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Dellarupe A, Moré G, Unzaga JM, Pardini L, Venturini MC. Study of specific immunodominant antigens in different stages of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Hammondia spp. Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108772. [PMID: 38723846 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108772] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The family Sarcocystidae includes several intracellular coccidial parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Hammondia spp. with heteroxenous life cycles involving different parasitic stages (oocysts/sporocysts, tachyzoites and bradyzoites in tissue cysts). The aim of this work was to evaluate monoclonal antibodies (MAb) (anti NcSAG1, anti NcSAG4 and anti TgCC2) and/or polyclonal antibodies (PAb) (anti NcSAG4 and anti TgBAG1) to label specific immunodominant antigens in different parasitic stages of N. caninum (oocyst, bradyzoite and tachyzoite), T. gondii (oocyst, cyst and tachyzoite), H. heydorni (oocyst), S. cruzi (cyst and bradyzoite) and S. falcatula (sporocyst). It was observed that the MAb directed against NcSAG1 reacted exclusively with N. caninum tachyzoites. In contrast, the MAb directed against NcSAG4 did not react with any of the parasites tested at any stage. The MAb directed against NcSAG4 reacted with both N. caninum and T. gondii tachyzoites, T. gondii tissue cysts and S. cruzi tissue cysts and bradyzoites. As expected, the MAb directed against the T. gondii tissue cyst wall antigen TgCC2 reacted with T. gondii tissue cysts, N. caninum bradyzoites, but also with T. gondii and H. heydorni oocysts and S. falcatula sporocysts. Finally, the PAb directed against the T. gondii bradyzoite proteinTgBAG1 reacted with T. gondii tissue cysts, N. caninum bradyzoites, and also with S. cruzi tissue cysts and bradyzoites. These data reveal a wide range of cross-reactions between different species of protozoa and between different developmental stages, which should be taken into account in the design and evaluation of diagnostic tests, as well as in the assessment of vaccination and challenge studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dellarupe
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina.
| | - G Moré
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - J M Unzaga
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - L Pardini
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
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Thind AC, Mota CM, Gonçalves APN, Sha J, Wohlschlegel JA, Mineo TWP, Bradley PJ. The Toxoplasma gondii effector GRA83 modulates the host's innate immune response to regulate parasite infection. mSphere 2023; 8:e0026323. [PMID: 37768053 PMCID: PMC10597413 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00263-23] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii's propensity to infect its host and cause disease is highly dependent on its ability to modulate host cell functions. One of the strategies the parasite uses to accomplish this is via the export of effector proteins from the secretory dense granules. Dense granule (GRA) proteins are known to play roles in nutrient acquisition, host cell cycle manipulation, and immune regulation. Here, we characterize a novel dense granule protein named GRA83, which localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) in tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Disruption of GRA83 results in increased virulence, weight loss, and parasitemia during the acute infection, as well as a marked increase in the cyst burden during the chronic infection. This increased parasitemia was associated with an accumulation of inflammatory infiltrates in tissues in both acute and chronic infections. Murine macrophages infected with ∆gra83 tachyzoites produced less interleukin-12 (IL-12) in vitro, which was confirmed with reduced IL-12 and interferon-gamma in vivo. This dysregulation of cytokines correlates with reduced nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) complex. While GRA15 similarly regulates NF-κB, infection with ∆gra83/∆gra15 parasites did not further reduce p65 translocation to the host cell nucleus, suggesting these GRAs function in converging pathways. We also used proximity labeling experiments to reveal candidate GRA83 interacting T. gondii-derived partners. Taken together, this work reveals a novel effector that stimulates the innate immune response, enabling the host to limit the parasite burden. Importance Toxoplasma gondii poses a significant public health concern as it is recognized as one of the leading foodborne pathogens in the United States. Infection with the parasite can cause congenital defects in neonates, life-threatening complications in immunosuppressed patients, and ocular disease. Specialized secretory organelles, including the dense granules, play an important role in the parasite's ability to efficiently invade and regulate components of the host's infection response machinery to limit parasite clearance and establish an acute infection. Toxoplasma's ability to avoid early clearance, while also successfully infecting the host long enough to establish a persistent chronic infection, is crucial in allowing for its transmission to a new host. While multiple GRAs directly modulate host signaling pathways, they do so in various ways highlighting the parasite's diverse arsenal of effectors that govern infection. Understanding how parasite-derived effectors harness host functions to evade defenses yet ensure a robust infection is important for understanding the complexity of the pathogen's tightly regulated infection. In this study, we characterize a novel secreted protein named GRA83 that stimulates the host cell's response to limit infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amara C. Thind
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Caroline M. Mota
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology “Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo,” Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula N. Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology “Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo,” Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jihui Sha
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - James A. Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tiago W. P. Mineo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology “Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo,” Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Peter J. Bradley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Udonsom R, Mahittikorn A, Prachasuphap A, Jongpitisub K, Dhepakson P, Jirapattharasate C. Recombinant Dense Granule Protein (NcGRA4) Is a Novel Serological Marker for Neospora caninum Infection in Goats. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1879. [PMID: 37889832 PMCID: PMC10251823 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111879] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is widely recognised as one of the most significant causes of abortion in cattle, with infections also occurring in sheep and goats. To prevent and control animal neosporosis, it is crucial to develop sensitive and specific methods for detecting N. caninum infection. Recently, several recombinant proteins have been utilised in serological assays for the diagnosis of neosporosis. In this study, we used commercial gene synthesis to produce dense granular antigen 4 (NcGRA4) recombinant protein. NcGRA4 plasmids were expressed in the Escherichia coli system and then purified. The purified recombinant protein was analysed using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. To evaluate the diagnostic potential of recombinant NcGRA4 protein, we tested 214 serum samples from goat farms via indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and compared the results to those from the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Western blotting analysis revealed a single NcGRA4 band with an expected molecular weight of 32 kDa. The specific IgG against N. caninum was detected in 34.1% and 35% of samples evaluated by NcGRA4 iELISA and IFAT, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the NcGRA4 iELISA were 71.6% and 86.3%, respectively, when compared with the results from IFAT. Our results demonstrate that a recombinant protein that can be used to detect animal neosporosis can be produced using a synthetic NcGRA4 gene. Overall, recombinant NcGRA4 shows promise as a sensitive and specific serological marker for identifying target IgG in goat samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruenruetai Udonsom
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (A.M.)
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (A.M.)
| | - Apichai Prachasuphap
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Kodcharad Jongpitisub
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Panadda Dhepakson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuthamonthon Sai 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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Thind AC, Mota CM, Gonçalves APN, Sha J, Wohlschlegel JA, Mineo TWP, Bradley PJ. The Toxoplasma gondii effector GRA83 modulates the host's innate immune response to regulate parasite infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.31.543158. [PMID: 37398161 PMCID: PMC10312501 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.543158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii 's propensity to infect its host and cause disease is highly dependent on its ability to modulate host cell functions. One of the strategies the parasite uses to accomplish this is via the export of effector proteins from the secretory dense granules. Dense granule (GRA) proteins are known to play roles in nutrient acquisition, host cell cycle manipulation, and immune regulation. Here, we characterize a novel dense granule protein named GRA83, which localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole in tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Disruption of GRA83 results in increased virulence, weight loss, and parasitemia during the acute infection, as well as a marked increase in the cyst burden during the chronic infection. This increased parasitemia was associated with an accumulation of inflammatory infiltrates in tissues in both the acute and chronic infection. Murine macrophages infected with Δ gra83 tachyzoites produced less interleukin-12 (IL-12) in vitro , which was confirmed with reduced IL-12 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in vivo . This dysregulation of cytokines correlates with reduced nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of the NF-κB complex. While GRA15 similarly regulates NF-κB, infection with Δ gra83/ Δ gra15 parasites did not further reduce p65 translocation to the host cell nucleus, suggesting these GRAs function in converging pathways. We also used proximity labelling experiments to reveal candidate GRA83 interacting T. gondii derived partners. Taken together, this work reveals a novel effector that stimulates the innate immune response, enabling the host to limit parasite burden. Importance Toxoplasma gondii poses a significant public health concern as it is recognized as one of the leading foodborne pathogens in the United States. Infection with the parasite can cause congenital defects in neonates, life-threatening complications in immunosuppressed patients, and ocular disease. Specialized secretory organelles, including the dense granules, play an important role in the parasite's ability to efficiently invade and regulate components of the host's infection response machinery to limit parasite clearance and establish an acute infection. Toxoplasma' s ability to avoid early clearance, while also successfully infecting the host long enough to establish a persistent chronic infection, is crucial in allowing for its transmission to a new host. While multiple GRAs directly modulate host signaling pathways, they do so in various ways highlighting the parasite's diverse arsenal of effectors that govern infection. Understanding how parasite-derived effectors harness host functions to evade defenses yet ensure a robust infection are important for understanding the complexity of the pathogen's tightly regulated infection. In this study, we characterize a novel secreted protein named GRA83 that stimulates the host cell's response to limit infection.
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Udonsom R, Reamtong O, Adisakwattana P, Popruk S, Jirapattharasate C, Nishikawa Y, Inpankaew T, Toompong J, Kotepui M, Mahittikorn A. Immunoproteomics to identify species-specific antigens in Neospora caninum recognised by infected bovine sera. Parasite 2022; 29:60. [PMID: 36562441 PMCID: PMC9879140 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022059] [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: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis is a disease of concern due to its global distribution and significant economic impact through massive losses in the dairy and meat industries. To date, there is no effective chemotherapeutic drug or vaccine to prevent neosporosis. Control of this disease is therefore dependent on efficient detection tests that may affect treatment management strategies. This study was conducted to identify the specific immunoreactive proteins of Neospora caninum tachyzoites recognised by sera from cattle infected with N. caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, and by sera from uninfected cattle using two-DE dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with immunoblot and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among 70 protein spots that reacted with all infected sera, 20 specific antigenic spots corresponding to 14 different antigenic proteins were recognised by N. caninum-positive sera. Of these immunoreactive antigens, proteins involved in cell proliferation and invasion process were highly immunogenic, including HSP90-like protein, putative microneme 4 (MIC4), actin, elongation factor 1-alpha and armadillo/beta-catenin-like repeat-containing protein. Interestingly, we discovered an unnamed protein product, rhoptry protein (ROP1), possessing strong immunoreactivity against N. caninum but with no data on function available. Moreover, we identified cross-reactive antigens among these apicomplexan parasites, especially N. caninum, T. gondii and C. parvum. Neospora caninum-specific immunodominant proteins were identified for immunodiagnosis and vaccine development. The cross-reactive antigens could be evaluated as potential common vaccine candidates or drug targets to control the diseases caused by these apicomplexan protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruenruetai Udonsom
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Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
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Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
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Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Supaluk Popruk
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Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
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Department of Pre-clinic and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University Salaya Nakhon Pathom 73170 Thailand
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
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National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Obihiro Hokkaido 080-8555 Japan
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
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Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand
| | - Jitbanjong Toompong
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Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology Bangkok 10530 Thailand
| | - Manas Kotepui
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Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University Tha Sala Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160 Thailand
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
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Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
,Corresponding author:
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Pereira LM, Audrey de Paula J, Baroni L, Bezerra MA, Abreu-Filho PG, Yatsuda AP. Molecular characterization of NCLIV_011700 of Neospora caninum, a low sequence identity rhoptry protein. Exp Parasitol 2022; 238:108268. [PMID: 35513005 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite related to abortion in cattle, goats and sheep. The life cycle of N. caninum is characterized by the time-coordinated secretion of proteins contained in micronemes, rhoptries and dense granules, allowing the active invasion and the adaptation of the parasite in the cell environment. Thus, the proteins of the secretome have the potential to be considered as targets for N. caninum control. Despite the importance of neosporosis in the livestock-related economy, no commercial treatment is available. Furthermore, the process of invasion, propagation and immune evasion are not completely elucidated. In this study, we initiated the characterization of NCLIV_011700 of N. caninum, a protein with low sequence identity to NcROP15 or TgROP15 (<15%). Our goal was the detection and molecular characterization of the NCLIV_011700, once homology (with low identity >20%) was observed within the Apicomplexa. The NCLIV_011700 sequence was aligned and compared to the closer apicomplexan homologues (ROP15 from N. caninum, T. gondii, Hammondia hammondi, Cystospores suis), including the predicted domains. In general, the NCLIV_011700 demonstrated low identity with ROP15 of apicomplexan (<20%) and had a ubiquitin domain. On the other side, the NCLIV_011700 homologues were composed of a non-cytoplasmic domain, suggesting different functions between NcROP15 (or homologues) and NCLIV_011700 during the parasite life cycle. Moreover, the NCLIV_011700 was amplified by PCR, ligated to a pET28a plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant form of NCLIV_011700 was purified in a nickel-Sepharose resin and applied for polyclonal antibody production in mice. The antiserum against NCLIV_011700 (anti-r NCLIV_011700) was used to localize the native form of the protein using Western blot and confocal microscopy. Also, the NCLIV_011700 antiserum partially inhibited the parasite adhesion/invasion process, indicating an active role of the protein in the N. caninum cycle. Thus, the initial NCLIV_011700 characterization will contribute to enlarging the comprehension of N. caninum, aiming at the future development of tools to control the parasite infection/propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Audrey de Paula
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Alexandre Bezerra
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, sn/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Venancio-Brochi JC, Pereira LM, Baroni L, Abreu-Filho PG, Yatsuda AP. Characterization of the Neospora caninum peroxiredoxin: a novel peroxidase and antioxidant enzyme. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1735-1748. [PMID: 35362740 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07497-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, an apicomplexan parasite, is the etiological agent of neosporosis, a disease that leads to neurological symptoms in dogs and abortion in cattle. Vaccine or drug treatments for neosporosis remain to be determined. Therefore, it is of undeniable relevance to investigate new molecules involved in the parasite's successful survival within the host cell. The aim of this study was to characterize the N. caninum peroxiredoxin (NcPrx), an enzyme involved in the redox system of the parasite. The NcPrx amino acid sequence showed high identity and similarity compared to homologues representatives of Apicomplexa phylum. The recombinant NcPrx (rNcPrx) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (BL21) with the predicted molecular weight (22 kDa), and the identity of monomer and dimer forms of rNcPrx was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Native and recombinant NcPrx were detected by ELISA and western blot, using the polyclonal anti-rNcPrx serum. Multiphoton analysis showed that NcPrx is localized in tachyzoite cytosol. H2O2 treatment increased the rNcPrx dimerization in vitro, and associated with the in silico data, we suggest that NcPrx belongs to typical 2-Cys Prx group (AhpC/Prx1 family). rNcPrx also increased the H2O2 clearance and protected plasmidial DNA under oxidative conditions. Finally, H2O2 increased the NcPrx dimerization in intracellular and extracellular tachyzoites suggesting that it is enrolled in H2O2 clearance and sensing in N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Cabestre Venancio-Brochi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
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Efficient Gene Knockout and Knockdown Systems in Neospora caninum Enable Rapid Discovery and Functional Assessment of Novel Proteins. mSphere 2022; 7:e0089621. [PMID: 35019667 PMCID: PMC8754167 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00896-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of molecular genetics has greatly enhanced the study of the biology and pathology associated with parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa. While the molecular tools are highly developed for the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii, the closely related parasite Neospora caninum lacks efficient tools for genetic manipulation. To enable efficient homologous recombination in N. caninum, we targeted the Ku heterodimer DNA repair mechanism in the genomic reference strain, Nc-Liverpool (NcLiv), and show that deletion of Ku80 results in a destabilization and loss of its partner Ku70. Disruption of Ku80 generated parasites in which genes are efficiently epitope tagged and only short homology regions are required for gene knockouts. We used this improved strain to target novel nonessential genes encoding dense granule proteins that are unique to N. caninum or conserved in T. gondii. To expand the utility of this strain for essential genes, we developed the auxin-inducible degron system for N. caninum using parasite-specific promoters. As a proof of concept, we knocked down a novel nuclear factor in both N. caninum and T. gondii and showed that it is essential for survival of both parasites. Together, these efficient knockout and knockdown technologies will enable the field to unravel specific gene functions in N. caninum, which is likely to aid in the identification of targets responsible for the phenotypic differences observed between these two closely related apicomplexan parasites. IMPORTANCENeospora caninum is a parasite with veterinary relevance, inducing severe disease in dogs and reproductive disorders in ruminants, especially cattle, leading to major losses. The close phylogenetic relationship to Toxoplasma gondii and the lack of pathogenicity in humans drives an interest of the scientific community toward using N. caninum as a model to study the pathogenicity of T. gondii. To enable this comparison, it is important to develop efficient molecular tools for N. caninum, to gain accuracy and save time in genetic manipulation protocols. Here, we have developed base strains and protocols using the genomic reference strain of N. caninum to enable efficient knockout and knockdown assays in this model. We demonstrate that these tools are effective in targeting known and previously unexplored genes. Thus, these tools will greatly improve the study of this protozoan, as well as enhance its ability to serve as a model to understand other apicomplexan parasites.
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García-Sánchez M, Jiménez-Pelayo L, Horcajo P, Collantes-Fernández E, Ortega-Mora LM, Regidor-Cerrillo J. Neospora caninum infection induces an isolate virulence-dependent pro-inflammatory gene expression profile in bovine monocyte-derived macrophages. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:374. [PMID: 32711550 PMCID: PMC7382829 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite, and its ability to survive inside host immune cells may be a key mechanism for the establishment of infection in cattle. In vitro studies carried out by our group have shown that N. caninum is able to replicate in bovine macrophages (MØs), alter their microbicidal mechanisms and exploit their motility. Furthermore, host-cell control seems to be isolate virulence-dependent. Methods To investigate the molecular basis underlying the innate responses in MØs against N. caninum and the mechanisms of parasite manipulation of the host cell environment, the transcriptome profile of bovine monocyte-derived MØs infected with high-virulence (Nc-Spain7) or low-virulence (Nc-Spain1H) N. caninum isolates was studied. Results Functional enrichment revealed upregulation of genes involved in chemokine signalling, inflammation, cell survival, and inhibition of genes related with metabolism and phagolysosome formation. MØs activation was characterized by the induction of a predominantly M1 phenotype with expression of TLR2, TLR3 and TLR9 and activation of the NF-ƙB signalling pathway. Heat-killed N. caninum tachyzoites failed to activate NF-ƙB, and to inhibit lysosomal activity and apoptosis, which indicates active modulation by the parasite. The FoxO signalling pathway, Th1-Th2 differentiation, glycosaminoglycan degradation and apoptosis were pathways enriched only for low virulent Nc-Spain1H infection. In addition, Nc-Spain1H infection upregulated the IL12A and IL8 pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas IL23 was downregulated by high virulent Nc-Spain7. Conclusions This study revealed mechanisms implicated in the recognition of N. caninum by bovine MØs and in the development of the subsequent immune response. NF-ƙB seems to be the main signalling pathway implicated in the pro-inflammatory bovine MØs response against this pathogen. Apoptosis and phagolysosome maturation are processes repressed by N. caninum infection, which may guarantee its intracellular survival. The results also indicate that Nc-Spain7 may be able to partially circumvent the pro-inflammatory response whereas Nc-Spain1H induces a protective response to infection, which may explain the more efficient transmission of the high-virulence Nc-Spain7 isolate observed in vivo.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta García-Sánchez
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Jiménez-Pelayo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Saluvet-Innova, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Simon L, Fillaux J, Guigon A, Lavergne RA, Villard O, Villena I, Marty P, Pomares C. Serological diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii: analysis of false-positive IgG results and implications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:7. [PMID: 32031519 PMCID: PMC7006501 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary infection by Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women can result in serious outcomes for the foetus. A false-positive IgG result during pregnancy can lead to a misdiagnosis of past infection and to stopping preventive measures. We collected 189 sera with positive Architect® Toxo IgG assay (Abbott Laboratories) and negative IgG results with at least two other serological tests, in order to find an explanation for the suspected false-positive IgG results. We used the recomLine Toxoplasma IgG® immunoblot (Mikrogen Diagnostik) to search for specific antigenic reactivities of the sera, and the LDBio Toxo II IgG® immunoblot (LDBio Diagnostics) as a confirmatory test. RESULTS The bands GRA8 and/or GRA7 were positive for 148 samples (78.3%). GRA8 was the most frequent band, appearing in 133 patterns (70.4%), whereas GRA7 was present for 49 samples (25.9%). Of the 81 samples tested with LDBio®, 23 (28.4%) turned out to be positive. Of the 58 negative LDBio® tests (71.6%) (real false-positive Architect® IgG), 23 samples (39.6%) did not show either a GRA8 or p30 band by recomLine®. Their false positivity with Architect® remains unexplained since Abbott uses these two recombinant antigens for their assay. CONCLUSIONS The Architect® IgG false positivity for T. gondii seems to be due to reactivity against GRA8 for the majority of the sera and GRA7 to a lesser extent. The hypothesis of past contact with parasites genetically close to T. gondii such as Hammondia hammondi or Neospora caninum seems promising and should be assessed further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Simon
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, 06202 Nice, France - Inserm U1065, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Judith Fillaux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Toulouse, 31300 Toulouse, France - PharmaDev, IRD UMR 152, Université de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Aurélie Guigon
- Service de Microbiologie, Hôpital La Source, CHR d'Orléans, 45100 Orléans, France
| | - Rose-Anne Lavergne
- Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France - Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, EA1155-IICiMed, Institut de Recherche en Santé 2, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Odile Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- EA7510, ESCAPE, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR Cap Santé FED 4231, 51096 Reims, France
| | - Pierre Marty
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, 06202 Nice, France - Inserm U1065, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Christelle Pomares
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, 06202 Nice, France - Inserm U1065, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
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11
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García-Sánchez M, Jiménez-Pelayo L, Horcajo P, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Collantes-Fernández E, Ortega-Mora LM. Gene Expression Profiling of Neospora caninum in Bovine Macrophages Reveals Differences Between Isolates Associated With Key Parasite Functions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:354. [PMID: 31681630 PMCID: PMC6803445 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraspecific differences in biological traits between Neospora caninum isolates have been widely described and associated with variations in virulence. However, the molecular basis underlying these differences has been poorly studied. We demonstrated previously that Nc-Spain7 and Nc-Spain1H, high- and low-virulence isolates, respectively, show different invasion, proliferation and survival capabilities in bovine macrophages (boMØs), a key cell in the immune response against Neospora, and modulate the cell immune response in different ways. Here, we demonstrate that these differences are related to specific tachyzoite gene expression profiles. Specifically, the low-virulence Nc-Spain1H isolate showed enhanced expression of genes encoding for surface antigens and genes related to the bradyzoite stage. Among the primary up-regulated genes in Nc-Spain7, genes involved in parasite growth and redox homeostasis are particularly noteworthy because of their correlation with the enhanced proliferation and survival rates of Nc-Spain7 in boMØs relative to Nc-Spain1H. Genes potentially implicated in induction of proinflammatory immune responses were found to be up-regulated in the low-virulence isolate, whereas the high-virulence isolate showed enhanced expression of genes that may be involved in immune evasion. These results represent a further step in understanding the parasite effector molecules that may be associated to virulence and thus to disease traits as abortion and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta García-Sánchez
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Jiménez-Pelayo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Saluvet-Innova, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies againstBesnoitia besnoititachyzoites. Parasitology 2018; 146:187-196. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018001336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis is the first report on the development and characterization of eight monoclonal antibodies (MABs) generated against whole- and membrane-enriched tachyzoite extracts of the apicomplexan parasiteBesnoitia besnoiti. Confocal laser scanning immunofluorescence microscopy was used to localize respective epitopes inB. besnoititachyzoites along the lytic cycle. A pattern compatible with dense granule staining was observed with MABs 2.A.12, 2.F.3 and 2.G.4, which could be confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy for MABs 2.A.12 and 2.F.3. In particular, MABs 2.F.3 and 2.G.4 were secreted during early invasion, proliferation and egress phases. MABs 3.10.8 and 5.5.11 labelled the tachyzoite surface, whilst MABs 1.17.8, 8.9.2 and 2.G.A recognized the apical tip, which is reminiscent for microneme localization. Besides, the epitopes recognized by the latter two (MABs 8.9.2 and 2.G.A) exhibited a redistribution from the anterior part across the parasite surface towards the posterior end during invasion. Most MABs developed were genus-specific. Indeed, the MABs cross-reacted neither withT. gondiinor withN. caninumtachyzoites. In summary, we have generated MABs that will be useful to study the key processes in the lytic cycle of the parasite and with additional promising diagnostic value. However, the molecular identity of the antigens recognized remains to be elucidated.
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13
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Importance of serological cross-reactivity among Toxoplasma gondii, Hammondia spp., Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp. and Besnoitia besnoiti. Parasitology 2017; 144:851-868. [PMID: 28241894 PMCID: PMC5471829 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia spp. and Besnoitia besnoiti are genetically related cyst-forming coccidia. Serology is frequently used for the identification of T. gondii, Neospora spp. and B. besnoiti-exposed individuals. Serologic cross-reactions occur in different tests among animals infected with T. gondii and H. hammondi, as well as among animals infected by T. gondii and N. caninum. Infections caused by N. caninum and N. hughesi are almost indistinguishable by serology. Neospora caninum, B. besnoiti and Sarcocystis spp. infections in cattle show some degree of serologic cross-reactivity. Antibody cross-reactivity between Neospora spp. and H. heydorni-infected animals is suspected, but not proven to occur. We review serologic cross-reactivity among animals and/or humans infected with T. gondii, Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia spp. and B. besnoiti. Emphasis is laid upon antigens and serological methods for N. caninum diagnosis which were tested for cross-reactivity with related protozoa. Species-specific antigens, as well as stage-specific proteins have been identified in some of these parasites and have promising use for diagnosis and epidemiological surveys.
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14
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Ybañez RHD, Leesombun A, Nishimura M, Matsubara R, Kojima M, Sakakibara H, Nagamune K, Nishikawa Y. In vitro and in vivo effects of the phytohormone inhibitor fluridone against Neospora caninum infection. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:319-22. [PMID: 27021922 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum causes abortion and stillbirth in cattle. Identification of effective drugs against this parasite remains a challenge. Previous studies have suggested that disruption of abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated signaling in apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii offers a new drug target. In this study, the ABA inhibitor, fluridone (FLU), was evaluated for its action against N. caninum. Production of endogenous ABA within N. caninum was confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadruple mass spectrometry. Subsequently, FLU treatment efficacy was assessed using in vitro. Results revealed that FLU inhibited the growth of N. caninum and T. gondii in vitro (IC50 143.1±43.96μM and 330.6±52.38μM, respectively). However, FLU did not affect parasite replication at 24h post-infection, but inhibited egress of N. caninum thereafter. To evaluate the effect of FLU in vivo, N. caninum-infected mice were treated with FLU for 15days. FLU treatment appeared to ameliorate acute neosporosis induced by lethal parasite challenge. Together, our data shows that ABA might control egress in N. caninum. Therefore, FLU has potential as a candidate drug for the treatment of acute neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Haidee D Ybañez
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Biology and Environmental Studies Program, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
| | - Arpron Leesombun
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Maki Nishimura
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ryuma Matsubara
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Studies, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Mikiko Kojima
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22, Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sakakibara
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22, Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kisaburo Nagamune
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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15
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Characterization of the Neospora caninum NcROP40 and NcROP2Fam-1 rhoptry proteins during the tachyzoite lytic cycle. Parasitology 2015; 143:97-113. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015001511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYVirulence factors from the ROP2-family have been extensively studied in Toxoplasma gondii, but in the closely related Neospora caninum only NcROP2Fam-1 has been partially characterized to date. NcROP40 is a member of this family and was found to be more abundantly expressed in virulent isolates. Both NcROP2Fam-1 and NcROP40 were evaluated as vaccine candidates and exerted a synergistic effect in terms of protection against vertical transmission in mouse models, which suggests that they may be relevant for parasite pathogenicity. NcROP40 is localized in the rhoptry bulbs of tachyzoites and bradyzoites, but in contrast to NcROP2Fam-1, the protein does not associate with the parasitophorous vacuole membrane due to the lack of arginine-rich amphipathic helix in its sequence. Similarly to NcROP2Fam-1, NcROP40 mRNA levels are highly increased during tachyzoite egress and invasion. However, NcROP40 up-regulation does not appear to be linked to the mechanisms triggering egress. In contrast to NcROP2Fam-1, phosphorylation of NcROP40 was not observed during egress. Besides, NcROP40 secretion into the host cell was not successfully detected by immunofluorescence techniques. These findings indicate that NcROP40 and NcROP2Fam-1 carry out different functions, and highlight the need to elucidate the role of NcROP40 within the lytic cycle and to explain its relative abundance in tachyzoites.
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16
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Rodriguez JA, Xu R, Chen CC, Huang Z, Jiang H, Chen AL, Raines KS, Pryor Jr A, Nam D, Wiegart L, Song C, Madsen A, Chushkin Y, Zontone F, Bradley PJ, Miao J. Three-dimensional coherent X-ray diffractive imaging of whole frozen-hydrated cells. IUCRJ 2015; 2:575-83. [PMID: 26306199 PMCID: PMC4547825 DOI: 10.1107/s205225251501235x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A structural understanding of whole cells in three dimensions at high spatial resolution remains a significant challenge and, in the case of X-rays, has been limited by radiation damage. By alleviating this limitation, cryogenic coherent diffractive imaging (cryo-CDI) can in principle be used to bridge the important resolution gap between optical and electron microscopy in bio-imaging. Here, the first experimental demonstration of cryo-CDI for quantitative three-dimensional imaging of whole frozen-hydrated cells using 8 keV X-rays is reported. As a proof of principle, a tilt series of 72 diffraction patterns was collected from a frozen-hydrated Neospora caninum cell and the three-dimensional mass density of the cell was reconstructed and quantified based on its natural contrast. This three-dimensional reconstruction reveals the surface and internal morphology of the cell, including its complex polarized sub-cellular structure. It is believed that this work represents an experimental milestone towards routine quantitative three-dimensional imaging of whole cells in their natural state with spatial resolutions in the tens of nanometres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A. Rodriguez
- Biological Chemistry, UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chien-Chun Chen
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Zhifeng Huang
- Carl ZEISS X-ray Microscopy Inc., Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA
| | - Huaidong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Allan L. Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kevin S. Raines
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alan Pryor Jr
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Daewoong Nam
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, South Korea
| | - Lutz Wiegart
- NSLS-II Photon Sciences Division, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Changyong Song
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, South Korea
| | - Anders Madsen
- European X-ray Free Electron Laser, Albert-Einstein-Ring 19, Hamburg 22761, Germany
| | - Yuriy Chushkin
- ESRF, The European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, France
| | - Federico Zontone
- ESRF, The European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, France
| | - Peter J. Bradley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jianwei Miao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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17
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Krishna R, Xia D, Sanderson S, Shanmugasundram A, Vermont S, Bernal A, Daniel-Naguib G, Ghali F, Brunk BP, Roos DS, Wastling JM, Jones AR. A large-scale proteogenomics study of apicomplexan pathogens-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Proteomics 2015; 15:2618-28. [PMID: 25867681 PMCID: PMC4692086 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteomics data can supplement genome annotation efforts, for example being used to confirm gene models or correct gene annotation errors. Here, we present a large-scale proteogenomics study of two important apicomplexan pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. We queried proteomics data against a panel of official and alternate gene models generated directly from RNASeq data, using several newly generated and some previously published MS datasets for this meta-analysis. We identified a total of 201 996 and 39 953 peptide-spectrum matches for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively, at a 1% peptide FDR threshold. This equated to the identification of 30 494 distinct peptide sequences and 2921 proteins (matches to official gene models) for T. gondii, and 8911 peptides/1273 proteins for N. caninum following stringent protein-level thresholding. We have also identified 289 and 140 loci for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively, which mapped to RNA-Seq-derived gene models used in our analysis and apparently absent from the official annotation (release 10 from EuPathDB) of these species. We present several examples in our study where the RNA-Seq evidence can help in correction of the current gene model and can help in discovery of potential new genes. The findings of this study have been integrated into the EuPathDB. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifiers PXD000297and PXD000298.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Krishna
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Dong Xia
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Sanya Sanderson
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Achchuthan Shanmugasundram
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Sarah Vermont
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Axel Bernal
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Fawaz Ghali
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Brian P Brunk
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David S Roos
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Wastling
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Andrew R Jones
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
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18
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Neospora caninum Recruits Host Cell Structures to Its Parasitophorous Vacuole and Salvages Lipids from Organelles. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2015; 14:454-73. [PMID: 25750213 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00262-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, which cause the diseases toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, respectively, are two closely related apicomplexan parasites. They have similar heteroxenous life cycles and conserved genomes and share many metabolic features. Despite these similarities, T. gondii and N. caninum differ in their transmission strategies and zoonotic potential. Comparative analyses of the two parasites are important to identify the unique biological features that underlie the basis of host preference and pathogenicity. T. gondii and N. caninum are obligate intravacuolar parasites; in contrast to T. gondii, events that occur during N. caninum infection remain largely uncharacterized. We examined the capability of N. caninum (Liverpool isolate) to interact with host organelles and scavenge nutrients in comparison to that of T. gondii (RH strain). N. caninum reorganizes the host microtubular cytoskeleton and attracts endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, and Golgi vesicles to its vacuole though with some notable differences from T. gondii. For example, the host ER gathers around the N. caninum parasitophorous vacuole (PV) but does not physically associate with the vacuolar membrane; the host Golgi apparatus surrounds the N. caninum PV but does not fragment into ministacks. N. caninum relies on plasma lipoproteins and scavenges cholesterol from NPC1-containing endocytic organelles. This parasite salvages sphingolipids from host Golgi Rab14 vesicles that it sequesters into its vacuole. Our data highlight a remarkable degree of conservation in the intracellular infection program of N. caninum and T. gondii. The minor differences between the two parasites related to the recruitment and rearrangement of host organelles around their vacuoles likely reflect divergent evolutionary paths.
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19
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Mota CM, Ferreira MD, Costa LF, Barros PSC, Silva MV, Santiago FM, Mineo JR, Mineo TWP. Fluorescent ester dye-based assays for the in vitro measurement of Neospora caninum proliferation. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:14-9. [PMID: 25095733 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Techniques for the measurement of parasite loads in different experimental models have evolved throughout the years. The quantification of stained slides using regular cytological stains is currently the most common technique. However, this modality of evaluation is labor-intensive, and the interpretation of the results is subjective because the successes of the assays mainly rely on the abilities of the professionals involved. Moreover, the novel genetic manipulation techniques that are commonly applied for closely related Toxoplasma gondii have not yet been developed for Neospora caninum. Thus, we aimed to develop a simple protocol for parasite quantification using pre-stained N. caninum tachyzoites and fluorescent probes based on ester compounds (i.e., CFSE and DDAO). For this purpose, we employed a quantification procedure based on flow cytometry analysis. Pre-stained parasites were also examined with a fluorescent microscope, which revealed that both dyes were detectable. Direct comparison of the numbers of CFSE+ and DDAO+ cells to the values obtained with classical cytology techniques yielded statistically comparable results that also accorded with genomic DNA amplification results. Although the fluorescence emitted by DDAO was more intense and provided better discrimination between the populations of parasitized cells, CFSE+ tachyzoites were detected for several days. In conclusion, this study describes a simple, fast, low-cost and reproducible protocol for N. caninum quantification that is based on parasite pre-staining with fluorescent ester-based probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Mota
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcela D Ferreira
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lourenço F Costa
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Patrício S C Barros
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Murilo V Silva
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Santiago
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José R Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago W P Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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20
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Monney T, Hemphill A. Vaccines against neosporosis: what can we learn from the past studies? Exp Parasitol 2014; 140:52-70. [PMID: 24602874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite, which is a leading cause of abortion in cattle; thus neosporosis represents an important veterinary health problem and is of high economic significance. The parasite can infect cattle via trans-placental transmission from an infected cow to its fetus (vertical transmission), or through the oral route via ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts that were previously shed with the feces of a canid definitive host (horizontal transmission). Although vaccination was considered a rational strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis, the only commercialized vaccine (Neoguard®) produced ambiguous results with relatively low efficacy, and was recently removed from the market. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient vaccine capable of preventing both, the horizontal transmission through infected food or water to a naïve animal as well as the vertical transmission from infected but clinically asymptomatic dams to the fetus. Different vaccine strategies have been investigated, including the use of live attenuated vaccines, killed parasite lysates, total antigens or antigen fractions from killed parasites, and subunit vaccines. The vast majority of experimental studies were performed in mice, and to a certain extent in gerbils, but there is also a large number of investigations that were conducted in cattle and sheep. However, it is difficult to directly compare these studies due to the high variability of the parameters employed. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances made in vaccine development against N. caninum in cattle and in mice and highlight the most important factors, which are likely to influence the degree of protection mediated by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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21
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Pollo-Oliveira L, Post H, Acencio ML, Lemke N, van den Toorn H, Tragante V, Heck AJR, Altelaar AFM, Yatsuda AP. Unravelling the Neospora caninum secretome through the secreted fraction (ESA) and quantification of the discharged tachyzoite using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:335. [PMID: 24267406 PMCID: PMC4182915 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum causes neosporosis, a disease that leads to abortion or stillbirth in cattle, generating an economic impact on the dairy and beef cattle trade. As an obligatory intracellular parasite, N. caninum needs to invade the host cell in an active manner to survive. The increase in parasite cytosolic Ca2+ upon contact with the host cell mediates critical events, including the exocytosis of phylum-specific secretory organelles and the activation of the parasite invasion motor. Because invasion is considered a requirement for pathogen survival and replication within the host, the identification of secreted proteins (secretome) involved in invasion may be useful to reveal interesting targets for therapeutic intervention. METHODS To chart the currently missing N. caninum secretome, we employed mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify proteins present in the N. caninum tachyzoite using two different approaches. The first approach was identifying the proteins present in the tachyzoite-secreted fraction (ESA). The second approach was determining the relative quantification through peptide stable isotope labelling of the tachyzoites submitted to an ethanol secretion stimulus (discharged tachyzoite), expecting to identify the secreted proteins among the down-regulated group. RESULTS As a result, 615 proteins were identified at ESA and 2,011 proteins quantified at the discharged tachyzoite. We have analysed the connection between the secreted and the down-regulated proteins and searched for putative regulators of the secretion process among the up-regulated proteins. An interaction network was built by computational prediction involving the up- and down-regulated proteins. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000424. CONCLUSIONS The comparison between the protein abundances in ESA and their measure in the discharged tachyzoite allowed for a more precise identification of the most likely secreted proteins. Information from the network interaction and up-regulated proteins was important to recognise key proteins potentially involved in the metabolic regulation of secretion. Our results may be helpful to guide the selection of targets to be investigated against Neospora caninum and other Apicomplexan organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Pollo-Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto e Núcleo de Apoio à Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café , s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Harm Post
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3884 CH, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3884 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Marcio Luis Acencio
- Botucatu Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Distrito de Rubião Jr, s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo 18918-970, Brazil
| | - Ney Lemke
- Botucatu Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Distrito de Rubião Jr, s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo 18918-970, Brazil
| | - Henk van den Toorn
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3884 CH, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3884 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Vinicius Tragante
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Biomedical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Albert JR Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3884 CH, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3884 CH, The Netherlands
| | - AF Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3884 CH, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3884 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto e Núcleo de Apoio à Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café , s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
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22
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Uzêda R, Schares G, Ortega-Mora L, Madruga C, Aguado-Martinez A, Corbellini L, Driemeier D, Gondim L. Combination of monoclonal antibodies improves immunohistochemical diagnosis of Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:477-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 06/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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23
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Cowper B, Matthews S, Tomley F. The molecular basis for the distinct host and tissue tropisms of coccidian parasites. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 186:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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24
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Ferreira Júnior Á, Santiago FM, Silva MV, Ferreira FB, Macêdo Júnior AG, Mota CM, Faria MS, Filho HHS, Silva DAO, Cunha-Júnior JP, Mineo JR, Mineo TWP. Production, characterization and applications for Toxoplasma gondii-specific polyclonal chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40391. [PMID: 22808150 PMCID: PMC3395712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii may cause abortions, ocular and neurological disorders in warm-blood hosts. Immunized mammals are a wide source of hyperimmune sera used in different approaches, including diagnosis and the study of host-parasite interactions. Unfortunately, mammalian antibodies present limitations for its production, such as the necessity for animal bleeding, low yield, interference with rheumatoid factor, complement activation and affinity to Fc mammalian receptors. IgY antibodies avoid those limitations; therefore they could be an alternative to be applied in T. gondii model. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we immunized hens with soluble tachyzoite antigens of T. gondii (STAg) and purified egg yolk antibodies (IgY) by an inexpensive and simple method, with high yield and purity degree. IgY anti-STAg antibodies presented high avidity and were able to recognize a broad range of parasite antigens, although some marked differences were observed in reactivity profile between antibodies produced in immunized hens and mice. Interestingly, IgY antibodies against Neospora caninum and Eimeria spp. did not react to STAg. We also show that IgY antibodies were suitable to detect T. gondii forms in paraffin-embedded sections and culture cell monolayers. Conclusions/Significance Due to its cost-effectiveness, high production yield and varied range of possible applications, polyclonal IgY antibodies are useful tools for studies involving T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Ferreira Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M. Santiago
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Murilo V. Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia B. Ferreira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Arlindo G. Macêdo Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Caroline M. Mota
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Matheus S. Faria
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hercílio H. Silva Filho
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Deise A. O. Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jair P. Cunha-Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José R. Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago W. P. Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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25
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Reid AJ, Vermont SJ, Cotton JA, Harris D, Hill-Cawthorne GA, Könen-Waisman S, Latham SM, Mourier T, Norton R, Quail MA, Sanders M, Shanmugam D, Sohal A, Wasmuth JD, Brunk B, Grigg ME, Howard JC, Parkinson J, Roos DS, Trees AJ, Berriman M, Pain A, Wastling JM. Comparative genomics of the apicomplexan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum: Coccidia differing in host range and transmission strategy. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002567. [PMID: 22457617 PMCID: PMC3310773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite which infects nearly one third of the human population and is found in an extraordinary range of vertebrate hosts. Its epidemiology depends heavily on horizontal transmission, especially between rodents and its definitive host, the cat. Neospora caninum is a recently discovered close relative of Toxoplasma, whose definitive host is the dog. Both species are tissue-dwelling Coccidia and members of the phylum Apicomplexa; they share many common features, but Neospora neither infects humans nor shares the same wide host range as Toxoplasma, rather it shows a striking preference for highly efficient vertical transmission in cattle. These species therefore provide a remarkable opportunity to investigate mechanisms of host restriction, transmission strategies, virulence and zoonotic potential. We sequenced the genome of N. caninum and transcriptomes of the invasive stage of both species, undertaking an extensive comparative genomics and transcriptomics analysis. We estimate that these organisms diverged from their common ancestor around 28 million years ago and find that both genomes and gene expression are remarkably conserved. However, in N. caninum we identified an unexpected expansion of surface antigen gene families and the divergence of secreted virulence factors, including rhoptry kinases. Specifically we show that the rhoptry kinase ROP18 is pseudogenised in N. caninum and that, as a possible consequence, Neospora is unable to phosphorylate host immunity-related GTPases, as Toxoplasma does. This defense strategy is thought to be key to virulence in Toxoplasma. We conclude that the ecological niches occupied by these species are influenced by a relatively small number of gene products which operate at the host-parasite interface and that the dominance of vertical transmission in N. caninum may be associated with the evolution of reduced virulence in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam James Reid
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgshire, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J. Vermont
- Institute of Infection and Global Health and School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Cotton
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgshire, United Kingdom
| | - David Harris
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgshire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Sophia M. Latham
- Institute of Infection and Global Health and School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Mourier
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Norton
- Institute of Infection and Global Health and School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. Quail
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgshire, United Kingdom
| | - Mandy Sanders
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgshire, United Kingdom
| | - Dhanasekaran Shanmugam
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Amandeep Sohal
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgshire, United Kingdom
| | - James D. Wasmuth
- Program in Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children and Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Brian Brunk
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jonathan C. Howard
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - John Parkinson
- Program in Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children and Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David S. Roos
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexander J. Trees
- Institute of Infection and Global Health and School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgshire, United Kingdom
| | - Arnab Pain
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgshire, United Kingdom
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail: (AP); (JMW)
| | - Jonathan M. Wastling
- Institute of Infection and Global Health and School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AP); (JMW)
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