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Moreira POL, Nogueira PM, Monte-Neto RL. Next-Generation Leishmanization: Revisiting Molecular Targets for Selecting Genetically Engineered Live-Attenuated Leishmania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041043. [PMID: 37110466 PMCID: PMC10145799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research devoted to finding a vaccine against leishmaniasis, we are still lacking a safe and effective vaccine for humans. Given this scenario, the search for a new prophylaxis alternative for controlling leishmaniasis should be a global priority. Inspired by leishmanization-a first generation vaccine strategy where live L. major parasites are inoculated in the skin to protect against reinfection-live-attenuated Leishmania vaccine candidates are promising alternatives due to their robust elicited protective immune response. In addition, they do not cause disease and could provide long-term protection upon challenge with a virulent strain. The discovery of a precise and easy way to perform CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing allowed the selection of safer null mutant live-attenuated Leishmania parasites obtained by gene disruption. Here, we revisited molecular targets associated with the selection of live-attenuated vaccinal strains, discussing their function, their limiting factors and the ideal candidate for the next generation of genetically engineered live-attenuated Leishmania vaccines to control leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo O L Moreira
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Paula M Nogueira
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Rubens L Monte-Neto
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
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Gupta D, Singh PK, Yadav PK, Narender T, Patil UK, Jain SK, Chourasia MK. Emerging strategies and challenges of molecular therapeutics in antileishmanial drug development. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109649. [PMID: 36603357 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular therapy refers to targeted therapies based on molecules which have been intelligently directed towards specific biomolecular structures and include small molecule drugs, monoclonal antibodies, proteins and peptides, DNA or RNA-based strategies, targeted chemotherapy and nanomedicines. Molecular therapy is emerging as the most effective strategy to combat the present challenges of life-threatening visceral leishmaniasis, where the successful human vaccine is currently unavailable. Moreover, current chemotherapy-based strategies are associated with the issues of ineffective targeting, unavoidable toxicities, invasive therapies, prolonged treatment, high treatment costs and the development of drug-resistant strains. Thus, the rational approach to antileishmanial drug development primarily demands critical exploration and exploitation of biochemical differences between host and parasite biology, immunocharacteristics of parasite homing, and host-parasite interactions at the molecular/cellular level. Following this, the novel technology-based designing and development of host and/or parasite-targeted therapeutics having leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory activity is utmost essential to improve treatment efficacy. Thus, the present review is focused on immunological and molecular checkpoint targets in host-pathogen interaction, and molecular therapeutic prospects for Leishmania intervention, and the challenges ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar 470003, M.P., India; Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India; Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Pavan K Yadav
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India
| | - Tadigoppula Narender
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India
| | - Umesh K Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar 470003, M.P., India
| | - Sanjay K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar 470003, M.P., India
| | - Manish K Chourasia
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, U.P., India.
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Rawal K, Sinha R, Abbasi BA, Chaudhary A, Nath SK, Kumari P, Preeti P, Saraf D, Singh S, Mishra K, Gupta P, Mishra A, Sharma T, Gupta S, Singh P, Sood S, Subramani P, Dubey AK, Strych U, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME. Identification of vaccine targets in pathogens and design of a vaccine using computational approaches. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17626. [PMID: 34475453 PMCID: PMC8413327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96863-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antigen identification is an important step in the vaccine development process. Computational approaches including deep learning systems can play an important role in the identification of vaccine targets using genomic and proteomic information. Here, we present a new computational system to discover and analyse novel vaccine targets leading to the design of a multi-epitope subunit vaccine candidate. The system incorporates reverse vaccinology and immuno-informatics tools to screen genomic and proteomic datasets of several pathogens such as Trypanosoma cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Vibrio cholerae to identify potential vaccine candidates (PVC). Further, as a case study, we performed a detailed analysis of the genomic and proteomic dataset of T. cruzi (CL Brenner and Y strain) to shortlist eight proteins as possible vaccine antigen candidates using properties such as secretory/surface-exposed nature, low transmembrane helix (< 2), essentiality, virulence, antigenic, and non-homology with host/gut flora proteins. Subsequently, highly antigenic and immunogenic MHC class I, MHC class II and B cell epitopes were extracted from top-ranking vaccine targets. The designed vaccine construct containing 24 epitopes, 3 adjuvants, and 4 linkers was analysed for its physicochemical properties using different tools, including docking analysis. Immunological simulation studies suggested significant levels of T-helper, T-cytotoxic cells, and IgG1 will be elicited upon administration of such a putative multi-epitope vaccine construct. The vaccine construct is predicted to be soluble, stable, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and to offer cross-protection against related Trypanosoma species and strains. Further, studies are required to validate safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Rawal
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India.
| | - Robin Sinha
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Bilal Ahmed Abbasi
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Amit Chaudhary
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Swarsat Kaushik Nath
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Priya Kumari
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - P Preeti
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Devansh Saraf
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Shachee Singh
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Kartik Mishra
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Pranjay Gupta
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Astha Mishra
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Trapti Sharma
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Srijanee Gupta
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Prashant Singh
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Shriya Sood
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Preeti Subramani
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Aman Kumar Dubey
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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Aguilera A, Klemenčič M, Sueldo DJ, Rzymski P, Giannuzzi L, Martin MV. Cell Death in Cyanobacteria: Current Understanding and Recommendations for a Consensus on Its Nomenclature. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:631654. [PMID: 33746925 PMCID: PMC7965980 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.631654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are globally widespread photosynthetic prokaryotes and are major contributors to global biogeochemical cycles. One of the most critical processes determining cyanobacterial eco-physiology is cellular death. Evidence supports the existence of controlled cellular demise in cyanobacteria, and various forms of cell death have been described as a response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, cell death research in this phylogenetic group is a relatively young field and understanding of the underlying mechanisms and molecular machinery underpinning this fundamental process remains largely elusive. Furthermore, no systematic classification of modes of cell death has yet been established for cyanobacteria. In this work, we analyzed the state of knowledge in the field of cyanobacterial cell death. Based on that, we propose unified criterion for the definition of accidental, regulated, and programmed forms of cell death in cyanobacteria based on molecular, biochemical, and morphologic aspects following the directions of the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD). With this, we aim to provide a guide to standardize the nomenclature related to this topic in a precise and consistent manner, which will facilitate further ecological, evolutionary, and applied research in the field of cyanobacterial cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabella Aguilera
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Marina Klemenčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Daniela J. Sueldo
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan´, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznan´, Poland
| | - Leda Giannuzzi
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Área de Toxicología General, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Martin
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología (INBIOTEC-CONICET), Fundación para Investigaciones Biológicas Aplicadas (CIB-FIBA), Mar del Plata, Argentina
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5
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Upegui Zapata YA, Echeverri F, Quiñones W, Torres F, Nacher M, Rivas LI, Meira CDS, Gedamu L, Escobar G, Archbold R, Vélez ID, Robledo SM. Mode of action of a formulation containing hydrazones and saponins against leishmania spp. Role in mitochondria, proteases and reinfection process. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 13:94-106. [PMID: 32734890 PMCID: PMC7334304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxicity and poor adherence to treatment that favors the generation of resistance in the Leishmania parasites highlight the need to develop better alternatives. Here, we evaluated the in vitro effectiveness of hydrazone derived from chromanes 2-(2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzothiopyran-4-ylidene) hydrazide (TC1) and 2-(2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran-4-ylidene) hydrazide (TC2) and the mixture of triterpene saponin hederagenin-3-O-(3,4-O-diacetyl-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1à3)-a-L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1à2)-a-L-arabinofuranoside, hederagenin-3-O-(3,4-O-diacetyl-a-L- arabinopyranosyl-(1à3)-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1à2)-a-L-arabinofuranoside and, hederagenin-3-O-(4-O-acetyl-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1à3)-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1à2)-a-L-arabinofuranoside from Sapindus saponaria (SS) on L. braziliensis and L. pifanoi. Mixtures of TC1 or TC2 with saponin were formulated for topical application and the therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated in the model for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in golden hamster. The mode of action of these compounds was tested on various parasite processes and ultrastructural parasite modifications. TC1, TC2 and SS showed moderate cytotoxicity when tested independently but toxicity was improved when tested in combination. The compounds were more active against intracellular Leishmania amastigotes. In vivo studies showed that combinations of TC1 or TC2 with SS in 1:1 ratio (w/w) cured 100% of hamsters with no signs associated with toxicity. The compounds did cause changes in the mitochondrial activity of the parasite with a decrease in ATP levels and depolarization of membrane potential and overproduction of reactive oxygen species; nevertheless, these effects were not related to alterations in membrane permeability. The phagolysosome ultrastructure was also affected impacting the survival of Leishmania but the function of the lysosome nor the pH inside the phagolysosome did not change. Lastly, there was a protease inhibition which was directly related to the decrease in the ability of Leishmania to infect and multiply inside the macrophage. The results suggest that the combination of TC1 and TC2 with SS in a 1:1 ratio is capable of curing CL in hamsters. This effect may be due to the ability of these compounds to affect parasite survival and the ability to infect new cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulieth A Upegui Zapata
- PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Química Orgánica de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Fernando Echeverri
- Grupo de Química Orgánica de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Winston Quiñones
- Grupo de Química Orgánica de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Fernando Torres
- Grupo de Química Orgánica de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Montserrat Nacher
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (C.S.I.C) Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28007, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis I Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (C.S.I.C) Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28007, Madrid, Spain
| | - Camila Dos Santos Meira
- Department of Biological Sciences. University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Lashitew Gedamu
- Department of Biological Sciences. University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gustavo Escobar
- Grupo de Química Orgánica de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Rosendo Archbold
- Grupo de Química Orgánica de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Iván D Vélez
- PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sara M Robledo
- PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
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Khan MAA, Ami JQ, Faisal K, Chowdhury R, Ghosh P, Hossain F, Abd El Wahed A, Mondal D. An immunoinformatic approach driven by experimental proteomics: in silico design of a subunit candidate vaccine targeting secretory proteins of Leishmania donovani amastigotes. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:196. [PMID: 32295617 PMCID: PMC7160903 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by dimorphic Leishmania species is a parasitic disease with high socioeconomic burden in endemic areas worldwide. Sustaining control of VL in terms of proper and prevailing immunity development is a global necessity amid unavailability of a prophylactic vaccine. Screening of experimental proteome of the human disease propagating form of Leishmania donovani (amastigote) can be more pragmatic for in silico mining of novel vaccine candidates. Methods By using an immunoinformatic approach, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-specific epitopes from experimentally reported L. donovani proteins having secretory potential and increased abundance in amastigotes were screened. A chimera linked with a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) peptide adjuvant was constructed and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, binding interaction with TLR4 in simulated physiological condition and the trend of immune response following hypothetical immunization. Results Selected epitopes from physiologically important L. donovani proteins were found mostly conserved in L. infantum, covering theoretically more than 98% of the global population. The multi-epitope chimeric vaccine was predicted as stable, antigenic and non-allergenic. Structural analysis of vaccine-TLR4 receptor docked complex and its molecular dynamics simulation suggest sufficiently stable binding interface along with prospect of non-canonical receptor activation. Simulation dynamics of immune response following hypothetical immunization indicate active and memory B as well as CD4+ T cell generation potential, and likely chance of a more Th1 polarized response. Conclusions The methodological approach and results from this study could facilitate more informed screening and selection of candidate antigenic proteins for entry into vaccine production pipeline in future to control human VL.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Anik Ashfaq Khan
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Jenifar Quaiyum Ami
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Khaledul Faisal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Rajashree Chowdhury
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Prakash Ghosh
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Faria Hossain
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Microbiology and Animal Hygiene Division, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
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dos Santos Meira C, Gedamu L. Protective or Detrimental? Understanding the Role of Host Immunity in Leishmaniasis. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120695. [PMID: 31847221 PMCID: PMC6956275 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania are the causative agents of leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease of major public health concern, estimated to affect 12 million people worldwide. The clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis are highly variable and can range from self-healing localized cutaneous lesions to life-threatening disseminated visceral disease. Once introduced into the skin by infected sandflies, Leishmania parasites interact with a variety of immune cells, such as neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and macrophages. The resolution of infection requires a finely tuned interplay between innate and adaptive immune cells, culminating with the activation of microbicidal functions and parasite clearance within host cells. However, several factors derived from the host, insect vector, and Leishmania spp., including the presence of a double-stranded RNA virus (LRV), can modulate the host immunity and influence the disease outcome. In this review, we discuss the immune mechanisms underlying the main forms of leishmaniasis, some of the factors involved with the establishment of infection and disease severity, and potential approaches for vaccine and drug development focused on host immunity.
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Allain T, Fekete E, Buret AG. Giardia Cysteine Proteases: The Teeth behind the Smile. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:636-648. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Is the genetic variability of Cathepsin B important in the pathogenesis of Blastocystis spp.? Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3935-3943. [PMID: 30298236 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6103-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The potential role of Blastocystis as a pathogen is controversial because it is found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. Since Cathepsin B has been identified as a main virulence factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of this parasite, the purpose of this study was to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of cathepsin B from Blastocystis from patients with irritable bowel syndrome and from asymptomatic carriers. DNA from fecal samples of both groups, which were previously genotyped by 18S sequencing, was used to amplify a fragment of the cathepsin B gene. Phylogenetic reconstructions were performed and some genetic population indexes were obtained. Amplicons of 27 samples (15 cases, 10 controls, and two commercial ATCC strains) were obtained and analyzed. Phylogenetic reconstructions using nucleotides or inferred amino acid sequences did not separate between cases or controls or among subtypes. Regarding the values of genetic variability, we found that the haplotype and nucleotide diversity indexes of cathepsin B from cases and controls were similar to the values of 18S from controls. By contrast, 18S from cases showed low variability, suggesting that the genetic variability of cathepsin B was not related to the symptomatology of Blastocystis carriers. However, since no polymorphisms related to cases or controls were found, it is logical to assume that the potential damage caused by Blastocystis in situ may be due to unclear mechanisms of Cathepsin B regulation and expression that should be studied in future studies.
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Siqueira-Neto JL, Debnath A, McCall LI, Bernatchez JA, Ndao M, Reed SL, Rosenthal PJ. Cysteine proteases in protozoan parasites. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006512. [PMID: 30138453 PMCID: PMC6107107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysteine proteases (CPs) play key roles in the pathogenesis of protozoan parasites, including cell/tissue penetration, hydrolysis of host or parasite proteins, autophagy, and evasion or modulation of the host immune response, making them attractive chemotherapeutic and vaccine targets. This review highlights current knowledge on clan CA cysteine proteases, the best-characterized group of cysteine proteases, from 7 protozoan organisms causing human diseases with significant impact: Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania species (sp.), Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi, Cryptosporidium sp., Plasmodium sp., and Toxoplasma gondii. Clan CA proteases from three organisms (T. brucei, T. cruzi, and Plasmodium sp.) are well characterized as druggable targets based on in vitro and in vivo models. A number of candidate inhibitors are under development. CPs from these organisms and from other protozoan parasites should be further characterized to improve our understanding of their biological functions and identify novel targets for chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jean A. Bernatchez
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sharon L. Reed
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Holzmuller P, Geiger A, Nzoumbou-Boko R, Pissarra J, Hamrouni S, Rodrigues V, Dauchy FA, Lemesre JL, Vincendeau P, Bras-Gonçalves R. Trypanosomatid Infections: How Do Parasites and Their Excreted-Secreted Factors Modulate the Inducible Metabolism of l-Arginine in Macrophages? Front Immunol 2018; 9:778. [PMID: 29731753 PMCID: PMC5921530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mononuclear phagocytes (monocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages) are among the first host cells to face intra- and extracellular protozoan parasites such as trypanosomatids, and significant expansion of macrophages has been observed in infected hosts. They play essential roles in the outcome of infections caused by trypanosomatids, as they can not only exert a powerful antimicrobial activity but also promote parasite proliferation. These varied functions, linked to their phenotypic and metabolic plasticity, are exerted via distinct activation states, in which l-arginine metabolism plays a pivotal role. Depending on the environmental factors and immune response elements, l-arginine metabolites contribute to parasite elimination, mainly through nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, or to parasite proliferation, through l-ornithine and polyamine production. To survive and adapt to their hosts, parasites such as trypanosomatids developed mechanisms of interaction to modulate macrophage activation in their favor, by manipulating several cellular metabolic pathways. Recent reports emphasize that some excreted-secreted (ES) molecules from parasites and sugar-binding host receptors play a major role in this dialog, particularly in the modulation of the macrophage's inducible l-arginine metabolism. Preventing l-arginine dysregulation by drugs or by immunization against trypanosomatid ES molecules or by blocking partner host molecules may control early infection and is a promising way to tackle neglected diseases including Chagas disease, leishmaniases, and African trypanosomiases. The present review summarizes recent knowledge on trypanosomatids and their ES factors with regard to their influence on macrophage activation pathways, mainly the NO synthase/arginase balance. The review ends with prospects for the use of biological knowledge to develop new strategies of interference in the infectious processes used by trypanosomatids, in particular for the development of vaccines or immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Holzmuller
- CIRAD, Montpellier, France.,UMR 117 ASTRE "Animal, Santé, Territoire, Risques et Ecosystèmes", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Geiger
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP "Interactions Hôte-Vecteur-Parasite-Environnement dans les maladies tropicales négligées dues aux Trypanosomatidae", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, IRD, Univ. Bordeaux 2, Univ. Lyon 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Romaric Nzoumbou-Boko
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP "Interactions Hôte-Vecteur-Parasite-Environnement dans les maladies tropicales négligées dues aux Trypanosomatidae", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, IRD, Univ. Bordeaux 2, Univ. Lyon 1, Montpellier, France.,Univ. Bordeaux, UMR 177 INTERTRYP, Bordeaux, France.,CHU Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Joana Pissarra
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP "Interactions Hôte-Vecteur-Parasite-Environnement dans les maladies tropicales négligées dues aux Trypanosomatidae", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, IRD, Univ. Bordeaux 2, Univ. Lyon 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Sarra Hamrouni
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP "Interactions Hôte-Vecteur-Parasite-Environnement dans les maladies tropicales négligées dues aux Trypanosomatidae", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, IRD, Univ. Bordeaux 2, Univ. Lyon 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Rodrigues
- CIRAD, Montpellier, France.,UMR 117 ASTRE "Animal, Santé, Territoire, Risques et Ecosystèmes", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric-Antoine Dauchy
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP "Interactions Hôte-Vecteur-Parasite-Environnement dans les maladies tropicales négligées dues aux Trypanosomatidae", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, IRD, Univ. Bordeaux 2, Univ. Lyon 1, Montpellier, France.,Univ. Bordeaux, UMR 177 INTERTRYP, Bordeaux, France.,CHU Bordeaux, Département des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Loup Lemesre
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP "Interactions Hôte-Vecteur-Parasite-Environnement dans les maladies tropicales négligées dues aux Trypanosomatidae", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, IRD, Univ. Bordeaux 2, Univ. Lyon 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Vincendeau
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP "Interactions Hôte-Vecteur-Parasite-Environnement dans les maladies tropicales négligées dues aux Trypanosomatidae", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, IRD, Univ. Bordeaux 2, Univ. Lyon 1, Montpellier, France.,Univ. Bordeaux, UMR 177 INTERTRYP, Bordeaux, France.,CHU Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Rachel Bras-Gonçalves
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP "Interactions Hôte-Vecteur-Parasite-Environnement dans les maladies tropicales négligées dues aux Trypanosomatidae", Univ. Montpellier (I-MUSE), CIRAD, IRD, Univ. Bordeaux 2, Univ. Lyon 1, Montpellier, France
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Scharfstein J, Ramos PIP, Barral-Netto M. G Protein-Coupled Kinin Receptors and Immunity Against Pathogens. Adv Immunol 2017; 136:29-84. [PMID: 28950949 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
For decades, immunologists have considered the complement system as a paradigm of a proteolytic cascade that, acting cooperatively with the immune system, enhances host defense against infectious organisms. In recent years, advances made in thrombosis research disclosed a functional link between activated neutrophils, monocytes, and platelet-driven thrombogenesis. Forging a physical barrier, the fibrin scaffolds generated by synergism between the extrinsic and intrinsic (contact) pathways of coagulation entrap microbes within microvessels, limiting the systemic spread of infection while enhancing the clearance of pathogens by activated leukocytes. Insight from mice models of thrombosis linked fibrin formation via the intrinsic pathway to the autoactivation of factor XII (FXII) by negatively charged "contact" substances, such as platelet-derived polyphosphates and DNA from neutrophil extracellular traps. Following cleavage by FXIIa, activated plasma kallikrein (PK) initiates inflammation by liberating the nonapeptide bradykinin (BK) from an internal domain of high molecular weight kininogen (HK). Acting as a paracrine mediator, BK induces vasodilation and increases microvascular permeability via activation of endothelial B2R, a constitutively expressed subtype of kinin receptor. During infection, neutrophil-driven extravasation of plasma fuels inflammation via extravascular activation of the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS). Whether liberated by plasma-borne PK, tissue kallikrein, and/or microbial-derived proteases, the short-lived kinins activate immature dendritic cells via B2R, thus linking the infection-associated innate immunity/inflammation to the adaptive arm of immunity. As inflammation persists, a GPI-linked carboxypeptidase M removes the C-terminal arginine from the primary kinin, converting the B2R agonist into a high-affinity ligand for B1R, a GPCR subtype that is transcriptionally upregulated in injured/inflamed tissues. As reviewed here, lessons taken from studies of kinin receptor function in experimental infections have shed light on the complex proteolytic circuits that, acting at the endothelial interface, reciprocally couple immunity to the proinflammatory KKS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Scharfstein
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Center of Health Sciences (CCS), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Pablo I P Ramos
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
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Casgrain PA, Martel C, McMaster WR, Mottram JC, Olivier M, Descoteaux A. Cysteine Peptidase B Regulates Leishmania mexicana Virulence through the Modulation of GP63 Expression. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005658. [PMID: 27191844 PMCID: PMC4871588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cysteine peptidases play a central role in the biology of Leishmania. In this work, we sought to further elucidate the mechanism(s) by which the cysteine peptidase CPB contributes to L. mexicana virulence and whether CPB participates in the formation of large communal parasitophorous vacuoles induced by these parasites. We initially examined the impact of L. mexicana infection on the trafficking of VAMP3 and VAMP8, two endocytic SNARE proteins associated with phagolysosome biogenesis and function. Using a CPB-deficient mutant, we found that both VAMP3 and VAMP8 were down-modulated in a CPB-dependent manner. We also discovered that expression of the virulence-associated GPI-anchored metalloprotease GP63 was inhibited in the absence of CPB. Expression of GP63 in the CPB-deficient mutant was sufficient to down-modulate VAMP3 and VAMP8. Similarly, episomal expression of GP63 enabled the CPB-deficient mutant to establish infection in macrophages, induce the formation of large communal parasitophorous vacuoles, and cause lesions in mice. These findings implicate CPB in the regulation of GP63 expression and provide evidence that both GP63 and CPB are key virulence factors in L. mexicana. The parasite Leishmania mexicana expresses several cysteine peptidases of the papain family that are involved in processes such as virulence and evasion of host immune responses. The cysteine peptidase CPB is required for survival within macrophages and for lesion formation in susceptible mice. Upon their internalization by macrophages, parasites of the L. mexicana complex induce the formation of large communal parasitophorous vacuoles in which they replicate, and expansion of those large vacuoles correlates with the ability of the parasites to survive inside macrophages. Here, we found that CPB contributes to L. mexicana virulence (macrophage survival, formation and expansion of communal parasitophorous vacuoles, lesion formation in mice) through the regulation of the virulence factor GP63, a Leishmania zinc-metalloprotease that acts by cleaving key host cell proteins. This work thus elucidates a novel Leishmania virulence regulatory mechanism whereby CPB controls the expression of GP63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-André Casgrain
- INRS- Institut Armand-Frappier and the Center for Host-Parasite Interactions, Laval, Canada
| | - Caroline Martel
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
| | - W. Robert McMaster
- Immunity and Infection Research Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Olivier
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- INRS- Institut Armand-Frappier and the Center for Host-Parasite Interactions, Laval, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Cheng YC, Ding YM, Hueng DY, Chen JY, Chen Y. Caffeine suppresses the progression of human glioblastoma via cathepsin B and MAPK signaling pathway. J Nutr Biochem 2016; 33:63-72. [PMID: 27260469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma has aggressive proliferative and invasive properties. We investigated the effect of caffeine on the invasion and the anti-cancer effect in human glioblastomas. Caffeine reduced the invasion in U-87MG, GBM8401 and LN229 cells. Caffeine decreased mRNA, protein expression, and activity of cathepsin B. Besides, mRNA and protein expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was upregulated by caffeine treatment, whereas matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was downregulated. The expression of Ki67, p-p38, phospforylated extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK), and membranous integrin β1 and β3 was decreased by caffeine. The Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y27632, blocked the caffeine-mediated reduction of cathepsin B, phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK), and p-ERK, and invasion. Moreover, caffeine decreased the tumor size, cathepsin B and Ki67 expression in animal model. Caffeine reduced the invasion of glioma cells through ROCK-cathepsin B/FAK/ERK signaling pathway and tumor growth in orthotopic xenograft animal model, supporting the anti-cancer potential in glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Life Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Ming Ding
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dueng-Yuan Hueng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center; Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jang-Yi Chen
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying Chen
- Graduate Institute of Life Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
The ability of Leishmania parasites to infect and persist in the antigen-presenting cell population of their mammalian hosts is dependent on their ability to gain entry to their host and host cells, to survive the mammalian cell environment, and to suppress or evade the protective immune response mechanisms of their hosts. A multitude of genes and their products have been implicated in each of these virulence-enhancing strategies to date, and we present an overview of the nature and known function of such virulence genes.
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