like, usually mild illness with or without chronic asymptotic renal colonization, or a severe acute disease with kidney, liver, and heart failure, potentially leading to death. Leptospirosis is an economic burden on society due to health-care costs related to elevated morbidity of humans and loss of animals of agricultural interest. There are no effective vaccines against leptospirosis. Leptospira sp. are difficult to genetically manipulate which delays the pace of research progress. In this review, we discuss in an historical perspective how animal models have contributed to further our knowledge of leptospirosis. Hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils have been instrumental to study the pathophysiology of acute lethal leptospirosis and the Leptospira sp. genes involved in virulence. Chronic renal colonization has been mostly studied using experimentally infected rats. A special emphasis will be placed on mouse models, long thought to be irrelevant since they survive lethal infection. However, mice have recently been shown to be good models of sublethal infection leading to chronic colonization. Furthermore, congenic and transgenic mice have proven essential to study how innate immune cells interact with the pathogen and to understand the role of the toll-like receptor 4, which is important to control Leptospira sp. load and disease. The use of inbred and transgenic mouse models opens up the field to the comprehensive study of immune responses to Leptospira sp. infection and subsequent pathophysiology of inflammation. It also allows for testing of drugs and vaccines in a biological system that can avail of a wealth of molecular tools that enable understanding of the mechanisms of action of protective vaccines.

Development of real-time PCR assays for evaluation of immune response and parasite load in golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) infected by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from small cutaneous nodules to severe mucosal tissue destruction. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main species attributed to CL in the Americas. However, studies of experimental infection are limited in the murine model due to the self-resolutive pattern of the disease. Previously, our group demonstrated that the hamster model reproduces many of the clinical and histopathological features observed in humans. Herein, we standardized a RT-qPCR gene expression assay to evaluate a panel of immunological markers and a qPCR assay in order to quantify with high sensitivity and reproducibility the parasite load in skin lesions.

Methods

Hamsters were intradermally infected in the footpad with 10⁵ promastigotes of L. (V.) braziliensis and 110 days post-infection skin lesions and popliteal lymph nodes were removed for RNA and DNA extraction, both from the same tissue fragment. Gene expression of IFN-ɣ, IL-10, TGF-β TNF, IL-4, IL-6, iNOS and arginase were measured using non-infected animal tissue as a calibrator. Parasite load was quantified from DNA extracted from lesions by qPCR targeting Leishmania kDNA and normalized by hamster GAPDH, using a SYBR Green-based absolute quantification methodology.

Results

A relative quantification RT-qPCR assay was standardized for the evaluation of mRNA levels from skin and lymph node samples of golden hamsters, with PCR efficiencies ranging from 92.3 to 116.4 %. In uninfected animals, higher basal mRNA levels in lymph nodes were observed for IFN-ɣ, TGF-β, TNF and IL-4 (111.4 ± 92.2; 5.6 ± 1.2; 5.3 ± 1.7; and 60.3 ± 26.8, respectively) in comparison to skin. In golden hamsters infected with L. (V.) braziliensis, an increase in the expression of all immunological markers evaluated was observed, ranging from 2.7 ± 0.2 for TGF-β to 1018.5 ± 809.0 for iNOS in skin lesions, and 2.4 ± 1.6 for TGF-β to 600.2 ± 666.4 for iNOS in popliteal lymph nodes. Interestingly, significantly higher levels of IFN-ɣ, TNF and IL-10 mRNA were observed in skin in comparison to lymph nodes, while a lower significant level of arginase mRNA was observed in skin. In parallel, parasite loads were quantified by qPCR from the skin lesions of infected animals, ranging from 27.0 to 6647.0, with a median of 553.4 (416.7–1504.0) parasites/mg skin equivalents, whereas lesion size varied from 0.3 to 3.1 mm. Despite the tendency of larger lesions to present higher parasite load, the correlation observed was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this study, we describe for the first time a sensitive, reproducible and cheaper molecular assay to quantify from the same tissue fragment the gene expression of immunological markers and the parasite load in skin lesions, observing a mixed profile of immune response in the hamster model infected by L. (V.) braziliensis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1647-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The adaptor molecule Trif contributes to murine host defense during Leptospiral infection

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and is caused by pathogenic species of the Leptospira genus, including Leptospira interrogans (L. interrogans). Humans, domestic and wild animals are susceptible to acute or chronic infection. The innate immune response is a critical defense mechanism against Leptospira interrogans, and has been investigated in mouse models. Murine Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been shown to be key factors in sensing and responding to L. interrogans infection. Specifically, TLR2, TLR4 and the TLR adaptor molecule MyD88 are essential for host defense against L. interrogans; however, the role of the TLR adaptor molecule TIR-domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon β (TRIF) in the response to L. interrogans has not been previously determined. In the present study, TRIF was found to play an important role during leptospiral infection. Following challenge with L. interrogans, Trif(-/-) mice exhibited delayed weight gain compared to wild-type mice. Moreover, Trif(-/-) mice exhibited an increase in L. interrogans burden in the kidneys, lungs, and blood at early time points (less than 7days post infection). Multiple components of the innate immune responses were dampened in response to leptospiral infection including transcription and production of cytokines, and the humoral response, which suggested that TRIF contributes to expression and production of cytokines important for the host defense against L. interrogans.

Evaluation of the C-Terminal Fragment of Entamoeba histolytica Gal/GalNAc Lectin Intermediate Subunit as a Vaccine Candidate against Amebic Liver Abscess

Background

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis, including amebic dysentery and liver abscesses. E. histolytica invades host tissues by adhering onto cells and phagocytosing them depending on the adaptation and expression of pathogenic factors, including Gal/GalNAc lectin. We have previously reported that E. histolytica possesses multiple CXXC sequence motifs, with the intermediate subunit of Gal/GalNAc lectin (i.e., Igl) as a key factor affecting the amoeba's pathogenicity. The present work showed the effect of immunization with recombinant Igl on amebic liver abscess formation and the corresponding immunological properties.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A prokaryotic expression system was used to prepare the full-length Igl and the N-terminal, middle, and C-terminal fragments (C-Igl) of Igl. Vaccine efficacy was assessed by challenging hamsters with an intrahepatic injection of E. histolytica trophozoites. Hamsters intramuscularly immunized with full-length Igl and C-Igl were found to be 92% and 96% immune to liver abscess formation, respectively. Immune-response evaluation revealed that C-Igl can generate significant humoral immune responses, with high levels of antibodies in sera from immunized hamsters inhibiting 80% of trophozoites adherence to mammalian cells and inducing 80% more complement-mediated lysis of trophozoites compared with the control. C-Igl was further assessed for its cellular response by cytokine-gene qPCR analysis. The productions of IL-4 (8.4-fold) and IL-10 (2-fold) in the spleen cells of immunized hamsters were enhanced after in vitro stimulation. IL-4 expression was also supported by increased programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 gene.

Conclusions/Significance

Immunobiochemical characterization strongly suggests the potential of recombinant Igl, especially the C-terminal fragment, as a vaccine candidate against amoebiasis. Moreover, protection through Th2-cell participation enabled effective humoral immunity against amebic liver abscesses.

Amebiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, is the second leading cause of death from protozoan diseases. Vaccination is considered as an effective strategy against amebiasis; however, clinical vaccines have yet to be developed. We previously reported that the intermediate subunit of Gal/GalNAc lectin (Igl) of E. histolytica is a key factor related to the adherence and cytotoxicity of this parasite to host cells. This study focused on the immune efficacy and immunological characterization of recombinant Igl and its fragments. Highly effective protection was observed in the hamsters immunized intramuscularly with the C-terminal fragment of Igl (C-Igl). C-Igl was further assessed to determine the immunological basis of protection. The immunized hamsters generated high levels of specific antibodies; these hamsters also showed an enhanced complementary-mediated lysis. The spleen cells from the immunized hamsters produced the cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 after these cells were stimulated by C-Igl in vitro. These results demonstrate that recombinant Igl, particularly the C-terminal fragment, is a candidate vaccine for amebiasis. Nevertheless, further studies on Igl should be conducted to explore the preliminary steps of the development of vaccines for human amebiasis.

Expression Profile of Cytokines and Enzymes mRNA in Blood Leukocytes of Dogs with Leptospirosis and Its Associated Pulmonary Hemorrhage Syndrome

Background

Dogs with leptospirosis show similar organ manifestations and disease course as human patients, including acute kidney injury and pulmonary hemorrhage, making this naturally-occurring infection a good animal model for human leptospirosis. Expression patterns of cytokines and enzymes have been correlated with disease manifestations and clinical outcome in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to describe mRNA expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in canine leptospirosis and to compare it with other renal diseases to identify patterns characterizing the disease and especially its pulmonary form.

Methodology and Principal Findings

The mRNA abundance of cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β) and enzymes (5-LO, iNOS) was measured prospectively in blood leukocytes from 34 dogs with severe leptospirosis and acute kidney injury, including 22 dogs with leptospirosis-associated pulmonary hemorrhages. Dogs with leptospirosis were compared to 14 dogs with acute kidney injury of other origin than leptospirosis, 8 dogs with chronic kidney disease, and 10 healthy control dogs. Canine leptospirosis was characterized by high 5-LO and low TNF-α expression compared to other causes of acute kidney injury, although the decreased TNF-α expression was also seen in chronic kidney disease. Leptospirosis-associated pulmonary hemorrhage was not characterized by a specific pattern, with only mild changes noted, including increased IL-10 and decreased 5-LO expression on some days in affected dogs. Fatal outcome from pulmonary hemorrhages was associated with low TNF-α, high IL-1β, and high iNOS expression, a pattern possibly expressed also in dogs with other forms of acute kidney injury.

Conclusion

The patterns of cytokine and enzyme expression observed in the present study indicate a complex pro- and anti-inflammatory response to the infection with leptospires. The recognition of these signatures may be of diagnostic and prognostic relevance for affected individuals and they may indicate options for newer therapies targeting the identified pathways.

Evaluation of the Leptospira interrogans Outer Membrane Protein OmpL37 as a Vaccine Candidate

The identification of potential vaccine candidates against leptospirosis remains a challenge. However, one such candidate is OmpL37, a potentially surface-exposed antigen that has the highest elastin-binding ability described to date, suggesting that it plays an important role in host colonization. In order to evaluate OmpL37's ability to induce a protective immune response, prime-boost, DNA and subunit vaccine strategies were tested in the hamster model of lethal leptospirosis. The humoral immune response was evaluated using an indirect ELISA test, and the cytokine profile in whole blood was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Unlike the DNA vaccine, the administration of recombinant OmpL37 induced a strong IgG antibody response. When individually administrated, both formulations stimulated a TNF-α mediated inflammatory response. However, none of the OmpL37 formulations or vaccination strategies induced protective immunity. Further studies are required towards the identification of new vaccine targets against leptospirosis.

Comparison of Bacterial Burden and Cytokine Gene Expression in Golden Hamsters in Early Phase of Infection with Two Different Strains of Leptospira interrogans

Leptospirosis, a zoonotic infection with worldwide prevalence, is caused by pathogenic spirochaetes of Leptospira spp., and exhibits an extremely broad clinical spectrum in human patients. Although previous studies indicated that specific serovars or genotypes of Leptospira spp. were associated with severe leptospirosis or its outbreak, the mechanism underlying the difference in virulence of the various Leptospira serotypes or genotypes remains unclear. The present study addresses this question by measuring and comparing bacterial burden and cytokine gene expression in hamsters infected with strains of two L. interrogans serovars Manilae (highly virulent) and Hebdomadis (less virulent). The histopathology of kidney, liver, and lung tissues was also investigated in infected hamsters. A significantly higher bacterial burden was observed in liver tissues of hamsters infected with serovar Manilae than those infected with serovar Hebdomadis (p < 0.01). The average copy number of the leptospiral genome was 1,302 and 20,559 in blood and liver, respectively, of hamsters infected with serovar Manilae and 1,340 and 4,896, respectively, in hamsters infected with serovar Hebdomadis. The expression levels of mip1alpha in blood; tgfbeta, il1beta, mip1alpha, il10, tnfalpha and cox2 in liver; and tgfbeta, il6, tnfalpha and cox2 in lung tissue were significantly higher in hamsters infected with serovar Manilae than those infected with serovar Hebdomadis (p < 0.05). In addition, infection with serovar Manilae resulted in a significantly larger number of hamsters with tnfalpha upregulation (p = 0.04). Severe distortion of tubular cell arrangement and disruption of renal tubules in kidney tissues and hemorrhage in lung tissues were observed in Manilae-infected hamsters. These results demonstrate that serovar Manilae multiplied more efficiently in liver tissues and induced significantly higher expression of genes encoding pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines than serovar Hebdomadis even in tissues for which a significant difference in leptospiral load was not observed. In addition, our results suggest a serovar Manilae-specific mechanism responsible for inducing severe damage in kidneys and hemorrhage in lung.

Host response to leptospira infection

Pathogenic Leptospira has the capacity to infect a broad range of mammalian hosts. Leptospirosis may appear as an acute, potentially fatal infection in accidental hosts, or progress into a chronic, largely asymptomatic infection in natural maintenance hosts. The course that Leptospira infection follows is dependent upon poorly understood factors, but is heavily influenced by both the host species and bacterial serovar involved in infection. Recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by a variety of host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) activates the host immune system. The outcome of this response may result in bacterial clearance, limited bacterial colonization of a few target organs, principally the kidney, or induction of sepsis as the host succumbs to infection and dies. This chapter describes current knowledge of how the host recognizes Leptospira and responds to infection using innate and acquired immune responses. Aspects of immune-mediated pathology and pathogen strategies to evade the host immune response are also addressed.

Severity markers in severe leptospirosis: a cohort study

We aimed to evaluate parameters for their value as severity markers in hospitalized leptospirosis patients. We recruited 47 informed adult consenting patients and assessed a number of clinical, hematological, biochemical, and biological variables. Patients were sorted according to severity based on fatality or the requirement of mechanical ventilation or dialysis; the parameters studied were compared between groups on inclusion and the next day. Beside septic shock presentation or a high severity score (Simplified Acute Physiology Score; SAPS II), increased lactate, total bilirubin, lipase, and AST/ALT ratio or a decreased cytokines IL-10/TNF-α ratio were all significantly associated with severity. The gene expression of the IL-1 receptor antagonist IL-1ra, IL-1α, and the long pentraxin PTX-3 were also transcribed at higher levels in most severe cases. Patients could rapidly improve or deteriorate, highlighting the need for a new assessment the next day. Our results add to the limited body of knowledge about severity markers in leptospirosis. They also suggest that patients should be reassessed the next day before being possibly discharged from the hospital. Further studies are needed in order to confirm relevant and reliable prognostic parameters in leptospirosis that would be helpful for the purpose of triage.

Curcuma oil attenuates accelerated atherosclerosis and macrophage foam-cell formation by modulating genes involved in plaque stability, lipid homeostasis and inflammation

In the present study, the anti-atherosclerotic effect and the underlying mechanism of curcuma oil (C. oil), a lipophilic fraction from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), was evaluated in a hamster model of accelerated atherosclerosis and in THP-1 macrophages. Male golden Syrian hamsters were subjected to partial carotid ligation (PCL) or FeCl3-induced arterial oxidative injury (Ox-injury) after 1 week of treatment with a high-cholesterol (HC) diet or HC diet plus C. oil (100 and 300 mg/kg, orally). Hamsters fed with the HC diet were analysed at 1, 3 and 5 weeks following carotid injury. The HC diet plus C. oil-fed group was analysed at 5 weeks. In hyperlipidaemic hamsters with PCL or Ox-injury, C. oil (300 mg/kg) reduced elevated plasma and aortic lipid levels, arterial macrophage accumulation, and stenosis when compared with those subjected to arterial injury alone. Similarly, elevated mRNA transcripts of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45), TNF-α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced in atherosclerotic arteries, while those of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and IL-10 were increased after the C. oil treatment (300 mg/kg). The treatment with C. oil prevented HC diet- and oxidised LDL (OxLDL)-induced lipid accumulation, decreased the mRNA expression of CD68 and CD36, and increased the mRNA expression of PPARα, LXRα, ABCA1 and ABCG1 in both hyperlipidaemic hamster-derived peritoneal and THP-1 macrophages. The administration of C. oil suppressed the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ and increased the expression of TGF-β in peritoneal macrophages. In THP-1 macrophages, C. oil supplementation prevented OxLDL-induced production of TNF-α and IL-1β and increased the levels of TGF-β. The present study shows that C. oil attenuates arterial injury-induced accelerated atherosclerosis, inflammation and macrophage foam-cell formation.

Leptospira interrogans induces uterine inflammatory responses and abnormal expression of extracellular matrix proteins in dogs

Leptospira interrogans (L. interrogans), a worldwide zoonosis, infect humans and animals. In dogs, four syndromes caused by leptospirosis have been identified: icteric, hemorrhagic, uremic (Stuttgart disease) and reproductive (abortion and premature or weak pups), and also it caused inflammation. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex mixture of matrix molecules that is crucial to the reproduction. Both inflammatory response and ECM are closed relative to reproductive. The aim of this study was to clarify how L. interrogans affected the uterus of dogs, by focusing on the inflammatory responses, and ECM expression in dogs uterine tissue infected by L. interrogans. In the present study, 27 dogs were divided into 3 groups, intrauterine infusion with L. interrogans, to make uterine infection, sterile EMJH, and normal saline as a control, respectively. The uteruses were removed by surgical operation in 10, 20, and 30 days, respectively. The methods of histopathological analysis, ELISA, Western blot and qPCR were used. The results showed that L. interrogans induced significantly inflammatory responses, which were characterized by inflammatory cellular infiltration and high expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in uterine tissue of these dogs. Furthermore, L. interrogans strongly down-regulated the expression of ECM (collagens (CL) IV, fibronectins (FN) and laminins (LN)) in mRNA and protein levels. These data indicated that strongly inflammatory responses, and abnormal regulation of ECM might contribute to the proliferation of dogs infected by L. interrogans.

Decay-accelerating factor 1 deficiency exacerbates leptospiral-induced murine chronic nephritis and renal fibrosis

Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira, which can colonize the proximal renal tubules and persist for long periods in the kidneys of infected hosts. Here, we characterized the infection of C57BL/6J wild-type and Daf1^−/− mice, which have an enhanced host response, with a virulent Leptospira interrogans strain at 14 days post-infection, its persistence in the kidney, and its link to kidney fibrosis at 90 days post-infection. We found that Leptospira interrogans can induce acute moderate nephritis in wild-type mice and is able to persist in some animals, inducing fibrosis in the absence of mortality. In contrast, Daf1^−/− mice showed acute mortality, with a higher bacterial burden. At the chronic stage, Daf1^−/− mice showed greater inflammation and fibrosis than at 14 days post-infection and higher levels at all times than the wild-type counterpart. Compared with uninfected mice, infected wild-type mice showed higher levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13, with similar levels of α-smooth muscle actin, galectin-3, TGF-β1, IL-17, IFN-γ, and lower IL-12 levels at 90 days post-infection. In contrast, fibrosis in Daf1^−/− mice was accompanied by high expression of α-smooth muscle actin, galectin-3, IL-10, IL-13, and IFN-γ, similar levels of TGF-β1, IL-12, and IL-17 and lower IL-4 levels. This study demonstrates the link between Leptospira-induced murine chronic nephritis with renal fibrosis and shows a protective role of Daf1.

Current trends in translational research in leptospirosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the past years, the importance of studying leptospirosis in a translational context has become more evident. This review addresses recent findings in the study of leptospirosis infection, focusing on those applicable to public health, or that will affect management and diagnosis of cases of leptospirosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

We review here recent findings regarding translational aspects of leptospirosis research. Briefly, PCR or a combination of serology and PCR seem to have a higher sensitivity than the current gold standard (microagglutination test). More clinical trials are needed to determine the best treatment for mild and severe leptospirosis. Dendritic cells and γδ T cells seem to have an important role in the immune response to leptospirosis. Environmental assessment is emerging as a very useful tool.

SUMMARY

In order to understand leptospirosis, multiple aspects need to be considered, including host, pathogen and environment. In this review, we will address newer diagnostics, current advances in immunology and treatment and the growing role of environmental assessment.

Immune responses to Leptospira infection: roles as biomarkers for disease severity

Various leptospiral components have been identified and shown to be involved in tissue destruction. In addition, immune responses to leptospires have been implicated in target organ damages in severe leptospirosis cases. Several inflammatory mediators were shown to be higher in susceptible animals than in resistant hosts. Moreover, cytokines/chemokines and serum proteins induced following Leptospira infection were suggested to be biomarkers for disease severity in human leptospirosis. This review focuses on the role of immune responses in the severity of leptospirosis. Studies in both animal models and humans are discussed.

High virulence in hamsters of four dominant Leptospira serovars isolated from rats in the Philippines

Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic species of Leptospira. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize the pathogenicity of four dominant Leptospira isolates prevailing among rats in the Philippines. The isolates were Leptospira interrogans serovar Manilae strain K64, L. interrogans serovar Losbanos strain K37, L. interrogans serovar Ratnapura strain K5 and Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Javanica strain K6. Pathogenicities were studied using hamsters, which reproduce severe human leptospirosis. The minimum lethal doses were 10(0) ( = 1) leptospires for K64, K37 and K5, and 10(1) leptospires for K6. Weight loss amongst the Leptospira-infected hamsters was observed from 1 day before death (K64-, K37- and K5-infected hamsters) to as much as 1 week before death for K6-infected hamsters. Similar and varied gross and microscopic lesions were observed amongst infected hamsters, even for strains belonging to the same species (i.e. L. interrogans). The most significant and common histopathological findings were congestion of the glomerulus, disarrangement of hepatic cords and erythrophagocytosis. Other findings were foamy splenic macrophages for K6, severe petechial pulmonary haemorrhage for K64, and hematuria and severe pulmonary congestion for K37. Immunostaining and culture revealed the presence of leptospires in different organs of the infected hamsters. Based on these results, Leptospira isolates from rats in the Philippines were shown to be highly virulent, causing pulmonary haemorrhage, severe hepato-renal damage and death in hamsters even at lower doses. The present findings on experimental leptospirosis support clinical data showing that patients with severe manifestations of leptospirosis, such as pulmonary haemorrhage, are increasing in the Philippines. These findings may serve as a basis to strengthen the early diagnosis and treatment of human leptospirosis.

Responses of murine and human macrophages to leptospiral infection: a study using comparative array analysis

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging tropical infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. The different host innate immune responses are partially related to the different severities of leptospirosis. In this study, we employed transcriptomics and cytokine arrays to comparatively calculate the responses of murine peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) and human peripheral blood monocytes (HBMs) to leptospiral infection. We uncovered a series of different expression profiles of these two immune cells. The percentages of regulated genes in several biological processes of MPMs, such as antigen processing and presentation, membrane potential regulation, and the innate immune response, etc., were much greater than those of HBMs (>2-fold). In MPMs and HBMs, the caspase-8 and Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD)-like apoptosis regulator genes were significantly up-regulated, which supported previous results that the caspase-8 and caspase-3 pathways play an important role in macrophage apoptosis during leptospiral infection. In addition, the key component of the complement pathway, C3, was only up-regulated in MPMs. Furthermore, several cytokines, e.g. interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), were differentially expressed at both mRNA and protein levels in MPMs and HBMs. Some of the differential expressions were proved to be pathogenic Leptospira-specific regulations at mRNA level or protein level. Though it is still unclear why some animals are resistant and others are susceptible to leptospiral infection, this comparative study based on transcriptomics and cytokine arrays partially uncovered the differences of murine resistance and human susceptibility to leptospirosis. Taken together, these findings will facilitate further molecular studies on the innate immune response to leptospiral infection.

Although pathogenic Leptospira is not an obligate intracellular pathogen, recent studies have shown that phagocytosis and innate immunity play important roles in leptospirosis. The Leptospira-macrophage interaction is a common model used to elucidate the initial response in leptospiral infection. Our previous research has shown that there is little difference in the transcriptomics of pathogenic Leptospira infecting murine or human macrophage cell lines. Contrarily, in this study, we observed significant differences of murine and human primary macrophages infected by L. interrogans as shown in several processes, such as antigen processing and presentation, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and innate immune response, complement and coagulation cascades, expression of major cytokines and chemokines, etc. These results suggested that different immune responses explain the major disparities in the murine and human Leptospira-macrophage infection models. This study added to the former leptospiral transcriptomics research on the Leptospira-macrophage interaction model and laid a foundation for further investigation in the pathogenesis of leptospirosis.

Evaluation of immunoprotective activity of six leptospiral proteins in the hamster model of leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira. The whole-genome sequence of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni together with bioinformatics tools represent a great opportunity to search for novel antigen candidates that could be used as subunit vaccine against leptospirosis. We focused on six genes encoding for conserved hypothetical proteins predicted to be exported to the outer membrane. The genes were amplified by PCR from Leptospira interrogans genomic DNA and were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant proteins tagged with N-terminal hexahistidine were purified by metal-charged chromatography. The immunization of hamsters followed by challenge with lethal dose of virulent strain of Leptospira showed that the recombinant proteins Lsa21, Lsa66 and rLIC11030 elicited partial protection to animals. These proteins could be used combined or in a mixture with novel adjuvants in order to improve their effectiveness.

Aqueous extract of Vitex trifolia L. (Labiatae) inhibits LPS-dependent regulation of inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of Nuclear Factor kappa B translocation and expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Vitex trifolia L. (Labiatae), a widespread tree found from the Asia-Pacific to the east Africa regions is used in the traditional medicine of the Pacific islands to treat inflammatory-associated conditions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We herein evaluated its in vitro regulatory effects on the expression profile of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory genes focusing on regulation of chemokines C-X-C motif 10 (CXCL-10) and C-C motif ligand 3 (CCL-3) and cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2. Furthermore, the plant effect on the LPS-mediated activation of Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) was also studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous extract of Vitex trifolia leaves was prepared and evaluated for its effect on LPS-induced stress and toxicity-related genes in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells using RT(2) Profiler Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Array System. Effects of the extract on LPS-induced chemokines CCL-3 and CXCL-10, COX-2, and NF-κB p50 and p65 mRNA levels were also studied using Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) technique. Translocation of the nuclear factor was further assessed by measuring its nuclear p65 subunit via an ELISA-based TransAM method.

RESULTS

Vitex trifolia extract at 5000μg/ml exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of various LPS-induced inflammatory genes in RAW 264.7 cells after 8h of incubation time. Using RT-qPCR, this anti-inflammatory effect was further confirmed by significant inhibition of CCL-3 and CXCL-10 mRNA production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells upon treatment with 2500μg/ml of Vitex trifolia extract. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of this plant on LPS-induced COX-2 mRNA was also observed at a concentration of 2500μg/ml in a time-dependent manner. TransAM assays showed that LPS-induced NF-κB translocation was also inhibited by Vitex trifolia extract even at a concentration of extract as low as 250μg/ml. RT-qPCR assays showed that aqueous extract of Vitex trifolia leaves had a significant inhibitory activity on LPS-induced p50 mRNA synthesis. Interestingly, however, no effect on p65 subunit mRNA expression was observed. Moreover, PCR array analysis showed that LPS-induced inflammatory and apoptosis genes under NF-κB control are also repressed by the extract.

CONCLUSION

The anti-inflammatory properties of Vitex trifolia extract seem associated with inhibition of NF-κB translocation through a reduction in the expression level of NF-κB p50 but interestingly not p65 subunit mRNA. The regulatory effects of Vitex trifolia on NF-κB and consequently on inflammation mediators such as chemokines CCL-3 and CXCL-10, and COX-2 provide new evidence of its efficacy and emphasise its high potential therapeutic value. However, further in vivo experiments are still required to validate its utilization as a remedy against inflammatory diseases.

Leptospiral hemolysins induce proinflammatory cytokines through Toll-like receptor 2-and 4-mediated JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Infection with pathogenic Leptospira species causes serious systemic inflammation in patients. Although a few leptospiral proinflammatory molecules have been identified, Leptospira likely encodes other unidentified strong inflammation stimulators. The pathogenic L. interrogans genome encodes numerous putative hemolysin genes. Since hemolysins from other bacteria can cause inflammatory reactions, we hypothesized that leptospiral hemolysins may function as proinflammatory stimulators that contribute to the strong inflammation associated with Leptospira infection.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We first used cytokine protein microarrays for systematic analysis of serum cytokine profiles in leptospirosis patients and leptospire-infected mice. We found that IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were the main proinflammatory cytokines in the sera of both the patients and the mice. We then analyzed eight putative hemolysins in L. interrogans strain Lai. The results showed that five of them, Sph1, Sph2, Sph3, HlpA and TlyA were secreted and had hemolytic activity. More importantly, these five hemolysins induced the strong production of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in human and mouse macrophages (although a bit lower in the latter). Furthermore, blockade of TLR2 or TLR4 with either antibodies or inhibitors of the NF-κB or JNK signaling pathways significantly reduced the production of hemolysin-induced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Macrophages isolated from TLR2-, TLR4-or double TLR2-and 4-deficient mice also confirmed that the leptospiral hemolysins that induce proinflammatory cytokines are both TLR2-and TLR4-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings demonstrate that L. interrogans secretes many hemolysins that function as powerful inducers of proinflammatory cytokines through both TLR2-and TLR4-dependent JNK and NF-κB pathways.

Recent insights into microbial triggers of interleukin-10 production in the host and the impact on infectious disease pathogenesis

Since its initial description as a Th2-cytokine antagonistic to interferon-alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, many studies have shown various anti-inflammatory actions of interleukin-10 (IL-10), and its role in infection as a key regulator of innate immunity. Studies have shown that IL-10 induced in response to microorganisms and their products plays a central role in shaping pathogenesis. IL-10 appears to function as both sword and shield in the response to varied groups of microorganisms in its capacity to mediate protective immunity against some organisms but increase susceptibility to other infections. The nature of IL-10 as a pleiotropic modulator of host responses to microorganisms is explained, in part, by its potent and varied effects on different immune effector cells which influence antimicrobial activity. A new understanding of how microorganisms trigger IL-10 responses is emerging, along with recent discoveries of how IL-10 produced during disease might be harnessed for better protective or therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize studies from the past 5 years that have reported the induction of IL-10 by different classes of pathogenic microorganisms, including protozoa, nematodes, fungi, viruses and bacteria and discuss the impact of this induction on the persistence and/or clearance of microorganisms in the host.

Gene expression profiles of immune mediators and histopathological findings in animal models of leptospirosis: comparison between susceptible hamsters and resistant mice

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis characterized by multiple organ failure and variable host susceptibility toward pathogenic Leptospira strains. In this study, we put the role of inflammatory mediators in parallel with bacterial burdens and organ lesions by comparing a susceptible animal model, the hamster, and a resistant one, the Oncins France 1 (OF1) mouse, both infected with virulent Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae strain Verdun. Histological observations evidenced edema, congestion, hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltration in the organs of hamsters, in contrast to limited changes in mice. Using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR techniques, we showed that the relative Leptospira burden progressively increased in hamster tissues, while a rapid clearance was observed in mouse tissues. The early regulation of the proinflammatory mediators interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 and the chemokines gamma interferon-inducible protein 10 kDa/CXCL10 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α/CCL3 in mouse tissues contrasted with their delayed and massive overexpression in hamster tissues. Conversely, the induction of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was faster in the resistant than in the susceptible animal model. The role of these cytokines in the pathophysiology of leptospirosis and the implications of their differential regulation in the development of this disease are discussed.

Leptospirosis: aspects of innate immunity, immunopathogenesis and immune evasion from the complement system

Leptospirosis is a neglected infectious disease caused by spirochetes from the genus Leptospira. It constitutes a major public health problem in developing countries, with outcomes ranging from subclinical infections to fatal pulmonary haemorrhage and Weil's syndrome. To successfully establish an infection, leptospires bind to extracellular matrix compounds and host cells. The interaction of leptospires with pathogen recognition receptors is a fundamental issue in leptospiral immunity as well as in immunophatology. Pathogenic but not saprophytic leptospires are able to evade the host complement system, circulate in the blood and spread into tissues. The target organs in human leptospirosis include the kidneys and the lungs. The association of an autoimmune process with these pathologies has been explored and diverse mechanisms that permit leptospires to survive in the kidneys of reservoir animals have been proposed. However, despite the intense research aimed at the development of a leptospirosis vaccine supported by the genome sequencing of Leptospira strains, there have been relatively few studies focused on leptospiral immunity. The knowledge of evasion strategies employed by pathogenic leptospires to subvert the immune system is of extreme importance as they may represent targets for the development of new treatments and prophylactic approaches in leptospirosis.

Leptospira as an emerging pathogen: a review of its biology, pathogenesis and host immune responses

Leptospirosis, the most widespread zoonosis in the world, is an emerging public health problem, particularly in large urban centers of developing countries. Several pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira can cause a wide range of clinical manifestations, from a mild, flu-like illness to a severe disease form characterized by multiorgan system complications leading to death. However, the mechanisms of pathogenesis of Leptospira are largely unknown. This article will address the animal models of acute and chronic leptospire infections, and the recent developments in the genetic manipulation of the bacteria, which facilitate the identification of virulence factors involved in pathogenesis and the assessment of their potential values in the control and prevention of leptospirosis.