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Dhulipalla M, Chouhan G. The Nexus between Leishmania & HIV: Debilitating Host Immunity and Hastening Comorbid Disease Burden. Exp Parasitol 2024:108826. [PMID: 39147120 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The scintillating association between Leishmania and HIV has contributed exceptionally towards expansion of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The co-infection poses a grievous threat to elimination of VL and containment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). When coinfected, Leishmania and HIV complement each other's proliferation and survival by inducing immunesenescence, T cell fatigue and exhaustion. Antigen presentation is lost, co-stimulatory molecules are diminished whereas co-inhibitory molecules such as CTLA-4, TIGIT, LAG-3 etc. are upregulated to ensure a Th2-baised immune environment. As a consequence, Leishmania-HIV coinfection causes poor outcomes, inflates the spread of Leishmania parasites, enhances the severity of side-effects to drugs, as well as escalate the probability of treatment failure and mortality. What makes control extremely strenuous is that there are frequent episodes of VL relapse with no prognostic markers, no standard immunophenotype(s) and appearance of atypical clinical symptoms that further complicate diagnosis and treatment of coinfection cases. Thus, a standard therapeutic regimen has been difficult to develop and treatment is majorly dependent upon a combination of liposomal Amphotericin B and Miltefosine, a therapy that is expensive and capable of causing drastic side-effects in recipients. As World Health Organization is committed to eliminate both VL and HIV in due course of future, the existing therapeutic interventions require advancements to grapple and overcome this hazardous co-infection. In this context, an overview of HIV-VL co-infection, immunopathology of HIV and Leishmania co-inhabitance, available therapeutic options and their limitations in the treatment of co-infection are discussed in-depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasvi Dhulipalla
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India 201306
| | - Garima Chouhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India 201306.
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2
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Bessa IA, D’Amato DL, C. Souza AB, Levita DP, Mello CC, da Silva AFM, dos Santos TC, Ronconi CM. Innovating Leishmaniasis Treatment: A Critical Chemist's Review of Inorganic Nanomaterials. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2485-2506. [PMID: 39001837 PMCID: PMC11320585 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00231] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a critical Neglected Tropical Disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, represents a significant global health risk, particularly in resource-limited regions. Conventional treatments are effective but suffer from serious limitations, such as toxicity, prolonged treatment courses, and rising drug resistance. Herein, we highlight the potential of inorganic nanomaterials as an innovative approach to enhance Leishmaniasis therapy, aligning with the One Health concept by considering these treatments' environmental, veterinary, and public health impacts. By leveraging the adjustable properties of these nanomaterials─including size, shape, and surface charge, tailored treatments for various diseases can be developed that are less harmful to the environment and nontarget species. We review recent advances in metal-, oxide-, and carbon-based nanomaterials for combating Leishmaniasis, examining their mechanisms of action and their dual use as standalone treatments or drug delivery systems. Our analysis highlights a promising yet underexplored frontier in employing these materials for more holistic and effective disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela
A. A. Bessa
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Dayenny L. D’Amato
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz C. Souza
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Daniel P. Levita
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Camille C. Mello
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Aline F. M. da Silva
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Thiago C. dos Santos
- Instituto
de Química, Universidade Federal
do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos 149, CT, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Célia M. Ronconi
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
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3
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Mekarnia N, Benallal KE, Sádlová J, Vojtková B, Mauras A, Imbert N, Longhitano M, Harrat Z, Volf P, Loiseau PM, Cojean S. Effect of Phlebotomus papatasi on the fitness, infectivity and antimony-resistance phenotype of antimony-resistant Leishmania major Mon-25. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100554. [PMID: 38941845 PMCID: PMC11261056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100554] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania major is responsible for zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Therapy is mainly based on the use of antimony-based drugs; however, treatment failures and illness relapses were reported. Although studies were developed to understand mechanisms of drug resistance, the interactions of resistant parasites with their reservoir hosts and vectors remain poorly understood. Here we compared the development of two L. major MON-25 trivalent antimony-resistant lines, selected by a stepwise in vitro Sb(III)-drug pressure, to their wild-type parent line in the natural vector Phlebotomus papatasi. The intensity of infection, parasite location and morphological forms were compared by microscopy. Parasite growth curves and IC50 values have been determined before and after the passage in Ph. papatasi. qPCR was used to assess the amplification rates of some antimony-resistance gene markers. In the digestive tract of sand flies, Sb(III)-resistant lines developed similar infection rates as the wild-type lines during the early-stage infections, but significant differences were observed during the late-stage of the infections. Thus, on day 7 p. i., resistant lines showed lower representation of heavy infections with colonization of the stomodeal valve and lower percentage of metacyclic promastigote forms in comparison to wild-type strains. Observed differences between both resistant lines suggest that the level of Sb(III)-resistance negatively correlates with the quality of the development in the vector. Nevertheless, both resistant lines developed mature infections with the presence of infective metacyclic forms in almost half of infected sandflies. The passage of parasites through the sand fly guts does not significantly influence their capacity to multiply in vitro. The IC50 values and molecular analysis of antimony-resistance genes showed that the resistant phenotype of Sb(III)-resistant parasites is maintained after passage through the sand fly. Sb(III)-resistant lines of L. major MON-25 were able to produce mature infections in Ph. papatasi suggesting a possible circulation in the field using this vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalia Mekarnia
- UR 7510 ESCAPE - USC Anses, School of Pharmacy, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Pôle Santé, 51100 Reims, France; UMR 8076 BioCIS, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Kamal-Eddine Benallal
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arboviruses and Emergent Viruses, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, 16047, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Jovana Sádlová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vojtková
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aurélie Mauras
- UMR 8076 BioCIS, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Nicolas Imbert
- UMR 8076 BioCIS, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France; UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, Anses, INRAe, EnvA, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maryline Longhitano
- UMR 8076 BioCIS, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France; National Malaria Reference Center, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Zoubir Harrat
- Algerian Academy for Science and Technology, Villa Rais Hamidou, Chemin Omar Kachkar, El Madania, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Sandrine Cojean
- UMR 8076 BioCIS, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France; UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, Anses, INRAe, EnvA, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France; National Malaria Reference Center, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard, 75018, Paris, France
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4
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Cabral FV, Riahi M, Persheyev S, Lian C, Cortez M, Samuel IDW, Ribeiro MS. Photodynamic therapy offers a novel approach to managing miltefosine-resistant cutaneous leishmaniasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116881. [PMID: 38917757 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116881] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease caused by Leishmania parasites. The oral drug miltefosine is effective, but there is a growing problem of drug resistance, which has led to increasing treatment failure rates and relapse of infections. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines a light source and a photoactive drug to promote cell death by oxidative stress. Although PDT is effective against several pathogens, its use against drug-resistant Leishmania parasites remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated the potential of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as wearable light sources, which would enable at-home use or ambulatory treatment of CL. We also assessed its impact on combating miltefosine resistance in Leishmania amazonensis-induced CL in mice. The in vitro activity of OLEDs combined with 1,9-dimethyl-methylene blue (DMMB) (OLED-PDT) was evaluated against wild-type and miltefosine-resistant L. amazonensis strains in promastigote (EC50 = 0.034 μM for both strains) and amastigote forms (EC50 = 0.052 μM and 0.077 μM, respectively). Cytotoxicity in macrophages and fibroblasts was also evaluated. In vivo, we investigated the potential of OLED-PDT in combination with miltefosine using different protocols. Our results demonstrate that OLED-PDT is effective in killing both strains of L. amazonensis by increasing reactive oxygen species and stimulating nitric oxide production. Moreover, OLED-PDT showed great antileishmanial activity in vivo, allowing the reduction of miltefosine dose by half in infected mice using a light dose of 7.8 J/cm2 and 15 μM DMMB concentration. In conclusion, OLED-PDT emerges as a new avenue for at-home care and allows a combination therapy to overcome drug resistance in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda V Cabral
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mina Riahi
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Saydulla Persheyev
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Cheng Lian
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Mauro Cortez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (ICB/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ifor D W Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK.
| | - Martha S Ribeiro
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil.
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5
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Tagliazucchi L, Pinetti D, Genovese F, Malpezzi G, Perea Martinez A, Manzano JI, García-Hernández R, Cole AR, Kwon BR, Aiello D, Brooks BW, Thoré ESJ, Bertram MG, Gamarro F, Costi MP. Deciphering Host-Parasite Interplay in Leishmania Infection through a One Health View of Proteomics Studies on Drug Resistance. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 39088331 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Recent efforts in the study of vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs) have emphasized an increased consideration for preventing drug resistance and promoting the environmental safety of drugs, from the beginning of the drug discovery pipeline. The intensive use of the few available antileishmanial drugs has led to the spreading of hyper-resistant Leishmania infantum strains, resulting in a chronic burden of the disease. In the present work, we have investigated the biochemical mechanisms of resistance to antimonials, paromomycin, and miltefosine in three drug-resistant parasitic strains from human clinical isolates, using a whole-cell mass spectrometry proteomics approach. We identified 14 differentially expressed proteins that were validated with their transcripts. Next, we employed functional association networks to identify parasite-specific proteins as potential targets for novel drug discovery studies. We used SeqAPASS analysis to predict susceptibility based on the evolutionary conservation of protein drug targets across species. MATH-domain-containing protein, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette B2, histone H4, calpain-like cysteine peptidase, and trypanothione reductase emerged as top candidates. Overall, this work identifies new biological targets for designing drugs to prevent the development of Leishmania drug resistance, while aligning with One Health principles that emphasize the interconnected health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM) PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Diego Pinetti
- Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti (CIGS), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Genovese
- Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti (CIGS), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Malpezzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM) PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ana Perea Martinez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN-CSIC)", Avda. del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - José I Manzano
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN-CSIC)", Avda. del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Raquel García-Hernández
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN-CSIC)", Avda. del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Alexander R Cole
- Environmental Health Science Program, Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, Texas 97344, United States
| | - Ba Reum Kwon
- Environmental Health Science Program, Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, Texas 97344, United States
| | - Daniele Aiello
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Environmental Health Science Program, Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, Texas 97344, United States
| | - Eli S J Thoré
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd 17, 907 36 Umeå, Sweden
- TRANSfarm-Science, Engineering, & Technology Group, KU Leuven, Bijzondereweg 12, 3360 Lovenjoel, Belgium
| | - Michael G Bertram
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd 17, 907 36 Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 18b, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, 3800 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Francisco Gamarro
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN-CSIC)", Avda. del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Queffeulou M, Leprohon P, Fernandez-Prada C, Ouellette M, Mejía-Jaramillo AM. CRISPR-Cas9 high-throughput screening to study drug resistance in Leishmania infantum. mBio 2024; 15:e0047724. [PMID: 38864609 PMCID: PMC11253630 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00477-24] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Leishmania pose a global health threat with limited treatment options. New drugs are urgently needed, and genomic screens have the potential to accelerate target discovery, mode of action, and resistance mechanisms against these new drugs. We describe here our effort in developing a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen in Leishmania, an organism lacking a functional nonhomologous end joining system that must rely on microhomology-mediated end joining, single-strand annealing, or homologous recombination for repairing Cas9-induced double-stranded DNA breaks. A new vector for cloning and expressing single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) was designed and proven to be effective in a small pilot project while enriching specific sgRNAs during drug selection. We then developed a whole-genome library of 49,754 sgRNAs, targeting all the genes of Leishmania infantum. This library was transfected in L. infantum expressing Cas9, and these cells were selected for resistance to two antileishmanials, miltefosine and amphotericin B. The sgRNAs the most enriched in the miltefosine screen targeted the miltefosine transporter gene, but sgRNAs targeting genes coding for a RING-variant protein and a transmembrane protein were also enriched. The sgRNAs the most enriched by amphotericin B targeted the sterol 24 C methyltransferase genes and a hypothetical gene. Through gene disruption experiments, we proved that loss of function of these genes was associated with resistance. This study describes the feasibility of carrying out whole-genome CRISPR-Cas9 screens in Leishmania provided that a strong selective pressure is applied. Such a screen can be used for accelerating the development of urgently needed antileishmanial drugs.IMPORTANCELeishmaniasis, a global health threat, lacks adequate treatment options and drug resistance exacerbates the challenge. This study introduces a CRISPR-Cas9 screening approach in Leishmania infantum, unraveling mechanisms of drug resistance at a genome-wide scale. Our screen was applied against two main antileishmanial drugs, and guides were enriched upon drug selection. These guides targeted known and new targets, hence validating the use of this screen against Leishmania. This strategy provides a powerful tool to expedite drug discovery as well as potential therapeutic targets against this neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Queffeulou
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Ana María Mejía-Jaramillo
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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de Souza VMR, Maciel NB, Machado YAA, de Sousa JMS, Rodrigues RRL, dos Santos ALS, Gonçalves da Silva MG, Martins da Silva IG, Barros-Cordeiro KB, Báo SN, Tavares JF, Rodrigues KADF. Anti- Leishmania amazonensis Activity of Morolic Acid, a Pentacyclic Triterpene with Effects on Innate Immune Response during Macrophage Infection. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1392. [PMID: 39065160 PMCID: PMC11279160 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious diseases transmitted to humans during vector bites and caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania. Conventional therapies face challenges due to their serious side effects, prompting research into new anti-leishmania agents. In this context, we investigated the effectiveness of morolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene, on L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes. The present study employed the MTT assay, cytokine analysis using optEIATM kits, an H2DCFDA test, and nitric oxide dosage involving nitrite production and Griess reagent. Morolic acid inhibited promastigote and axenic amastigote growth forms at IC50 values of 1.13 µM and 2.74 µM, respectively. For cytotoxicity to macrophages and VERO cells, morolic acid obtained respective CC50 values of 68.61 µM and 82.94 µM. The compound causes damage to the parasite membrane, leading to cellular leakage. In the infection assay, there was a decrease in parasite load, resulting in a CI50 of 2.56 µM. This effect was associated with immunomodulatory activity, altering macrophage structural and cellular parasite elimination mechanisms. Morolic acid proved to be an effective and selective natural compound, making it a strong candidate for future in vivo studies in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Maria Rodrigues de Souza
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Nicolle Barreira Maciel
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Yasmim Alves Aires Machado
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Julyanne Maria Saraiva de Sousa
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Raiza Raianne Luz Rodrigues
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Airton Lucas Sousa dos Santos
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Maria Gabrielly Gonçalves da Silva
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Ingrid Gracielle Martins da Silva
- Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (I.G.M.d.S.); (K.B.B.-C.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Karine Brenda Barros-Cordeiro
- Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (I.G.M.d.S.); (K.B.B.-C.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Sônia Nair Báo
- Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (I.G.M.d.S.); (K.B.B.-C.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Josean Fechine Tavares
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil;
| | - Klinger Antonio da Franca Rodrigues
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
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8
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Sanz CR, Sarquis J, Daza MÁ, Miró G. Exploring the impact of epidemiological and clinical factors on the progression of canine leishmaniosis by statistical and whole genome analyses: from breed predisposition to comorbidities. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:401-414. [PMID: 38570155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.03.006] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is a complex disease of growing importance in Europe. Clinical manifestations result from the down-modulation of the host immune response through multiple host-parasite interactions. Although several factors might influence CanL progression, this is the first known study evaluating risk factors for its different clinical stages in a large referral hospital population (n = 35.669) from an endemic area, over a 20 year period. Genome-wide scans for selection signatures were also conducted to explore the genomic component of clinical susceptibility to L. infantum infection. The prevalence of CanL was 3.2% (16.7% stage I; 43.6% stage II; 32.1% stage III; 7.6% stage IV). Dog breed (crossbreed), bodyweight (<10 kg), living conditions (indoors), regular deworming treatment, and being vaccinated against Leishmania significantly decreased the transmission risk and the risk for developing severe clinical forms. Conversely, the detection of comorbidities was associated with advanced clinical forms, particularly chronic kidney disease, neoplasia, cryptorchidism, infectious tracheobronchitis and urate urolithiasis, although those did not impact the clinical outcome. Significant associations between an increased risk of severe clinical stages and findings in the anamnesis (renal or skin-related manifestations) and physical examination (ocular findings) were also detected, highlighting their diagnostic value in referred cases of CanL. Sixteen breeds were found to be significantly more susceptible to developing severe stages of leishmaniosis (e.g. Great Dane, Rottweiler, English Springer Spaniel, Boxer, American Staffordshire Terrier, Golden Retriever), while 20 breeds displayed a clinical resistantance phenotype and, thus, are more likely to mount an efficient immune response against L. infantum (e.g. Pointer, Samoyed, Spanish Mastiff, Spanish Greyhound, English Setter, Siberian Husky). Genomic analyses of these breeds retrieved 12 regions under selection, 63 candidate genes and pinpointed multiple biological pathways such as the IRE1 branch of the unfolded protein response, which could play a critical role in clinical susceptibility to L. infantum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina R Sanz
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Juliana Sarquis
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Daza
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta Hierro s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain; Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta Hierro s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain.
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9
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Avishek K, Beg MA, Vats K, Singh AK, Dey R, Singh KP, Singh RK, Gannavaram S, Ramesh V, Mulla MSA, Bhatnagar U, Singh S, Nakhasi HL, Salotra P, Selvapandiyan A. Manufacturing and preclinical toxicity of GLP grade gene deleted attenuated Leishmania donovani parasite vaccine. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14636. [PMID: 38918456 PMCID: PMC11199483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64592-6] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Centrin1 gene deleted Leishmania donovani parasite (LdCen1-/-) was developed and extensively tested experimentally as an intracellular stage-specific attenuated and immunoprotective live parasite vaccine candidate ex vivo using human PBMCs and in vivo in animals. Here we report manufacturing and pre-clinical evaluation of current Good-Laboratory Practice (cGLP) grade LdCen1-/- parasites, as a prerequisite before proceeding with clinical trials. We screened three batches of LdCen1-/- parasites manufactured in bioreactors under cGLP conditions, for their consistency in genetic stability, attenuation, and safety. One such batch was preclinically tested using human PBMCs and animals (hamsters and dogs) for its safety and protective immunogenicity. The immunogenicity of the CGLP grade LdCen1-/- parasites was similar to one grown under laboratory conditions. The cGLP grade LdCen1-/- parasites were found to be safe and non-toxic in hamsters and dogs even at 3 times the anticipated vaccine dose. When PBMCs from healed visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases were infected with cGLP LdCen1-/-, there was a significant increase in the stimulation of cytokines that contribute to protective responses against VL. This effect, measured by multiplex ELISA, was greater than that observed in PBMCs from healthy individuals. These results suggest that cGLP grade LdCen1-/- manufactured under cGMP complaint conditions can be suitable for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Avishek
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Mirza A Beg
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Kavita Vats
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Avinash Kumar Singh
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, Hinjewadi Phase II, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Ranadhir Dey
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Kamaleshwar P Singh
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, Hinjewadi Phase II, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Singh
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, Hinjewadi Phase II, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - V Ramesh
- Department of Dermatology and STD, ESIC Medical College, Faridabad, Haryana, 121001, India
| | | | - Upendra Bhatnagar
- Vimta Laboratories, Cherlapally, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500051, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, Hinjewadi Phase II, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Hira L Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Poonam Salotra
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India
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10
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Kumari S, Bodhale N, Sarode A, Jha MK, Bhadange S, Pandey SP, Selvaraj S, Chande AG, Mukhopadhyaya R, Ghosh SK, Singh S, Mukherjee D, Duffin R, Andrews P, Saha B. Leishmania major MAPK4 intercepts and redirects CD40 signaling promoting infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112100. [PMID: 38728877 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The parasite Leishmania resides as amastigotes within the macrophage parasitophorous vacuoles inflicting the disease Leishmaniasis. Leishmania selectively modulates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation subverting CD40-triggered anti-leishmanial functions of macrophages. The mechanism of any pathogen-derived molecule induced host MAPK modulation remains poorly understood. Herein, we show that of the fifteen MAPKs, LmjMAPK4 expression is higher in virulent L. major. LmjMAPK4- detected in parasitophorous vacuoles and cytoplasm- binds MEK-1/2, but not MKK-3/6. Lentivirally-overexpressed LmjMAPK4 augments CD40-activated MEK-1/2-ERK-1/2-MKP-1, but inhibits MKK3/6-p38MAPK-MKP-3, phosphorylation. A rationally-identified LmjMAPK4 inhibitor reinstates CD40-activated host-protective anti-leishmanial functions in L. major-infected susceptible BALB/c mice. These results identify LmjMAPK4 as a MAPK modulator at the host-pathogen interface and establish a pathogen-intercepted host receptor signaling as a scientific rationale for identifying drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta Kumari
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Neelam Bodhale
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Aditya Sarode
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Jha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Sagar Bhadange
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | | | | | - Ajit G Chande
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | | | | | - Shailza Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | | | - Rebekah Duffin
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Philip Andrews
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India.
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11
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Centanni A, Diotallevi A, Buffi G, Olivieri D, Santarém N, Lehtinen A, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Kiuru P, Lucarini S, Galluzzi L. Exploring hydrophilic 2,2-di(indol-3-yl)ethanamine derivatives against Leishmania infantum. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301901. [PMID: 38870204 PMCID: PMC11175440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Herein we report the design and the synthesis of a library of new and more hydrophilic bisindole analogues based on our previously identified antileishmanial compound URB1483 that failed the preliminary in vivo test. The novel bisindoles were phenotypically screened for efficacy against Leishmania infantum promastigotes and simultaneously for toxicity on human macrophage-like THP-1 cells. Among the less toxic compounds, eight bisindoles showed IC50 below 10 μM. The most selective compound 1h (selectivity index = 10.1, comparable to miltefosine) and the most potent compound 2c (IC50 = 2.7 μM) were tested for their efficacy on L. infantum intracellular amastigotes. The compounds also demonstrated their efficacy in the in vitro infection model, showing IC50 of 11.1 and 6.8 μM for 1h and 2c, respectively. Moreover, 1h showed a better toxicity profile than the commercial drug miltefosine. For all these reasons, 1h could be a possible new starting point for hydrophilic antileishmanial agents with low cytotoxicity on human macrophage-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Centanni
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Gloria Buffi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Diego Olivieri
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Nuno Santarém
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Antti Lehtinen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Kiuru
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Simone Lucarini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino (PU), Italy
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12
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Rezende Ribeiro N, Magno Oliveira Santos L, Silva Costa S, Kei Myasaki C, Pagliara Lage D, Tamietti Martins V, Cristiane Fortes De Brito R, Chaves Freire L, Maria Ravena Severino Carvalho A, Victor Serafim Brigido B, José Alves R, Antonio Ferraz Coelho E, Mendes Roatt B, Menezes-Souza D, Costa Duarte M. Development of a topical treatment for tegumentary leishmaniasis using 8-hydroxyquinoline. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 199:114306. [PMID: 38679213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114306] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In the context of neglected diseases, tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) presents an emerging and re-emerging character in the national territory and in the world. The treatment of TL has limitations, such as intravenous administration route, high toxicity, and high treatment costs. Thus, several researchers work on new therapeutic strategies to improve the effectiveness of the treatment of leishmaniasis. In this light, the present study used a topical formulation, containing 8-hydroquinoline (8-HQN), for the treatment of Balb/c mice infected with L. amazonensis. After the treatment, the mean diameter of the lesion was measured, as well as the parasite load in organs and immunological parameters associated with the treatment. The results showed that the animals treated with 8-HQN 5%, when compared to controls, showed a reduction in the mean diameter of the lesion and in the parasite load. The animals treated with the ointment showed a type 1 cellular immune response profile associated with the production of cytokines such as INF-γ and TNF-α. In addition, the treatment did not demonstrate toxicity to mice. Therefore, the topical formulation containing 8-HQN 5% is a promising candidate in the topical treatment and could be considered, in the future, as an alternative for the treatment of TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naianda Rezende Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucas Magno Oliveira Santos
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Scarleth Silva Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina Kei Myasaki
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pagliara Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vivian Tamietti Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rory Cristiane Fortes De Brito
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Chaves Freire
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Ravena Severino Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bryan Victor Serafim Brigido
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo José Alves
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas/CiPharma, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Costa Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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13
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Goyzueta-Mamani LD, Barazorda-Ccahuana HL, Candia-Puma MA, Galdino AS, Machado-de-Avila RA, Giunchetti RC, Medina-Franco JL, Florin-Christensen M, Ferraz Coelho EA, Chávez-Fumagalli MA. Targeting Leishmania infantum Mannosyl-oligosaccharide glucosidase with natural products: potential pH-dependent inhibition explored through computer-aided drug design. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1403203. [PMID: 38873424 PMCID: PMC11169604 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1403203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious public health issue, documented in more than ninety countries, where an estimated 500,000 new cases emerge each year. Regardless of novel methodologies, advancements, and experimental interventions, therapeutic limitations, and drug resistance are still challenging. For this reason, based on previous research, we screened natural products (NP) from Nuclei of Bioassays, Ecophysiology, and Biosynthesis of Natural Products Database (NuBBEDB), Mexican Compound Database of Natural Products (BIOFACQUIM), and Peruvian Natural Products Database (PeruNPDB) databases, in addition to structural analogs of Miglitol and Acarbose, which have been suggested as treatments for VL and have shown encouraging action against parasite's N-glycan biosynthesis. Using computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches, the potential inhibitory effect of these NP candidates was evaluated by inhibiting the Mannosyl-oligosaccharide Glucosidase Protein (MOGS) from Leishmania infantum, an enzyme essential for the protein glycosylation process, at various pH to mimic the parasite's changing environment. Also, computational analysis was used to evaluate the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) profile, while molecular dynamic simulations were used to gather information on the interactions between these ligands and the protein target. Our findings indicated that Ocotillone and Subsessiline have potential antileishmanial effects at pH 5 and 7, respectively, due to their high binding affinity to MOGS and interactions in the active center. Furthermore, these compounds were non-toxic and had the potential to be administered orally. This research indicates the promising anti-leishmanial activity of Ocotillone and Subsessiline, suggesting further validation through in vitro and in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Daniel Goyzueta-Mamani
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Haruna Luz Barazorda-Ccahuana
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Mayron Antonio Candia-Puma
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, Peru
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, Peru
| | | | | | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Salvador, Brazil
| | - José L. Medina-Franco
- DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mónica Florin-Christensen
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, CICVyA, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, Colégio Técnico da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (COLTEC), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, Peru
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14
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Rajan KS, Aryal S, Hiregange DG, Bashan A, Madmoni H, Olami M, Doniger T, Cohen-Chalamish S, Pescher P, Taoka M, Nobe Y, Fedorenko A, Bose T, Zimermann E, Prina E, Aharon-Hefetz N, Pilpel Y, Isobe T, Unger R, Späth GF, Yonath A, Michaeli S. Structural and mechanistic insights into the function of Leishmania ribosome lacking a single pseudouridine modification. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114203. [PMID: 38722744 PMCID: PMC11156624 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114203] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmania is the causative agent of cutaneous and visceral diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Pseudouridine (Ψ), the most abundant modification on rRNA, changes during the parasite life cycle. Alterations in the level of a specific Ψ in helix 69 (H69) affected ribosome function. To decipher the molecular mechanism of this phenotype, we determine the structure of ribosomes lacking the single Ψ and its parental strain at ∼2.4-3 Å resolution using cryo-EM. Our findings demonstrate the significance of a single Ψ on H69 to its structure and the importance for its interactions with helix 44 and specific tRNAs. Our study suggests that rRNA modification affects translation of mRNAs carrying codon bias due to selective accommodation of tRNAs by the ribosome. Based on the high-resolution structures, we propose a mechanism explaining how the ribosome selects specific tRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shanmugha Rajan
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100001, Israel; The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Saurav Aryal
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Disha-Gajanan Hiregange
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100001, Israel
| | - Anat Bashan
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100001, Israel
| | - Hava Madmoni
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Mika Olami
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Tirza Doniger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Smadar Cohen-Chalamish
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Pascal Pescher
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
| | - Masato Taoka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-osawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Yuko Nobe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-osawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Aliza Fedorenko
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100001, Israel
| | - Tanaya Bose
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100001, Israel
| | - Ella Zimermann
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100001, Israel
| | - Eric Prina
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
| | - Noa Aharon-Hefetz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yitzhak Pilpel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Toshiaki Isobe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-osawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Ron Unger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Gerald F Späth
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
| | - Ada Yonath
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100001, Israel
| | - Shulamit Michaeli
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel.
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15
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Silva RVS, Uliana SRB, Yasunaka JKUY, Veloso CS, Sousa E, Ferreira MML, Carvalho VS, Ferreira GR, Costa DL, Costa CHN. Low Plasma Lipids Are Associated with Relapsing and Lethal Visceral Leishmaniasis in HIV-Infected Patients. Pathogens 2024; 13:450. [PMID: 38921748 PMCID: PMC11206293 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) results from protozoa Leishmania infantum and L. donovani infection. This study investigated whether host factors would explain the relapses. First, susceptibility to amphotericin B of L. infantum isolates was evaluated in vitro. Then, clinical data and the lipid profile of patients with relapsing and non-relapsing VL were assessed. Susceptibility to amphotericin B was similar between the isolates. CD4+ lymphocytes were reduced in both groups of patients in the first episode and with relapsing VL. Still, the strongest blood cell indicator associated with relapses was low total lymphocyte counts. Total plasma cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and, uniquely, triglycerides of the six individuals in the first episode and twenty-three with relapsing VL were lower in relapsing patients than those in the first episode. Deceased patients had extremely low low-density lipoprotein. After CD4+ decreases, lymphocyte CD8+ reduction is the final stage of immunological failure. The lower lipid concentrations appear to be secondary to the depletion of fat stores by inflammation-induced cachexia and fat exhaustion provoked by the co-occurrence of both diseases, which can finally lead to death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata V. S. Silva
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Departamento de Medicina Comunitária, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil;
| | - Silvia R. B. Uliana
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, SP, Brazil; (S.R.B.U.); (J.K.U.Y.Y.)
| | - Jenicer K. U. Y. Yasunaka
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, SP, Brazil; (S.R.B.U.); (J.K.U.Y.Y.)
| | - Cláudio S. Veloso
- Instituto de Doenças Tropicais “Natan Portella”, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil; (C.S.V.); (D.L.C.)
| | - Emille Sousa
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Centro de Inteligência em Agravos Emergentes e Negligenciados, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil; (E.S.); (M.M.L.F.)
| | - Maria M. L. Ferreira
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Centro de Inteligência em Agravos Emergentes e Negligenciados, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil; (E.S.); (M.M.L.F.)
| | - Vivianne S. Carvalho
- Centro de Diagnóstico, “Dr. Raul Bacellar”, Fundação Municipal de Saúde, Teresina 64600-000, PI, Brazil;
| | - Gabriel R. Ferreira
- Department of Microbiology-Infectious Disease and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Dorcas L. Costa
- Instituto de Doenças Tropicais “Natan Portella”, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil; (C.S.V.); (D.L.C.)
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Centro de Inteligência em Agravos Emergentes e Negligenciados, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil; (E.S.); (M.M.L.F.)
- Departamento de Mãe e Filho, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil
| | - Carlos H. N. Costa
- Instituto de Doenças Tropicais “Natan Portella”, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil; (C.S.V.); (D.L.C.)
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Centro de Inteligência em Agravos Emergentes e Negligenciados, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil; (E.S.); (M.M.L.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Comunitária, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Leishmanioses, Centro de Investigações em Agravos Tropicais Emergentes e Negligenciados, Instituto de Doenças Tropicais “Natan Portella”, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Rua Artur de Vasconcelos 151, Teresina 64002-510, PI, Brazil
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16
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Díaz-Varela M, Sanchez-Hidalgo A, Calderon-Copete S, Tacchini V, Shipley TR, Ramírez LG, Marquis J, Fernández OL, Saravia NG, Tacchini-Cottier F. The different impact of drug-resistant Leishmania on the transcription programs activated in neutrophils. iScience 2024; 27:109773. [PMID: 38711445 PMCID: PMC11070714 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance threatens the effective control of infections, including parasitic diseases such as leishmaniases. Neutrophils are essential players in antimicrobial control, but their role in drug-resistant infections is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated human neutrophil response to clinical parasite strains having distinct natural drug susceptibility. We found that Leishmania antimony drug resistance significantly altered the expression of neutrophil genes, some of them transcribed by specific neutrophil subsets. Infection with drug-resistant parasites increased the expression of detoxification pathways and reduced the production of cytokines. Among these, the chemokine CCL3 was predominantly impacted, which resulted in an impaired ability of neutrophils to attract myeloid cells. Moreover, decreased myeloid recruitment when CCL3 levels are reduced was confirmed by blocking CCL3 in a mouse model. Collectively, these findings reveal that the interplay between naturally drug-resistant parasites and neutrophils modulates the infected skin immune microenvironment, revealing a key role of neutrophils in drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Míriam Díaz-Varela
- Department of Immunobiology, WHO Collaborative Center for Research and Training in Immunology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Sanchez-Hidalgo
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas, CIDEIM, Cali 760031, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali 760031, Colombia
| | - Sandra Calderon-Copete
- Lausanne Genomic Technologies Facility, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Tacchini
- Department of Immunobiology, WHO Collaborative Center for Research and Training in Immunology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Tobias R. Shipley
- Department of Immunobiology, WHO Collaborative Center for Research and Training in Immunology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Lady Giovanna Ramírez
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas, CIDEIM, Cali 760031, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali 760031, Colombia
| | - Julien Marquis
- Lausanne Genomic Technologies Facility, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olga Lucía Fernández
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas, CIDEIM, Cali 760031, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali 760031, Colombia
| | - Nancy Gore Saravia
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas, CIDEIM, Cali 760031, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali 760031, Colombia
| | - Fabienne Tacchini-Cottier
- Department of Immunobiology, WHO Collaborative Center for Research and Training in Immunology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
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17
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Shmuel O, Rasti A, Zaknoun M, Astman N, Golan-Goldhirsh A, Sagi O, Gopas J. Anti- Leishmania major Properties of Nuphar lutea (Yellow Water Lily) Leaf Extracts and Purified 6,6' Dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN). Pathogens 2024; 13:384. [PMID: 38787236 PMCID: PMC11124111 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic disease, manifested as chronic ulcers, potentially leaving unattractive scars. There is no preventive vaccination or optimal medication against leishmaniasis. Chemotherapy generally depends upon a small group of compounds, each with its own efficacy, toxicity, and rate of drug resistance. To date, no standardized, simple, safe, and highly effective regimen for treating CL exists. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new optimal medication for this disease. Sesquiterpen thio-alkaloids constitute a group of plant secondary metabolites that bear great potential for medicinal uses. The nupharidines found in Nuphar lutea belong to this group of compounds. We have previously published that Nuphar lutea semi-purified extract containing major components of nupharidines has strong anti-leishmanial activity in vitro. Here, we present in vivo data on the therapeutic benefit of the extract against Leishmania major (L. major) in infected mice. We also expanded these observations by establishing the therapeutic effect of the extract-purified nupharidine 6,6'-dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN) in vitro against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes as well as in vivo in L. major-infected mice. The results suggest that this novel anti-parasitic small molecule has the potential to be further developed against Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Shmuel
- Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.S.); (A.R.); (O.S.)
| | - Aviv Rasti
- Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.S.); (A.R.); (O.S.)
| | - Melodie Zaknoun
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
| | - Nadav Astman
- Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Tel Aviv 39040, Israel;
| | - Avi Golan-Goldhirsh
- The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR), French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
| | - Orly Sagi
- Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.S.); (A.R.); (O.S.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Jacob Gopas
- Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.S.); (A.R.); (O.S.)
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18
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Al Khoury C, Thoumi S, Tokajian S, Sinno A, Nemer G, El Beyrouthy M, Rahy K. ABC transporter inhibition by beauvericin partially overcomes drug resistance in Leishmania tropica. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0136823. [PMID: 38572959 PMCID: PMC11064568 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01368-23] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease infecting the world's poorest populations. Miltefosine (ML) remains the primary oral drug against the cutaneous form of leishmaniasis. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are key players in the xenobiotic efflux, and their inhibition could enhance the therapeutic index. In this study, the ability of beauvericin (BEA) to overcome ABC transporter-mediated resistance of Leishmania tropica to ML was assessed. In addition, the transcription profile of genes involved in resistance acquisition to ML was inspected. Finally, we explored the efflux mechanism of the drug and inhibitor. The efficacy of ML against all developmental stages of L. tropica in the presence or absence of BEA was evaluated using an absolute quantification assay. The expression of resistance genes was evaluated, comparing susceptible and resistant strains. Finally, the mechanisms governing the interaction between the ABC transporter and its ligands were elucidated using molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Relative quantification showed that the expression of the ABCG sub-family is mostly modulated by ML. In this study, we used BEA to impede resistance of Leishmania tropica. The IC50 values, following BEA treatment, were significantly reduced from 30.83, 48.17, and 16.83 µM using ML to 8.14, 11.1, and 7.18 µM when using a combinatorial treatment (ML + BEA) against promastigotes, axenic amastigotes, and intracellular amastigotes, respectively. We also demonstrated a favorable BEA-binding enthalpy to L. tropica ABC transporter compared to ML. Our study revealed that BEA partially reverses the resistance development of L. tropica to ML by blocking the alternate ATP hydrolysis cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Al Khoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sergio Thoumi
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sima Tokajian
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Aia Sinno
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Nemer
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mark El Beyrouthy
- Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Kelven Rahy
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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19
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Niroumand U, Motazedian MH, Ahmadi F, Asgari Q, Bahreini MS, Ghasemiyeh P, Mohammadi-Samani S. Preparation and characterization of artemether-loaded niosomes in Leishmania major-induced cutaneous leishmaniasis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10073. [PMID: 38698123 PMCID: PMC11065877 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60883-0] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis worldwide. Although various anti-leishmanial regimens have been considered, due to the lack of efficacy or occurrence of adverse reactions, design and development of novel topical delivery systems would be essential. This study aimed to prepare artemether (ART)-loaded niosomes and evaluate their anti-leishmanial effects against Leishmania major. ART-loaded niosomes were prepared through the thin-film hydration technique and characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, morphology, differential scanning calorimetry, drug loading, and drug release. Furthermore, anti-leishmanial effect of the preparation was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The prepared ART-loaded niosomes were spherical with an average diameter of about 100 and 300 nm with high encapsulation efficiencies of > 99%. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity revealed that ART-loaded niosomes had significantly higher anti-leishmanial activity, lower general toxicity, and higher selectivity index (SI). Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ART, ART-loaded niosomes, and liposomal amphotericin B were 39.09, 15.12, and 20 µg/mL, respectively. Also, according to the in vivo study results, ART-loaded niosomes with an average size of 300 nm showed the highest anti-leishmanial effects in animal studies. ART-loaded niosomes would be promising topical drug delivery system for the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uranous Niroumand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz-Marvdasht Hwy, Karafarin St, Shiraz, 71468 64685, Fars, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Motazedian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahmadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saleh Bahreini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Parisa Ghasemiyeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soliman Mohammadi-Samani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz-Marvdasht Hwy, Karafarin St, Shiraz, 71468 64685, Fars, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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20
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Guerra RO, do Carmo Neto JR, da Silva PEF, Franco PIR, Barbosa RM, de Albuquerque Martins T, Costa-Madeira J, de Assunção TSF, de Oliveira CJF, Machado JR, Silva Teixeira LDA, Rodrigues WF, Júnior VR, Silva ACA, da Silva MV. Metallic nanoparticles and treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A systematic review. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127404. [PMID: 38364464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (LC) is an infectious vector-borne disease caused by parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been investigated as alternatives for the treatment of LC owing to their small size and high surface area. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of MNPs in the treatment of LC through experimental, in vitro and in vivo investigations. METHODS The databases used were MEDLINE/ PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Science Direct. Manual searches of the reference lists of the included studies and grey literature were also performed. English language and experimental in vitro and in vivo studies using different Leishmania species, both related to MNP treatment, were included. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021248245). RESULTS A total of 93 articles were included. Silver nanoparticles are the most studied MNPs, and L. tropica is the most studied species. Among the mechanisms of action of MNPs in vitro, we highlight the production of reactive oxygen species, direct contact of MNPs with the biomolecules of the parasite, and release of metal ions. CONCLUSION MNPs may be considered a promising alternative for the treatment of LC, but further studies are needed to define their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhanoica Oliveira Guerra
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Priscilla Elias Ferreira da Silva
- Post Graduation Course of Tropical Medicine and Infectology, Institute of Healthy Science´s, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pablo Igor Ribeiro Franco
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Miranda Barbosa
- Department of Basic and Applied Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Tarcísio de Albuquerque Martins
- Post-Graduation Course of Healthy Science, Institute of Healthy Science, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Costa-Madeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais Soares Farnesi de Assunção
- Post Graduation Course of Tropical Medicine and Infectology, Institute of Healthy Science´s, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Reis Machado
- Department of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana de Almeida Silva Teixeira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Healthy Science, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wellington Francisco Rodrigues
- Post-Graduation Course of Healthy Science, Institute of Healthy Science, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Virmondes Rodrigues Júnior
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Brazil
| | - Anielle Christine Almeida Silva
- Laboratory of New Nanostructured and Functional Materials, Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Brazil.
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21
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González-Matos M, Aguado ME, Izquierdo M, Monzote L, González-Bacerio J. Compounds with potentialities as novel chemotherapeutic agents in leishmaniasis at preclinical level. Exp Parasitol 2024; 260:108747. [PMID: 38518969 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108747] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis are neglected infectious diseases caused by kinetoplastid protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania. These sicknesses are present mainly in tropical regions and almost 1 million new cases are reported each year. The absence of vaccines, as well as the high cost, toxicity or resistance to the current drugs determines the necessity of new treatments against these pathologies. In this review, several compounds with potentialities as new antileishmanial drugs are presented. The discussion is restricted to the preclinical level and molecules are organized according to their chemical nature, source and molecular targets. In this manner, we present antimicrobial peptides, flavonoids, withanolides, 8-aminoquinolines, compounds from Leish-Box, pyrazolopyrimidines, and inhibitors of tubulin polymerization/depolymerization, topoisomerase IB, proteases, pteridine reductase, N-myristoyltransferase, as well as enzymes involved in polyamine metabolism, response against oxidative stress, signaling pathways, and sterol biosynthesis. This work is a contribution to the general knowledge of these compounds as antileishmanial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maikel González-Matos
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Mirtha Elisa Aguado
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Maikel Izquierdo
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Lianet Monzote
- Department of Parasitology, Center for Research, Diagnosis and Reference, Tropical Medicine Institute "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia Del Mediodía Km 6½, La Lisa, La Habana, Cuba.
| | - Jorge González-Bacerio
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Calle 25 #455 Entre I y J, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba.
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22
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Pereira IAG, Freitas CS, Câmara RSB, Jesus MM, Lage DP, Tavares GSV, Soyer TG, Ramos FF, Soares NP, Santiago SS, Martins VT, Vale DL, Pimenta BL, Ludolf F, Oliveira FM, Duarte MC, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Costa AV, Gonçalves DU, Roatt BM, Teixeira RR, Coelho EAF. Treatment using vanillin-derived synthetic molecules incorporated into polymeric micelles is effective against infection caused by Leishmania amazonensis species. Exp Parasitol 2024; 260:108743. [PMID: 38513973 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108743] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Treatment against leishmaniasis presents problems, mainly due to the toxicity of the drugs, high cost, and the emergence of resistant strains. A previous study showed that two vanillin-derived synthetic molecules, 3s [4-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-octyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)propoxy)-3-methoxybenzaldehyde] and 3t [4-(3-(4-decyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-methoxybenzaldehyde], presented antileishmanial activity against Leishmania infantum, L. amazonensis, and L. braziliensis species. In the present work, 3s and 3t were evaluated to treat L. amazonensis-infected mice. Molecules were used pure or incorporated into Poloxamer 407-based micelles. In addition, amphotericin B (AmpB) and its liposomal formulation, Ambisome®, were used as control. Animals received the treatment and, one and 30 days after, they were euthanized to evaluate immunological, parasitological, and biochemical parameters. Results showed that the micellar compositions (3s/Mic and 3t/Mic) induced significant reductions in the lesion mean diameter and parasite load in the infected tissue and distinct organs, as well as a specific and significant antileishmanial Th1-type immune response, which was based on significantly higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, nitrite, and IgG2a isotype antibodies. Drug controls showed also antileishmanial action; although 3s/Mic and 3t/Mic have presented better and more significant parasitological and immunological data, which were based on significantly higher IFN-γ production and lower parasite burden in treated animals. In addition, significantly lower levels of urea, creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase were found in mice treated with 3s/Mic and 3t/Mic, when compared to the others. In conclusion, results suggest that 3s/Mic and 3t/Mic could be considered as therapeutic candidates to treat against L. amazonensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela A G Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila S Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel S B Câmara
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Jesus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tauane G Soyer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nícia P Soares
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas Em Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samira S Santiago
- Grupo de Síntese e Pesquisa de Compostos Bioativos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Avenida PH Rolfs, S/N, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danniele L Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Breno L Pimenta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-110, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabrício M Oliveira
- Instituto Federal de Educação de Minas Gerais, Rua Afonso Sardinha, 90, Bairro Pioneiros, 36420-000, Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Umacollo, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Adilson V Costa
- Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo, Alto Universitário, S/n, Guararema, 29500-000, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Denise U Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas Em Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Róbson R Teixeira
- Grupo de Síntese e Pesquisa de Compostos Bioativos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Avenida PH Rolfs, S/N, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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23
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Freitas CS, Pereira IAG, Lage DP, Vale DL, Pimenta BL, Soares NP, Santiago SS, Martins VT, Câmara RSB, Jesus MM, Tavares GSV, Ramos FF, Ludolf F, Magalhães LND, Oliveira FM, Duarte MC, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Costa AV, Roatt BM, Teixeira RR, Coelho EAF. New synthetic molecules incorporated into polymeric micelles used for treatment against visceral leishmaniasis. Cytokine 2024; 177:156543. [PMID: 38373365 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156543] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Treatment against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) presents problems, mainly related to drug toxicity, high cost and/or by emergence of resistant strains. In the present study, two vanillin synthetic derivatives, 3 s [4-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-octyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)propoxy)-3-methoxybenzaldehyde] and 3 t [4-(3-(4-decyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-methoxybenzaldehyde], were evaluated as therapeutic candidates in a murine model against Leishmania infantum infection. Molecules were used pure (3 s and 3 t) or incorporated into Poloxamer 407-based micelles (3 s/M and 3 t/M) in the infected animals, which also received amphotericin B (AmpB) or Ambisome® as control. Results showed that 3 s/M and 3 t/M compositions induced a Th1-type immune response in treated animals, with higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-12, nitrite, and IgG2a antibodies. Animals presented also low toxicity and significant reductions in the parasite load in their spleens, livers, bone marrows and draining lymph nodes, as compared as control groups mice, with the evaluations performed one and 30 days after the application of the therapeutics. In conclusion, preliminary data suggest that 3 s/M and 3 t/M could be considered for future studies as therapeutic agents against VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila S Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabela A G Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danniele L Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Breno L Pimenta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nícia P Soares
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samira S Santiago
- Grupo de Síntese e Pesquisa de Compostos Bioativos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Avenida PH Rolfs, S/N, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel S B Câmara
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Jesus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-110, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lícia N D Magalhães
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabrício M Oliveira
- Instituto Federal de Educação de Minas Gerais, Rua Afonso Sardinha, 90, Bairro Pioneiros, 36420-000 Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Umacollo, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Adilson V Costa
- Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alto Universitário, s/n, Guararema, 29500-000, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Róbson R Teixeira
- Grupo de Síntese e Pesquisa de Compostos Bioativos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Avenida PH Rolfs, S/N, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, 30130-100 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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24
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Amorim Sacramento L, Farias Amorim C, G. Lombana C, Beiting D, Novais F, P. Carvalho L, M. Carvalho E, Scott P. CCR5 promotes the migration of pathological CD8+ T cells to the leishmanial lesions. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012211. [PMID: 38709823 PMCID: PMC11098486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytolytic CD8+ T cells mediate immunopathology in cutaneous leishmaniasis without controlling parasites. Here, we identify factors involved in CD8+ T cell migration to the lesion that could be targeted to ameliorate disease severity. CCR5 was the most highly expressed chemokine receptor in patient lesions, and the high expression of CCL3 and CCL4, CCR5 ligands, was associated with delayed healing of lesions. To test the requirement for CCR5, Leishmania-infected Rag1-/- mice were reconstituted with CCR5-/- CD8+ T cells. We found that these mice developed smaller lesions accompanied by a reduction in CD8+ T cell numbers compared to controls. We confirmed these findings by showing that the inhibition of CCR5 with maraviroc, a selective inhibitor of CCR5, reduced lesion development without affecting the parasite burden. Together, these results reveal that CD8+ T cells migrate to leishmanial lesions in a CCR5-dependent manner and that blocking CCR5 prevents CD8+ T cell-mediated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Amorim Sacramento
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Camila Farias Amorim
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Claudia G. Lombana
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Daniel Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Fernanda Novais
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lucas P. Carvalho
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas do Instituto de Pesquisas Gonçalo Muniz–Fiocruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Immunology Service, Professor Edgard Santos University Hospital Complex, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Edgar M. Carvalho
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas do Instituto de Pesquisas Gonçalo Muniz–Fiocruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Immunology Service, Professor Edgard Santos University Hospital Complex, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Phillip Scott
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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25
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Ferreira BA, Coser EM, de la Roca S, Aoki JI, Branco N, Soares GHC, Lima MIS, Coelho AC. Amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania amazonensis: In vitro and in vivo characterization of a Brazilian clinical isolate. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012175. [PMID: 38768213 PMCID: PMC11142706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, Leishmania amazonensis is the etiological agent of cutaneous and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis. The state of Maranhão in the Northeast of Brazil is prevalent for these clinical forms of the disease and also has high rates of HIV infection. Here, we characterized the drug susceptibility of a L. amazonensis clinical isolate from a 46-year-old man with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis coinfected with HIV from this endemic area. This patient underwent several therapeutic regimens with meglumine antimoniate, liposomal amphotericin B, and pentamidine, without success. In vitro susceptibility assays against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes demonstrated that this isolate had low susceptibility to amphotericin B, when compared with the reference strain of this species that is considered susceptible to antileishmanial drugs. Additionally, we investigated whether the low in vitro susceptibility would affect the in vivo response to amphotericin B treatment. The drug was effective in reducing the lesion size and parasite burden in mice infected with the reference strain, whereas those infected with the clinical isolate and a resistant line (generated experimentally by stepwise selection) were refractory to amphotericin B treatment. To evaluate whether the isolate was intrinsically resistant to amphotericin B in animals, infected mice were treated with other drugs that had not been used in the treatment of the patient (miltefosine, paromomycin, and a combination of both). Our findings demonstrated that all drug schemes were able to reduce lesion size and parasite burden in animals infected with the clinical isolate, confirming the amphotericin B-resistance phenotype. These findings indicate that the treatment failure observed in the patient may be associated with amphotericin B resistance, and demonstrate the potential emergence of amphotericin B-resistant L. amazonensis isolates in an area of Brazil endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca A. Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth M. Coser
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Stephane de la Roca
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Juliana I. Aoki
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Nilson Branco
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. C. Soares
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayara I. S. Lima
- Departamento de Biologia, Programas de Pós Graduação em Saúde e Ambiente e Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Adriano C. Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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26
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Kumar K, Basak R, Rai A, Mukhopadhyay A. GRASP negatively regulates the secretion of the virulence factor gp63 in Leishmania. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:1063-1078. [PMID: 38558112 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15255] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Metalloprotease-gp63 is a virulence factor secreted by Leishmania. However, secretory pathway in Leishmania is not well defined. Here, we cloned and expressed the GRASP homolog from Leishmania. We found that Leishmania expresses one GRASP homolog of 58 kDa protein (LdGRASP) which localizes in LdRab1- and LPG2-positive Golgi compartment in Leishmania. LdGRASP was found to bind with COPII complex, LdARF1, LdRab1 and LdRab11 indicating its role in ER and Golgi transport in Leishmania. To determine the function of LdGRASP, we generated LdGRASP knockout parasites using CRISPR-Cas9. We found fragmentation of Golgi in Ld:GRASPKO parasites. Our results showed enhanced transport of non-GPI-anchored gp63 to the cell surface leading to higher secretion of this form of gp63 in Ld:GRASPKO parasites in comparison to Ld:WT cells. In contrast, we found that transport of GPI-anchored gp63 to the cell surface is blocked in Ld:GRASPKO parasites and thereby inhibits its secretion. The overexpression of dominant-negative mutant of LdRab1 or LdSar1 in Ld:GRASPKO parasites significantly blocked the secretion of non-GPI-anchored gp63. Interestingly, we found that survival of transgenic parasites overexpressing Ld:GRASP-GFP is significantly compromised in macrophages in comparison to Ld:WT and Ld:GRASPKO parasites. These results demonstrated that LdGRASP differentially regulates Ldgp63 secretory pathway in Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rituparna Basak
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Aakansha Rai
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Amitabha Mukhopadhyay
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
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27
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Fernández OL, Rosales-Chilama M, Sánchez-Hidalgo A, Gómez P, Rebellón-Sánchez DE, Regli IB, Díaz-Varela M, Tacchini-Cottier F, Saravia NG. Natural resistance to meglumine antimoniate is associated with treatment failure in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012156. [PMID: 38709850 PMCID: PMC11098511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The multifactorial basis of therapeutic response can obscure the relation between antimicrobial drug susceptibility and clinical outcome. To discern the relationship between parasite susceptibility to meglumine antimoniate (SbV) and therapeutic outcome of cutaneous leishmaniasis, risk factors for treatment failure were considered in evaluating this relationship in ninety-one cutaneous leishmaniasis patients and corresponding clinical strains of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis. Parasite susceptibility to 32 μg SbV/mL (plasma Cmax) was evaluated in primary human macrophages, PBMCs, and U937 macrophages. Early parasitological response to treatment was determined in lesions of a subgroup of patients, and pathogenicity of Sb-resistant and sensitive clinical strains was compared in BALB/c mice. Parasite survival in cell models and patient lesions was determined by qRT-PCR of Leishmania 7SLRNA transcript. Parasite loads in BALB/c mice were quantified by limiting dilution analysis. The disparate Sb-susceptibility of parasite subpopulations distinguished by isoenzyme profiles (zymodemes) was manifest in all cell models. Notably, Sb-resistance defined by parasite survival, was most effectively discerned in U937 macrophages compared with primary human host cells, significantly higher among strains from patients who failed treatment than cured and, significantly associated with treatment failure. Each unit increase in transformed survival rate corresponded to a 10.6-fold rise in the odds of treatment failure. Furthermore, treatment failure was significantly associated with naturally Sb-resistant zymodeme 2.3 strains, which also produced larger lesions and parasite burdens in BALB/c mice than Sb-sensitive zymodeme 2.2 strains. The confounding effect of host risk factors for treatment failure in discerning this association was evidenced in comparing strains from patients with and without the defined risk factors for treatment failure. These results establish the association of natural resistance to meglumine antimoniate with treatment failure, the importance of host risk factors in evaluating drug susceptibility and treatment outcome, and the clinical and epidemiological relevance of natural Sb-resistance in L. (V.) panamensis subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Lucía Fernández
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Mariana Rosales-Chilama
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Andrea Sánchez-Hidalgo
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Paola Gómez
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - David Esteban Rebellón-Sánchez
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Fundación Valle del Lili, Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas (CIC), Cali, Colombia
| | - Ivo B. Regli
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Míriam Díaz-Varela
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Nancy Gore Saravia
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Médicas (CIDEIM), Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
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Pinto AI, Caldas C, Santarém N, Luelmo S, Costa I, Martins C, Monteiro R, Conde S, Tavares R, da Silva AC. Leishmania and HIV co-infection: first naturally Leishmania strain presenting decreased susceptibility to miltefosine, recovered from a patient in Portugal. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:810-818. [PMID: 38522155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.03.008] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, up to 70% of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases occurring in adults living with HIV. People living with HIV with VL co-infection often display persistent parasitemia, requiring chronic intermittent anti-Leishmania therapies. Consequently, frequent VL relapses and higher mortality rates are common in these individuals. As such, it is of paramount importance to understand the reasons for parasite persistence to improve infection management. METHODS To outline possible causes for treatment failure in the context of HIV-VL, we followed a person living with HIV-VL co-infection for nine years in a 12-month period. We characterized: HIV-related clinicopathological alterations (CD4+ T counts and viremia) and Leishmania-specific seroreactivity, parasitemia, quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines upon stimulation and studied a Leishmania clinical isolate recovered during this period. RESULTS The subject presented controlled viremia and low CD4+ counts. The subject remained PCR positive for Leishmania and also seropositive. The cellular response to parasite antigens was erratic. The isolate was identified as the first Leishmania infantum case with evidence of decreased miltefosine susceptibility in Portugal. CONCLUSION Treatment failure is a multifactorial process driven by host and parasite determinants. Still, the real-time determination of drug susceptibility profiles in clinical isolates is an unexplored resource in the monitoring of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Pinto
- Host-Parasite Interaction Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, i3S, 4200-135 Oporto, Portugal.
| | - Cátia Caldas
- Infectious Disease Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de São João, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Oporto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Santarém
- Host-Parasite Interaction Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, i3S, 4200-135 Oporto, Portugal
| | - Sara Luelmo
- Host-Parasite Interaction Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, i3S, 4200-135 Oporto, Portugal
| | - Inês Costa
- Host-Parasite Interaction Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, i3S, 4200-135 Oporto, Portugal; Microbiology Department, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Oporto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Martins
- Host-Parasite Interaction Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, i3S, 4200-135 Oporto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Monteiro
- Host-Parasite Interaction Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, i3S, 4200-135 Oporto, Portugal; Microbiology Department, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Oporto, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Conde
- Clinical Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de São João, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Oporto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Tavares
- Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal
| | - Anabela Cordeiro da Silva
- Host-Parasite Interaction Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, i3S, 4200-135 Oporto, Portugal; Microbiology Department, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Oporto, Portugal
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Phan TN, Park KHP, Shum D, No JH. Identification of Leishmania donovani PEX5-PTS1 Interaction Inhibitors through Fluorescence Polarization-Based High-Throughput Screening. Molecules 2024; 29:1835. [PMID: 38675653 PMCID: PMC11054337 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081835] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leishmania parasites, affects millions of people in developing countries, and its re-emergence in developed countries, particularly in Europe, poses a growing public health concern. The limitations of current treatments and the absence of effective vaccines necessitate the development of novel therapeutics. In this study, we focused on identifying small molecule inhibitors which prevents the interaction between peroxin 5 (PEX5) and peroxisomal targeting signal 1 (PTS1), pivotal for kinetoplastid parasite survival. The Leishmania donovani PEX5, containing a C-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain, was expressed and purified, followed by the quantification of kinetic parameters of PEX5-PTS1 interactions. A fluorescence polarization-based high-throughput screening assay was developed and small molecules inhibiting the LdPEX5-PTS1 interaction were discovered through the screening of a library of 51,406 compounds. Based on the confirmatory assay, nine compounds showed half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 3.89 to 24.50 µM. In silico docking using a homology model of LdPEX5 elucidated that the molecular interactions between LdPEX5 and the inhibitors share amino acids critical for PTS1 binding. Notably, compound P20 showed potent activity against the growth of L. donovani promastigotes, L. major promastigotes, and Trypanosoma brucei blood stream form, with IC50 values of 12.16, 19.21, and 3.06 μM, respectively. The findings underscore the potential of targeting LdPEX5-PTS1 interactions with small molecule inhibitors as a promising strategy for the discovery of new anti-parasitic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trong-Nhat Phan
- Institute of Applied Science and Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam;
- Faculty of Applied Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Discovery Biology, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Ho Paul Park
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; (K.-H.P.P.); (D.S.)
| | - David Shum
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; (K.-H.P.P.); (D.S.)
| | - Joo Hwan No
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Discovery Biology, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Zhang C, Xu Q, Fu J, Wu L, Li Y, Lu Y, Shi Y, Sun H, Li X, Wang L, Hong B. Engineering Streptomyces sp. CPCC 204095 for the targeted high-level production of isatropolone A by elucidating its pathway-specific regulatory mechanism. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:113. [PMID: 38622698 PMCID: PMC11020959 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02387-0] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isatropolone A and C, produced by Streptomyces sp. CPCC 204095, belong to an unusual class of non-benzenoid aromatic compounds and contain a rare seven-membered ring structure. Isatropolone A exhibits potent activity against Leishmania donovani, comparable to the only oral drug miltefosine. However, its variably low productivity represents a limitation for this lead compound in the future development of new anti-leishmaniasis drugs to meet unmet clinical needs. RESULTS Here we first elucidated the regulatory cascade of biosynthesis of isatropolones, which consists of two SARP family regulators, IsaF and IsaJ. Through a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments, IsaF was identified as a pathway-specific activator that orchestrates the transcription of the gene cluster essential for isatropolone biosynthesis. Interestingly, IsaJ was found to only upregulate the expression of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase IsaS, which is crucial for the yield and proportion of isatropolone A and C. Through targeted gene deletions of isaJ or isaS, we effectively impeded the conversion of isatropolone A to C. Concurrently, the facilitation of isaF overexpression governed by selected promoters, prompted the comprehensive activation of the production of isatropolone A. Furthermore, meticulous optimization of the fermentation parameters was conducted. These strategies culminated in the attainment of an unprecedented maximum yield-980.8 mg/L of isatropolone A-achieved in small-scale solid-state fermentation utilizing the genetically modified strains, thereby establishing the highest reported titer to date. CONCLUSION In Streptomyces sp. CPCC 204095, the production of isatropolone A and C is modulated by the SARP regulators IsaF and IsaJ. IsaF serves as a master pathway-specific regulator for the production of isatropolones. IsaJ, on the other hand, only dictates the transcription of IsaS, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of isatropolone A and C. By engineering the expression of these pivotal genes, we have devised a strategy for genetic modification aimed at the selective and high-yield biosynthesis of isatropolone A. This study not only unveils the unique regulatory mechanisms governing isatropolone biosynthesis for the first time, but also establishes an essential engineering framework for the targeted high-level production of isatropolone A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jie Fu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Linzhuan Wu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yihong Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hongmin Sun
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xingxing Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Lifei Wang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Bin Hong
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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González JF, Dea-Ayuela MA, Huck L, Orduña JM, Bolás-Fernández F, de la Cuesta E, Haseen N, Mohammed AA, Menéndez JC. Dual Antitubercular and Antileishmanial Profiles of Quinoxaline Di- N-Oxides Containing an Amino Acidic Side Chain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:487. [PMID: 38675447 PMCID: PMC11054274 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a new category of quinoxaline di-N-oxides (QdNOs) containing amino acid side chains with dual antituberculosis and antileishmanial activity. These compounds were synthesized by combining a regioselective 2,5-piperazinedione opening and a Beirut reaction and were screened for their activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the promastigote and amastigote forms of representative species of the Leishmania genus. Most QdNOs exhibited promising antitubercular activity with IC50 values ranging from 4.28 to 49.95 μM, comparable to clinically established drugs. Structure-activity relationship analysis emphasized the importance of substituents on the aromatic ring and the side chain. Antileishmanial tests showed that some selected compounds exhibited activity comparable to the positive control miltefosine against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania donovani. Notably, some compounds were found to be also more potent and less toxic than miltefosine in intracellular amastigote assays against Leishmania amazonensis. The compound showing the best dual antitubercular and leishmanicidal profile and a good selectivity index, 4h, can be regarded as a hit compound that opens up new opportunities for the development of integrated therapies against co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. González
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.G.); (L.H.); (J.M.O.); (E.d.l.C.)
| | - María-Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, c/Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Lena Huck
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.G.); (L.H.); (J.M.O.); (E.d.l.C.)
| | - José María Orduña
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.G.); (L.H.); (J.M.O.); (E.d.l.C.)
| | - Francisco Bolás-Fernández
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Elena de la Cuesta
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.G.); (L.H.); (J.M.O.); (E.d.l.C.)
| | - Nazia Haseen
- AMIPRO SDN.BHD. Level 3, Bangunan Inkubator Universiti, Sains@USM, Lebuh Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas 11900, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; (N.H.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Ashraf Ali Mohammed
- AMIPRO SDN.BHD. Level 3, Bangunan Inkubator Universiti, Sains@USM, Lebuh Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas 11900, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; (N.H.); (A.A.M.)
| | - J. Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.G.); (L.H.); (J.M.O.); (E.d.l.C.)
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Suprien C, Guimarães LH, de Carvalho LP, Machado PRL. Pentavalent Antimony Associated with G-CSF in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Pathogens 2024; 13:301. [PMID: 38668256 PMCID: PMC11054058 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by Leishmania braziliensis, in recent decades has shown decreasing cure rates after treatment with meglumine antimoniate (MA). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine associated with epithelialization and healing processes. METHODS This study compares the effectiveness of G-CSF associated with MA in the treatment of CL. A total of 32 patients aged between 18 and 50 years with CL confirmed for L. braziliensis were included in this study. G-CSF or placebo (0.9% saline) was applied by intralesional infiltration at four equidistant points on the edges of the largest ulcer on days 0 and 15 of treatment associated with intravenous MA. RESULTS Males predominated in the G-CSF group (59%), while females predominated in the control group (53%). Injuries to the lower limbs predominated in both study groups. The cure rate in the G-CSF group was 65% and in the control group it was 47%, 90 days after initiation of therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that the association of G-CSF with MA is not superior to MA monotherapy. Although not significant, the potential benefit of this combination deserves further investigation. The use of higher doses or other routes of application of G-CSF in a greater number of patients should contribute to a definitive response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carvel Suprien
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40026-010, Bahia, Brazil; (C.S.); (L.P.d.C.)
| | - Luiz H. Guimarães
- National Institutes of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil;
- Medicine School, Federal University of Recôncavo Bahia, Santo Antônio de Jesus 44380-000, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Lucas P. de Carvalho
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40026-010, Bahia, Brazil; (C.S.); (L.P.d.C.)
- National Institutes of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil;
- Immunology Service of the Professor Edgard Santos University Hospital, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-060, Bahia, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz, Salvador 40296-710, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Paulo R. L. Machado
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40026-010, Bahia, Brazil; (C.S.); (L.P.d.C.)
- National Institutes of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil;
- Immunology Service of the Professor Edgard Santos University Hospital, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-060, Bahia, Brazil
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Rossi NRDLP, Fialho SN, Gouveia ADJ, Ferreira AS, da Silva MA, Martinez LDN, Paula do Nascimento WDS, Gonzaga A, de Medeiros DSS, de Barros NB, de Cássia Alves R, Gonçalves GM, Teles CGB. Quinine and chloroquine: Potential preclinical candidates for the treatment of tegumentary Leishmaniasis. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107143. [PMID: 38331084 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107143] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in more than 90 countries, constituting a relevant public health problem. Limited treatment options, increase in resistance, and therapeutic failure are important aspects for the discovery of new treatment options. Drug repurposing may accelerate the discovery of antiLeishmanial drugs. Recent tests indicating the in vitro potential of antimalarials Leishmania resulted in the design of this study. This study aimed at evaluating the susceptibility of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis to chloroquine (CQ) and quinine (QN), alone or in combination with amphotericin B (AFT) and pentamidine (PTN). In the in vitro tests, first, we evaluated the growth inhibition of 50 % of promastigotes (IC50) and cytotoxicity for HepG2 and THP-1 cells (CC50). The IC50 values of AFT and PNT were below 1 µM, while the IC50 values of CQ and QN ranged between 4 and 13 µM. Concerning cytotoxicity, CC50 values ranged between 7 and 30 µM for AFT and PNT, and between 22 and 157 µM for the antimalarials. We also calculated the Selectivity Index (SI), where AFT and PTN obtained the highest values, while the antimalarias obtained values between 5 and 12. Both antimalarials were additive (ƩFIC 1.05-1.8) in combination with AFT and PTN. For anti-amastigote activity, the drugs obtained the following ICA50 values: AFT (0.26 µM), PNT (2.09 µM), CQ (3.77 µM) and QN (24.5 µM). In the in vivo tests, we observed that the effective dose for the death of 50 % of parasites (ED50) of AFT and CQ were 0.63 mg/kg and 27.29 mg/kg, respectively. When combining CQ with AFT, a decrease in parasitemia was observed, being statistically equal to the naive group. For cytokine quantification, it was observed that CQ, despite presenting anti-inflammatory activity was effective at increasing the production of IFN-γ. Overall, our data indicate that chloroquine will probably be a candidate for repurposing and use in drug combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norton Rubens Diunior Lucas Pejara Rossi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental (PGBIOEXP), Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Plataforma de Bioensaios de Malária e Leishmaniose (PBML), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - EpiAmO, Brazil.
| | - Saara Neri Fialho
- Plataforma de Bioensaios de Malária e Leishmaniose (PBML), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; São Lucas Educacional-Afya, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - EpiAmO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal - BIONORTE, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Aurileya de Jesus Gouveia
- Plataforma de Bioensaios de Malária e Leishmaniose (PBML), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - EpiAmO, Brazil
| | - Amália Santos Ferreira
- Plataforma de Bioensaios de Malária e Leishmaniose (PBML), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - EpiAmO, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Do Nascimento Martinez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental (PGBIOEXP), Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Plataforma de Bioensaios de Malária e Leishmaniose (PBML), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; São Lucas Educacional-Afya, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - EpiAmO, Brazil
| | - Welington da Silva Paula do Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental (PGBIOEXP), Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Plataforma de Bioensaios de Malária e Leishmaniose (PBML), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - EpiAmO, Brazil
| | - Arlindo Gonzaga
- Plataforma de Bioensaios de Malária e Leishmaniose (PBML), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal - BIONORTE, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Giselle Martins Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental (PGBIOEXP), Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Carolina Garcia Bioni Teles
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental (PGBIOEXP), Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Plataforma de Bioensaios de Malária e Leishmaniose (PBML), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; São Lucas Educacional-Afya, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - EpiAmO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal - BIONORTE, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
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Tandoh KZ, Ibarra-Meneses AV, Langlais D, Olivier M, Torrecilhas AC, Fernandez-Prada C, Regev-Rudzki N, Duah-Quashie NO. Extracellular Vesicles: Translational Agenda Questions for Three Protozoan Parasites. Traffic 2024; 25:e12935. [PMID: 38629580 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi continue to exert a significant toll on the disease landscape of the human population in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Control measures have helped reduce the burden of their respective diseases-malaria, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease-in endemic regions. However, the need for new drugs, innovative vaccination strategies and molecular markers of disease severity and outcomes has emerged because of developing antimicrobial drug resistance, comparatively inadequate or absent vaccines, and a lack of trustworthy markers of morbid outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been widely reported to play a role in the biology and pathogenicity of P. falciparum, Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi ever since they were discovered. EVs are secreted by a yet to be fully understood mechanism in protozoans into the extracellular milieu and carry a cargo of diverse molecules that reflect the originator cell's metabolic state. Although our understanding of the biogenesis and function of EVs continues to deepen, the question of how EVs in P. falciparum, Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi can serve as targets for a translational agenda into clinical and public health interventions is yet to be fully explored. Here, as a consortium of protozoan researchers, we outline a plan for future researchers and pose three questions to direct an EV's translational agenda in P. falciparum, Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi. We opine that in the long term, executing this blueprint will help bridge the current unmet needs of these medically important protozoan diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwesi Z Tandoh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ana Victoria Ibarra-Meneses
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - David Langlais
- Department of Human Genetics, Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, Canada
- IDIGH, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, Canada
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nancy O Duah-Quashie
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Das P, Hazra A, Saha S, Roy S, Mukherjee M, Hazra S, Majumdar HK, BoseDasgupta S. Resolving the polycistronic aftermath: Essential role of topoisomerase IA in preventing R-loops in Leishmania. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107162. [PMID: 38484800 PMCID: PMC11021369 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107162] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplastid parasites are "living bridges" in the evolution from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes. The near-intronless genome of the kinetoplastid Leishmania exhibits polycistronic transcription which can facilitate R-loop formation. Therefore, to prevent such DNA-RNA hybrids, Leishmania has retained prokaryotic-like DNA Topoisomerase IA (LdTOPIA) in the course of evolution. LdTOPIA is an essential enzyme that is expressed ubiquitously and is adapted for the compartmentalized eukaryotic form in harboring functional bipartite nuclear localization signals. Although exhibiting greater homology to mycobacterial TOPIA, LdTOPIA could functionally complement the growth lethality of Escherichia coli TOPIA null GyrB ts strain at non-permissive temperatures. Purified LdTOPIA exhibits Mg2+-dependent relaxation of only negatively supercoiled DNA and preference towards single-stranded DNA substrates. LdTOPIA prevents nuclear R-loops as conditional LdTOPIA downregulated parasites exhibit R-loop formation and thereby parasite killing. The clinically used tricyclic antidepressant, norclomipramine could specifically inhibit LdTOPIA and lead to R-loop formation and parasite elimination. This comprehensive study therefore paves an avenue for drug repurposing against Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payel Das
- Molecular Immunology and Cellular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Arnab Hazra
- Molecular Immunology and Cellular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Saradindu Saha
- Molecular Immunology and Cellular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Sadhana Roy
- Molecular Immunology and Cellular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Mandrita Mukherjee
- Molecular Immunology and Cellular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Saugata Hazra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Hemanta K Majumdar
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Somdeb BoseDasgupta
- Molecular Immunology and Cellular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India.
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Reinaldo LGC, Araújo Júnior RJC, Diniz TM, Moura RDD, Meneses Filho AJ, Furtado CVVDM, Dos Santos WLC, Costa DL, Eulálio KD, Ferreira GR, Costa CHN. The spleen is the graveyard of CD4+ cells in patients with immunological failure of visceral leishmaniasis and AIDS. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:132. [PMID: 38491526 PMCID: PMC10941596 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06151-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), or kala-azar, is a common comorbidity in patients with AIDS in endemic areas. Many patients continue to experiences relapses of VL despite virological control, but with immunological failure. These patients remain chronically symptomatic with hypersplenism, for example with anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, and are at risk of severe co-infection due to low CD4+ count. Therefore, in this study, splenectomized patients with VL and HIV infection were investigated to understand why the CD4+ count fails to recover in these patients, evaluating the importance of spleen mass for hypersplenism and immunological failure. METHODS From a retrospective open cohort of 13 patients who had previously undergone splenectomy as salvage therapy for relapsing VL, 11 patients with HIV infection were investigated. This study compared the patients' complete blood cell count (CBC) and CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts before and after splenectomy with respect to spleen weight. RESULTS CBC was substantially improved after splenectomy, indicating hypersplenism. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that spleen mass is strongly and negatively correlated with CD4+ cell count (ρ = -0.71, P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS This finding was unexpected, as the spleen is the most extensive lymphoid tissue and T-lymphocyte source. After reviewing the literature and reasoning, we hypothesized that the immunological failure was secondary to CD4+ loss initially by apoptosis in the spleen induced by productive HIV infection and, subsequently, by pyroptosis sustained by parasitic infection in spleen macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thiago Melo Diniz
- University Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Deus Moura
- University Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
- Department of Community Medicine, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Dorcas Lamounier Costa
- Maternal and Child Department, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
- Intelligence Center for Emerging and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Teresina, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel R Ferreira
- Department of Microbiology-Infectious Disease and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University Laval, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Carlos Henrique Nery Costa
- Department of Community Medicine, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil.
- Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Teresina, Brazil.
- Intelligence Center for Emerging and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Teresina, Brazil.
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de Albuquerque KCO, da Veiga ADSS, Silveira FT, Campos MB, da Costa APL, Brito AKM, Melo PRDS, Percario S, de Molfetta FA, Dolabela MF. Anti-leishmanial activity of Eleutherine plicata Herb. and predictions of isoeleutherin and its analogues. Front Chem 2024; 12:1341172. [PMID: 38510811 PMCID: PMC10950963 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1341172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, classified as tegumentary and visceral. The disease treatment is still a serious problem, due to the toxic effects of available drugs, the costly treatment and reports of parasitic resistance, making the search for therapeutic alternatives urgent. This study assessed the in vitro anti-leishmanial potential of the extract, fractions, and isoeleutherin from Eleutherine plicata, as well as the in silico interactions of isoeleutherin and its analogs with Trypanothione Reductase (TR), in addition to predicting pharmacokinetic parameters. Methods: From the ethanolic extract of E. plicata (EEEp) the dichloromethane fraction (FDEp) was obtained, and isoeleutherin isolated. All samples were tested against promastigotes, and parasite viability was evaluated. Isoeleutherin analogues were selected based on similarity in databases (ZINK and eMolecules) to verify the impact on structural change. Results and Discussion: The extract and its fractions were not active against the promastigote form (IC50 > 200 μg/mL), while isoeleutherin was active (IC50 = 25 μg/mL). All analogues have high intestinal absorption (HIA), cell permeability was moderate in Caco2 and low to moderate in MDCK. Structural changes interfered with plasma protein binding and blood-brain barrier permeability. Regarding metabolism, all molecules appear to be CYP3A4 metabolized and inhibited 2-3 CYPs. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics assessed the interactions between the most stable configurations of isoeleutherin, analogue compound 17, and quinacrine (control drug). Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated stability and favorable interactions with TR. In summary, fractionation contributed to antileishmanial activity and isoleutherin seems to be promising. Structural alterations did not contribute to improve pharmacokinetic aspects and analogue 17 proved to be more promising than isoeleutherin, presenting better stabilization in TR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ana Paula Lima da Costa
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sandro Percario
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Postgraduate Program (BIONORTE), Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Fábio Alberto de Molfetta
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Fâni Dolabela
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Postgraduate Program (BIONORTE), Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Innovation Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Román-Álamo L, Avalos-Padilla Y, Bouzón-Arnáiz I, Iglesias V, Fernández-Lajo J, Monteiro JM, Rivas L, Fisa R, Riera C, Andreu D, Pintado-Grima C, Ventura S, Arce EM, Muñoz-Torrero D, Fernàndez-Busquets X. Effect of the aggregated protein dye YAT2150 on Leishmania parasite viability. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0112723. [PMID: 38349159 PMCID: PMC10916400 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01127-23] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The problems associated with the drugs currently used to treat leishmaniasis, including resistance, toxicity, and the high cost of some formulations, call for the urgent identification of new therapeutic agents with novel modes of action. The aggregated protein dye YAT2150 has been found to be a potent antileishmanial compound, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of approximately 0.5 µM against promastigote and amastigote stages of Leishmania infantum. The encapsulation in liposomes of YAT2150 significantly improved its in vitro IC50 to 0.37 and 0.19 µM in promastigotes and amastigotes, respectively, and increased the half-maximal cytotoxic concentration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells to >50 µM. YAT2150 became strongly fluorescent when binding intracellular protein deposits in Leishmania cells. This fluorescence pattern aligns with the proposed mode of action of this drug in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the inhibition of protein aggregation. In Leishmania major, YAT2150 rapidly reduced ATP levels, suggesting an alternative antileishmanial mechanism. To the best of our knowledge, this first-in-class compound is the only one described so far having significant activity against both Plasmodium and Leishmania, thus being a potential drug for the treatment of co-infections of both parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Román-Álamo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Doctoral School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yunuen Avalos-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Bouzón-Arnáiz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valentín Iglesias
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jorge Fernández-Lajo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M. Monteiro
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roser Fisa
- Section of Parasitology Department of Biology, Health and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Riera
- Section of Parasitology Department of Biology, Health and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Pintado-Grima
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Elsa M. Arce
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego Muñoz-Torrero
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Jahanshahi S, Kheirandish F, Kazemi B, Montazeri M, Fallahi S, Rouzbahani AK, Mamaghani AJ. Investigating the Effect of Satureja khuzestanica Essential oil on MDR1 Gene Expression in Leishmania major. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:526-532. [PMID: 38227108 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00780-0] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis is among the neglected diseases in the world. Pentavalent antimonial compounds are considered the first-line treatment for this disease. However, using alternative natural products has received great attention due to the side effects of chemical drugs and drug resistance of the Leishmania parasite. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) on MDR1 gene expression. METHODS In this study, standard strains of Leishmania major promastigotes were exposed to 5, 10, 15, and 20 µg/ml of SKEO. MDR1 gene expression of parasites exposed to essential oil was evaluated using real-time PCR. GAPDH was employed as the housekeeping gene for internal control. RESULTS Despite the increase, no statistically significant difference was observed in the relative expression of the MDR1 gene between the control group and the groups containing 5, 10, and 20 µg/ml of SKEO (P > 0.05). The relative expression of the MDR1 gene significantly increased in the group containing 15 μg/ml of essential oil compared to the control one (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study showed that the use of essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica plant can have an increasing effect on the expression of MDR1 gene of Leishmania promastigotes, which is the best case if Satureja khuzestanica essential oil reduces the expression of MDR1 gene. So it seems that the use of essential oil of Satoria plant is effective in controlling Leishmania parasite, but its concentrations induce drug resistance. As a result, concentrations of essential oil should be used that have a controlling effect on the growth and proliferation of Leishmania parasite and also have the least effect on the induction of MDR1 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Jahanshahi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Kheirandish
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
- USERN Office, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
- Medical Parasitology and Mycology Department, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Montazeri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirzad Fallahi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Arian Karimi Rouzbahani
- USERN Office, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Science, Khorramabad, Iran
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Nateghi-Rostami M, Sohrabi Y. Memory T cells: promising biomarkers for evaluating protection and vaccine efficacy against leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1304696. [PMID: 38469319 PMCID: PMC10925770 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1304696] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the immune response to Leishmania infection and identifying biomarkers that correlate with protection are crucial for developing effective vaccines. One intriguing aspect of Leishmania infection is the persistence of parasites, even after apparent lesion healing. Various host cells, including dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and Langerhans cells, may serve as safe sites for latent infection. Memory T cells, especially tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM), play a crucial role in concomitant immunity against cutaneous Leishmania infections. These TRM cells are long-lasting and can protect against reinfection in the absence of persistent parasites. CD4+ TRM cells, in particular, have been implicated in protection against Leishmania infections. These cells are characterized by their ability to reside in the skin and rapidly respond to secondary infections by producing cytokines such as IFN-γ, which activates macrophages to kill parasites. The induction of CD4+ TRM cells has shown promise in experimental immunization, leading to protection against Leishmania challenge infections. Identifying biomarkers of protection is a critical step in vaccine development and CD4+ TRM cells hold potential as biomarkers, as their presence and functions may correlate with protection. While recent studies have shown that Leishmania-specific memory CD4+ T-cell subsets are present in individuals with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis, further studies are needed to characterize CD4+ TRM cell populations. Overall, this review highlights the importance of memory T cells, particularly skin-resident CD4+ TRM cells, as promising targets for developing effective vaccines against leishmaniasis and as biomarkers of immune protection to assess the efficacy of candidate vaccines against human leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yahya Sohrabi
- Department of Cardiology I-Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Disease, Heart Failure, University Hospital Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Berhe H, Kumar Cinthakunta Sridhar M, Zerihun M, Qvit N. The Potential Use of Peptides in the Fight against Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:227. [PMID: 38399281 PMCID: PMC10892537 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are both neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people around the world. Leishmaniasis is currently the second most widespread vector-borne parasitic disease after malaria. The World Health Organization records approximately 0.7-1 million newly diagnosed leishmaniasis cases each year, resulting in approximately 20,000-30,000 deaths. Also, 25 million people worldwide are at risk of Chagas disease and an estimated 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin, and pentamidine are currently used to treat leishmaniasis. Also, nifurtimox and benznidazole are two drugs currently used to treat Chagas disease. These drugs are associated with toxicity problems such as nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, in addition to resistance problems. As a result, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a top priority and a promising alternative. Overall, there is a need for new and effective treatments for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as the current drugs have significant limitations. Peptide-based drugs are attractive due to their high selectiveness, effectiveness, low toxicity, and ease of production. This paper reviews the potential use of peptides in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Several studies have demonstrated that peptides are effective against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, suggesting their use in drug therapy for these diseases. Overall, peptides have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, but more research is needed to fully investigate their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nir Qvit
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (H.B.); (M.K.C.S.); (M.Z.)
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Kumar V, Kumari S, Ranjan R, Kumar A, Alti D. In vitro antileishmanial activity of thioridazine on amphotericin B unresponsive/ sensitive Leishmania donovani promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Exp Parasitol 2024; 257:108688. [PMID: 38142765 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108688] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The recent increase in the drug (liposomal amphotericin-B) unresponsive cases becomes hostile for the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) elimination target. The quest for new antileishmanial drugs is on the way and may demand more time. Meanwhile, drug repurposing is a quite promising option to explore further. We made such an attempt with thioridazine (TRZ), a first-line antipsychotic drug, which was reported for antimicrobial activity. In this study, we evaluated the drug activity of TRZ against amphotericin-B (Amp-B) sensitive and unresponsive Leishmania donovani promastigotes, as well as intracellular amastigotes (drug sensitive). We observed a potent antileishmanial activity of TRZ with significantly low half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) on both the variants of promastigotes (0.61 ± 0.15 μM). These concentrations are comparable to the previously reported IC50 concentration of the current antileishmanial drug (Amp-B) against L. donovani. Light microscopy reveals the perturbations in promastigote morphology upon TRZ treatment. The in vitro studies on human macrophage cell lines determine the 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of TRZ on host cells as 20.046 μM and a half maximal effective concentration (EC50) as 0.91 μM during L. donovani infection, in turn selectivity index (SI) was calculated as 22.03 μM. Altogether, the results demonstrate that TRZ has the potential for drug repurposing and further studies on animal models could provide better insights for VL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Shobha Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Ravi Ranjan
- Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Dayakar Alti
- Department of Immunology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India.
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Khandibharad S, Singh S. Synthetic biology for combating leishmaniasis. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1338749. [PMID: 38362504 PMCID: PMC10867266 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1338749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. Despite the efforts to control and treat the disease, it still remains a major public health problem in many countries. Synthetic biology is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field that combines biology, engineering, and computer science to design and construct novel biological systems. In recent years, synthetic biology approaches have shown great promise for developing new and effective strategies to combat leishmaniasis. In this perspective, we summarize the recent advances in the use of synthetic biology for the development of vaccines, diagnostic tools, and novel therapeutics for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shailza Singh
- Systems Medicine Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
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de Araújo SA, Silva CMP, Costa CS, Ferreira CSC, Ribeiro HS, da Silva Lima A, Quintino da Rocha C, Calabrese KDS, Abreu-Silva AL, Almeida-Souza F. Leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory activity of Terminalia catappa in Leishmania amazonensisin vitro infection. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24622. [PMID: 38312642 PMCID: PMC10835263 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are infectious-parasitic diseases that impact public health around the world. Antileishmanial drugs presented toxicity and increase in parasitic resistance. Studies with natural products show an alternative to this effect, and several metabolites have demonstrated potential in the treatment of various diseases. Terminalia catappa is a plant species with promising pharmaceutical properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of extracts and fractions of T. catappa on Leishmania amazonensis and investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms associated with its action. In anti-Leishmania assays, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited activity against promastigotes (IC50 86.07 ± 1.09 μg/mL) and low cytotoxicity (CC50 517.70 ± 1.68 μg/mL). The ethyl acetate fraction also inhibited the intracellular parasite (IC50 25.74 ± 1.08 μg/mL) with a selectivity index of 20.11. Treatment with T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction did not alter nitrite production by peritoneal macrophages stimulated with L. amazonensis, although there was a decrease in unstimulated macrophages treated at 50 μg/mL (p = 0.0048). The T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction at 100 μg/mL increased TNF-α levels (p = 0.0238) and downregulated HO-1 (p = 0.0030) and ferritin (p = 0.0002) gene expression in L. amazonensis-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, the total flavonoid and ellagic acid content for ethyl acetate fraction was 13.41 ± 1.86 mg QE/g and 79.25 mg/g, respectively. In conclusion, the T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction showed leishmanicidal activity against different forms of L. amazonensis and displayed immunomodulatory mechanisms, including TNF-α production and expression of pro and antioxidant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Alves de Araújo
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, 65080-805, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Aldilene da Silva Lima
- Laboratório de Química dos Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, 65080-805, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Quintino da Rocha
- Laboratório de Química dos Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, 65080-805, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Kátia da Silva Calabrese
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Abreu-Silva
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, 65080-805, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
- Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
| | - Fernando Almeida-Souza
- Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-250, Brazil
- Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, 65055-310, Brazil
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Melcón-Fernández E, Galli G, Balaña-Fouce R, García-Fernández N, Martínez-Valladares M, Reguera RM, García-Estrada C, Pérez-Pertejo Y. In Vitro and Ex Vivo Synergistic Effect of Pyrvinium Pamoate Combined with Miltefosine and Paromomycin against Leishmania. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:30. [PMID: 38393119 PMCID: PMC10891607 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the major drawbacks of current treatments for neglected tropical diseases is the low safety of the drugs used and the emergence of resistance. Leishmaniasis is a group of neglected diseases caused by protozoa of the trypanosomatidae family that lacks preventive vaccines and whose pharmacological treatments are scarce and unsafe. Combination therapy is a strategy that could solve the above-mentioned problems, due to the participation of several mechanisms of action and the reduction in the amount of drug necessary to obtain the therapeutic effect. In addition, this approach also increases the odds of finding an effective drug following the repurposing strategy. From the previous screening of two collections of repositioning drugs, we found that pyrvinium pamoate had a potent leishmanicidal effect. For this reason, we decided to combine it separately with two clinically used leishmanicidal drugs, miltefosine and paromomycin. These combinations were tested in axenic amastigotes of Leishmania infantum obtained from bone marrow cells and in intramacrophagic amastigotes obtained from primary cultures of splenic cells, both cell types coming from experimentally infected mice. Some of the combinations showed synergistic behavior, especially in the case of the combination of pyrvinium pamoate with paromomycin, and exhibited low cytotoxicity and good tolerability on intestinal murine organoids, which reveal the potential of these combinations for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela Melcón-Fernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.M.-F.); (G.G.); (R.B.-F.); (N.G.-F.); (R.M.R.); (C.G.-E.)
| | - Giulio Galli
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.M.-F.); (G.G.); (R.B.-F.); (N.G.-F.); (R.M.R.); (C.G.-E.)
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.M.-F.); (G.G.); (R.B.-F.); (N.G.-F.); (R.M.R.); (C.G.-E.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Nerea García-Fernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.M.-F.); (G.G.); (R.B.-F.); (N.G.-F.); (R.M.R.); (C.G.-E.)
| | | | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.M.-F.); (G.G.); (R.B.-F.); (N.G.-F.); (R.M.R.); (C.G.-E.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.M.-F.); (G.G.); (R.B.-F.); (N.G.-F.); (R.M.R.); (C.G.-E.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain
| | - Yolanda Pérez-Pertejo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain; (E.M.-F.); (G.G.); (R.B.-F.); (N.G.-F.); (R.M.R.); (C.G.-E.)
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain
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Linciano P, Pozzi C, Tassone G, Landi G, Mangani S, Santucci M, Luciani R, Ferrari S, Santarem N, Tagliazucchi L, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Tonelli M, Tondi D, Bertarini L, Gul S, Witt G, Moraes CB, Costantino L, Costi MP. The discovery of aryl-2-nitroethyl triamino pyrimidines as anti-Trypanosoma brucei agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115946. [PMID: 38043491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115946] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is a catalytic protein belonging to the folate metabolic pathway in Trypanosmatidic parasites. PTR1 is a known target for the medicinal chemistry development of antiparasitic agents against Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis. In previous studies, new nitro derivatives were elaborated as PTR1 inhibitors. The compounds showing a diamino-pyrimidine core structure were previously developed but they showed limited efficacy. Therefore, a new class of phenyl-, heteroaryl- and benzyloxy-nitro derivatives based on the 2-nitroethyl-2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine scaffold were designed and tested. The compounds were assayed for their ability to inhibit T. brucei and L. major PTR1 enzymes and for their antiparasitic activity towards T. brucei and L. infantum parasites. To understand the structure-activity relationships of the compounds against TbPTR1, the X-ray crystallographic structure of the 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (TAP) was obtained and molecular modelling studies were performed. As a next step, only the most effective compounds against T. brucei were then tested against the amastigote cellular stage of T. cruzi, searching for a broad-spectrum antiprotozoal agent. An early ADME-Tox profile evaluation was performed. The early toxicity profile of this class of compounds was investigated by measuring their inhibition of hERG and five cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4), cytotoxicity towards A549 cells and mitochondrial toxicity. Pharmacokinetic studies (SNAP-PK) were performed on selected compounds using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (50 % w/v) to preliminarily study their plasma concentration when administered per os at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Compound 1p, showed the best pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, can be considered a good candidate for further bioavailability and efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugual
| | - Giusy Tassone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giacomo Landi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Rosaria Luciani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferrari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Nuno Santarem
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugual; Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge ViterboFerreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lorenzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM) PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 278, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugual; Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge ViterboFerreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Donatella Tondi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Bertarini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Hamburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gesa Witt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Hamburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carolina B Moraes
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), 13083-100, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Luca Costantino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
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Exertier C, Salerno A, Antonelli L, Fiorillo A, Ocello R, Seghetti F, Caciolla J, Uliassi E, Masetti M, Fiorentino E, Orsini S, Di Muccio T, Ilari A, Bolognesi ML. Fragment Merging, Growing, and Linking Identify New Trypanothione Reductase Inhibitors for Leishmaniasis. J Med Chem 2024; 67:402-419. [PMID: 38164929 PMCID: PMC10788915 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Trypanothione reductase (TR) is a suitable target for drug discovery approaches against leishmaniasis, although the identification of potent inhibitors is still challenging. Herein, we harnessed a fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) strategy to develop new TR inhibitors. Previous crystallographic screening identified fragments 1-3, which provided ideal starting points for a medicinal chemistry campaign. In silico investigations revealed critical hotspots in the TR binding site, guiding our structure- and ligand-based structure-actvity relationship (SAR) exploration that yielded fragment-derived compounds 4-14. A trend of improvement in Leishmania infantum TR inhibition was detected along the optimization and confirmed by the crystal structures of 9, 10, and 14 in complex with Trypanosoma brucei TR. Compound 10 showed the best TR inhibitory profile (Ki = 0.2 μM), whereas 9 was the best one in terms of in vitro and ex vivo activity. Although further fine-tuning is needed to improve selectivity, we demonstrated the potentiality of FBDD on a classic but difficult target for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Exertier
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), c/o Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Annarita Fiorillo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ocello
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
- Computational and Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Francesca Seghetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Jessica Caciolla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Matteo Masetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Eleonora Fiorentino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Roma 00161, Italy
| | - Stefania Orsini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Roma 00161, Italy
| | - Trentina Di Muccio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Roma 00161, Italy
| | - Andrea Ilari
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), c/o Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
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48
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Lopes ACCB, do Nascimento JR, Camara MBP, Lima ADS, Lopes GLN, do Nascimento MO, Xavier JKAM, de Jesus CM, Mendonça CDJS, Carvalho ALM, Silva LA, da Rocha CQ. Chemical Characterization, Leishmanicidal Activity and In Vitro Cytotoxicity of the Essential Oil Extracted from Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch.Bip. and Its Incorporation into Microemulsion Systems. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:87. [PMID: 38258098 PMCID: PMC10818420 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch.Bip., known in Brazil as alecrim do campo, is a small Asteraceae family plant with a calming effect and consumed as tea. This species contains components, such as neral and geranial, that display various biological activities, such as leishmanicidal. The aim was to chemically characterize the essential oil (EO) obtained from P. brevipedunculata (EO-PB) by hydrodistillation and a microemulsion formulated with EO (ME-PB), Tween 80 and Transcutol P, assess the leishmanicidal effect against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes and cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7. EO-PB and ME-PB were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Monoterpene hydrocarbons were noteworthy among the identified compounds. The main EO-PB constituents were α-pinene and limonene, followed by neral and geranial, which were maintained in ME-PB. EO-PB presented an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20 µg/mL and ME-PB of 0.93 µg/mL. ME-PB inhibition towards the parasite was 20-fold higher than that of EO-PB. This indicated that EO incorporation to the microemulsion resulted in optimized biological activity. Selectivity indices indicate that ME-PB is more selective concerning parasite inhibition. Thus, ME-PB may comprise an adequate approach against Leishmania, as the inhibitory concentration (IC50) promastigotes was lower than that considered toxic for cells cell cytotoxicity of 50% (CC50).
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Affiliation(s)
- Auxiliadora Cristina Correa Barata Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Rede BIONORTE (PPG-BIONORTE), Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.C.C.B.L.); (M.B.P.C.)
| | | | - Marcos Bispo Pinheiro Camara
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Rede BIONORTE (PPG-BIONORTE), Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.C.C.B.L.); (M.B.P.C.)
| | - Aldilene da Silva Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.d.S.L.); (J.K.A.M.X.); (C.d.J.S.M.)
| | - Gláucia Laís Nunes Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (G.L.N.L.); (M.O.d.N.); (A.L.M.C.)
| | - Matheus Oliveira do Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (G.L.N.L.); (M.O.d.N.); (A.L.M.C.)
| | - Júlia Karla Albuquerque Melo Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.d.S.L.); (J.K.A.M.X.); (C.d.J.S.M.)
| | - Caroline Martins de Jesus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Imperatriz 65900-410, MA, Brazil;
| | - Cáritas de Jesus Silva Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.d.S.L.); (J.K.A.M.X.); (C.d.J.S.M.)
| | - André Luis Menezes Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; (G.L.N.L.); (M.O.d.N.); (A.L.M.C.)
| | - Lucilene Amorim Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil;
| | - Cláudia Quintino da Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Rede BIONORTE (PPG-BIONORTE), Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.C.C.B.L.); (M.B.P.C.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.d.S.L.); (J.K.A.M.X.); (C.d.J.S.M.)
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49
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Berhe HG, Birhan YS, Beshay BY, Habib HJ, Hymete A, Bekhit AA. Synthesis, antileishmanial, antimalarial evaluation and molecular docking study of some hydrazine-coupled pyrazole derivatives. BMC Chem 2024; 18:9. [PMID: 38191485 PMCID: PMC10775556 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-023-01111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyrazole-bearing compounds are known for their diverse pharmacological effects including potent antileishmanial and antimalarial activities. Herein, some hydrazine-coupled pyrazoles were successfully synthesized and their structures were verified by employing elemental microanalysis, FTIR, and 1H NMR techniques. The in vitro antileishmanial and in vivo antimalarial activities of the synthesized pyrazole derivatives (9-15) were evaluated against Leishmania aethiopica clinical isolate and Plasmodium berghei infected mice, respectively. The result revealed that compound 13 displayed superior antipromastigote activity (IC50 = 0.018) that was 174- and 2.6-fold more active than the standard drugs miltefosine (IC50 = 3.130) and amphotericin B deoxycholate (IC50 = 0.047). The molecular docking study conducted on Lm-PTR1, complexed with Trimethoprim was acquired from the Protein Data Bank (PDB ID:2bfm), justified the better antileishmanial activity of compound 13. Furthermore, the target compounds 14 and 15 elicited better inhibition effects against Plasmodium berghei with 70.2% and 90.4% suppression, respectively. In conclusion, the hydrazine-coupled pyrazole derivatives may be considered potential pharmacophores for the preparation of safe and effective antileishmanial and antimalarial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yihenew Simegniew Birhan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Debre Markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
| | - Botros Youssef Beshay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, 21913, Egypt
| | - Huda Jawad Habib
- Pharmacy Program, Allied Health Department, College of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Bahrain, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Ariaya Hymete
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adnan Ahmed Bekhit
- Pharmacy Program, Allied Health Department, College of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Bahrain, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21215, Egypt.
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Lima WG, Brito JCM, Verly RM, de Lima ME. Jelleine, a Family of Peptides Isolated from the Royal Jelly of the Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera), as a Promising Prototype for New Medicines: A Narrative Review. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:24. [PMID: 38251241 PMCID: PMC10819630 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010024] [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] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The jelleine family is a group of four peptides (jelleines I-IV) originally isolated from the royal jelly of honey bee (Apis mellifera), but later detected in some honey samples. These oligopeptides are composed of 8-9 amino acid residues, positively charged (+2 to +3 at pH 7.2), including 38-50% of hydrophobic residues and a carboxamide C-terminus. Jelleines, generated by processing of the C-terminal region of major royal jelly proteins 1 (MRJP-1), play an important biological role in royal jelly conservation as well as in protecting bee larvae from potential pathogens. Therefore, these molecules present numerous benefits for human health, including therapeutic purposes as shown in preclinical studies. In this review, we aimed to evaluate the biological effects of jelleines in addition to characterising their toxicities and stabilities. Jelleines I-III have promising antimicrobial activity and low toxicity (LD50 > 1000 mg/Kg). However, jelleine-IV has not shown relevant biological potential. Jelleine-I, but not the other analogues, also has antiparasitic, healing, and pro-coagulant activities in addition to indirectly modulating tumor cell growth and controlling the inflammatory process. Although it is sensitive to hydrolysis by proteases, the addition of halogens increases the chemical stability of these molecules. Thus, these results suggest that jelleines, especially jelleine-I, are a potential target for the development of new, effective and safe therapeutic molecules for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Gustavo Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Medicina e Biomedicina, Faculdade de Saúde da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Avenida dos Andradas, 2688, Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil;
| | - Julio Cesar Moreira Brito
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro, 8, Gameleira, Belo Horizonte 30510-010, MG, Brazil;
| | - Rodrigo Moreira Verly
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Rodovia MGT 367, 5000, Auto da Jacuba, Diamantina 39100-000, MG, Brazil;
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Medicina e Biomedicina, Faculdade de Saúde da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Avenida dos Andradas, 2688, Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil;
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