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Overview of Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Inflammatory Processes in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020253. [PMID: 36839525 PMCID: PMC9966443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite. During the parasitic invasion, T. gondii creates a parasitophorous vacuole, which enables the modulation of cell functions, allowing its replication and host infection. It has effective strategies to escape the immune response and reach privileged immune sites and remain inactive in a controlled environment in tissue cysts. This current review presents the factors that affect host cells and the parasite, as well as changes in the immune system during host cell infection. The secretory organelles of T. gondii (dense granules, micronemes, and rhoptries) are responsible for these processes. They are involved with proteins secreted by micronemes and rhoptries (MIC, AMA, and RONs) that mediate the recognition and entry into host cells. Effector proteins (ROP and GRA) that modify the STAT signal or GTPases in immune cells determine their toxicity. Interference byhost autonomous cells during parasitic infection, gene expression, and production of microbicidal molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), result in the regulation of cell death. The high level of complexity in host cell mechanisms prevents cell death in its various pathways. Many of these abilities play an important role in escaping host immune responses, particularly by manipulating the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Here we present recent works that define the mechanisms by which T. gondii interacts with these processes in infected host cells.
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2
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Bisio H, Krishnan A, Marq JB, Soldati-Favre D. Toxoplasma gondii phosphatidylserine flippase complex ATP2B-CDC50.4 critically participates in microneme exocytosis. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010438. [PMID: 35325010 PMCID: PMC8982854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated microneme secretion governs motility, host cell invasion and egress in the obligate intracellular apicomplexans. Intracellular calcium oscillations and phospholipid dynamics critically regulate microneme exocytosis. Despite its importance for the lytic cycle of these parasites, molecular mechanistic details about exocytosis are still missing. Some members of the P4-ATPases act as flippases, changing the phospholipid distribution by translocation from the outer to the inner leaflet of the membrane. Here, the localization and function of the repertoire of P4-ATPases was investigated across the lytic cycle of Toxoplasma gondii. Of relevance, ATP2B and the non-catalytic subunit cell division control protein 50.4 (CDC50.4) form a stable heterocomplex at the parasite plasma membrane, essential for microneme exocytosis. This complex is responsible for flipping phosphatidylserine, which presumably acts as a lipid mediator for organelle fusion with the plasma membrane. Overall, this study points toward the importance of phosphatidylserine asymmetric distribution at the plasma membrane for microneme exocytosis. Biological membranes display diverse functions, including membrane fusion, which are conferred by a defined composition and organization of proteins and lipids. Apicomplexan parasites possess specialized secretory organelles (micronemes), implicated in motility, invasion and egress from host cells. Microneme exocytosis is already known to depend on phosphatidic acid for its fusion with the plasma membrane. Here we identify a type P4-ATPase and its CDC50 chaperone (ATP2B-CDC50.4) that act as a flippase and contribute to the enrichment of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the inner leaflet of the parasite plasma membrane. The disruption of PS asymmetric distribution at the plasma membrane impacts microneme exocytosis. Overall, our results shed light on the importance of membrane homeostasis and lipid composition in controlling microneme secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Bisio
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aarti Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Baptiste Marq
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Bosurgi L, Rothlin CV. Management of cell death in parasitic infections. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:481-492. [PMID: 34279684 PMCID: PMC8443503 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, host cell death during parasitic infection has been considered a reflection of tissue damage, and often associated with disease pathogenesis. However, during their evolution, protozoan and helminth parasites have developed strategies to interfere with cell death so as to spread and survive in the infected host, thereby ascribing a more intriguing role to infection-associated cell death. In this review, we examine the mechanisms used by intracellular and extracellular parasites to respectively inhibit or trigger programmed cell death. We further dissect the role of the prototypical “eat-me signal” phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) which, by being exposed on the cell surface of damaged host cells as well as on some viable parasites via a process of apoptotic mimicry, leads to their recognition and up-take by the neighboring phagocytes. Although barely dissected so far, the engagement of different PtdSer receptors on macrophages, by shaping the host immune response, affects the overall infection outcome in models of both protozoan and helminth infections. In this scenario, further understanding of the molecular and cellular regulation of the PtdSer exposing cell-macrophage interaction might allow the identification of new therapeutic targets for the management of parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Bosurgi
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany. .,Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Carla V Rothlin
- Department of Immunobiology and Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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4
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Damasceno-Sá JC, de Souza FS, Dos Santos TAT, de Oliveira FC, da Silva MDFS, Dias RRF, de Souza W, Arnholdt ACV, Seabra SH, DaMatta RA. Inhibition of nitric oxide production of activated mice peritoneal macrophages is independent of the Toxoplasma gondii strain. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2021; 116:e200417. [PMID: 33729328 PMCID: PMC7949196 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis and is controlled by activated macrophages. However, infection of macrophages by tachyzoites induces TGF-β signaling (TGF-s) inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production. NO inhibition may be a general escape mechanism of distinct T. gondii strains. OBJECTIVES To evaluate in activated macrophages the capacity of T. gondii strains of different virulence and genetics (RH, type I; ME-49, type II; VEG, type III; P-Br, recombinant) to evade the NO microbicidal defense system and determine LC3 loading to the parasitophorous vacuole. METHODS Activated peritoneal macrophages were infected with the different T. gondii strains, NO-production was evaluated by the Griess reagent, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, TGF-s, and LC3 localisation assayed by immunofluorescence. FINDINGS Only RH persisted in macrophages, while VEG was more resistant than P-Br and ME-49. All strains induced TGF-s, degradation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and NO-production inhibition from 2 to 24 h of infection, but only RH sustained these alterations for 48 h. By 24 h of infection, TGF-s lowered in macrophages infected by ME-49, and P-Br, and NO-production recovered, while VEG sustained TGF-s and NO-production inhibition longer. LC3 loading to parasitophorous vacuole was strain-dependent: higher for ME-49, P-Br and VEG, lower for RH. All strains inhibited NO-production, but only RH sustained this effect probably because it persisted in macrophages due to additional evasive mechanisms as lower LC3 loading to parasitophorous vacuole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These results support that T. gondii can escape the NO microbicidal defense system at the initial phase of the infection, but only the virulent strain sustain this evasion mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Cláudio Damasceno-Sá
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Silva de Souza
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Thiago Alves Teixeira Dos Santos
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil.,Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Tecnologia em Bioquímica e Microscopia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fábio Conceição de Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria de Fátima Sarro da Silva
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Raul Ramos Furtado Dias
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Andrea Cristina Veto Arnholdt
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil.,Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Tecnologia em Bioquímica e Microscopia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Renato Augusto DaMatta
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
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5
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Wanderley JLM, DaMatta RA, Barcinski MA. Apoptotic mimicry as a strategy for the establishment of parasitic infections: parasite- and host-derived phosphatidylserine as key molecule. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:10. [PMID: 31941500 PMCID: PMC6964003 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0482-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of parasitic infection is dependent on the development of efficient strategies to evade the host defense mechanisms. Phosphatidylserine (PS) molecules are pivotal for apoptotic cell recognition and clearance by professional phagocytes. Moreover, PS receptors are able to trigger anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses by phagocytes, either by coupled enzymes or through the induction of regulatory cytokine secretion. These PS-dependent events are exploited by parasites in a mechanism called apoptotic mimicry. Generally, apoptotic mimicry refers to the effects of PS recognition for the initiation and maintenance of pathogenic infections. However, in this context, PS molecules can be recognized on the surface of the infectious agent or in the surface of apoptotic host debris, leading to the respective denomination of classical and non-classical apoptotic mimicry. In this review, we discuss the role of PS in the pathogenesis of several human infections caused by protozoan parasites. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- João Luiz Mendes Wanderley
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Campus UFRJ Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Renato Augusto DaMatta
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Norte-Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcello André Barcinski
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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6
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Giovati L, Santinoli C, Mangia C, Vismarra A, Belletti S, D'Adda T, Fumarola C, Ciociola T, Bacci C, Magliani W, Polonelli L, Conti S, Kramer LH. Novel Activity of a Synthetic Decapeptide Against Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:753. [PMID: 29731744 PMCID: PMC5920037 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The killer peptide KP is a synthetic decapeptide derived from the sequence of the variable region of a recombinant yeast killer toxin-like microbicidal single-chain antibody. KP proved to exert significant activities against diverse microbial and viral pathogens through different mechanisms of action, but little is known of its effect on apicomplexan protozoa. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of KP against Toxoplasma gondii, a globally widespread protozoan parasite of great medical interest. The effect of KP treatment and its potential mechanism of action on T. gondii were evaluated by various methods, including light microscopy, quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In the presence of KP, the number of T. gondii tachyzoites able to invade Vero cells and the parasite intracellular proliferation were significantly reduced. Morphological observation and analysis of apoptotic markers suggested that KP is able to trigger an apoptosis-like cell death in T. gondii. Overall, our results indicate that KP could be a promising candidate for the development of new anti-Toxoplasma drugs with a novel mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giovati
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Santinoli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Mangia
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvana Belletti
- Laboratory of Histology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana D'Adda
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Fumarola
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tecla Ciociola
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cristina Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura H Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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7
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Ashour DS, Saad AE, Dawood LM, Zamzam Y. Immunological interaction between Giardia cyst extract and experimental toxoplasmosis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 40. [PMID: 29130475 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is mostly associated with other intestinal parasitic infections especially Giardia due to shared mode of peroral infection. Toxoplasma and Giardia induce a strong T-helper 1- immune response. Our aim was to induce a protective immune response that results in significant impact on intestinal and extra-intestinal phases of Toxoplasma infection. This study was conducted in experimental animals and assessment of Giardia cyst extract effect on Toxoplasma infection was investigated by histopathological examination of small intestine and brain, Toxoplasma cyst count and iNOS staining of the brain, measurement of IFN-γ and TGF-β in intestinal tissues. Results showed that the brain Toxoplasma cyst number was decreased in mice infected with Toxoplasma then received Giardia cyst extract as compared to mice infected with Toxoplasma only. This effect was produced because Giardia cyst extract augmented the immune response to Toxoplasma infection as evidenced by severe inflammatory reaction in the intestinal and brain tissues, increased levels of IFN-γ and TGF-β in intestinal tissues and strong iNOS staining of the brain. In conclusion, Giardia cyst extract generated a protective response against T. gondii infection. Therefore, Giardia antigen will be a suitable candidate for further researches as an immunomodulatory agent against Toxoplasma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Ashour
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - A E Saad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - L M Dawood
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Y Zamzam
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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8
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Downmodulation of Effector Functions in NK Cells upon Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00069-17. [PMID: 28760930 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00069-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii can actively infect any nucleated cell type, including cells from the immune system. The rapid transfer of T. gondii from infected dendritic cells to effector natural killer (NK) cells may contribute to the parasite's sequestration and shielding from immune recognition shortly after infection. However, subversion of NK cell functions, such as cytotoxicity or production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as gamma interferon (IFN-γ), upon parasite infection might also be beneficial to the parasite. In the present study, we investigated the effects of T. gondii infection on NK cells. In vitro, infected NK cells were found to be poor at killing target cells and had reduced levels of IFN-γ production. This could be attributed in part to the inability of infected cells to form conjugates with their target cells. However, even upon NK1.1 cross-linking of NK cells, the infected NK cells also exhibited poor degranulation and IFN-γ production. Similarly, NK cells infected in vivo were also poor at killing target cells and producing IFN-γ. Increased levels of transforming growth factor β production, as well as increased levels of expression of SHP-1 in the cytosol of infected NK cells upon infection, were observed in infected NK cells. However, the phosphorylation of STAT4 was not altered in infected NK cells, suggesting that transcriptional regulation mediates the reduced IFN-γ production, which was confirmed by quantitative PCR. These data suggest that infection of NK cells by T. gondii impairs NK cell recognition of target cells and cytokine release, two mechanisms that independently could enhance T. gondii survival.
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9
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Brasil TR, Freire-de-Lima CG, Morrot A, Vetö Arnholdt AC. Host- Toxoplasma gondii Coadaptation Leads to Fine Tuning of the Immune Response. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1080. [PMID: 28955329 PMCID: PMC5601305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii has successfully developed strategies to evade host's immune response and reach immune privileged sites, which remains in a controlled environment inside quiescent tissue cysts. In this review, we will approach several known mechanisms used by the parasite to modulate mainly the murine immune system at its favor. In what follows, we review recent findings revealing interference of host's cell autonomous immunity and cell signaling, gene expression, apoptosis, and production of microbicide molecules such as nitric oxide and oxygen reactive species during parasite infection. Modulation of host's metalloproteinases of extracellular matrix is also discussed. These immune evasion strategies are determinant to parasite dissemination throughout the host taking advantage of cells from the immune system to reach brain and retina, crossing crucial hosts' barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Rigueti Brasil
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Morrot
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Zare-Bidaki M, Assar S, Hakimi H, Abdollahi SH, Nosratabadi R, Kennedy D, Arababadi MK. TGF-β in Toxoplasmosis: Friend or foe? Cytokine 2016; 86:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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11
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Pestechian N, Khanahmad Shahreza H, Faridnia R, Kalani H. Manipulation of IL-10 gene expression by Toxoplasma gondii and its products. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2016; 30:410. [PMID: 27683651 PMCID: PMC5038996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to evaluate whether or not T. gondii and its derivatives can change the gene expression level of IL-10 in murine leukocytes in vivo. METHODS Fifty BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups, four of which received the excretory/secretory product (ESP) from cell culture medium, the ESP from cell free medium, the Toxoplasma lysate product (TLP) and the active tachyzoites, respectively. The fifth group was considered as control and received PBS. The peritoneal leukocytes from the mice were collected. Their total RNA were extracted and converted to cDNA and the gene expression levels of IL-10 in the samples were evaluated by quantitative real time-PCR using the REST-2009 software. RESULTS The findings showed a decrease in the expression level of IL-10 in the TLP group (p=0.004). Moreover, the IL-10 gene expression level was upregulated in the group of the ESP from cell culture medium (p=0.04) and the active tachyzoite group (p=0.04). The expression of IL-10 gene in the group of ESP from cell-free medium was not significant compared to the control one (p=0.45). CONCLUSION T. gondii and its derivatives are able to increase (the active T. gondii tachyzoite and the ESP from cell culture medium) and decrease (the TLP) the gene expression level of IL-10 in a murine model. The question remains to be examined in further study about which molecules are involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Pestechian
- 1 PhD, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Hosein Khanahmad Shahreza
- 2 PhD, Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Roghiyeh Faridnia
- 3 PhD, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Hamed Kalani
- 4 PhD, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. ,(Corresponding author)PhD, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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12
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Rice DR, Clear KJ, Smith BD. Imaging and therapeutic applications of zinc(ii)-dipicolylamine molecular probes for anionic biomembranes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:8787-801. [PMID: 27302091 PMCID: PMC4949593 DOI: 10.1039/c6cc03669d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This feature article describes the development of synthetic zinc(ii)-dipicolylamine (ZnDPA) receptors as selective targeting agents for anionic membranes in cell culture and living subjects. There is a strong connection between anionic cell surface charge and disease, and ZnDPA probes have been employed extensively for molecular imaging and targeted therapeutics. Fluorescence and nuclear imaging applications include detection of diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, arthritis, and microbial infection, and also quantification of cell death caused by therapy. Therapeutic applications include selective targeting of cytotoxic agents and drug delivery systems, photodynamic inactivation, and modulation of the immune system. The article concludes with a summary of expected future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas R Rice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 236 Nieuwland Science Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, 46556 IN, USA.
| | - Kasey J Clear
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 236 Nieuwland Science Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, 46556 IN, USA.
| | - Bradley D Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 236 Nieuwland Science Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, 46556 IN, USA.
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13
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Birge RB, Boeltz S, Kumar S, Carlson J, Wanderley J, Calianese D, Barcinski M, Brekken RA, Huang X, Hutchins JT, Freimark B, Empig C, Mercer J, Schroit AJ, Schett G, Herrmann M. Phosphatidylserine is a global immunosuppressive signal in efferocytosis, infectious disease, and cancer. Cell Death Differ 2016; 23:962-78. [PMID: 26915293 PMCID: PMC4987730 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 451] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved and tightly regulated cell death modality. It serves important roles in physiology by sculpting complex tissues during embryogenesis and by removing effete cells that have reached advanced age or whose genomes have been irreparably damaged. Apoptosis culminates in the rapid and decisive removal of cell corpses by efferocytosis, a term used to distinguish the engulfment of apoptotic cells from other phagocytic processes. Over the past decades, the molecular and cell biological events associated with efferocytosis have been rigorously studied, and many eat-me signals and receptors have been identified. The externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) is arguably the most emblematic eat-me signal that is in turn bound by a large number of serum proteins and opsonins that facilitate efferocytosis. Under physiological conditions, externalized PS functions as a dominant and evolutionarily conserved immunosuppressive signal that promotes tolerance and prevents local and systemic immune activation. Pathologically, the innate immunosuppressive effect of externalized PS has been hijacked by numerous viruses, microorganisms, and parasites to facilitate infection, and in many cases, establish infection latency. PS is also profoundly dysregulated in the tumor microenvironment and antagonizes the development of tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the biology of PS with respect to its role as a global immunosuppressive signal and how PS is exploited to drive diverse pathological processes such as infection and cancer. Finally, we outline the rationale that agents targeting PS could have significant value in cancer and infectious disease therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Birge
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - S Boeltz
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - J Carlson
- Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, 14282 Franklin Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
| | - J Wanderley
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D Calianese
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - M Barcinski
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
| | - X Huang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
| | - J T Hutchins
- Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, 14282 Franklin Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
| | - B Freimark
- Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, 14282 Franklin Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
| | - C Empig
- Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, 14282 Franklin Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
| | - J Mercer
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - A J Schroit
- Simmons Cancer Center and the Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - G Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Herrmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Crauwels P, Bohn R, Thomas M, Gottwalt S, Jäckel F, Krämer S, Bank E, Tenzer S, Walther P, Bastian M, van Zandbergen G. Apoptotic-like Leishmania exploit the host's autophagy machinery to reduce T-cell-mediated parasite elimination. Autophagy 2016; 11:285-97. [PMID: 25801301 PMCID: PMC4502818 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2014.998904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a well-defined cellular process in which a cell dies, characterized by cell shrinkage and DNA fragmentation. In parasites like Leishmania, the process of apoptosis-like cell death has been described. Moreover upon infection, the apoptotic-like population is essential for disease development, in part by silencing host phagocytes. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of how apoptosis in unicellular organisms may support infectivity remains unclear. Therefore we investigated the fate of apoptotic-like Leishmania parasites in human host macrophages. Our data showed—in contrast to viable parasites—that apoptotic-like parasites enter an LC3+, autophagy-like compartment. The compartment was found to consist of a single lipid bilayer, typical for LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). As LAP can provoke anti-inflammatory responses and autophagy modulates antigen presentation, we analyzed how the presence of apoptotic-like parasites affected the adaptive immune response. Macrophages infected with viable Leishmania induced proliferation of CD4+ T-cells, leading to a reduced intracellular parasite survival. Remarkably, the presence of apoptotic-like parasites in the inoculum significantly reduced T-cell proliferation. Chemical induction of autophagy in human monocyte-derived macrophage (hMDM), infected with viable parasites only, had an even stronger proliferation-reducing effect, indicating that host cell autophagy and not parasite viability limits the T-cell response and enhances parasite survival. Concluding, our data suggest that apoptotic-like Leishmania hijack the host cells´ autophagy machinery to reduce T-cell proliferation. Furthermore, the overall population survival is guaranteed, explaining the benefit of apoptosis-like cell death in a single-celled parasite and defining the host autophagy pathway as a potential therapeutic target in treating Leishmaniasis.
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Key Words
- ANXA5, annexin V
- CFSE, carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester
- CM, complete medium
- IF, immunofluorescence
- IL, interleukin
- LAP
- LAP, LC3-associated phagocytosis
- Lm, Leishmania
- MACS, magnetic-associated cell sorting
- MAP1LC3/LC3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3
- MFI, mean fluorescence intensity
- MHC, major histocompatibility complex
- MOI, multiplicity of infection
- PBMCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- PS, phosphatidylserine
- T-cell proliferation
- TGFB, transforming growth factor
- anti-inflammatory
- apoptotic-like Leishmania
- autophagy
- hMDM, human monocyte derived macrophage
- human primary macrophages
- immune evasion
- log.ph, logarithmic phase
- stat.ph, stationary phase
- β; TT, tetanus toxoid
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Crauwels
- a Division of Immunology ; Paul-Ehrlich-Institute ; Langen , Germany
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15
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Li M, Wang H, Liu J, Hao P, Ma L, Liu Q. The Apoptotic Role of Metacaspase in Toxoplasma gondii. Front Microbiol 2016; 6:1560. [PMID: 26834715 PMCID: PMC4717298 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major opportunistic pathogen that spreads in a range of animal species and human beings. Quite a few characterizations of apoptosis have been identified in T. gondii treated with apoptosis inducers, but the molecular mechanisms of the pathway are not clearly understood. Metacaspases are caspase-like cysteine proteases that can be found in plants, fungi, and protozoa in which caspases are absent. Metacaspases are multifunctional proteases involved in apoptosis-like cell death, insoluble protein aggregate clearance, and cell proliferation. To investigate whether T. gondii metacaspase (TgMCA) is involved in the apoptosis of the parasites, we generated TgMCA mutant strains. Western blot analysis indicated that the autoproteolytic processing of TgMCA was the same as that for metacaspases of some other species. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) showed that TgMCA was dispersed throughout the cytoplasm and relocated to the nucleus when the parasites were exposed to the extracellular environment, which indicated the execution of its function in the nucleus. The number of apoptosis parasites was significantly diminished in the TgMCA knockout strain and increased in the TgMCA overexpression strain after treatment with extracellular buffer, as determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The lack of TgMCA did not affect the parasite propagation in vitro and virulence in vivo, suggesting that it is probably redundant in parasite propagation. But overexpression of TgMCA reduced the intracellular parasites growth in vitro. The TgMCA knockout strain showed more viability in extracellular buffer compared to the parental and overexpression lines. In this study, we demonstrated that TgMCA contributes to the apoptosis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzi Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University Beijing, China
| | - Pan Hao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University Beijing, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University Beijing, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University Beijing, China
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16
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Pszenny V, Ehrenman K, Romano JD, Kennard A, Schultz A, Roos DS, Grigg ME, Carruthers VB, Coppens I. A Lipolytic Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase Secreted by Toxoplasma Facilitates Parasite Replication and Egress. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:3725-46. [PMID: 26694607 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.671974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii develops within a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) in mammalian cells, where it scavenges cholesterol. When cholesterol is present in excess in its environment, the parasite expulses this lipid into the PV or esterifies it for storage in lipid bodies. Here, we characterized a unique T. gondii homologue of mammalian lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), a key enzyme that produces cholesteryl esters via transfer of acyl groups from phospholipids to the 3-OH of free cholesterol, leading to the removal of excess cholesterol from tissues. TgLCAT contains a motif characteristic of serine lipases "AHSLG" and the catalytic triad consisting of serine, aspartate, and histidine (SDH) from LCAT enzymes. TgLCAT is secreted by the parasite, but unlike other LCAT enzymes it is cleaved into two proteolytic fragments that share the residues of the catalytic triad and need to be reassembled to reconstitute enzymatic activity. TgLCAT uses phosphatidylcholine as substrate to form lysophosphatidylcholine that has the potential to disrupt membranes. The released fatty acid is transferred to cholesterol, but with a lower transesterification activity than mammalian LCAT. TgLCAT is stored in a subpopulation of dense granule secretory organelles, and following secretion, it localizes to the PV and parasite plasma membrane. LCAT-null parasites have impaired growth in vitro, reduced virulence in animals, and exhibit delays in egress from host cells. Parasites overexpressing LCAT show increased virulence and faster egress. These observations demonstrate that TgLCAT influences the outcome of an infection, presumably by facilitating replication and egress depending on the developmental stage of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Pszenny
- From the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, the Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Karen Ehrenman
- From the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Julia D Romano
- From the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Andrea Kennard
- the Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Aric Schultz
- the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and
| | - David S Roos
- the Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Michael E Grigg
- the Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Vern B Carruthers
- the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- From the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205,
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17
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Portes JA, Souza TG, dos Santos TAT, da Silva LLR, Ribeiro TP, Pereira MD, Horn A, Fernandes C, DaMatta RA, de Souza W, Seabra SH. Reduction of Toxoplasma gondii Development Due to Inhibition of Parasite Antioxidant Enzymes by a Dinuclear Iron(III) Compound. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:7374-86. [PMID: 26392498 PMCID: PMC4649245 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00057-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular protozoan that can infect a wide range of vertebrate cells. Here, we describe the cytotoxic effects of the dinuclear iron compound [Fe(HPCINOL)(SO4)]2-μ-oxo, in which HPCINOL is the ligand 1-(bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amino)-3-chloropropan-2-ol, on T. gondii infecting LLC-MK2 host cells. This compound was not toxic to LLC-MK2 cells at concentrations of up to 200 μM but was very active against the parasite, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.6 μM after 48 h of treatment. Cyst formation was observed after treatment, as indicated by the appearance of a cyst wall, Dolichos biflorus lectin staining, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy characteristics. Ultrastructural changes were also seen in T. gondii, including membrane blebs and clefts in the cytoplasm, with inclusions similar to amylopectin granules, which are typically found in bradyzoites. An analysis of the cell death pathways in the parasite revealed that the compound caused a combination of apoptosis and autophagy. Fluorescence assays demonstrated that the redox environment in the LLC-MK2 cells becomes oxidant in the presence of the iron compound. Furthermore, a reduction in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the treated parasites and the presence of reactive oxygen species within the parasitophorous vacuoles were observed, indicating an impaired protozoan response against these radicals. These findings suggest that this compound disturbs the redox equilibrium of T. gondii, inducing cystogenesis and parasite death.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Portes
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T G Souza
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T A T dos Santos
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L L R da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T P Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Citotoxicidade e Genotoxicidade, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - M D Pereira
- Laboratório de Citotoxicidade e Genotoxicidade, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A Horn
- Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia, UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C Fernandes
- Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia, UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - R A DaMatta
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - W de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB) and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (CENABIO), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, RJ, Brazil
| | - S H Seabra
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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18
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Abstract
Objective T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule-4 (Tim-4) receives much attention as a potentially negative regulator of immune responses. However, its modulation on macrophages has not been fully elucidated so far. This study aimed to identify the role of Tim-4 in nitric oxide (NO) modulation. Methods Macrophages were stimulated with 100 ng/ml LPS or 100 U/ml IFN-γ. RT-PCR was performed to detect TIM-4 mRNA expression. Tim-4 blocking antibody and NF-κB inhibitory ligand were involved in the study. NO levels were assayed by Griess reaction. Phosphorylation of NF-κB, Jak2 or Stat1 was verified by western blot. Results Tim-4 was up-regulated in murine macrophages after interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) stimulation. Tim-4 over-expression decreased NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages. Consistently, Tim-4 blockade promoted LPS or IFN-γ-induced NO secretion and iNOS expression. Tim-4 over-expression decreased LPS-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation in macrophages, which was abrogated by NF-κB inhibitory ligand. On the contrary, Tim-4 blocking increased LPS-induced NF-κB signaling, which was also abrogated by NF-κB inhibition. In addition, Tim-4 blockade promoted Jak2 and Stat1 phosphorylation in IFN-γ stimulated macrophages. Conclusion These results indicate that Tim-4 is involved in negative regulation of NO production in macrophages, suggesting the critical role of Tim-4 in immune related diseases.
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19
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Advantages and disadvantages of conditional systems for characterization of essential genes in Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitology 2014; 141:1390-8. [PMID: 24926834 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The dissection of apicomplexan biology has been highly influenced by the genetic tools available for manipulation of parasite DNA. Here, we describe different techniques available for the generation of conditional mutants. Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the three most commonly used regulation systems: the tetracycline inducible system, the regulation of protein stability and site-specific recombination are discussed. Using some previously described examples we explore some of the pitfalls involved in gene-function analysis using these systems that can lead to wrong or over-interpretation of phenotypes. We will also mention different options to standardize the application of these techniques for the characterization of gene function in high-throughput.
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20
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Padrão JDC, Cabral GRDA, da Silva MDFS, Seabra SH, DaMatta RA. Toxoplasma gondii infection of activated J774-A1 macrophages causes inducible nitric oxide synthase degradation by the proteasome pathway. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:659-63. [PMID: 24845536 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Classically activated macrophages produce nitric oxide (NO), which is a potent microbicidal agent. NO production is catalyzed by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which uses arginine as substrate producing NO and citruline. However, it has been demonstrated that NO production is inhibited after macrophage infection of Toxoplasma gondii, the agent of toxoplasmosis, due to iNOS degradation. Three possible iNOS degradation pathways have been described in activated macrophages: proteasome, calpain and lysosomal. To identify the iNOS degradation pathway after T. gondii infection, J774-A1 macrophage cell line was activated with lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma for 24 h, treated with the following inhibitors, lactacystin (proteasome), calpeptin (calpain), or concanamycin A (lysosomal), and infected with the parasite. NO production and iNOS expression were evaluated after 2 and 6 h of infection. iNOS was degraded in J774-A1 macrophages infected with T. gondii. However, treatment with lactacystin maintained iNOS expression in J774-A1 macrophages infected for 2 h by T. gondii, and after 6 h iNOS was localized in aggresomes. iNOS was degraded after parasite infection of J774-A1 macrophages treated with calpeptin or concanamycin A. NO production confirmed iNOS expression profiles. These results indicate that T. gondii infection of J774-A1 macrophages caused iNOS degradation by the proteasome pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana da Cruz Padrão
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Rabello de Abreu Cabral
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria de Fátima Sarro da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Bioquímica e Microscopia, Setor Laboratorial, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Avenida Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203, Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, 21070-200 RJ, Brazil
| | - Renato Augusto DaMatta
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil.
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21
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Ni Nyoman AD, Lüder CGK. Apoptosis-like cell death pathways in the unicellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii following treatment with apoptosis inducers and chemotherapeutic agents: a proof-of-concept study. Apoptosis 2013; 18:664-80. [PMID: 23468121 PMCID: PMC3634991 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-013-0832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ancient pathways of an apoptosis-like cell death have been identified in unicellular eukaryotes including protozoan parasites. Here, we examined programmed cell death in the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii which is a common intracellular pathogen of humans and warm-blooded animals. Treatment of extracellular T. gondii with various pro-apoptotic stimuli significantly induced DNA strand breaks as revealed by TUNEL and flow cytometry. Using staurosporine or miltefosine as pro-apoptotic stimuli, parasites also presented a reduced cell size, i.e. pyknosis and externalized phosphatidylserine while the plasma membrane remained intact. Importantly, staurosporine also induced DNA strand breaks in intracellular T. gondii. Data mining of the Toxoplasma genome resource identified 17 putative cell death-associated genes encoding proteases, a nuclease and several apoptosis regulators. Staurosporine-treated parasites but not controls strongly up-regulated several of these genes in a time-dependent fashion with a putative PDCD2 protein being more than 100-fold up-regulated. However, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) remained intact and caspase-like activity increased only slightly during staurosporine-triggered cell death. As compared to staurosporine, the transcriptional response of parasites to miltefosine was more restricted but PDCD2 was again strongly induced. Furthermore, T. gondii lost their ΔΨm and rapidly presented strong caspase-like activity during miltefosine treatment. Consequently, protease inhibitors abrogated miltefosine-induced but not staurosporine-induced Toxoplasma cell death. Finally, toxoplasmacidal drugs triggered DNA strand breaks in extracellular T. gondii. Interestingly, clindamycin also induced markers of an apoptosis-like cell death in intracellular parasites. Together, the data indicate that T. gondii possesses ancient apoptosis-like cell death machinery which can be triggered by chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayu Dewi Ni Nyoman
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Kreuzbergring 57, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Udayana University, Sudirman Denpasar, 80232 Bali, Indonesia
| | - Carsten G. K. Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University, Kreuzbergring 57, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Farooq A, Whitehead D, Azzawi M. Attenuation of endothelial-dependent vasodilator responses, induced by dye-encapsulated silica nanoparticles, in aortic vessels. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2013; 9:413-25. [PMID: 23432341 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.12.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine the influence of silica nanoparticle (SiNP) number, size and dye encapsulation on conduit arterial function, in vitro. MATERIALS & METHODS Rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC) dye molecules were encapsulated in a silica shell to produce nanoparticles (silica RBITC nanoparticles) smaller than 100 nm size. Their effects on endothelial-dependent (acetylcholine; 0.01-200 µM) and -independent (sodium nitroprusside; 0.001-10 µM) dilator responses were examined. RESULTS When incubated with 1.96 × 10(12) nanoparticles/ml, both 30 and 70 nm SiNPs and silica RBITC nanoparticles significantly reduced endothelium-dependent, but not -independent, vasodilation. The degree of attenuation was related to nanoparticle surface area, rather than size, and influenced by dye encapsulation. Furthermore, attenuated dilation due to silica RBITC nanoparticles, but not SiNPs, could be partially restored using superoxide dismutase. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the mechanism of attenuated dilation is different for SiNPs and silica RBITC nanoparticles, which has implications for the future fabrication of biocompatible nanoparticles for imaging diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asima Farooq
- School of Science & the Environment, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
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Esch KJ, Petersen CA. Transmission and epidemiology of zoonotic protozoal diseases of companion animals. Clin Microbiol Rev 2013; 26:58-85. [PMID: 23297259 PMCID: PMC3553666 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00067-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 77 million dogs and 93 million cats share our households in the United States. Multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of pets in their owners' physical and mental health. Given the large number of companion animals in the United States and the proximity and bond of these animals with their owners, understanding and preventing the diseases that these companions bring with them are of paramount importance. Zoonotic protozoal parasites, including toxoplasmosis, Chagas' disease, babesiosis, giardiasis, and leishmaniasis, can cause insidious infections, with asymptomatic animals being capable of transmitting disease. Giardia and Toxoplasma gondii, endemic to the United States, have high prevalences in companion animals. Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi are found regionally within the United States. These diseases have lower prevalences but are significant sources of human disease globally and are expanding their companion animal distribution. Thankfully, healthy individuals in the United States are protected by intact immune systems and bolstered by good nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene. Immunocompromised individuals, including the growing number of obese and/or diabetic people, are at a much higher risk of developing zoonoses. Awareness of these often neglected diseases in all health communities is important for protecting pets and owners. To provide this awareness, this review is focused on zoonotic protozoal mechanisms of virulence, epidemiology, and the transmission of pathogens of consequence to pet owners in the United States.
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Ariel A, Timor O. Hanging in the balance: endogenous anti-inflammatory mechanisms in tissue repair and fibrosis. J Pathol 2012; 229:250-63. [DOI: 10.1002/path.4108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amiram Ariel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa Israel
| | - Orly Timor
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa Israel
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Soong L, Henard CA, Melby PC. Immunopathogenesis of non-healing American cutaneous leishmaniasis and progressive visceral leishmaniasis. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 34:735-51. [PMID: 23053396 PMCID: PMC4111229 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The outcomes of Leishmania infection are determined by host immune and nutrition status, parasite species, and co-infection with other pathogens. While subclinical infection and self-healing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are common, uncontrolled parasite replication can lead to non-healing local lesions or visceral leishmaniasis (VL). It is known that infection control requires Th1-differentiation cytokines (IL-12, IL-18, and IL-27) and Th1 cell and macrophage activation. However, there is no generalized consensus for the mechanisms of host susceptibility. The recent studies on regulatory T cells and IL-17-producing cells help explain the effector T cell responses that occur independently of the known Th1/Th2 cell signaling pathways. This review focuses on the immunopathogenesis of non-healing American CL and progressive VL. We summarize recent evidence from human and animal studies that reveals the mechanisms of dysregulated, hyper-responses to Leishmania braziliensis, as well as the presence of disease-promoting or the absence of protective responses to Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania donovani. We highlight immune-mediated parasite growth and immunopathogenesis, with an emphasis on the putative roles of IL-17 and its related cytokines as well as arginase. A better understanding of the quality and regulation of innate immunity and T cell responses triggered by Leishmania will aid in the rational control of pathology and the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Soong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1070, USA.
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Lin L, Wu C, Hu K. Tissue plasminogen activator activates NF-κB through a pathway involving annexin A2/CD11b and integrin-linked kinase. J Am Soc Nephrol 2012; 23:1329-38. [PMID: 22677557 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2011111123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κB activation is central to the initiation and progression of inflammation, which contributes to the pathogenesis of CKD. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) modulates the NF-κB pathway, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We investigated the role of tPA signaling in macrophage NF-κB activation and found that tPA activated NF-κB in a time- and dose-dependent manner. tPA also induced the expression of the NF-κB-dependent chemokines IP-10 and MIP-1α. The protease-independent action of tPA required its membrane receptor, annexin A2. tPA induced the aggregation and interaction of annexin A2 with integrin CD11b, and ablation of CD11b or administration of anti-CD11b neutralizing antibody abolished the effect of tPA. Knockdown of the downstream effector of CD11b, integrin-linked kinase, or disruption of its engagement with CD11b also blocked tPA-induced NF-κB signaling. In vivo, tPA-knockout mice had reduced NF-κB signaling, fewer renal macrophages, and less collagen deposition than their counterparts. Taken together, these data suggest that tPA activates the NF-κB pathway in macrophages through a signaling pathway involving annexin A2/CD11b-mediated integrin-linked kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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Soong L. Subversion and Utilization of Host Innate Defense by Leishmania amazonensis. Front Immunol 2012; 3:58. [PMID: 22566939 PMCID: PMC3342205 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Leishmania amazonensis and other members of the Leishmania mexicana complex can lead to diverse clinical manifestations, some of which are relatively difficult to control, even with standard chemotherapy. Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a rare but severe form, and its clinical hallmark is excessive parasitic growth in infected cells accompanied by profound impairments in host immune responses to the parasites. Since these parasites also cause non-healing CL in most inbred strains of mice, these animals are valuable models for dissecting the mechanisms of persistent infection and disease pathogenesis. In comparison to other Leishmania species, L. amazonensis infections are most remarkable for their ability to repress the activation and effector functions of macrophages, dendritic cells, and CD4(+) T cells, implying discrete mechanisms at work. In addition to this multilateral suppression of host innate and adaptive immunity, the activation of types I and II interferon-mediated responses and autophagic/lipid metabolic pathways actually promotes rather than restrains L. amazonensis infection. These seemingly contradictory findings reflect the remarkable adaptation of the parasites to the ancient defense machinery of the host, as well as the complex parasite-host interactions at different stages of infection, which collectively contribute to non-healing leishmaniasis in the New World. This review article highlights new evidence that reveals the strategies utilized by L. amazonensis parasites to subvert or modulate host innate defense machinery in neutrophils and macrophages, as well as the regulatory roles of host innate responses in promoting parasite survival and replication within the huge parasitophorous vacuoles. A better understanding of unique features in host responses to these parasites at early and late stages of infection is important for the rational design of control strategies for non-healing leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Soong
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
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