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Kefi M, Cardoso-Jaime V, Saab SA, Dimopoulos G. Curing mosquitoes with genetic approaches for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:487-499. [PMID: 38760256 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Malaria remains a persistent global public health challenge because of the limitations of current prevention tools. The use of transgenic mosquitoes incapable of transmitting malaria, in conjunction with existing methods, holds promise for achieving elimination of malaria and preventing its reintroduction. In this context, population modification involves the spread of engineered genetic elements through mosquito populations that render them incapable of malaria transmission. Significant progress has been made in this field over the past decade in revealing promising targets, optimizing genetic tools, and facilitating the transition from the laboratory to successful field deployments, which are subject to regulatory scrutiny. This review summarizes recent advances and ongoing challenges in 'curing' Anopheles vectors of the malaria parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kefi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sally A Saab
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Li M, Zhou Y, Cheng J, Wang Y, Lan C, Shen Y. Response of the mosquito immune system and symbiotic bacteria to pathogen infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:69. [PMID: 38368353 PMCID: PMC10874582 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the word, transmitting a variety of insect-borne infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika, causing more deaths than any other vector-borne pathogen. Moreover, in the absence of effective drugs and vaccines to prevent and treat insect-borne diseases, mosquito control is particularly important as the primary measure. In recent decades, due to the gradual increase in mosquito resistance, increasing attention has fallen on the mechanisms and effects associated with pathogen infection. This review provides an overview of mosquito innate immune mechanisms in terms of physical and physiological barriers, pattern recognition receptors, signalling pathways, and cellular and humoral immunity, as well as the antipathogenic effects of mosquito symbiotic bacteria. This review contributes to an in-depth understanding of the interaction process between mosquitoes and pathogens and provides a theoretical basis for biological defence strategies against mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjin Li
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Cejie Lan
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China.
| | - Yuan Shen
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China.
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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3
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Dong S, Dong Y, Simões ML, Dimopoulos G. Mosquito transgenesis for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:54-66. [PMID: 34483052 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases. Because of the ineffectiveness of current malaria-control methods, several novel mosquito vector-based control strategies have been proposed to supplement existing control strategies. Mosquito transgenesis and gene drive have emerged as promising tools for preventing the spread of malaria by either suppressing mosquito populations by self-destructing mosquitoes or replacing mosquito populations with disease-refractory populations. Here we review the development of mosquito transgenesis and its application for malaria control, highlighting the transgenic expression of antiparasitic effector genes, inactivation of host factor genes, and manipulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs. Overall, from a malaria-control perspective, mosquito transgenesis is not envisioned as a stand-alone approach; rather, its use is proposed as a complement to existing vector-control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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4
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Kojin BB, Adelman ZN. The Sporozoite's Journey Through the Mosquito: A Critical Examination of Host and Parasite Factors Required for Salivary Gland Invasion. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Kumar A, Srivastava P, Sirisena P, Dubey SK, Kumar R, Shrinet J, Sunil S. Mosquito Innate Immunity. INSECTS 2018; 9:insects9030095. [PMID: 30096752 PMCID: PMC6165528 DOI: 10.3390/insects9030095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes live under the endless threat of infections from different kinds of pathogens such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses. The mosquito defends itself by employing both physical and physiological barriers that resist the entry of the pathogen and the subsequent establishment of the pathogen within the mosquito. However, if the pathogen does gain entry into the insect, the insect mounts a vigorous innate cellular and humoral immune response against the pathogen, thereby limiting the pathogen's propagation to nonpathogenic levels. This happens through three major mechanisms: phagocytosis, melanization, and lysis. During these processes, various signaling pathways that engage intense mosquito⁻pathogen interactions are activated. A critical overview of the mosquito immune system and latest information about the interaction between mosquitoes and pathogens are provided in this review. The conserved, innate immune pathways and specific anti-pathogenic strategies in mosquito midgut, hemolymph, salivary gland, and neural tissues for the control of pathogen propagation are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Kumar
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Priyanshu Srivastava
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Pdnn Sirisena
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Sunil Kumar Dubey
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Jatin Shrinet
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Sujatha Sunil
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
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Simões ML, Caragata EP, Dimopoulos G. Diverse Host and Restriction Factors Regulate Mosquito-Pathogen Interactions. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:603-616. [PMID: 29793806 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes transmit diseases that seriously impact global human health. Despite extensive knowledge of the life cycles of mosquito-borne parasites and viruses within their hosts, control strategies have proven insufficient to halt their spread. An understanding of the relationships established between such pathogens and the host tissues they inhabit is therefore paramount for the development of new strategies that specifically target these interactions, to prevent the pathogens' maturation and transmission. Here we present an updated account of the antagonists and host factors that affect the development of Plasmodium, the parasite causing malaria, and mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue virus and Zika virus, within their mosquito vectors, and we discuss the similarities and differences between Plasmodium and viral systems, looking toward the elucidation of new targets for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; These authors contributed equally
| | - Eric P Caragata
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; These authors contributed equally
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Cao X, Gulati M, Jiang H. Serine protease-related proteins in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 88:48-62. [PMID: 28780069 PMCID: PMC5586530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Insect serine proteases (SPs) and serine protease homologs (SPHs) participate in digestion, defense, development, and other physiological processes. In mosquitoes, some clip-domain SPs and SPHs (i.e. CLIPs) have been investigated for possible roles in antiparasitic responses. In a recent test aimed at improving quality of gene models in the Anopheles gambiae genome using RNA-seq data, we observed various discrepancies between gene models in AgamP4.5 and corresponding sequences selected from those modeled by Cufflinks, Trinity and Bridger. Here we report a comparative analysis of the 337 SP-related proteins in A. gambiae by examining their domain structures, sequence diversity, chromosomal locations, and expression patterns. One hundred and ten CLIPs contain 1 to 5 clip domains in addition to their protease domains (PDs) or non-catalytic, protease-like domains (PLDs). They are divided into five subgroups: CLIPAs (22) are clip1-5-PLD; CLIPBs (29), CLIPCs (12) and CLIPDs (14) are mainly clip-PD; most CLIPEs (33) have a domain structure of PD/PLD-PLD-clip-PLD0-1. While expression of the CLIP genes in group-1 is generally low and detected in various tissue- and stage-specific RNA-seq libraries, some putative GPs/GPHs (i.e. single domain gut SPs/SPHs) in group-2 are highly expressed in midgut, whole larva or whole adult libraries. In comparison, 46 SPs, 26 SPHs, and 37 multi-domain SPs/SPHs (i.e. PD/PLD-PLD≥1) in group-3 do not seem to be specifically expressed in digestive tract. There are 16 SPs and 2 SPH containing other types of putative regulatory domains (e.g. LDLa, CUB, Gd). Of the 337 SP and SPH genes, 159 were sorted into 46 groups (2-8 members/group) based on similar phylogenetic tree position, chromosomal location, and expression profile. This information and analysis, including improved gene models and protein sequences, constitute a solid foundation for functional analysis of the SP-related proteins in A. gambiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Cao
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Mansi Gulati
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Caragata EP, Pais FS, Baton LA, Silva JBL, Sorgine MHF, Moreira LA. The transcriptome of the mosquito Aedes fluviatilis (Diptera: Culicidae), and transcriptional changes associated with its native Wolbachia infection. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:6. [PMID: 28049478 PMCID: PMC5210266 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wolbachia is a bacterial endosymbiont that naturally infects a wide range of insect species, and causes drastic changes to host biology. Stable infections of Wolbachia in mosquitoes can inhibit infection with medically important pathogens such as dengue virus and malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. However, some native Wolbachia strains can enhance infection with certain pathogens, as is the case for the mosquito Aedes fluviatilis, where infection with Plasmodium gallinaceum is enhanced by the native wFlu Wolbachia strain. To better understand the biological interactions between mosquitoes and native Wolbachia infections, and to investigate the process of pathogen enhancement, we used RNA-Seq to generate the transcriptome of Ae. fluviatilis with and without Wolbachia infection. Results In total, we generated 22,280,160 Illumina paired-end reads from Wolbachia-infected and uninfected mosquitoes, and used these to make a de novo transcriptome assembly, resulting in 58,013 contigs with a median sequence length of 443 bp and an N50 of 2454 bp. Contigs were annotated through local alignments using BlastX, and associated with both gene ontology and KEGG orthology terms. Through baySeq, we identified 159 contigs that were significantly upregulated due to Wolbachia infection, and 98 that were downregulated. Critically, we saw no changes to Toll or IMD immune gene transcription, but did see evidence that wFlu infection altered the expression of several bacterial recognition genes, and immune-related genes that could influence Plasmodium infection. wFlu infection also had a widespread effect on a number of host physiological processes including protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. We then compared our data set with transcriptomic data for other Wolbachia infections in Aedes aegypti, and identified a core set of 15 gene groups associated with Wolbachia infection in mosquitoes. Conclusions While the scale of transcriptional changes associated with wFlu infection might be small, the scope is rather large, which confirms that native Wolbachia infections maintain intricate molecular relationships with their mosquito hosts even after lengthy periods of co-evolution. We have also identified several potential means through which wFlu infection might influence Plasmodium infection in Ae. fluviatilis, and these genes should form the basis of future investigation into the enhancement of Plasmodium by Wolbachia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3441-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Caragata
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - F S Pais
- Grupo de Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - L A Baton
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - J B L Silva
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - M H F Sorgine
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L A Moreira
- Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno Vetor, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Caljon G, De Muylder G, Durnez L, Jennes W, Vanaerschot M, Dujardin JC. Alice in microbes' land: adaptations and counter-adaptations of vector-borne parasitic protozoa and their hosts. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2016; 40:664-85. [PMID: 27400870 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuw018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present review, we aim to provide a general introduction to different facets of the arms race between pathogens and their hosts/environment, emphasizing its evolutionary aspects. We focus on vector-borne parasitic protozoa, which have to adapt to both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Using Leishmania, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium as main models, we review successively (i) the adaptations and counter-adaptations of parasites and their invertebrate host, (ii) the adaptations and counter-adaptations of parasites and their vertebrate host and (iii) the impact of human interventions (chemotherapy, vaccination, vector control and environmental changes) on these adaptations. We conclude by discussing the practical impact this knowledge can have on translational research and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Caljon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Health, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Géraldine De Muylder
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lies Durnez
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Jennes
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Manu Vanaerschot
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Fidock Lab, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Health, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Pinheiro-Silva R, Borges L, Coelho LP, Cabezas-Cruz A, Valdés JJ, do Rosário V, de la Fuente J, Domingos A. Gene expression changes in the salivary glands of Anopheles coluzzii elicited by Plasmodium berghei infection. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:485. [PMID: 26395987 PMCID: PMC4580310 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is a devastating infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Salivary glands are the only mosquito tissue invaded by Plasmodium sporozoites, being a key stage for the effective parasite transmission, making the study of Anopheles sialome highly relevant. Methods RNA-sequencing was used to compare differential gene expression in salivary glands of uninfected and Plasmodium berghei-infected Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes. RNA-seq results were validated by quantitative RT-PCR. The transmembrane glucose transporter gene AGAP007752 was selected for functional analysis by RNA interference. The effect of gene silencing on infection level was evaluated. The putative function and tertiary structure of the protein was assessed. Results RNA-seq data showed that 2588 genes were differentially expressed in mosquitoes salivary glands in response to P. berghei infection, being 1578 upregulated and 1010 downregulated. Metabolism, Immunity, Replication/Transcription/Translation, Proteolysis and Transport were the mosquito gene functional classes more affected by parasite infection. Endopeptidase coding genes were the most abundant within the differentially expressed genes in infected salivary glands (P < 0.001). Based on its putative function and expression level, the transmembrane glucose transporter gene, AGAP007752, was selected for functional analysis by RNA interference. The results demonstrated that the number of sporozoites was 44.3 % lower in mosquitoes fed on infected mice after AGAPP007752 gene knockdown when compared to control (P < 0.01). Conclusions Our hypothesis is that the protein encoded by the gene AGAPP007752 may play a role on An. coluzzii salivary glands infection by Plasmodium parasite, working as a sporozoite receptor and/or promoting a favorable environment for the capacity of sporozoites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-1079-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Borges
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Luís Pedro Coelho
- Unidade de Biofísica e Expressão Genética, Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France. .,SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - James J Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain. .,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, USA.
| | - Ana Domingos
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisbon, Portugal.
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Smith RC, Vega-Rodríguez J, Jacobs-Lorena M. The Plasmodium bottleneck: malaria parasite losses in the mosquito vector. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015. [PMID: 25185005 PMCID: PMC4156458 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276130597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly one million people are killed every year by the malaria parasite Plasmodium. Although the disease-causing forms of the parasite exist only in the human blood, mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are the obligate vector for transmission. Here, we review the parasite life cycle in the vector and highlight the human and mosquito contributions that limit malaria parasite development in the mosquito host. We address parasite killing in its mosquito host and bottlenecks in parasite numbers that might guide intervention strategies to prevent transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Smith
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Immunology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel Vega-Rodríguez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Immunology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Immunology, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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Pimenta PFP, Orfano AS, Bahia AC, Duarte APM, Ríos-Velásquez CM, Melo FF, Pessoa FAC, Oliveira GA, Campos KMM, Villegas LM, Rodrigues NB, Nacif-Pimenta R, Simões RC, Monteiro WM, Amino R, Traub-Cseko YM, Lima JBP, Barbosa MGV, Lacerda MVG, Tadei WP, Secundino NFC. An overview of malaria transmission from the perspective of Amazon Anopheles vectors. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:23-47. [PMID: 25742262 PMCID: PMC4371216 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760140266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Americas, areas with a high risk of malaria transmission are mainly located in the Amazon Forest, which extends across nine countries. One keystone step to understanding the Plasmodium life cycle in Anopheles species from the Amazon Region is to obtain experimentally infected mosquito vectors. Several attempts to colonise Anopheles species have been conducted, but with only short-lived success or no success at all. In this review, we review the literature on malaria transmission from the perspective of its Amazon vectors. Currently, it is possible to develop experimental Plasmodium vivax infection of the colonised and field-captured vectors in laboratories located close to Amazonian endemic areas. We are also reviewing studies related to the immune response to P. vivax infection of Anopheles aquasalis, a coastal mosquito species. Finally, we discuss the importance of the modulation of Plasmodium infection by the vector microbiota and also consider the anopheline genomes. The establishment of experimental mosquito infections with Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei parasites that could provide interesting models for studying malaria in the Amazonian scenario is important. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the parasites in New World vectors is crucial in order to better determine the interaction process and vectorial competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo FP Pimenta
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, MG,
Brasil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM,
Brasil
| | | | - Ana C Bahia
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Ana PM Duarte
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, MG,
Brasil
| | | | - Fabrício F Melo
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, MG,
Brasil
| | | | | | - Keillen MM Campos
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM,
Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Rejane C Simões
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM,
Brasil
| | - Rogerio Amino
- Unité de Biologie et Génétique du Paludisme, Institut Pasteur, Paris,
France
| | | | - José BP Lima
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM,
Brasil
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria GV Barbosa
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM,
Brasil
| | - Marcus VG Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM,
Brasil
- Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane-Fiocruz, Manaus, AM, Brasil
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Williams AR, Zakutansky SE, Miura K, Dicks MDJ, Churcher TS, Jewell KE, Vaughan AM, Turner AV, Kapulu MC, Michel K, Long CA, Sinden RE, Hill AVS, Draper SJ, Biswas S. Immunisation against a serine protease inhibitor reduces intensity of Plasmodium berghei infection in mosquitoes. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:869-74. [PMID: 23872520 PMCID: PMC3775004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito innate immune response is able to clear the majority of Plasmodium parasites. This immune clearance is controlled by a number of regulatory molecules including serine protease inhibitors (serpins). To determine whether such molecules could represent a novel target for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine, we vaccinated mice with Anopheles gambiae serpin-2. Antibodies against Anopheles gambiae serpin-2 significantly reduced the infection of a heterologous Anopheles species (Anopheles stephensi) by Plasmodium berghei, however this effect was not observed with Plasmodium falciparum. Therefore, this approach of targeting regulatory molecules of the mosquito immune system may represent a novel approach to transmission-blocking malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Williams
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK.
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Sreenivasamurthy SK, Dey G, Ramu M, Kumar M, Gupta MK, Mohanty AK, Harsha HC, Sharma P, Kumar N, Pandey A, Kumar A, Prasad TSK. A compendium of molecules involved in vector-pathogen interactions pertaining to malaria. Malar J 2013; 12:216. [PMID: 23802619 PMCID: PMC3734095 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a vector-borne disease causing extensive morbidity, debility and mortality. Development of resistance to drugs among parasites and to conventional insecticides among vector-mosquitoes necessitates innovative measures to combat this disease. Identification of molecules involved in the maintenance of complex developmental cycles of the parasites within the vector and the host can provide attractive targets to intervene in the disease transmission. In the last decade, several efforts have been made in identifying such molecules involved in mosquito-parasite interactions and, subsequently, validating their role in the development of parasites within the vector. In this study, a list of mosquito proteins, which facilitate or inhibit the development of malaria parasites in the midgut, haemolymph and salivary glands of mosquitoes, is compiled. A total of 94 molecules have been reported and validated for their role in the development of malaria parasites inside the vector. This compendium of molecules will serve as a centralized resource to biomedical researchers investigating vector-pathogen interactions and malaria transmission.
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15
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Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhao YO, Li MWM, Zhang L, Dragovic S, Abraham NM, Fikrig E. Anopheles gambiae circumsporozoite protein-binding protein facilitates plasmodium infection of mosquito salivary glands. J Infect Dis 2013; 208:1161-9. [PMID: 23801601 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium species, causes substantial morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Plasmodium sporozoites mature in oocysts formed in the mosquito gut wall and then invade the salivary glands, where they remain until transmitted to the vertebrate host during a mosquito bite. The Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CSP) binds to salivary glands and plays a role in the invasion of this organ by sporozoites. We identified an Anopheles salivary gland protein, named CSP-binding protein (CSPBP), that interacts with CSP. Downregulation of CSPBP in mosquito salivary glands inhibited invasion by Plasmodium organisms. In vivo bioassays showed that mosquitoes that were fed blood with CSPBP antibody displayed a 25% and 90% reduction in the parasite load in infected salivary glands 14 and 18 days after the blood meal, respectively. These results suggest that CSPBP is important for the infection of the mosquito salivary gland by Plasmodium organisms and that blocking CSPBP can interfere with the Plasmodium life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuling Wang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8022, USA
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16
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Crawford JE, Rottschaefer SM, Coulibaly B, Sacko M, Niaré O, Riehle MM, Traore SF, Vernick KD, Lazzaro BP. No evidence for positive selection at two potential targets for malaria transmission-blocking vaccines in Anopheles gambiae s.s. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 16:87-92. [PMID: 23357581 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Human malaria causes nearly a million deaths in sub-Saharan Africa each year. The evolution of drug-resistance in the parasite and insecticide resistance in the mosquito vector has complicated control measures and made the need for new control strategies more urgent. Anopheles gambiae s.s. is one of the primary vectors of human malaria in Africa, and parasite-transmission-blocking vaccines targeting Anopheles proteins have been proposed as a possible strategy to control the spread of the disease. However, the success of these hypothetical technologies would depend on the successful ability to broadly target mosquito populations that may be genetically heterogeneous. Understanding the evolutionary pressures shaping genetic variation among candidate target molecules offers a first step towards evaluating the prospects of successfully deploying such technologies. We studied the population genetics of genes encoding two candidate target proteins, the salivary gland protein saglin and the basal lamina structural protein laminin, in wild populations of the M and S molecular forms of A. gambiae in Mali. Through analysis of intraspecific genetic variation and interspecific comparisons, we found no evidence of positive natural selection at the genes encoding these proteins. On the contrary, we found evidence for particularly strong purifying selection at the laminin gene. These results provide insight into the patterns of genetic diversity of saglin and laminin, and we discuss these findings in relation to the potential development of these molecules as vaccine targets.
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17
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An C, Hiromasa Y, Zhang X, Lovell S, Zolkiewski M, Tomich JM, Michel K. Biochemical characterization of Anopheles gambiae SRPN6, a malaria parasite invasion marker in mosquitoes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48689. [PMID: 23152794 PMCID: PMC3494705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine proteinase inhibitors of the serpin family are well known as negative regulators of hemostasis, thrombolysis and innate immune responses. Additionally, non-inhibitory serpins serve functions as chaperones, hormone transporters, or anti-angiogenic factors. In the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae s.s., at least three serpins (SRPNs) are implicated in the innate immune response against malaria parasites. Based on reverse genetic and cell biological analyses, AgSRPN6 limits parasite numbers and transmission and has been postulated to control melanization and complement function in mosquitoes. This study aimed to characterize AgSRPN6 biophysically and determine its biochemical mode of action. The structure model of AgSRPN6, as predicted by I-Tasser showed the protein in the native serpin fold, with three central β-sheets, nine surrounding α-helices, and a protruding reactive center loop. This structure is in agreement with biophysical and functional data obtained from recombinant (r) AgSRPN6, produced in Escherichia coli. The physical properties of purified rAgSRPN6 were investigated by means of analytical ultracentrifugation, circular dichroism, and differential scanning calorimetry tools. The recombinant protein exists predominantly as a monomer in solution, is composed of a mixture of α-helices and β-sheets, and has a mid-point unfolding temperature of 56°C. Recombinant AgSRPN6 strongly inhibited porcine pancreatic kallikrein and to a lesser extent bovine pancreatic trypsin in vitro. Furthermore, rAgSRPN6 formed inhibitory, SDS-stable, higher molecular weight complexes with prophenoloxidase-activating proteinase (PAP)1, PAP3, and Hemolymph protein (HP)6, which are required for melanization in the lepidopteran model organism, Manduca sexta. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that AgSRPN6 takes on a native serpin fold and is an inhibitor of trypsin-like serine proteinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunju An
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yasuaki Hiromasa
- Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Xin Zhang
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure Laboratory, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Michal Zolkiewski
- Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - John M. Tomich
- Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Barnard AC, Nijhof AM, Fick W, Stutzer C, Maritz-Olivier C. RNAi in Arthropods: Insight into the Machinery and Applications for Understanding the Pathogen-Vector Interface. Genes (Basel) 2012; 3:702-41. [PMID: 24705082 PMCID: PMC3899984 DOI: 10.3390/genes3040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of genome sequencing data in combination with knowledge of expressed genes via transcriptome and proteome data has greatly advanced our understanding of arthropod vectors of disease. Not only have we gained insight into vector biology, but also into their respective vector-pathogen interactions. By combining the strengths of postgenomic databases and reverse genetic approaches such as RNAi, the numbers of available drug and vaccine targets, as well as number of transgenes for subsequent transgenic or paratransgenic approaches, have expanded. These are now paving the way for in-field control strategies of vectors and their pathogens. Basic scientific questions, such as understanding the basic components of the vector RNAi machinery, is vital, as this allows for the transfer of basic RNAi machinery components into RNAi-deficient vectors, thereby expanding the genetic toolbox of these RNAi-deficient vectors and pathogens. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of arthropod vector RNAi machinery and the impact of RNAi on understanding vector biology and vector-pathogen interactions for which vector genomic data is available on VectorBase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institut für Parasitologie und Tropenveterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Wilma Fick
- Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
| | - Christian Stutzer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
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