1
|
Cheng KO, Montaño DE, Zelante T, Dietschmann A, Gresnigt MS. Inflammatory cytokine signalling in vulvovaginal candidiasis: a hot mess driving immunopathology. OXFORD OPEN IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 5:iqae010. [PMID: 39234208 PMCID: PMC11374039 DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Protective immunity to opportunistic fungal infections consists of tightly regulated innate and adaptive immune responses that clear the infection. Immune responses to infections of the vaginal mucosa by Candida species are, however, an exception. In the case of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), the inflammatory response is associated with symptomatic disease, rather than that it results in pathogen clearance. As such VVC can be considered an inflammatory disease, which is a significant public health problem due to its predominance as a female-specific fungal infection. Particularly, women with recurrent VVC (RVVC) suffer from a significant negative impact on their quality of life and mental health. Knowledge of the inflammatory pathogenesis of (R)VVC may guide more effective diagnostic and therapeutic options to improve the quality of life of women with (R)VVC. Here, we review the immunopathogenesis of (R)VVC describing several elements that induce an inflammatory arson, starting with the activation threshold established by vaginal epithelial cells that prevent unnecessary ignition of inflammatory responses, epithelial and inflammasome-dependent immune responses. These inflammatory responses will drive neutrophil recruitment and dysfunctional neutrophil-mediated inflammation. We also review the, sometimes controversial, findings on the involvement of adaptive and systemic responses. Finally, we provide future perspectives on the potential of some unexplored cytokine axes and discuss whether VVC needs to be subdivided into subgroups to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kar On Cheng
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, 07749, Germany
| | - Dolly E Montaño
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, 07749, Germany
| | - Teresa Zelante
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Axel Dietschmann
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, 07749, Germany
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, 07749, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silva AM, Rocha B, Moreira MM, Delerue-Matos C, das Neves J, Rodrigues F. Biological Activity and Chemical Composition of Propolis Extracts with Potential Use in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2478. [PMID: 38473725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052478] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental sustainability is an increasing challenge in the pharmaceutical field, leading to the search for eco-friendly active ingredients. Among natural ingredients, propolis arises as an excellent alternative, being a complex substance with pharmacological properties. This work aims to explore the potential of propolis as a new pharmaceutical ingredient for the replacement of conventional vulvovaginal antifungals. Propolis extracts were obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction using different solvents (water, water/ethanol (50:50, v/v), and ethanol). Afterwards, the extracts were characterized regarding total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant/antiradical activities, radical scavenging capacity, antifungal activity against strains of Candida species, and viability effect on two female genital cell lines. The aqueous extract achieved the best TPC result as well as the highest antioxidant/antiradical activities and ability to capture reactive oxygen species. A total of 38 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC, among which ferulic acid, phloridzin and myricetin predominated. Regarding the anti-Candida spp. activity, the aqueous and the hydroalcoholic extracts achieved the best outcomes (with MIC values ranging between 128 and 512 μg/mL). The cell viability assays confirmed that the aqueous extract presented mild selectivity, while the hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extracts showed higher toxicities. These results attest that propolis has a deep potential for vulvovaginal candidiasis management, supporting its economic valorization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Silva
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Rocha
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela M Moreira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - José das Neves
- i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- CESPU-Institute for Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Francisca Rodrigues
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Formagio MD, Silva JVDO, Silva AF, Campanerut-Sá PAZ, Urbano A, Bonfim-Mendonça PDS, Capoci IRG, Cotica ÉSK, Mikcha JMG. "Antibacterial effect and possible mechanism of action of 1,3,4-oxadiazole in Staphylococcus aureus". Lett Appl Microbiol 2024; 77:ovad138. [PMID: 38070878 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovad138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main etiological agents causing foodborne diseases, and the development of new antibacterial agents is urgent. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and the possible mechanism of action of the 1,3,4-oxadiazole LMM6 against S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of LMM6 ranged from 1.95 to 7.81 µg ml-1. The time-kill assay showed that 48-h treatment at 1× to 8× MIC reduced S. aureus by 4 log colony forming unit (CFU), indicating a bacteriostatic effect. Regarding the possible mechanism of action of LMM6, there was accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in the absorption of crystal violet (∼50%) by the cells treated with LMM6 at 1× and 2× MIC for 6-12 h. In addition, there was increased propidium iodide uptake (∼84%) after exposure to LMM6 for 12 h at 2× MIC. After 48 h of treatment, 100% of bacteria had been injured. Scanning electron microscopy observations demonstrated that LMM6-treated cells were smaller compared with the untreated group. LMM6 exhibited bacteriostatic activity and its mechanism of action involves increase of intracellular ROS and disturbance of the cell membrane, which can be considered a key target for controlling the growth of S. aureus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Dante Formagio
- Postgraduate Program of Health Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, 87020-900
| | | | - Alex Fiori Silva
- Department of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, State University of Minas Gerais, Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 38302-192
| | - Paula Aline Zanetti Campanerut-Sá
- Postgraduate Program of Health Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, 87020-900
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá Paraná, Brazil, 87020-900
| | - Alexandre Urbano
- Physics Department, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil, 86057-970
| | | | - Isis Regina Grenier Capoci
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá Paraná, Brazil, 87020-900
| | - Érika Seki Kioshima Cotica
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá Paraná, Brazil, 87020-900
| | - Jane Martha Graton Mikcha
- Postgraduate Program of Health Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, 87020-900
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá Paraná, Brazil, 87020-900
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu Z, Yang Y, Li J, Bossier P, Wei X, Guo Z, Han B, Ye J. β-Glucans in particulate and solubilized forms elicit varied immunomodulatory and apoptosis effects in teleost macrophages in a dosedependent manner. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243358. [PMID: 37675105 PMCID: PMC10477985 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243358] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Glucans are a group of heterogeneous glucose polymers that possess immunomodulatory activities. The complex nature of their structures, uncertainty regarding the doses, and variable immune effects pose a challenge to comprehensive understanding. In this study, we investigated the immune responses and apoptosis effects in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) head kidney macrophages (MФ) upon exposure to two β-Glucans (Paramylon and Laminarin) at low and high doses. Our results demonstrate that Paramylon elicits more robust immune responses than Laminarin, albeit with a dose-limiting effect. We also observed that the high-dose Paramylon induces apoptosis, whereas no such effect was detected in Laminarin treatment. Mechanistically, high-dose Paramylon activates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, with significantly up-regulation of intrinsic apoptosis-related genes and impaired mitochondrial function. On the other hand, Laminarin triggers metabolic reprogramming in MФ, resulting in the enrichment of the metabolite α-Ketoglutarate, which protects the MФ from apoptosis. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of identifying the optimal dose range for β-Glucans, based on sources or structures, to achieve maximal immunomodulatory effects. These results have important implications for the design and optimization of β-Glucans-based drugs or adjuvants in immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhelin Wu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Environmentally-Friendly Aquaculture, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjian Yang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Environmentally-Friendly Aquaculture, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Environmentally-Friendly Aquaculture, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter Bossier
- Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Xiayi Wei
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Environmentally-Friendly Aquaculture, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Guo
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Environmentally-Friendly Aquaculture, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biao Han
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Environmentally-Friendly Aquaculture, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Environmentally-Friendly Aquaculture, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ríos-López AL, Hernández-Bello R, González GM, Sánchez-González A. Trichinella spiralis excretory-secretory antigens selectively inhibit the release of extracellular traps from neutrophils without affecting their additional antimicrobial functions. Cell Immunol 2022; 382:104630. [PMID: 36270066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are fiber structures composed of chromatin and granular proteins that capture and eliminate microorganisms. The NETs formation is induced in response to pathogens and physiological stimuli; however, some pathogens have developed strategies to evade NETs activity. Trichinella spiralis excretory-secretory (ES) antigens are proteins that allow the establishment of the parasite in the host, facilitating penetration, migration, nutrition, and survival. In this paper we described that ES antigens inhibit NETs release, since neutrophils incubated with these antigens maintains a delobulated nucleus, without the release fibers structures indicative of NETs. We also found that other antimicrobial functions of neutrophils, such as phagocytic activity, degranulation, and ROS production, remain unchanged after incubation with ES antigens. This is relevant since it could constitute a novel strategy for the treatment of autoimmune pathologies in which the formation of NETs performs an important role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Ríos-López
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Romel Hernández-Bello
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Gloria M González
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-González
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Av. Francisco I. Madero, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of Candida albicans from vulvovaginal candidiasis patients. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 92:104893. [PMID: 33964472 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a common cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). In this paper, the genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of 173C. albicans strains were investigated by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A total of 52 diploid sequence types (DSTs) were recognized, and 27 (51.9%) of which have not been reported in the MLST database. Genotyping was performed on the multiple isolates collected from patients with recurrent VVC (RVVC, referring to VVC which attacks more than 4 times in one year) in different acute infectious phases. The results showed that 59.1% (26/44) of the patients suffered a relapse, with DST 79 (65.4%) as the dominant genotype. The etiology of the remaining 40.9% (18/44) of patients was reinfection, and the main genotypes included DST 79 (33.3%), DST 124 (8.6%) and DST 1895 (8.6%). DST 79 (45%) and DST 1395 (7.5%) were the main isolates of VVC patients, while DST 79 (24.1%), DST 727 (6.9%), DST 732 (6.9%) and DST 1867 (6.9%) were the main types of healthy volunteers. The results of the genotypes between RVVC patients and other groups were statistically different. Furthermore, cluster analysis was carried out on 1468 isolates, among which 1337 were downloaded from the MLST database, 130 were divided into 8 Clades in the present study and the remaining one was taken as a singleton. 92.3% isolates from relapse patients, 58.3% isolates from re-infected patients, 77.5% isolates from VVC patients and 51.7% isolates from volunteers were distributed in Clade 1. The analysis of the genotypes of multiple isolates from RVVC patients further demonstrated that point mutation and loss of heterozygosity contributed to the microevolution of C. albicans.
Collapse
|
7
|
Staniszewska M. Virulence Factors in Candida species. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:313-323. [PMID: 31544690 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190722152415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fungal diseases are severe and have very high morbidity as well as up to 60% mortality for patients diagnosed with invasive fungal infection. In this review, in vitro and in vivo studies provided us with the insight into the role of Candida virulence factors that mediate their success as pathogens, such as: membrane and cell wall (CW) barriers, dimorphism, biofilm formation, signal transduction pathway, proteins related to stress tolerance, hydrolytic enzymes (e.g. proteases, lipases, haemolysins), and toxin production. The review characterized the virulence of clinically important C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and C. krusei. Due to the white-opaque transition in the mating-type locus MTL-homozygous cells, C. albicans demonstrates an advantage over other less related species of Candida as a human commensal and pathogen. It was reviewed that Candida ergosterol biosynthesis genes play a role in cellular stress and are essential for Candida pathogenesis both in invasive and superficial infections. Hydrolases associated with CW are involved in the host-pathogen interactions. Adhesins are crucial in colonization and biofilm formation, an important virulence factor for candidiasis. Calcineurin is involved in membrane and CW stress as well as virulence. The hyphae-specific toxin, named candidalysin, invades mucosal cells facilitating fungal invasion into deeper tissues. Expression of this protein promotes resistance to neutrophil killing in candidiasis. The virulence factors provide immunostimulatory factors, activating dendric cells and promoting T cell infiltration and activation. Targeting virulence factors, can reduce the risk of resistance development in Candida infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Staniszewska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mosca V, S Arita G, Vilegas LV, Faria DR, Sakita KM, Vendramini FA, Capoci IR, Becker TC, de Oliveira AG, Kioshima ÉS, S Bonfim-Mendonça PD, Svidzinski TI. Vulvovaginal candidiasis in a murine model of diabetes emphasizing the invasive ability of etiological agents. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:1001-1013. [PMID: 32811174 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To compare the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis by three Candida species in diabetic mice. Materials & methods: Estrogenized and diabetic mice were challenged with C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Results: Diabetic animals infected with C. albicans and C. tropicalis maintained the highest fungal burden, despite of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), respectively. For C. glabrata, the results were similar in diabetic and nondiabetic groups. Conclusion: C. tropicalis was as invasive as C. albicans, and both were more effective than C. glabrata. This ability was attributed to filamentation, which may be stimulated by glucose levels from vaginal fluid. In addition, the high burden may be attributed to the apparent immunological inefficiency of the diabetic host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valéria Mosca
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Glaucia S Arita
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Lenisa V Vilegas
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Daniella R Faria
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Karina M Sakita
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Franciele Avr Vendramini
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Isis Rg Capoci
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Tania Ca Becker
- Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Admilton G de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy & Microanalysis - LMEM, Londrina, PR 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Érika S Kioshima
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de S Bonfim-Mendonça
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Ie Svidzinski
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis & Biomedicine Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rasheed M, Battu A, Kaur R. Host-pathogen interaction in Candida glabrata infection: current knowledge and implications for antifungal therapy. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:1093-1103. [PMID: 32668993 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1792773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata poses a clinical challenge in the successful treatment of invasive Candida infections, owing to its low inherent susceptibility toward azole antifungals and the recent acquisition of coresistance toward azole and echinocandin drugs. Compared to other prevalent Candida bloodstream pathogens, C. glabrata neither exhibits secreted proteolytic activity nor invokes a strong immune response in a variety of host cells and is less virulent. It also does not form true hyphae, and the success of C. glabrata, therefore, as a prevalent human fungal pathogen, appears to be built upon a distinct set of virulence attributes. AREAS COVERED The focus of this review is to outline, in brief, the interaction of C. glabrata with the host, deduced from the knowledge gained from different in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo model systems. In addition, we briefly discuss the current antifungals, antifungal resistance mechanisms, and the development of new antifungal therapies, along with the available information on the host response. EXPERT OPINION A detailed understanding of stresses, selection pressures and differential immune responses in the presence and absence of antifungals that C. glabrata encounters in varied niches of the host, is required to design effective antifungal therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mubashshir Rasheed
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics , Hyderabad, India
| | - Anamika Battu
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics , Hyderabad, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education , Manipal, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics , Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Candidalysin Is a Potent Trigger of Alarmin and Antimicrobial Peptide Release in Epithelial Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030699. [PMID: 32178483 PMCID: PMC7140650 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Host released alarmins and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are highly effective as antifungal agents and inducers. Whilst some are expressed constitutively at mucosal tissues, the primary site of many infections, others are elicited in response to pathogens. In the context of Candida albicans, the fungal factors inducing the release of these innate immune molecules are poorly defined. Herein, we identify candidalysin as a potent trigger of several key alarmins and AMPs known to possess potent anti-Candida functions. We also find extracellular ATP to be an important activator of candidalysin-induced epithelial signalling responses, namely epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MAPK signalling, which mediate downstream innate immunity during oral epithelial infection. The data provide novel mechanistic insight into the induction of multiple key alarmins and AMPs, important for antifungal defences against C. albicans.
Collapse
|
11
|
Kalia N, Singh J, Kaur M. Immunopathology of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Infections: New Aspects and Research Directions. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2034. [PMID: 31555269 PMCID: PMC6722227 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal infections (RVVI), a devastating group of mucosal infection, are severely affecting women's quality of life. Our understanding of the vaginal defense mechanisms have broadened recently with studies uncovering the inflammatory nature of bacterial vaginosis, inflammatory responses against novel virulence factors, innate Type 17 cells/IL-17 axis, neutrophils mediated killing of pathogens by a novel mechanism, and oxidative stress during vaginal infections. However, the pathogens have fine mechanisms to subvert or manipulate the host immune responses, hijack them and use them for their own advantage. The odds of hijacking increases, due to impaired immune responses, the net magnitude of which is the result of numerous genetic variations, present in multiple host genes, detailed in this review. Thus, by underlining the role of the host immune responses in disease etiology, modern research has clarified a major hypothesis shift in the pathophilosophy of RVVI. This knowledge can further be used to develop efficient immune-based diagnosis and treatment strategies for this enigmatic disease conditions. As for instance, plasma-derived MBL replacement, adoptive T-cell, and antibody-based therapies have been reported to be safe and efficacious in infectious diseases. Therefore, these emerging immune-therapies could possibly be the future therapeutic options for RVVI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namarta Kalia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Jatinder Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Genotypic Patterns of Secreted Aspartyl Proteinase Gene in Various Candida Species Isolated from Antenatal Women with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.13.2.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
13
|
Araújo DS, Pereira M, Portis IG, dos Santos Junior ADCM, Fontes W, de Sousa MV, Assunção LDP, Baeza LC, Bailão AM, Ricart CAO, Brock M, Soares CMDA. Metabolic Peculiarities of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Dimorphism as Demonstrated by iTRAQ Labeling Proteomics. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:555. [PMID: 30949151 PMCID: PMC6436475 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic mycosis with a high incidence in Latin America, is caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus. The contact with host occurs by the inhalation of conidia or mycelial propagules which once reaching the pulmonary alveoli differentiate into yeast cells. This transition process is vital in the pathogenesis of PCM allowing the fungus survival in the host. Thus, the present work performed a comparative proteome analysis of mycelia, mycelia-to-yeast transition, and yeast cells of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. For that, tryptic peptides were labeled with iTRAQ and identified by LC-MS/MS and computational data analysis, which allowed the identification of 312 proteins differentially expressed in different morphological stages. Data showed that P. brasiliensis yeast cells preferentially employ aerobic beta-oxidation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle accompanied by oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production, in comparison to mycelia and the transition from mycelia-to-yeast cells. Furthermore, yeast cells show a metabolic reprogramming in amino acid metabolism and in the induction of virulence determinants and heat shock proteins allowing adaptation to environmental conditions during the increase of the temperature. In opposite of that, the alcoholic fermentation found to P. lutzii, at least under laboratory conditions, is strongly favored in mycelium compared to yeast cells. Thereby, the data strongly support substantial metabolic differences among members of the Paracoccidioides complex, when comparing the saprobiotic mycelia and the yeast parasitic phases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Silva Araújo
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Faculdade Unida de Campinas, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Igor Godinho Portis
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Valle de Sousa
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Leandro do Prado Assunção
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Lilian Cristiane Baeza
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Mello Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Carlos André Ornelas Ricart
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Matthias Brock
- Fungal Biology and Genetics Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li D, Bai C, Zhang Q, Li Z, Shao D, Li X. β-1,3-Glucan/CR3/SYK pathway-dependent LC3B-II accumulation enhanced the fungicidal activity in human neutrophils. J Microbiol 2019; 57:263-270. [PMID: 30721460 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-019-8298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since molecular genotyping has been established for the Candida species, studies have found that a single Candida strain (endemic strain) can persist over a long period of time and results in the spread of nosocomial invasive candidiasis without general characteristics of horizontal transmissions. Our previous study also found the existence of endemic strains in a cancer center in Tianjin, China. In the current study, we performed further investigation on endemic and non-endemic Candida albicans strains, with the aim of explaining the higher morbidity of endemic strains. In an in vivo experiment, mice infected with endemic strains showed significantly shorter survival time and higher kidney fungal burdens compared to mice infected with non-endemic strains. In an in vitro experiment, the killing percentage of neutrophils to endemic strains was significantly lower than that to non-endemic strains, which is positively linked to the ratio of LC3B-II/I in neutrophils. An immunofluorescence assay showed more β-1,3-glucan exposure on the cell walls of non-endemic strains compared to endemic strains. After blocking the β-glucan receptor (CR3) or inhibiting downstream kinase (SYK) in neutrophils, the killing percent to C. albicans (regardless of endemic and non-endemic strains) and the ratio of LC3B-II/I of neutrophils were significantly decreased. These data suggested that the killing capability of neutrophils to C. albicans was monitored by β-1,3-glucan via CR3/SYK pathway-dependent LC3B-II accumulation and provided an explanation for the variable killing capability of neutrophils to different strains of C. albicans, which would be beneficial in improving infection control and therapeutic strategies for invasive candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ding Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, P. R. China.
| | - Changsen Bai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, P. R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, P. R. China
| | - Di Shao
- Denali Medpharma Co., Ltd, Chongqing, 400000, P. R. China.
| | - Xichuan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tang Y, Yu F, Huang L, Hu Z. The changes of antifungal susceptibilities caused by the phenotypic switching of Candida species in 229 patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. J Clin Lab Anal 2018; 33:e22644. [PMID: 30101450 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was to investigate the changes of antifungal susceptibilities caused by the phenotypic switching in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). METHODS 229 women were enrolled in this study. The vaginal smears of these patients were collected and gram stained for fungal microscopic observation. The vaginal discharge of them in cotton swabs was cultured in sabouraud's agar with chloramphenicol medium. After fungal culture, fungal identification was analyzed using CHROM agar Candida chromogenic and identification medium. Then, the in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out using the standardized CLSI M27-A2 broth microdilution method. RESULTS 64.63% of Candia species in patients with VVC were Candida albicans and the remainders were non-albicans Candida species. The phenotypic switching was observed in 91.22% of C. albicans infection. In antifungal susceptibility testing, the susceptible rates of C. albicans to voriconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole were significantly higher than that of non-albicans Candida species (P = 0.00, 0.00, 0.00). No matters in patients infected with C. albicans or with non-albicans Candida species, the susceptible rate to fluconazole of the clinical isolates with phenotypic switching was significantly higher than that without phenotypic switching (P = 0.01, 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In the study, C. albicans was the commonest pathogenic species in patients with VVC, in which the phenotypic switching was easy to occur. The susceptible rates of C. albicans to all antifungal drugs were higher than that of non-albicans Candida species. The susceptible rate to fluconazole was all influenced by the phenotypic switching in C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanting Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lairong Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengqiang Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sermwittayawong D, Patninan K, Phothiphiphit S, Boonyarattanakalin S, Sermwittayawong N, Hutadilok-Towatana N. Purification, characterization, and biological activities of purified polysaccharides extracted from the gray oyster mushroom [Pleurotus sajor-caju
(Fr.) Sing.]. J Food Biochem 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Decha Sermwittayawong
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry; Prince of Songkla University; Hat Yai Thailand
| | - Kulwanit Patninan
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry; Prince of Songkla University; Hat Yai Thailand
| | - Somruthai Phothiphiphit
- Schoolof Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology; Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University; Pathum Thani Thailand
| | - Siwarutt Boonyarattanakalin
- Schoolof Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology; Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University; Pathum Thani Thailand
| | | | - Nongporn Hutadilok-Towatana
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry; Prince of Songkla University; Hat Yai Thailand
- College of Oriental Medicine; Rangsit University; Pathum Thani Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Candida albicans β-Glucan-Containing Particles Increase HO-1 Expression in Oral Keratinocytes via a Reactive Oxygen Species/p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Nrf2 Pathway. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00575-17. [PMID: 29311246 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00575-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral keratinocytes provide the first line of host defense against oral candidiasis. We speculated that interactions of fungal cell wall components with oral keratinocytes regulate the stress response against Candida infection and examined the expression of genes induced by heat-killed Candida albicans in oral immortalized keratinocytes using a cDNA microarray technique. Of 24,000 genes revealed by that analysis, we focused on HO-1, a stress-inducible gene, as its expression was increased by both heat-killed and live C. albicans In histological findings, HO-1 expression in the superficial layers of the oral epithelium following Candida infection was elevated compared to that in healthy epithelium. We then investigated fungal cell wall components involved in induction of HO-1 expression and found that β-glucan-containing particles (β-GPs) increased its expression. Furthermore, β-glucan was observed on the surface of both heat-killed C. albicans and Candida cells that had invaded the oral epithelium. Fungal β-GPs also promoted induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase activation, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, while those specific inhibitors inhibited the HO-1 expression induced by fungal β-GPs. Moreover, fungal β-GPs induced Nrf2 translocation into nuclei via p38 MAPK signaling, while the HO-1 expression induced by fungal β-GPs was inhibited by Nrf2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). Finally, knockdown of cells by HO-1- and Nrf2-specific siRNAs resulted in increased β-GP-mediated ROS production compared to that in the control cells. Our results show that the HO-1 induced by fungal β-GPs via ROS/p38 MAPK/Nrf2 from oral keratinocytes may have important roles in host defense against the stress caused by Candida infection in the oral epithelium.
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Over the last decade, invasive fungal infections have emerged as a growing threat to human health worldwide and novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. In this context, investigations into host-pathogen interactions represent an important and promising field of research. Antigen presenting cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells are strategically located at the frontline of defence against potential invaders. Importantly, these cells express germline encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which sense conserved entities from pathogens and orchestrate innate immune responses. Herein, we review the latest findings regarding the biology and functions of the different classes of PRRs involved in pathogenic fungal recognition. We also discuss recent literature on PRR collaboration/crosstalk and the mechanisms involved in inhibiting/regulating PRR signalling. Finally, we discuss how the accumulated knowledge on PRR biology, especially Dectin-1, has been used for the design of new immunotherapies against fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel C Patin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Aiysha Thompson
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Selinda J Orr
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, Wales, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Host response to pulmonary fungal infections: A highlight on cell-driven immunity to Cryptococcus species and Aspergillus fumigatus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 3:335-345. [PMID: 29430385 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-017-0111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
20
|
Qi Y, Hu X, Cui J, Chen J, Wu Q, Sun X, Shi Y. Combined use of insoluble β-glucan from the cell wall of Candida albicans and cyclophosphamide: Validation in S180 tumor-bearing mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 97:1366-1372. [PMID: 29156526 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a widely used antitumor drug that can suppress the immune system. The effects of regulating immune response and antitumor of β-glucan from the cell wall of Candida albicans (CAIBG) have been confirmed. However, the effects of the combined use of CAIBG and CTX remain unclear and warrant further investigation. METHODS S180 tumor-bearing models were developed for CAIBG (100 mg/10 mL/kg) and CTX (30 mg/10 mL/kg) intervention. The weights of the body, tumor spleen, and Thymus were recorded to calculate the index of the spleen and Thymus. The spleen and Thymus were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, whereas the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β was determined by Western blot. The survival times of mice were followed and recorded for analysis. RESULTS CAIBG, CTX, and combined use of CAIBG and CTX could down-regulate the tumor growth and prolong the survival time. The spleen and Thymus index significantly increased in the CAIBG + CTX group than in the CTX group, but it was lower than that in the CAIBG group. Moreover, the Thymus index was significantly lower in the CAIBG + CTX group than in the CAIBG group. The lymphocytes of the spleen and Thymus decreased significantly in the CTX group but improved significantly in the CAIBG and CAIBG + CTX groups. The expression level of TNF-α and IL-1β in the CTX+CAIBG group increased significantly compared with that in the CTX group. The survival time of the CAIBG group and CAIBG + CTX group was significantly higher than that of the CTX group. CONCLUSIONS CAIBG has strong treatment potential in combating tumor growth and prolonging survival time of S180 tumor-bearing mice. Combined use of CAIBG and CTX can compensate the CTX-induced immunosuppression and provide antitumor effects. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qi
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; School of Medicine, Jinggangshan University, Ji An, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Ji An Central Hospital, Ji An, China
| | - Jin Cui
- Kun Ming Medical University, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bonfim-Mendonça PDS, Capoci IRG, Tobaldini-Valerio FK, Negri M, Svidzinski TIE. Overview of β-Glucans from Laminaria spp.: Immunomodulation Properties and Applications on Biologic Models. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1629. [PMID: 28878139 PMCID: PMC5618472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucans are a group of glucose polymers that are found in bacteria, algae, fungi, and plants. While their properties are well known, their biochemical and solubility characteristics vary considerably, and glucans obtained from different sources can have different applications. Research has described the bioactivity of β-glucans extracted from the algae of the Laminaria genus, including in vivo and in vitro studies assessing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, vaccine production, inhibition of cell proliferation, and anti- and pro-oxidant activity. Thus, the objective of this article was to review the potential application of β-glucans from Laminaria spp. in terms of their immunomodulatory properties, microorganism host interaction, anti-cancer activity and vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia de Souza Bonfim-Mendonça
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringa, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Isis Regina Grenier Capoci
- Graduate Program in Biosciences and Pathophysiology, Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringa, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Flávia Kelly Tobaldini-Valerio
- Graduate Program in Biosciences and Pathophysiology, Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringa, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Melyssa Negri
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringa, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Saraiva JP, Oswald M, Biering A, Röll D, Assmann C, Klassert T, Blaess M, Czakai K, Claus R, Löffler J, Slevogt H, König R. Fungal biomarker discovery by integration of classifiers. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:601. [PMID: 28797245 PMCID: PMC5553868 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The human immune system is responsible for protecting the host from infection. However, in immunocompromised individuals the risk of infection increases substantially with possible drastic consequences. In extreme, systemic infection can lead to sepsis which is responsible for innumerous deaths worldwide. Amongst its causes are infections by bacteria and fungi. To increase survival, it is mandatory to identify the type of infection rapidly. Discriminating between fungal and bacterial pathogens is key to determine if antifungals or antibiotics should be administered, respectively. For this, in situ experiments have been performed to determine regulation mechanisms of the human immune system to identify biomarkers. However, these studies led to heterogeneous results either due different laboratory settings, pathogen strains, cell types and tissues, as well as the time of sample extraction, to name a few. Methods To generate a gene signature capable of discriminating between fungal and bacterial infected samples, we employed Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) based classifiers on several datasets comprised of the above mentioned pathogens. Results When combining the classifiers by a joint optimization we could increase the consistency of the biomarker gene list independently of the experimental setup. An increase in pairwise overlap (the number of genes that overlap in each cross-validation) of 43% was obtained by this approach when compared to that of single classifiers. The refined gene list was composed of 19 genes and ranked according to consistency in expression (up- or down-regulated) and most of them were linked either directly or indirectly to the ERK-MAPK signalling pathway, which has been shown to play a key role in the immune response to infection. Testing of the identified 12 genes on an unseen dataset yielded an average accuracy of 83%. Conclusions In conclusion, our method allowed the combination of independent classifiers and increased consistency and reliability of the generated gene signatures. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-4006-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Saraiva
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcus Oswald
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Antje Biering
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniela Röll
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Cora Assmann
- Septomics Research Centre, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Tilman Klassert
- Septomics Research Centre, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Blaess
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Claus
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Hortense Slevogt
- Septomics Research Centre, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Rainer König
- Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany. .,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Highlights Regarding Host Predisposing Factors to Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Chronic Stress and Reduced Antioxidant Capacity. PLoS One 2017. [PMID: 27415762 DOI: 10.1371/joumal.pone.0158870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied host factors that could predispose women to develop recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), including glycemia, insulin resistance, chronic stress, antioxidant capacity, overall immune status, local inflammation and vaginal microbiota. The presence of yeasts in vaginal culture was screened in 277 women, with or without signs and symptoms of VVC and RVVC. The presence of an inflammatory process and microbiota were analyzed through vaginal bacterioscopy and cervical-vaginal cytology, respectively. Fasting-blood samples were collected by standard venipuncture for biochemical analyses. Flow cytometry was employed to obtain the T helper/T cytotoxic lymphocyte ratio, and insulin resistance was assessed by the HOMA index (HI). Yeasts were isolated from 71 (26%) women: 23 (32.4%) with a positive culture but without symptoms (COL), 22 (31%) in an acute episode (VVC), and 26 (36.6%) with RVVC. C. albicans was the main yeast isolated in all clinical profiles. The control group (negative culture) comprised 206 women. Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance were more associated with the positive-culture groups (COL, VVC and RVVC) than with negative ones. The RVVC group showed lower mean levels of cortisol than the control group and lower antioxidant capacity than all other groups. The T Helper/T cytotoxic lymphocyte ratio was similar in all groups. The RVVC group showed a similar level of vaginal inflammation to the control group, and lower than in the COL and VVC groups. Only the CVV group showed a reduction in vaginal lactobacillus microbiota. Our data suggest that both chronic stress (decreased early-morning cortisol levels) and reduced antioxidant capacity can be host predisposing factors to RVVC.
Collapse
|
24
|
Emergence of Candida glabrata in vulvovaginal candidiasis should be attributed to selective pressure or virulence ability? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 296:519-526. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4465-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
25
|
Lacerda Pigosso L, Baeza LC, Vieira Tomazett M, Batista Rodrigues Faleiro M, Brianezi Dignani de Moura VM, Melo Bailão A, Borges CL, Alves Parente Rocha J, Rocha Fernandes G, Gauthier GM, Soares CMDA. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis presents metabolic reprogramming and secretes a serine proteinase during murine infection. Virulence 2017; 8:1417-1434. [PMID: 28704618 PMCID: PMC5711425 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1355660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidoides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii, the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis, cause disease in healthy and immunocompromised persons in Latin America. We developed a method for harvesting P. brasiliensis yeast cells from infected murine lung to facilitate in vivo transcriptional and proteomic profiling. P. brasiliensis harvested at 6 h post-infection were analyzed using RNAseq and LC-MSE. In vivo yeast cells had 594 differentially expressed transcripts and 350 differentially expressed proteins. Integration of transcriptional and proteomic data indicated that early in infection (6 h), P. brasiliensis yeast cells underwent a shift in metabolism from glycolysis to β-oxidation, upregulated detoxifying enzymes to defend against oxidative stress, and repressed cell wall biosynthesis. Bioinformatics and functional analyses also demonstrated that a serine proteinase was upregulated and secreted in vivo. To our knowledge this is the first study depicting transcriptional and proteomic data of P. brasiliensis yeast cells upon 6 h post-infection of mouse lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurine Lacerda Pigosso
- a Laboratório de Biologia Molecular , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | - Lilian Cristiane Baeza
- a Laboratório de Biologia Molecular , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | - Mariana Vieira Tomazett
- a Laboratório de Biologia Molecular , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | - Mariana Batista Rodrigues Faleiro
- b Laboratório de Patologia , Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- a Laboratório de Biologia Molecular , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- a Laboratório de Biologia Molecular , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves Parente Rocha
- a Laboratório de Biologia Molecular , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| | | | | | - Celia Maria de Almeida Soares
- a Laboratório de Biologia Molecular , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás , Campus Samambaia s/n, Goiânia , Goiás , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu W, Zou Z, Huang X, Shen H, He LJ, Chen SM, Li LP, Yan L, Zhang SQ, Zhang JD, Xu Z, Xu GT, An MM, Jiang YY. Bst1 is required for Candida albicans infecting host via facilitating cell wall anchorage of Glycosylphosphatidyl inositol anchored proteins. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34854. [PMID: 27708385 PMCID: PMC5052643 DOI: 10.1038/srep34854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidyl inositol anchored proteins (GPI-APs) on fungal cell wall are essential for invasive infections. While the function of inositol deacylation of GPI-APs in mammalian cells has been previously characterized the impact of inositol deacylation in fungi and implications to host infection remains largely unexplored. Herein we describe our identification of BST1, an inositol deacylase of GPI-Aps in Candida albicans, was critical for GPI-APs cell wall attachment and host infection. BST1-deficient C. albicans (bst1Δ/Δ) was associated with severely impaired cell wall anchorage of GPI-APs and subsequen unmasked β-(1,3)-glucan. Consistent with the aberrant cell wall structures, bst1Δ/Δ strain did not display an invasive ability and could be recognized more efficiently by host immune systems. Moreover, BST1 null mutants or those expressing Bst1 variants did not display inositol deacylation activity and exhibited severely attenuated virulence and reduced organic colonization in a murine systemic candidiasis model. Thus, Bst1 can facilitate cell wall anchorage of GPI-APs in C. albicans by inositol deacylation, and is critical for host invasion and immune escape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Zui Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P.R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of dermatology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, P.R. China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Li Juan He
- Research and Development Center of New Drug, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P.R. China
| | - Si Min Chen
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Li Ping Li
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Lan Yan
- Research and Development Center of New Drug, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P.R. China
| | - Shi Qun Zhang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Jun Dong Zhang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Research and Development Center of New Drug, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P.R. China
| | - Guo Tong Xu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Mao Mao An
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Ying Jiang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China.,Research and Development Center of New Drug, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dermendzhiev T, Hadzhieva K, Dermendzhiev S, Murdjeva M. Analysis of clinical and microbiological indicators of vulvovaginal candidiasis. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2016.1232603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tihomir Dermendzhiev
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kristina Hadzhieva
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital UMHAT “St. George” , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Svetlan Dermendzhiev
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Marianna Murdjeva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Akimoto-Gunther L, Bonfim-Mendonça PDS, Takahachi G, Irie MMT, Miyamoto S, Consolaro MEL, Svidzinsk TIE. Highlights Regarding Host Predisposing Factors to Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Chronic Stress and Reduced Antioxidant Capacity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158870. [PMID: 27415762 PMCID: PMC4944939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied host factors that could predispose women to develop recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), including glycemia, insulin resistance, chronic stress, antioxidant capacity, overall immune status, local inflammation and vaginal microbiota. The presence of yeasts in vaginal culture was screened in 277 women, with or without signs and symptoms of VVC and RVVC. The presence of an inflammatory process and microbiota were analyzed through vaginal bacterioscopy and cervical-vaginal cytology, respectively. Fasting-blood samples were collected by standard venipuncture for biochemical analyses. Flow cytometry was employed to obtain the T helper/T cytotoxic lymphocyte ratio, and insulin resistance was assessed by the HOMA index (HI). Yeasts were isolated from 71 (26%) women: 23 (32.4%) with a positive culture but without symptoms (COL), 22 (31%) in an acute episode (VVC), and 26 (36.6%) with RVVC. C. albicans was the main yeast isolated in all clinical profiles. The control group (negative culture) comprised 206 women. Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance were more associated with the positive-culture groups (COL, VVC and RVVC) than with negative ones. The RVVC group showed lower mean levels of cortisol than the control group and lower antioxidant capacity than all other groups. The T Helper/T cytotoxic lymphocyte ratio was similar in all groups. The RVVC group showed a similar level of vaginal inflammation to the control group, and lower than in the COL and VVC groups. Only the CVV group showed a reduction in vaginal lactobacillus microbiota. Our data suggest that both chronic stress (decreased early-morning cortisol levels) and reduced antioxidant capacity can be host predisposing factors to RVVC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciene Akimoto-Gunther
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de Souza Bonfim-Mendonça
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Gisele Takahachi
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Mary Mayumi T. Irie
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Sônia Miyamoto
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Márcia Edilaine Lopes Consolaro
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Terezinha I. Estivalet Svidzinsk
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Carlsen ED, Liang Y, Shelite TR, Walker DH, Melby PC, Soong L. Permissive and protective roles for neutrophils in leishmaniasis. Clin Exp Immunol 2015; 182:109-18. [PMID: 26126690 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania parasites are the causative agents of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease that causes substantial morbidity and considerable mortality in many developing areas of the world. Recent estimates suggest that roughly 10 million people suffer from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and approximately 76,000 are afflicted with visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which is universally fatal without treatment. Efforts to develop therapeutics and vaccines have been greatly hampered by an incomplete understanding of the parasite's biology and a lack of clear protective correlates that must be met in order to achieve immunity. Although parasites grow and divide preferentially in macrophages, a number of other cell types interact with and internalize Leishmania parasites, including monocytes, dendritic cells and neutrophils. Neutrophils appear to be especially important shortly after parasites are introduced into the skin, and may serve a dual protective and permissive role during the establishment of infection. Curiously, neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection appears to continue into the chronic phase of disease, which may persist for many years. The immunological impact of these cells during chronic leishmaniasis is unclear at this time. In this review we discuss the ways in which neutrophils have been observed to prevent and promote the establishment of infection, examine the role of anti-neutrophil antibodies in mouse models of leishmaniasis and consider recent findings that neutrophils may play a previously unrecognized role in influencing chronic parasite persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E D Carlsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, MD-PhD Combined Degree Program.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology
| | - Y Liang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology
| | | | | | - P C Melby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology.,Department of Pathology.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - L Soong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology.,Department of Pathology
| |
Collapse
|