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Qadeer A, Wajid A, Rafey HA, Nawaz S, Khan S, Rahman SU, Alzahrani KJ, Khan MZ, Alsabi MNS, Ullah H, Safi SZ, Xia Z, Zahoor M. Exploring extracellular vesicles in zoonotic helminth biology: implications for diagnosis, therapeutic and delivery. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1424838. [PMID: 39165921 PMCID: PMC11333462 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1424838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key intercellular communication and pathogenesis mediators. Parasitic organisms' helminths, cause widespread infections with significant health impacts worldwide. Recent research has shed light on the role of EVs in the lifecycle, immune evasion, and disease progression of these parasitic organisms. These tiny membrane-bound organelles including microvesicles and exosomes, facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and microRNAs between cells. EVs have been isolated from various bodily fluids, offering a potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenue for combating infectious agents. According to recent research, EVs from helminths hold great promise in the diagnosis of parasitic infections due to their specificity, early detection capabilities, accessibility, and the potential for staging and monitoring infections, promote intercellular communication, and are a viable therapeutic tool for the treatment of infectious agents. Exploring host-parasite interactions has identified promising new targets for diagnostic, therapy, and vaccine development against helminths. This literature review delves into EVS's origin, nature, biogenesis, and composition in these parasitic organisms. It also highlights the proteins and miRNAs involved in EV release, providing a comprehensive summary of the latest findings on the significance of EVs in the biology of helminths, promising targets for therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Qadeer
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Abdul Wajid
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Abdul Rafey
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saqib Nawaz
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Sawar Khan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Ur Rahman
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Khalid J. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Mohammad Nafi Solaiman Alsabi
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hanif Ullah
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sher Zaman Safi
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zanxian Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Muhammad Zahoor
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Ekloh W, Asafu-Adjaye A, Tawiah-Mensah CNL, Ayivi-Tosuh SM, Quartey NKA, Aiduenu AF, Gayi BK, Koudonu JAM, Basing LA, Yamoah JAA, Dofuor AK, Osei JHN. A comprehensive exploration of schistosomiasis: Global impact, molecular characterization, drug discovery, artificial intelligence and future prospects. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33070. [PMID: 38988508 PMCID: PMC11234110 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases which affects both humans and animals, is caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is caused by several species of Schistosoma which affect several organs such as urethra, liver, bladder, intestines, skin and bile ducts. The life cycle of the disease involves an intermediate host (snail) and a mammalian host. It affects people who are in close proximity to water bodies where the intermediate host is abundant. Common clinical manifestations of the disease at various stages include fever, chills, headache, cough, dysuria, hyperplasia and hydronephrosis. To date, most of the control strategies are dependent on effective diagnosis, chemotherapy and public health education on the biology of the vectors and parasites. Microscopy (Kato-Katz) is considered the golden standard for the detection of the parasite, while praziquantel is the drug of choice for the mass treatment of the disease since no vaccines have yet been developed. Most of the previous reviews on schistosomiasis have concentrated on epidemiology, life cycle, diagnosis, control and treatment. Thus, a comprehensive review that is in tune with modern developments is needed. Here, we extend this domain to cover historical perspectives, global impact, symptoms and detection, biochemical and molecular characterization, gene therapy, current drugs and vaccine status. We also discuss the prospects of using plants as potential and alternative sources of novel anti-schistosomal agents. Furthermore, we highlight advanced molecular techniques, imaging and artificial intelligence that may be useful in the future detection and treatment of the disease. Overall, the proper detection of schistosomiasis using state-of-the-art tools and techniques, as well as development of vaccines or new anti-schistosomal drugs may aid in the elimination of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Ekloh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Andy Asafu-Adjaye
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Albert Fynn Aiduenu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Blessing Kwabena Gayi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Laud Anthony Basing
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah
- Animal Health Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute, Adenta-Frafraha, Accra, Ghana
| | - Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Wu D, Kong X, Zhang W, Di W. Reconstruction of the TGF-β signaling pathway of Fasciola gigantica. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:51. [PMID: 38095703 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08064-2] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we reconstructed the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway for Fasciola gigantica, which is a neglected tropical pathogen. We defined the components involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway and investigated the transcription profiles of these genes for all developmental stages of F. gigantica. In addition, the presence of these components in excretory and secretory products (FgESP) was predicted via signal peptide annotation. The core components of the TGF-β signaling pathway have been detected in F. gigantica; classical and nonclassical single transduction pathways were constructed. Four ligands have been detected, which may mediate the TGF-β signaling pathway and BMP signaling pathway. Two ligand-binding type II receptors were detected, and inhibitory Smad7 was not detected. TLP, BMP-3, BMP-1, and ActRIb showed higher transcription in 42-day juvenile and 70-day juvenile, while ActRIIa, Smad1, ActRIIb, Smad8, KAT2B, and PP2A showed higher transcription in egg. TLM, Ski, Smad6, BMPRI, p70S6K, Smad2, Smad3, TgfβRI, Smad4, and p300 showed higher transcription in metacercariae. Four ligands, 2 receptors and 3 Smads are predicted to be present in the FgESP, suggesting their potential extrinsic function. This study should help to understand signal transduction in the TGF-β signaling pathway in F. gigantica. In addition, this study helps to illustrate the complex mechanisms involved in developmental processes and F. gigantica - host interaction and paves the way for further characterization of the signaling pathway in trematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqi Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinping Kong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenda Di
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Padalino G, Celatka CA, Rienhoff Jr. HY, Kalin JH, Cole PA, Lassalle D, Forde-Thomas J, Chalmers IW, Brancale A, Grunau C, Hoffmann KF. Chemical modulation of Schistosoma mansoni lysine specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1) induces wide-scale biological and epigenomic changes. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37520936 PMCID: PMC10375057 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18826.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm species responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, undergoes strict developmental regulation of gene expression that is carefully controlled by both genetic and epigenetic processes. As inhibition of S. mansoni epigenetic machinery components impairs key transitions throughout the parasite's digenetic lifecycle, a greater understanding of how epi-drugs affect molecular processes in schistosomes could lead to the development of new anthelmintics. Methods: In vitro whole organism assays were used to assess the anti-schistosomal activity of 39 Homo sapiens Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (HsLSD1) inhibitors on different parasite life cycle stages. Moreover, tissue-specific stains and genomic analysis shed light on the effect of these small molecules on the parasite biology. Results: Amongst this collection of small molecules, compound 33 was the most potent in reducing ex vivo viabilities of schistosomula, juveniles, miracidia and adults. At its sub-lethal concentration to adults (3.13 µM), compound 33 also significantly impacted oviposition, ovarian as well as vitellarian architecture and gonadal/neoblast stem cell proliferation. ATAC-seq analysis of adults demonstrated that compound 33 significantly affected chromatin structure (intragenic regions > intergenic regions), especially in genes differentially expressed in cell populations (e.g., germinal stem cells, hes2 + stem cell progeny, S1 cells and late female germinal cells) associated with these ex vivo phenotypes. KEGG analyses further highlighted that chromatin structure of genes associated with sugar metabolism as well as TGF-beta and Wnt signalling were also significantly perturbed by compound 33 treatment. Conclusions: This work confirms the importance of histone methylation in S. mansoni lifecycle transitions, suggesting that evaluation of LSD1 - targeting epi-drugs may facilitate the search for next-generation anti-schistosomal drugs. The ability of compound 33 to modulate chromatin structure as well as inhibit parasite survival, oviposition and stem cell proliferation warrants further investigations of this compound and its epigenetic target SmLSD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | | | - Jay H. Kalin
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DA, UK
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Inactivating the Uninhibited: The Tale of Activins and Inhibins in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043332. [PMID: 36834742 PMCID: PMC9963072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in technology and biomedical knowledge have led to the effective diagnosis and treatment of an increasing number of rare diseases. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disorder of the pulmonary vasculature that is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Although significant progress has been made in understanding PAH and its diagnosis and treatment, numerous unanswered questions remain regarding pulmonary vascular remodeling, a major factor contributing to the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. Here, we discuss the role of activins and inhibins, both of which belong to the TGF-β superfamily, in PAH development. We examine how these relate to signaling pathways implicated in PAH pathogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss how activin/inhibin-targeting drugs, particularly sotatercep, affect pathophysiology, as these target the afore-mentioned specific pathway. We highlight activin/inhibin signaling as a critical mediator of PAH development that is to be targeted for therapeutic gain, potentially improving patient outcomes in the future.
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Genetic manipulations in helminth parasites. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:203-214. [PMID: 36712591 PMCID: PMC9869838 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01567-w] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Screening of vaccine or drug target in parasitic helminth is hindered by lack of robust tool for functional studies of parasite protein which account for the availability of only a few anti-helminthic vaccines, diagnostic assay and slower pace of development of an anthelmintic drug. With the piling up of parasite transcriptomic and genomic data, in silico screening for possible vaccine/drug target could be validated by functional characterization of proteins by RNA interference or CRISPR/Cas9. These reverse genetic engineering tools have opened up a better avenue and opportunity for screening parasitic proteins in vitro as well as in vivo. RNA interference provides a technique for silencing targeted mRNA transcript for understanding a gene function in helminth as evidence by work in Caenorhabditis elegans. Recent genetic engineering tool, CRISPR/Cas9 allows knock-out/deletion of the desired gene in parasitic helminths and the other provision it provides in terms of gene knock-in/insertion in parasite genome is still to be explored in future. This manuscript discussed the work that has been carried out on RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 for functional studies of helminth parasitic proteins.
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Maruszewska-Cheruiyot M, Stear MJ, Machcińska M, Donskow-Łysoniewska K. Importance of TGFβ in Cancer and Nematode Infection and Their Interaction-Opinion. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1572. [PMID: 36358922 PMCID: PMC9687433 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, there has been little interaction between parasitologists and oncologists, although some helminth infections predispose to the development of tumours. In addition, both parasites and tumours need to survive immune attack. Recent research suggests that both tumours and parasites suppress the immune response to increase their chances of survival. They both co-opt the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling pathway to modulate the immune response to their benefit. In particular, there is concern that suppression of the immune response by nematodes and their products could enhance susceptibility to tumours in both natural and artificial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael James Stear
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, Agribio, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia
| | - Maja Machcińska
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, 02-662 Warsaw, Poland
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Identification and expression of a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) homologue in the tropical liver fluke Fasciola gigantica. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3547-3559. [PMID: 36194274 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
Liver flukes, Fasciola spp., are veterinary and medically important parasites infecting numerous species of economically important animals in addition to humans on a global scale. The components of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling are widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom and are considerably conserved. Through shared common signal transduction mechanisms, crosstalk of TGF-β signalling between a host and the parasite during infection is possible. Herein, we have identified and undertaken the molecular characterisation of a putative TGF-β homologue from the tropical liver fluke F. gigantica (FgTLM). A FgTLM cDNA was 3557 bp in length, it encoded for 620 amino acid polypeptide which consisted of 494 amino acids of prodomain and 126 amino acids comprising the mature protein. FgTLM displayed characteristic structures of mammalian TGF-β ligands that were unique to the inhibin-β chain, monomer of activin. A phylogenetic analysis revealed the high degree of conservation with TGF-β molecules from trematode species. Interestingly, the sequence of amino acid in the active domain of FgTLM was completely identical to FhTLM from F. hepatica. FgTLM expressed throughout the lifecycle of F. gigantica but was highly expressed in developmental active stages. The dynamics of expression of FgTLM during the developmental stages of F. gigantica was comparable to the pattern of TGF-β expression in F. hepatica. Our findings demonstrated that FgTLM exhibits a high level of similarity to FhTLM in the context of both amino acid sequence and the life stage expression patterns. These similarities underline the possibility that the FgTLM molecule might have the same properties and functions as FhTLM in biological processes of the immature parasites and host immune evasion. Consequently, the specific biological functions of FgTLM on either parasite or relevant hosts need to be defined experimentally.
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Luo J, Wu F, Liu W, Ren Q, Diao P, Guan G, Luo J, Yin H, Liu G. A Novel MicroRNA and the Target Gene TAB2 Can Regulate the Process of Sucking Blood in and the Spawn Rate of Hyalomma asiaticum (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks. Front Immunol 2022; 13:930532. [PMID: 35865515 PMCID: PMC9294593 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that are harmful to humans and animals. MicroRNAs are a class of conserved small noncoding RNAs that play regulatory roles in the expression of many genes at the posttranscriptional level. Here, a novel miRNA (nov-miR-17) was identified from a small RNA data library of Hyalomma asiaticum by next-generation sequencing. PCR was used to obtain precursor nov-miR-17 by RACE using mature loop primers. The secondary structure was predicted with UNAFold. The interaction of nov-miR-17 with its target gene TAB2 was predicted using RNAhybrid software and identified in vitro by luciferase assays. Moreover, the interaction was confirmed in vivo by phenotype rescue experiments in which dsTAB2 was used for RNA interference (RNAi) and an antagomir of nov-miR-17 was used for miRNA silencing. The expression levels of nov-miR-17 and TAB2 in ticks at different developmental stages and the expression of nov-miR-17 in different tissues were analyzed by real-time qPCR. All data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 5. Results: The results showed that TAB2 was a target gene of nov-miR-17. When the blood-sucking process of larval, nymph and adult ticks was prolonged, the expression of nov-miR-17 was decreased, and TAB2 expression was increased. However, the level of nov-miR-17 in the midgut of engorged ticks was highest at all stages. Therefore, nov-miR-17 plays an important role in the blood-sucking process. The overexpression of nov-miR-17 indicated that this miRNA affected the engorged weight (P < 0.001) and spawn rate (P < 0.001) of female ticks. RNAi of TAB2 also had the same effect. dsRNA not only impacted the weight (P < 0.01) but also reduced the spawn rate (P < 0.001) of the ticks. Furthermore, significant recovery was observed in nov-miR-17-silenced ticks after TAB2 silencing by RNAi. nov-miR-17 silencing by antagomir not only impacted the engorged weight of the female ticks (P < 0.001) but also the number of days that the females needed to progress from engorgement to spawning (P < 0.001). The study showed that nov-miR-17, as a new miRNA, plays an important role along with its target gene TAB2 in the blood-sucking and spawning processes in female ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiaoyun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Peiwen Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guangyuan Liu, ; Hong Yin,
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guangyuan Liu, ; Hong Yin,
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10
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He X, Pan W. Host–parasite interactions mediated by cross-species microRNAs. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:478-488. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
Schistosomes are long lived, intravascular parasitic platyhelminths that infect >200 million people globally. The molecular mechanisms used by these blood flukes to dampen host immune responses are described in this review. Adult worms express a collection of host-interactive tegumental ectoenzymes that can cleave host signaling molecules such as the "alarmin" ATP (cleaved by SmATPDase1), the platelet activator ADP (SmATPDase1, SmNPP5), and can convert AMP into the anti-inflammatory mediator adenosine (SmAP). SmAP can additionally cleave the lipid immunomodulator sphingosine-1-phosphate and the proinflammatory anionic polymer, polyP. In addition, the worms release a barrage of proteins (e.g., SmCB1, SjHSP70, cyclophilin A) that can impinge on immune cell function. Parasite eggs also release their own immunoregulatory proteins (e.g., IPSE/α1, omega1, SmCKBP) as do invasive cercariae (e.g., Sm16, Sj16). Some schistosome glycans (e.g., LNFPIII, LNnT) and lipids (e.g., Lyso-PS, LPC), produced by several life stages, likewise affect immune cell responses. The parasites not only produce eicosanoids (e.g., PGE2, PGD2-that can be anti-inflammatory) but can also induce host cells to release these metabolites. Finally, the worms release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNAs, and these too have been shown to skew host cell metabolism. Thus, schistosomes employ an array of biomolecules-protein, lipid, glycan, nucleic acid, and more, to bend host biochemistry to their liking. Many of the listed molecules have been individually shown capable of inducing aspects of the polarized Th2 response seen following infection (with the generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), regulatory B cells (Bregs) and anti-inflammatory, alternatively activated (M2) macrophages). Precisely how host cells integrate the impact of these myriad parasite products following natural infection is not known. Several of the schistosome immunomodulators described here are in development as novel therapeutics against autoimmune, inflammatory, and other, nonparasitic, diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreemoyee Acharya
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Akram A. Da’dara
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Patrick J. Skelly
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Fifty years of the schistosome tegument: discoveries, controversies, and outstanding questions. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1213-1232. [PMID: 34767805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The unique multilaminate appearance of the tegument surface of schistosomes was first described in 1973, in one of the earliest volumes of the International Journal for Parasitology. The present review, published almost 50 years later, traces the development of our knowledge of the tegument, starting with those earliest cytological advances, particularly the surface plasma membrane-membranocalyx complex, through an era of protein discovery to the modern age of protein characterization, aided by proteomics. More recently, analysis of single cell transcriptomes of schistosomes is providing insight into the organisation of the cell bodies that support the surface syncytium. Our understanding of the tegument, notably the nature of the proteins present within the plasma membrane and membranocalyx, has provided insights into how the schistosomes interact with their hosts but many aspects of how the tegument functions remain unanswered. Among the unresolved aspects are those concerned with maintenance and renewal of the surface membrane complex, and whether surface proteins and membrane components are recycled. Current controversies arising from investigations about whether the tegument is a source of extracellular vesicles during parasitism, and if it is covered with glycolytic enzymes, are evaluated in the light of cytological and proteomic knowledge of the layer.
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Gasan TA, Kuipers ME, Roberts GH, Padalino G, Forde-Thomas JE, Wilson S, Wawrzyniak J, Tukahebwa EM, Hoffmann KF, Chalmers IW. Schistosoma mansoni Larval Extracellular Vesicle protein 1 (SmLEV1) is an immunogenic antigen found in EVs released from pre-acetabular glands of invading cercariae. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009981. [PMID: 34793443 PMCID: PMC8639091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are an integral component of cellular/organismal communication and have been found in the excreted/secreted (ES) products of both protozoan and metazoan parasites. Within the blood fluke schistosomes, EVs have been isolated from egg, schistosomula, and adult lifecycle stages. However, the role(s) that EVs have in shaping aspects of parasite biology and/or manipulating host interactions is poorly defined. Herein, we characterise the most abundant EV-enriched protein in Schistosoma mansoni tissue-migrating schistosomula (Schistosoma mansoni Larval Extracellular Vesicle protein 1 (SmLEV1)). Comparative sequence analysis demonstrates that lev1 orthologs are found in all published Schistosoma genomes, yet homologs are not found outside of the Schistosomatidae. Lifecycle expression analyses collectively reveal that smlev1 transcription peaks in cercariae, is male biased in adults, and is processed by alternative splicing in intra-mammalian lifecycle stages. Immunohistochemistry of cercariae using a polyclonal anti-recombinant SmLEV1 antiserum localises this protein to the pre-acetabular gland, with some disperse localisation to the surface of the parasite. S. mansoni-infected Ugandan fishermen exhibit a strong IgG1 response against SmLEV1 (dropping significantly after praziquantel treatment), with 11% of the cohort exhibiting an IgE response and minimal levels of detectable antigen-specific IgG4. Furthermore, mice vaccinated with rSmLEV1 show a slightly reduced parasite burden upon challenge infection and significantly reduced granuloma volumes, compared with control animals. Collectively, these results describe SmLEV1 as a Schistosomatidae-specific, EV-enriched immunogen. Further investigations are now necessary to uncover the full extent of SmLEV1's role in shaping schistosome EV function and definitive host relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Gasan
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Marije E. Kuipers
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Grisial H. Roberts
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Gilda Padalino
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine E. Forde-Thomas
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Shona Wilson
- University of Cambridge, Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jakub Wawrzyniak
- University of Cambridge, Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
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Abou-El-Naga IF, El-Temsahy MM, Mogahed NMFH, Sheta E, Makled S, Ibrahim EI. Effect of celecoxib against different developmental stages of experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. Acta Trop 2021; 218:105891. [PMID: 33773944 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to the high prevalence of schistosomiasis and the wide use of praziquantel solely for mass drug administration to control the disease, there is a great concern about the potential emergence of reduced susceptibility strains. This, together with the concern that praziquantel is ineffective against juvenile worms highlight the importance of developing an alternative anti-schistosomal drug. Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs against schistosome infection is considerable. The present study evaluated the effect of oral administration of five days celecoxib regimen (20 mg/kg/day) against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni infection. This regimen induced significant reduction in worm burden, tissue egg count, individual female fecundity and the mean percentage of immature and mature eggs with increased mean percentage of dead eggs. More importantly, celecoxib was more potent than praziquantel in all these parasitological parameters (except in the worm burden when given against the adult stage where the difference was statistically non-significant). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the adult worms revealed severe tegumental damage, laceration of the muscular layers and oedema of the syncytial layer. There was disruption of the testicular, ovarian and vitelline glandular tissues with signs of apoptosis and abnormalities of the spermatozoa and the oocytes. Additionally, celecoxib induced reduction in the number and the size of the hepatic granulomata and also amelioration of the hepatic tissue pathology.
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Deubiquitinating enzymes as possible drug targets for schistosomiasis. Acta Trop 2021; 217:105856. [PMID: 33577811 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are conserved in Schistosoma mansoni and may be linked to the 26S proteasome. Previous results from our group showed that b-AP15, an inhibitor of the 26S proteasome DUBs UCHL5 and USP14 induced structural and gene expression changes in mature S. mansoni pairs. This work suggests the use of the nonselective DUB inhibitor PR-619 to verify whether these enzymes are potential target proteins for new drug development. Our approach is based on previous studies with DUB inhibitors in mammalian cells that have shown that these enzymes are associated with apoptosis, autophagy and the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. PR-619 inhibited oviposition in parasite pairs in vitro, leading to mitochondrial changes, autophagic body formation, and changes in expression of SmSmad2 and SmUSP9x, which are genes linked to the TGF-β pathway that are responsible for parasite oviposition and SmUCHL5 and SmRpn11 DUB maintenance. Taken together, these results indicate that DUBs may be used as targets for the development of new drugs against schistosomiasis.
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Kincaid-Smith J, Mathieu-Bégné E, Chaparro C, Reguera-Gomez M, Mulero S, Allienne JF, Toulza E, Boissier J. No pre-zygotic isolation mechanisms between Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis parasites: From mating interactions to differential gene expression. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009363. [PMID: 33945524 PMCID: PMC8127863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Species usually develop reproductive isolation mechanisms allowing them to avoid interbreeding. These preventive barriers can act before reproduction, "pre-zygotic barriers", or after reproduction, "post-zygotic barriers". Pre-zygotic barriers prevent unfavourable mating, while post-zygotic barriers determine the viability and selective success of the hybrid offspring. Hybridization in parasites and the underlying reproductive isolation mechanisms maintaining their genetic integrity have been overlooked. Using an integrated approach this work aims to quantify the relative importance of pre-zygotic barriers in Schistosoma haematobium x S. bovis crosses. These two co-endemic species cause schistosomiasis, one of the major debilitating parasitic diseases worldwide, and can hybridize naturally. Using mate choice experiments we first tested if a specific mate recognition system exists between both species. Second, using RNA-sequencing we analysed differential gene expression between homo- and hetero-specific pairing in male and female adult parasites. We show that homo- and hetero-specific pairing occurs randomly between these two species, and few genes in both sexes are affected by hetero-specific pairing. This suggests that i) mate choice is not a reproductive isolating factor, and that ii) no pre-zygotic barrier except spatial isolation "by the final vertebrate host" seems to limit interbreeding between these two species. Interestingly, among the few genes affected by the pairing status of the worms, some can be related to pathways affected during male and female interactions and may also present interesting candidates for species isolation mechanisms and hybridization in schistosome parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Kincaid-Smith
- Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, IHPE, Perpignan,
France
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Department of
Pathobiology and Population Sciences (PPS), Royal Veterinary College, University
of London, Hawkshead Campus, Herts, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Marta Reguera-Gomez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de
Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Stephen Mulero
- Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, IHPE, Perpignan,
France
| | | | - Eve Toulza
- Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, IHPE, Perpignan,
France
| | - Jérôme Boissier
- Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, IHPE, Perpignan,
France
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Musah-Eroje M, Hoyle RC, Japa O, Hodgkinson JE, Haig DM, Flynn RJ. A host-independent role for Fasciola hepatica transforming growth factor-like molecule in parasite development. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:481-492. [PMID: 33581140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The trematode parasite Fasciola hepatica causes chronic infection in hosts, enabled by an immunosuppressed environment. Both host and parasite factors are known to contribute to this suggesting that avoidance of immunopathology is beneficial to both parties. We have previously characterised a parasite transforming growth factor (TGF)-like molecule, FhTLM, that interacts with host macrophages to prevent antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). FhTLM is one of many described helminth TGF homologues and multiple helminths are now known to utilise host immune responses as developmental cues. To test whether, or how, F. hepatica uses FhTLM to manipulate host immunity, we initially examined its effects on the CD4 T-cell phenotype. Despite inducing IL-10, there was no induction of FoxP3 within the CD4 T-cell compartment. In addition to inducing IL-10, a wide range of chemokines were elicited from both CD4 T-cells and macrophages. However, no growth or survival advantage was conferred on F. hepatica in our co-culture system when CD4 T-cells, macrophages, or eosinophils were tested. Finally, using RNA interference we were able to verify a host-independent role for FhTLM in parasite growth. Despite the similarities of FhTLM with other described helminth TGF homologues, here we demonstrate species-specific divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayowa Musah-Eroje
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Boningto, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Rebecca C Hoyle
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Ornampai Japa
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK; Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand
| | - Jane E Hodgkinson
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - David M Haig
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Boningto, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Robin J Flynn
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK.
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Schistosoma japonicum Infection in Treg-Specific USP21 Knockout Mice. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6613162. [PMID: 33628844 PMCID: PMC7886505 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6613162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The E3 deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin-specific proteolytic enzyme 21 (USP21) plays vital roles in physiological activities and is required for Treg-cell-mediated immune tolerance. Using a murine model infected with Schistosoma japonicum, we observed that there were more cercariae developed into adults and more eggs deposited in the livers of the USP21fl/flFOXP3Cre (KO) mice. However, immunohistochemistry showed that the degree of egg granuloma formation and liver fibrosis was reduced. In USP21fl/flFOXP3Cre mice, levels of IFN-gamma, IL-4, anti-soluble egg antigen (SEA) IgG and anti-soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP) IgG increased in blood, as determined using ELISAs and multiplex fluorescent microsphere immunoassays, while the levels of IL-10, lL-17A, IL-23, IL-9, and anti-SEA IgM decreased. In addition, the levels of the USP21 protein and mRNA in the liver and spleen of KO mice decreased. We further observed increased Th1 responses amplified by Tregs (regulatory T cells) and compromised Th17 responses, which alleviated the liver immunopathology. We speculated that these changes were related to polarization of Th1-like Tregs. Our results revealed the roles of USP21 in Treg-cell-mediated regulation of immune interactions between Schistosoma and its host. USP21 may have potential for regulating hepatic fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis.
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Han Y, Feng J, Ren Y, Wu L, Li H, Liu J, Jin Y. Differential expression of microRNA between normally developed and underdeveloped female worms of Schistosoma japonicum. Vet Res 2020; 51:126. [PMID: 32977838 PMCID: PMC7519503 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Eggs produced by bisexual infected mature female worms (MF) of Schistosoma japonicum are important in the transmission of the parasite and responsible for the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. The single-sex infected female worms (SF) cannot mature and do not produce normal eggs; also they do not induce severe damage to the host. In this study, the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of 25d MF and 25d SF were investigated through Solexa deep-sequencing technology to explore the developmental mechanisms of schistosome female worms. There were 36 differentially expressed miRNA, 20 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated found in MF/SF worms, including some development related miRNA such as bantam (ban), let-7, miR-124, miR-8, miR-1, miR-7. There were 166 target genes of up-regulated miRNA and 201 target genes of down-regulated miRNA after comparing the target gene prediction software results with RNA-Seq transcriptome results. Analysis of the target genes shows that different ones are involved in MF and SF worms in Gene Ontology terms, with a similar situation in KEGG. This observation indicates that different genes regulated by differentially expressed miRNA take part in MF and SF and lead to differential sexual status. This means that the sexual status of female worms is regulated by miRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, No.518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Jintao Feng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, No.518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Yuqi Ren
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, No.518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Luobin Wu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, No.518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, PR China.,College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, No.518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, No.518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Yamei Jin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, No.518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, PR China.
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Bais S, Greenberg RM. Schistosome TRP channels: An appraisal. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 13:1-7. [PMID: 32250774 PMCID: PMC7138929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels underlie electrical excitability in cells and are essential for a variety of functions, most notably neuromuscular and sensory activity. They are also validated targets for a preponderance of approved anthelmintic compounds. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels constitute an ion channel superfamily whose members play important roles in sensory signaling, regulation of ion homeostasis, organellar trafficking, and other key cellular and organismal activities. Unlike most other ion channels, TRP channels are often polymodal, gated by a variety of mechanisms. Furthermore, TRP channels fall into several classes or subtypes based on sequence and structure. Until recently, there had been very little investigation of the properties and functions of TRP channels from parasitic helminths, including schistosomes, but that situation has changed in the past few years. Indeed, it is now clear that at least some schistosome TRP channels exhibit unusual pharmacological properties, and, intriguingly, both a mammalian and a schistosome TRP channel are activated by praziquantel, the current antischistosomal drug of choice. With the latest release of the Schistosoma mansoni genome database, several changes in predicted TRP channel sequences appeared, some of which were significant. This review updates and reassesses the TRP channel repertoire in S. mansoni, examines recent findings regarding these potential therapeutic targets, and provides guideposts for some of the physiological functions that may be mediated by these channels in schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Bais
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Robert M Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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do Patrocinio AB, Cabral FJ, Bitencourt ALB, Brigato OM, Magalhães LG, de Lima Paula LA, Franco L, Guerra-Sá and R, Rodrigues V. Inhibition of 19S proteasome deubiquitinating activity in Schistosoma mansoni affects viability, oviposition, and structural changes. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2159-2176. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06686-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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22
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Nono JK, Lutz MB, Brehm K. Expansion of Host Regulatory T Cells by Secreted Products of the Tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:798. [PMID: 32457746 PMCID: PMC7225322 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the metacestode larval stage of the fox-tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, is a chronic zoonosis associated with significant modulation of the host immune response. A role of regulatory T-cells (Treg) in generating an immunosuppressive environment around the metacestode during chronic disease has been reported, but the molecular mechanisms of Treg induction by E. multilocularis, particularly parasite immunoregulatory factors involved, remain elusive so far. Methodology/Principal Findings We herein demonstrate that excretory/secretory (E/S) products of the E. multilocularis metacestode promote the formation of Foxp3+ Treg from CD4+ T-cells in vitro in a TGF-β-dependent manner, given that this effect was abrogated by treatment with antibody to mammalian TGF-β. We also show that host T-cells secrete elevated levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 in response to metacestode E/S products. Within the E/S fraction of the metacestode we identified an E. multilocularis activin A homolog (EmACT) that displays significant similarities to mammalian Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β/activin subfamily members. EmACT obtained from heterologous expression failed to directly induce Treg expansion from naïve T cells but required addition of recombinant host TGF-β to promote CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg conversion in vitro. Furthermore, like in the case of metacestode E/S products, EmACT-treated CD4+ T-cells secreted higher levels of IL-10. These observations suggest a contribution of EmACT to in vitro expansion of Foxp3+ Treg by the E. multilocularis metacestode. Using infection experiments we show that intraperitoneally injected metacestode tissue expands host Foxp3+ Treg, confirming the expansion of this cell type in vivo during parasite establishment. Conclusion/Significance In conclusion, we herein demonstrate that E. multilocularis larvae secrete factors that induce the secretion of IL-10 by T-cells and contribute to the expansion of TGF-b-driven Foxp3+ Treg, a cell type that has been reported crucial for generating a tolerogenic environment to support parasite establishment and proliferation. Among the E/S factors of the parasite we identified a factor with structural and functional homologies to mammalian activin A which might play an important role in these activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Komguep Nono
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Division of Immunology, Health Science Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Manfred B. Lutz
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Brehm
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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23
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Li FF, Gasser RB, Liu F, Shan JN, Di WD, He L, Zhou CX, Wang CQ, Fang R, Hu M. Identification and characterization of an R-Smad homologue (Hco-DAF-8) from Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:164. [PMID: 32245505 PMCID: PMC7119156 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Smad proteins are essential cellular mediators within the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. They directly transmit incoming signals from the cell surface receptors to the nucleus. In spite of their functional importance, almost nothing is known about Smad proteins in parasitic nematodes including Haemonchus contortus, an important blood-sucking nematode of small ruminants. Methods Based on genomic and transcriptome data for H. contortus and using bioinformatics methods, a Smad homologue (called Hco-daf-8) was inferred from H. contortus and the structural characteristics of this gene and its encoded protein Hco-DAF-8 established. Using real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assays, temporal transcriptional and spatial expression profiles of Hco-daf-8 were studied. Gene rescue in Caenorhabditis elegans was then applied to assess the function of Hco-daf-8 and a specific inhibitor of human Smad3 (called SIS3) was employed to evaluate the roles of Hco-DAF-8 in H. contortus development. Results The features of Hco-DAF-8 (502 amino acids), including conserved R-Smad domains and residues of the L3-loop that determine pathway specificity, are consistent with a TGF-β type I receptor-activated R-Smad. The Hco-daf-8 gene was transcribed in all developmental stages of H. contortus studied, with a higher level of transcription in the fourth-stage larval (L4) females and the highest level in adult males. Hco-DAF-8 was expressed in the platymyarian muscular cells, intestine and reproductive system of adult stages. Gene rescue experiments showed that Hco-daf-8 was able to partially rescue gene function in a daf-8 deficient mutant strain of C. elegans, leading to a resumption of normal development. In H. contortus, SIS3 was shown to affect H. contortus development from the exsheathed third-stage larvae (L3s) to L4s in vitro. Conclusions These findings suggest that Hco-DAF-8, encoded by the gene Hco-daf-8, is an important cellular mediator of H. contortus development via the TGF-β signalling pathway. They provide a basis for future explorations of Hco-DAF-8 and associated pathways in H. contortus and other important parasitic nematodes.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Robin B Gasser
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Melbourne Veterinary School, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jia-Nan Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Da Di
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Cai-Xian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory for the Development of Veterinary Products, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Knafl D, Gerges C, King CH, Humbert M, Bustinduy AL. Schistosomiasis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: a systematic review. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/155/190089. [DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0089-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (Sch-PAH) is a life-threatening complication of chronic hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. It is suggested to be the leading cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) worldwide. However, pathophysiological data on Sch-PAH are scarce. We examined the hypothesis that there are pronounced similarities in pathophysiology, haemodynamics, and survival of Sch-PAH and idiopathic PAH (iPAH).This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database (identifier CRD42018104066). A systematic search and review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA guidelines for studies published between 01 January 1990 and 29 June 2018.For Sch-PAH, 18 studies evaluating pathophysiological mechanisms, eight studies on haemodynamics (n=277), and three studies on survival (n=191) were identified. 16 clinical registries reporting data on haemodynamics and survival including a total of 5792 patients with iPAH were included for comparison. Proinflammatory molecular pathways are involved in both Sch-PAH and iPAH. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling pathway is upregulated in Sch-PAH and iPAH. While there was no difference in mean pulmonary artery pressure (54±17 mmHg versus 55±15 mmHg, p=0.29), cardiac output (4.4±1.3 L·min−1versus 4.1±1.4 L·min−1, p=0.046), and cardiac index (2.6±0.7 L·min−1·m−2versus 2.3±0.8 L·min−1·m−2, p<0.001) were significantly higher in Sch-PAH compared to iPAH, resulting in a lower pulmonary vascular resistance in Sch-PAH (10±6 Woods units versus 13±7 Woods units, p<0.001). 1- and 3-year survival were significantly better in the Sch-PAH group (p<0.001).Sch-PAH and iPAH share common pathophysiological mechanisms related to inflammation and the TGF-β signalling pathway. Patients with Sch-PAH show a significantly better haemodynamic profile and survival than patients with iPAH.
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25
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Skinner DE, Popratiloff A, Alrefaei YN, Mann VH, Rinaldi G, Brindley PJ. Functional analysis of vasa/PL10-like genes in the ovary of Schistosoma mansoni. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2020; 236:111259. [PMID: 31958469 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2020.111259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The RNA helicase Vasa plays a pivotal role in the development of the germ line. To decipher the functional roles of vasa/PL10-like genes in the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, we performed RNA interference followed by the analysis of the ovary in the adult female. Double-stranded RNA targeting the schistosome vasa-like gene Smvlg1 reduced the volume of the ovary. Changes in morphology of the ovary were analysed using carmine red-staining of the parasites followed by a novel confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM)-based approach to control for natural autofluorescence in female schistosome tissues. The reduction in the ovary volume may have been promoted by the loss of germ cells. By contrast, significant differences were not apparent in the number of eggs produced or hatching rate of eggs laid by the female schistosomes transfected with Smvlg1-specific dsRNA. The findings suggested a role for S. mansoni vasa/PL10-like gene -1 in germ cell development within the schistosome ovary that might impact in the pathogenesis and disease transmission by this neglected tropical disease pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Skinner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037 USA; Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Anastas Popratiloff
- Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Yousef N Alrefaei
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037 USA; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, The Public Authority of Applied Education and Training, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Victoria H Mann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037 USA; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK.
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037 USA.
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26
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Nawaz M, Malik MI, Hameed M, Zhou J. Research progress on the composition and function of parasite-derived exosomes. Acta Trop 2019; 196:30-36. [PMID: 31071298 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites use excretory-secretory pathways to communicate with the host. Characterization of exosomes within the excretory-secretory products reveal by which parasites manipulate their hosts. Parasite derived exosomes provide a mechanistic framework for protein and miRNAs transfer. Transcriptomics and proteomics of parasite exosomes identified a large number of miRNAs and proteins being utilized by parasites in their survival, reproduction and development. Characterization of proteins and miRNAs in parasite secreted exosomes provide important information on host-parasite communication and forms the basis for future studies. In this review, we summarize recent advances in isolation and molecular characterization (protein and miRNAs) of parasite derived exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Nawaz
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Muhammad Irfan Malik
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Muddassar Hameed
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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27
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Doenhoff MJ, Modha J, Walker AJ. Failure of in vitro-cultured schistosomes to produce eggs: how does the parasite meet its needs for host-derived cytokines such as TGF-β? Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:747-757. [PMID: 31348959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
When adult schistosome worm pairs are transferred from experimental hosts to in vitro culture they cease producing viable eggs within a few days. Female worms in unisexual infections fail to mature, and when mature adult females are separated from male partners they regress sexually. Worms cultured from the larval stage are also permanently reproductively defective. The cytokine transforming growth factor beta derived from the mammalian host is considered important in stimulating schistosome female worm maturation and maintenance of fecundity. The means by which schistosomes acquire TGF-β have not been elucidated, but direct uptake in vivo seems unlikely as the concentration of free, biologically active cytokine in host blood is very low. Here we review the complexities of schistosome development and male-female interactions, and we speculate about two possibilities on how worms obtain the TGF-β they are assumed to need: (i) worms may have mechanisms to free active cytokine from the latency-inducing complex of proteins in which it is associated, and/or (ii) they may obtain the cytokine from alpha 2-macroglobulin, a blood-borne protease inhibitor to which TGF-β can bind. These ideas are experimentally testable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Doenhoff
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Jay Modha
- Modha Biomedical Ltd, 9B St Cuthberts Avenue, Great Glen, Leicester LE8 9EJ, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
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28
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Liu J, Zhu L, Wang J, Qiu L, Chen Y, Davis RE, Cheng G. Schistosoma japonicum extracellular vesicle miRNA cargo regulates host macrophage functions facilitating parasitism. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007817. [PMID: 31163079 PMCID: PMC6548406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosome infection persists for decades. Parasites are in close contact with host peripheral blood immune cells, yet little is known about the regulatory interactions between parasites and these immune cells. Here, we report that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from Schistosoma japonicum are taken up primarily by macrophages and other host peripheral blood immune cells and their miRNA cargo transferred into recipient cells. Uptake of S. japonicum EV miR-125b and bantam miRNAs into host cells increased macrophage proliferation and TNF-α production by regulating the corresponding targets including Pros1, Fam212b, and Clmp. Mice infected with S. japonicum exhibit an increased population of monocytes and elevated levels of TNF-α. Reduction of host monocytes and TNF-α level in S. japonicum infected mice led to a significant reduction in worm and egg burden and pathology. Overall, we demonstrate that S. japonicum EV miRNAs can regulate host macrophages illustrating parasite modulation of the host immune response to facilitate parasite survival. Our findings provide valuable insights into the schistosome-host interaction which may help to develop novel intervention strategies against schistosomiasis. Schistosomes that cause schistosomiasis infection persist for decades despite a host immune response. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism of schistosome survival will not only contribute to the understanding of host-parasite interaction but also lead to the development of novel strategies against schistosomiasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their miRNA cargo have been shown to be mediators of intercellular communication involved in the regulation of many biological processes. Here, we demonstrated that EVs released from Schistosoma japonicum (SjEVs) are taken up primarily by macrophages and other host peripheral blood immune cells and their miRNA cargo transferred into recipient cells. Uptake of S. japonicum EV miR-125b and bantam miRNAs into host cells increased macrophage proliferation and TNF-α production that contributes to parasite survival. Our findings reveal key roles of SjEV miRNAs for facilitating parasitism in schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihui Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Lin Qiu
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Richard E. Davis
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: ,
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29
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Olson PD, Zarowiecki M, James K, Baillie A, Bartl G, Burchell P, Chellappoo A, Jarero F, Tan LY, Holroyd N, Berriman M. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling and spatial expression analyses identify signals and switches of development in tapeworms. EvoDevo 2018; 9:21. [PMID: 30455861 PMCID: PMC6225667 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-018-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tapeworms are agents of neglected tropical diseases responsible for significant health problems and economic loss. They also exhibit adaptations to a parasitic lifestyle that confound comparisons of their development with other animals. Identifying the genetic factors regulating their complex ontogeny is essential to understanding unique aspects of their biology and for advancing novel therapeutics. Here we use RNA sequencing to identify up-regulated signalling components, transcription factors and post-transcriptional/translational regulators (genes of interest, GOI) in the transcriptomes of Larvae and different regions of segmented worms in the tapeworm Hymenolepis microstoma and combine this with spatial gene expression analyses of a selection of genes. RESULTS RNA-seq reads collectively mapped to 90% of the > 12,000 gene models in the H. microstoma v.2 genome assembly, demonstrating that the transcriptome profiles captured a high percentage of predicted genes. Contrasts made between the transcriptomes of Larvae and whole, adult worms, and between the Scolex-Neck, mature strobila and gravid strobila, resulted in 4.5-30% of the genes determined to be differentially expressed. Among these, we identified 190 unique GOI up-regulated in one or more contrasts, including a large range of zinc finger, homeobox and other transcription factors, components of Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog and TGF-β/BMP signalling, and post-transcriptional regulators (e.g. Boule, Pumilio). Heatmap clusterings based on overall expression and on select groups of genes representing 'signals' and 'switches' showed that expression in the Scolex-Neck region is more similar to that of Larvae than to the mature or gravid regions of the adult worm, which was further reflected in large overlap of up-regulated GOI. CONCLUSIONS Spatial expression analyses in Larvae and adult worms corroborated inferences made from quantitative RNA-seq data and in most cases indicated consistency with canonical roles of the genes in other animals, including free-living flatworms. Recapitulation of developmental factors up-regulated during larval metamorphosis suggests that strobilar growth involves many of the same underlying gene regulatory networks despite the significant disparity in developmental outcomes. The majority of genes identified were investigated in tapeworms for the first time, setting the stage for advancing our understanding of developmental genetics in an important group of flatworm parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D. Olson
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Magdalena Zarowiecki
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA UK
| | - Katherine James
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Andrew Baillie
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Georgie Bartl
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Phil Burchell
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Azita Chellappoo
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Francesca Jarero
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Li Ying Tan
- Division of Parasites and Vectors, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA UK
| | - Matt Berriman
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA UK
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30
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Musah-Eroje M, Flynn RJ. Fasciola hepatica, TGF-β and host mimicry: the enemy within. Curr Opin Microbiol 2018; 46:80-85. [PMID: 30317150 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminths parasites undergo developmental changes and migration within their definitive host, in addition to establishing chronic infection. Essential to this is the evasion of host immune responses; the canonical Th2 response is effective at removing parasites resident in the intestine. Conversely, helminths also promote the development of antigen-specific anergy and regulation. This often limits pathology but allows parasite survival, parasite effectors mediating this are the subject of intense study. They may be useful as future vaccine targets or xenogenic therapeutics. Fasciola hepatica possesses a family of TGF-like molecules of which one member, FhTLM, is capable of promoting intrinsic and extrinsic effects. Here we review the extrinsic effects of FhTLM on the host macrophage and its consequences for protective immunity. This review also discusses the specificities of FhTLM in light a very recent description of a nematode TGF-β mimic and the effects of endogenous TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayowa Musah-Eroje
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Robin J Flynn
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, L3 5RF, United Kingdom.
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31
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Developmental Sensitivity in Schistosoma mansoni to Puromycin To Establish Drug Selection of Transgenic Schistosomes. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.02568-17. [PMID: 29760143 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02568-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is considered the most important disease caused by helminth parasites, in terms of morbidity and mortality. Tools to facilitate gain- and loss-of-function approaches can be expected to precipitate the discovery of novel interventions, and drug selection of transgenic schistosomes would facilitate the establishment of stable lines of engineered parasites. Sensitivity of developmental stages of schistosomes to the aminonucleoside antibiotic puromycin was investigated. For the schistosomulum and sporocyst stages, viability was quantified by fluorescence microscopy following dual staining with fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodine. By 6 days in culture, the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) for schistosomula was 19 μg/ml whereas the sporocysts were 45-fold more resilient. Puromycin potently inhibited the development of in vitro-laid eggs (LC50, 68 ng/ml) but was less effective against liver eggs (LC50, 387 μg/ml). Toxicity for adult stages was evaluated using the xCELLigence-based, real-time motility assay (xWORM), which revealed LC50s after 48 h of 4.9 and 17.3 μg/ml for male and female schistosomes, respectively. Also, schistosomula transduced with pseudotyped retrovirus encoding the puromycin resistance marker were partially rescued when cultured in the presence of the antibiotic. Together, these findings will facilitate selection on puromycin of transgenic schistosomes and the enrichment of cultures of transgenic eggs and sporocysts to facilitate the establishment of schistosome transgenic lines. Streamlining schistosome transgenesis with drug selection will open new avenues to understand parasite biology and hopefully lead to new interventions for this neglected tropical disease.
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32
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Carson JP, Ramm GA, Robinson MW, McManus DP, Gobert GN. Schistosome-Induced Fibrotic Disease: The Role of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Trends Parasitol 2018. [PMID: 29526403 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathology in various liver diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main cell type responsible for collagen deposition and fibrosis formation in the liver. Schistosomiasis is characterised by granulomatous fibrosis around parasite eggs trapped within the liver and other host tissues. This response is facilitated by the recruitment of immune cells and the activation of HSCs. The interactions between HSCs and schistosome eggs are complex and diverse, and a better understanding of these interactions could lead to improved resolution of fibrotic liver disease, including that associated with schistosomiasis. Here, we discuss recent advances in HSC biology and the role of HSCs in hepatic schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack P Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 2000, Royal Brisbane Hospital QLD 4029, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Level 6, Oral Health Centre (Building), Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Mark W Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Donald P McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 2000, Royal Brisbane Hospital QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
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33
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Smyth DJ, Harcus Y, White MPJ, Gregory WF, Nahler J, Stephens I, Toke-Bjolgerud E, Hewitson JP, Ivens A, McSorley HJ, Maizels RM. TGF-β mimic proteins form an extended gene family in the murine parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:379-385. [PMID: 29510118 PMCID: PMC5904571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported the discovery of a new parasite-derived protein that functionally mimics the immunosuppressive cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. The Heligmosomoides polygyrus TGF-β Mimic (Hp-TGM) shares no homology to any TGF-β family member, however it binds the mammalian TGF-β receptor and induces expression of Foxp3, the canonical transcription factor of both mouse and human regulatory T cells. Hp-TGM consists of five atypical Complement Control Protein (CCP, Pfam 00084) domains, each lacking certain conserved residues and 12-15 amino acids longer than the 60-70 amino acids consensus domain, but with a recognizable 3-cysteine, tryptophan, cysteine motif. We now report on the identification of a family of nine related Hp-TGM homologues represented in the secreted proteome and transcriptome of H. polygyrus. Recombinant proteins from five of the nine new TGM members were tested for TGF-β activity, but only two were functionally active in an MFB-F11 reporter assay, and by the induction of T cell Foxp3 expression. Sequence comparisons reveal that proteins with functional activity are similar or identical to Hp-TGM across the first three CCP domains, but more variable in domains 4 and 5. Inactive proteins diverged in all domains, or lacked some domains entirely. Testing truncated versions of Hp-TGM confirmed that domains 1-3 are essential for full activity in vitro, while domains 4 and 5 are not required. Further studies will elucidate whether these latter domains fulfill other functions in promoting host immune regulation during infection and if the more divergent family members play other roles in immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Smyth
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Yvonne Harcus
- Institute of Infection and Immunology Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Madeleine P J White
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - William F Gregory
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Janina Nahler
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Ian Stephens
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Edward Toke-Bjolgerud
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - James P Hewitson
- Centre for Infection and Immunology, Department of Biology, University of York, UK
| | - Alasdair Ivens
- Institute of Infection and Immunology Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Henry J McSorley
- Institute of Infection and Immunology Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK; MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK; Institute of Infection and Immunology Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK.
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34
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Signalling pathways in schistosomes: novel targets for control interventions against schistosomiasis. Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:633-639. [PMID: 33525854 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been accumulating evidence showing that signalling pathways are involved in extensive biological and physiological processes in the human blood fluke schistosomes, playing essential roles in environmental sensing, host penetration, growth, development, maturation, embryogenesis, tissue self-renewal and survival. Owing to the likelihood of resistance developing against praziquantel, the only drug currently available that is effective against all the human schistosome species, there is an urgent requirement for an alternative treatment, arguing for continuing research into novel or repurposed anti-schistosomal drugs. An increasing number of anticancer drugs are being developed which block abnormal signalling pathways, a feature that has stimulated interest in developing novel interventions against human schistosomiasis by targeting key cell signalling components. In this review, we discuss the functional characterization of signal transduction pathways in schistosomes and consider current challenges and future perspectives in this important area of research.
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Lima TC, Lucarini R, Luz PP, de Faria EH, Marçal L, Magalhães LG, Badoco FR, Esperandim VR, Molina EF, Laurentz RS, Lima RG, Cunha WR, Bastos JK, Silva MLA. In vitro schistosomicidal activity of the lignan (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin (DNHK) loaded into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles against Schistosoma mansoni. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2017; 55:2270-2276. [PMID: 29172838 PMCID: PMC6130564 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2017.1405996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT (-)-6,6'-Dinitrohinokinin (DNHK) display remarkable antiparasitic activity and was, therefore, incorporated into a nanoparticle formulation. OBJECTIVE Incorporation of DNHK in poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles aiming to improve its biological activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS Synthesis, characterization and incorporation of DNHK into glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission electron microscopic scanning mansoni (FESEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). For the in vitro test with Schistosoma mansoni, the DNHK-loaded PLGA was diluted into the medium, and added at concentrations 10-200 µM to the culture medium containing one adult worm pair. The parasites were kept for 120 h and monitored every 24 h to evaluate their general condition, including: pairing, alterations in motor activity and mortality. RESULTS The loaded PLGA nanoparticles gave an encapsulation efficiency of 42.2% and showed spherical characteristics in monodisperse polymeric matrix. The adult worm pairs were separated after 120 h of incubation for concentrations higher than 50 µM of DNHK-loaded PLGA. The groups incubated with 150 and 200 µM of DNHK-loaded PLGA for 24 and 120 h killed 100% of adult worms, afforded LC50 values of 137.0 ± 2.12 µM and 79.01 ± 1.90 µM, respectively, which was similar to the effect displayed by 10 µM of praziquantel. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The incorporation of DNHK-loaded showed schistosomicidal activity and allowed its sustained release. The loaded PLGA system can be administered intravenously, as well as it may be internalized by endocytosis by the target organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís C. Lima
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Lucarini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Priscilla P. Luz
- Departamento de Química–CCE, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Emerson H. de Faria
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Liziane Marçal
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G. Magalhães
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R. Badoco
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Viviane R. Esperandim
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Eduardo F. Molina
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Rosangela S. Laurentz
- Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira, Brazil
| | - Regiane G. Lima
- Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira, Brazil
| | - Wilson R. Cunha
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Jairo K. Bastos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcio L. Andrade Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Brazil
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Effect of Transforming Growth Factor-β upon Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps Cysticerci. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12345. [PMID: 28955045 PMCID: PMC5617888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Taeniids exhibit a great adaptive plasticity, which facilitates their establishment, growth, and reproduction in a hostile inflammatory microenvironment. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ), a highly pleiotropic cytokine, plays a critical role in vertebrate morphogenesis, cell differentiation, reproduction, and immune suppression. TGFβ is secreted by host cells in sites lodging parasites. The role of TGFβ in the outcome of T. solium and T. crassiceps cysticercosis is herein explored. Homologues of the TGFβ family receptors (TsRI and TsRII) and several members of the TGFβ downstream signal transduction pathway were found in T. solium genome, and the expression of Type-I and -II TGFβ receptors was confirmed by RT-PCR. Antibodies against TGFβ family receptors recognized cysticercal proteins of the expected molecular weight as determined by Western blot, and different structures in the parasite external tegument. In vitro, TGFβ promoted the growth and reproduction of T. crassiceps cysticerci and the survival of T. solium cysticerci. High TGFβ levels were found in cerebrospinal fluid from untreated neurocysticercotic patients who eventually failed to respond to the treatment (P = 0.03) pointing to the involvement of TGFβ in parasite survival. These results indicate the relevance of TGFβ in the infection outcome by promoting cysticercus growth and treatment resistance.
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Guivier E, Lippens C, Faivre B, Sorci G. Plastic and micro-evolutionary responses of a nematode to the host immune environment. Exp Parasitol 2017; 181:14-22. [PMID: 28733132 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic organisms have to cope with the defences deployed by their hosts and this can be achieved adopting immune evasion strategies or optimal life history traits according to the prevailing pattern of immune-mediated mortality. Parasites often encounter variable immune environments both within and between hosts, promoting the evolution of plastic strategies instead of fixed responses. Here, we explored the plasticity and micro-evolutionary responses of immunomodulatory mechanisms and life history traits to the immune environment provided by the host, using the parasitic nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus. To test if the parasite responds plastically to the immune environment, we stimulated the systemic inflammatory response of mice and we assessed i) the expression of two genes with candidate immunomodulatory functions (Hp-Tgh2 and Hp-CPI); ii) changes in the number of eggs shed in the faeces. To test if the immune environment induces a micro-evolutionary response in the parasite, we maintained the nematode in mice whose inflammatory response was up- or down-regulated during four generations. We found that H. polygyrus plastically responded to a sudden rise of pro-inflammatory cytokines, up-regulating the expression of two candidate genes involved in the process of immune modulation, and enhancing egg output. At the micro-evolutionary level, parasites maintained in hosts experiencing different levels of inflammation did not have differential expression of Hp-Tgh2 and Hp-CPI genes when infecting unmanipulated, control, mice. However, parasites maintained in mice with an up-regulated inflammation shed more eggs compared to the control line. Overall, our study shows that H. polygyrus can plastically adjust the expression of immunomodulatory genes and life history traits, and responds to selection exerted by the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Guivier
- Biogéosciences, CNRS UMR 6282, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France; Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, INSERM UMR 866, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France.
| | - Cédric Lippens
- Biogéosciences, CNRS UMR 6282, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Bruno Faivre
- Biogéosciences, CNRS UMR 6282, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Gabriele Sorci
- Biogéosciences, CNRS UMR 6282, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
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Fernandes RS, Barbosa TC, Barbosa MMF, Miyasato PA, Nakano E, Leite LCC, Farias LP. Stage and tissue expression patterns of Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like proteins SmVAL 4, 13, 16 and 24. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:223. [PMID: 28482920 PMCID: PMC5422958 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein (SmVAL) is a gene family composed of 29 members divided into group 1 encoding proteins potentially secreted, and group 2 encoding intracellular components. Some members were found to be upregulated in the transition of germ ball - cercariae - day 3 schistosomula, suggesting that group 1 SmVAL proteins are associated with the invasion of the human host, although their functions are not completely established. Recently, we have described the localization of SmVAL7 (group 1) and SmVAL6 (group 2) transcripts in the oesophageal gland and in the oral and ventral suckers of adult parasites, respectively. The expression patterns of the two genes suggest that SmVAL7 protein plays a role in the blood-feeding process while SmVAL6 is associated with the parasite attachment and movement in the vasculature. In this way, searching for additional secreted SmVAL proteins that could be involved in key processes from skin penetration to the beginning of blood-feeding, we investigated the tissue localization of SmVAL4, 13, 16 and 24 by whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH). Results We report here the localization of group 1 SmVAL4 and 24 transcripts in the pre-acetabular glands of developing germ balls. Time course experiments of in vitro cultured schistosomula after cercariae transformation demonstrated that SmVAL4 protein is secreted during the first 3 h of in vitro culture, correlating with the emptying of acetabular glands as documented by confocal microscopy. In addition, the localization of SmVAL13 transcripts in adult male anterior oesophageal gland suggests that the respective protein may be involved in the first steps of the blood-feeding process. SmVAL16 was localized close to the neural ganglia and requires further investigation. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that SmVAL proteins have localizations that place them in strategic positions to be considered as potential vaccine candidates as some members are exposed to interaction with the immune system and may participate in key processes of mammalian invasion and parasitism establishment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2144-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Sachetto Fernandes
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mayra Mara Ferrari Barbosa
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Aoki Miyasato
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliana Nakano
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Paiva Farias
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Present Address: Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Smallwood TB, Giacomin PR, Loukas A, Mulvenna JP, Clark RJ, Miles JJ. Helminth Immunomodulation in Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunol 2017; 8:453. [PMID: 28484453 PMCID: PMC5401880 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths have evolved to become experts at subverting immune surveillance. Through potent and persistent immune tempering, helminths can remain undetected in human tissues for decades. Redirecting the immunomodulating "talents" of helminths to treat inflammatory human diseases is receiving intensive interest. Here, we review therapies using live parasitic worms, worm secretions, and worm-derived synthetic molecules to treat autoimmune disease. We review helminth therapy in both mouse models and clinical trials and discuss what is known on mechanisms of action. We also highlight current progress in characterizing promising new immunomodulatory molecules found in excretory/secretory products of helminths and their potential use as immunotherapies for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Smallwood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul R Giacomin
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason P Mulvenna
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard J Clark
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John J Miles
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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40
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Arora N, Tripathi S, Singh AK, Mondal P, Mishra A, Prasad A. Micromanagement of Immune System: Role of miRNAs in Helminthic Infections. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:586. [PMID: 28450853 PMCID: PMC5390025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminthic infections fall under neglected tropical diseases, although they inflict severe morbidity to human and causes major economic burden on health care system in many developing countries. There is increased effort to understand their immunopathology in recent days due to their immuno-modulatory capabilities. Immune response is primarily controlled at the transcriptional level, however, microRNA-mediated RNA interference is emerging as important regulatory machinery that works at the translation level. In the past decade, microRNA (miRNA/miR) research has advanced with significant momentum. The result is ever increasing list of curated sequences from a broad panel of organisms including helminths. Several miRNAs had been discovered from trematodes, nematodes and cestodes like let-7, miR155, miR-199, miR-134, miR-223, miR-146, and fhe-mir-125a etc., with potential role in immune modulation. These miRs had been associated with TGF-β, MAPK, Toll-like receptor, PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and insulin growth factor regulation. Thus, controlling the immune cells development, survival, proliferation and death. Apart from micromanagement of immune system, they also express certain unique miRNA also like cis-miR-001, cis-miR-2, cis-miR-6, cis-miR-10, cis-miR-18, cis-miR-19, trs-mir-0001, fhe-miR-01, fhe-miR-07, fhe-miR-08, egr-miR-4988, egr-miR-4989 etc. The specific role played by most of these species specific unique miRs are yet to be discovered. However, these newly discovered miRNAs might serve as novel targets for therapeutic intervention or biomarkers for parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Arora
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology MandiMandi, India
| | - Shweta Tripathi
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology MandiMandi, India
| | - Aloukick K Singh
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot, Israel
| | - Prosenjit Mondal
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology MandiMandi, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology JodhpurJodhpur, India
| | - Amit Prasad
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology MandiMandi, India
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41
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Borges CHG, Cruz MG, Carneiro LJ, da Silva JJM, Bastos JK, Tavares DC, de Oliveira PF, Rodrigues V, Veneziani RCS, Parreira RLT, Caramori GF, Nagurniak GR, Magalhães LG, Ambrósio SR. Copaifera duckei Oleoresin and Its Main Nonvolatile Terpenes: In Vitro Schistosomicidal Properties. Chem Biodivers 2017; 13:1348-1356. [PMID: 27450131 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201600065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In this article, the in vitro schistosomicidal effects of three Brazilian Copaifera oleoresins (C. duckei, C. langsdorffii, and C. reticulata) are reported. From these botanical sources, the oleoresin of C. duckei (OCd) demonstrated to be the most promising, displaying LC50 values of 75.8, 50.6, and 47.2 μg/ml at 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation, respectively, against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni, with a selectivity index of 10.26. Therefore, the major compounds from OCd were isolated, and the diterpene, (-)-polyalthic acid (PA), showed to be active (LC50 values of 41.7, 36.2, and 33.4 μg/ml, respectively, at 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation). Moreover, OCd and PA affected the production and development of eggs, and OCd modified the functionality of the tegument of S. mansoni. Possible synergistic and/or additive effects of this balsam were also verified when a mixture of the two of its main compounds (PA and ent-labd-8(17)-en-15,18-dioic acid) in the specific proportion of 3:1 (w/w) was tested. The obtained results indicate that PA should be considered for further investigations against S. mansoni, such as, synergistic (combination with praziquantel (PZQ)) and in vivo studies. It also shows that diterpenes are an important class of natural compounds for the investigation of agents capable of fighting the parasite responsible for human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly H G Borges
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil
| | - Michele G Cruz
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiza J Carneiro
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil
| | - Jonas J M da Silva
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 14040-020,, SP, Brazil
| | - Jairo K Bastos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 14040-020,, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise C Tavares
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil
| | - Pollyanna F de Oliveira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C S Veneziani
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato L T Parreira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovanni F Caramori
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, CP 476, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Gláucio R Nagurniak
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, CP 476, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio R Ambrósio
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, 14404-600,, SP, Brazil.
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Brehm K, Koziol U. Echinococcus-Host Interactions at Cellular and Molecular Levels. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 95:147-212. [PMID: 28131363 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The potentially lethal zoonotic diseases alveolar and cystic echinococcosis are caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus, respectively. In both cases, metacestode growth and proliferation occurs within the inner organs of mammalian hosts, which is associated with complex molecular host-parasite interactions that regulate nutrient uptake by the parasite as well as metacestode persistence and development. Using in vitro cultivation systems for parasite larvae, and informed by recently released, comprehensive genome and transcriptome data for both parasites, these molecular host-parasite interactions have been subject to significant research during recent years. In this review, we discuss progress in this field, with emphasis on parasite development and proliferation. We review host-parasite interaction mechanisms that occur early during an infection, when the invading oncosphere stage undergoes a metamorphosis towards the metacestode, and outline the decisive role of parasite stem cells during this process. We also discuss special features of metacestode morphology, and how this parasite stage takes up nutrients from the host, utilizing newly evolved or expanded gene families. We comprehensively review mechanisms of host-parasite cross-communication via evolutionarily conserved signalling systems and how the parasite signalling systems might be exploited for the development of novel chemotherapeutics. Finally, we point to an urgent need for the development of functional genomic techniques in this parasite, which will be imperative for hypothesis-driven analyses into Echinococcus stem cell biology, developmental mechanisms and immunomodulatory activities, which are all highly relevant for the development of anti-infective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - U Koziol
- University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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43
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Sulaiman AA, Zolnierczyk K, Japa O, Owen JP, Maddison BC, Emes RD, Hodgkinson JE, Gough KC, Flynn RJ. A Trematode Parasite Derived Growth Factor Binds and Exerts Influences on Host Immune Functions via Host Cytokine Receptor Complexes. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005991. [PMID: 27806135 PMCID: PMC5091765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The trematode Fasciola hepatica is responsible for chronic zoonotic infection globally. Despite causing a potent T-helper 2 response, it is believed that potent immunomodulation is responsible for rendering this host reactive non-protective host response thereby allowing the parasite to remain long-lived. We have previously identified a growth factor, FhTLM, belonging to the TGF superfamily can have developmental effects on the parasite. Herein we demonstrate that FhTLM can exert influence over host immune functions in a host receptor specific fashion. FhTLM can bind to receptor members of the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) superfamily, with a greater affinity for TGF-β RII. Upon ligation FhTLM initiates the Smad2/3 pathway resulting in phenotypic changes in both fibroblasts and macrophages. The formation of fibroblast CFUs is reduced when cells are cultured with FhTLM, as a result of TGF-β RI kinase activity. In parallel the wound closure response of fibroblasts is also delayed in the presence of FhTLM. When stimulated with FhTLM blood monocyte derived macrophages adopt an alternative or regulatory phenotype. They express high levels interleukin (IL)-10 and arginase-1 while displaying low levels of IL-12 and nitric oxide. Moreover they also undergo significant upregulation of the inhibitory receptor PD-L1 and the mannose receptor. Use of RNAi demonstrates that this effect is dependent on TGF-β RII and mRNA knock-down leads to a loss of IL-10 and PD-L1. Finally, we demonstrate that FhTLM aids newly excysted juveniles (NEJs) in their evasion of antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) by reducing the NO response of macrophages—again dependent on TGF-β RI kinase. FhTLM displays restricted expression to the F. hepatica gut resident NEJ stages. The altered fibroblast responses would suggest a role for dampened tissue repair responses in facilitating parasite migration. Furthermore, the adoption of a regulatory macrophage phenotype would allow for a reduced effector response targeting juvenile parasites which we demonstrate extends to an abrogation of the ADCC response. Thus suggesting that FhTLM is a stage specific evasion molecule that utilises host cytokine receptors. These findings are the first to clearly demonstrate the interaction of a helminth cytokine with a host receptor complex resulting in immune modifications that facilitate the non-protective chronic immune response which is characteristic of F. hepatica infection. Parasitic worms, helminths, can cause long-lived chronic infection in many hosts that they infection. The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, is one such parasite causing global infection of both humans and animals. F. hepatica exerts an influence over the immune system such that it avoids effector mechanisms and prevents the development of effective immunity. Here we characterise a molecule—FhTLM—derived from juvenile parasites that is similar to the regulatory cytokine TGF-β. We show that FhTLM will bind to host TGF-β receptors with a reduced affinity when compared with mammalian TGF-β. Despite this FhTLM can induce Smad2/3 signalling in host leukocytes, which is key to initiating gene transcription. Phenotypically FhTLM causes fibroblasts to slow their growth and replication response resulting in slower wound healing. Importantly FhTLM induces a macrophage phenotype that resembles a regulatory macrophage phenotype identified in other species undergoing helminth infection. Finally we Our work highlights the potential of FhTLM to play important roles in controlling host immunity when initially infected with juvenile parasites, thereby preventing the development of effective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azad A. Sulaiman
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Katarzyna Zolnierczyk
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ornampai Japa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Jonathan P. Owen
- ADAS UK, the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ben C. Maddison
- ADAS UK, the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard D. Emes
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jane E. Hodgkinson
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin C. Gough
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robin J. Flynn
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Picard MAL, Boissier J, Roquis D, Grunau C, Allienne JF, Duval D, Toulza E, Arancibia N, Caffrey CR, Long T, Nidelet S, Rohmer M, Cosseau C. Sex-Biased Transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni: Host-Parasite Interaction, Genetic Determinants and Epigenetic Regulators Are Associated with Sexual Differentiation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004930. [PMID: 27677173 PMCID: PMC5038963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among more than 20,000 species of hermaphroditic trematodes, Schistosomatidae are unusual since they have evolved gonochorism. In schistosomes, sex is determined by a female heterogametic system, but phenotypic sexual dimorphism appears only after infection of the vertebrate definitive host. The completion of gonad maturation occurs even later, after pairing. To date, the molecular mechanisms that trigger the sexual differentiation in these species remain unknown, and in vivo studies on the developing schistosomulum stages are lacking. To study the molecular basis of sex determination and sexual differentiation in schistosomes, we investigated the whole transcriptome of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni in a stage- and sex-comparative manner. Methodology/ Principal Findings We performed a RNA-seq on males and females for five developmental stages: cercariae larvae, three in vivo schistosomulum stages and adults. We detected 7,168 genes differentially expressed between sexes in at least one of the developmental stages, and 4,065 of them were functionally annotated. Transcriptome data were completed with H3K27me3 histone modification analysis using ChIP-Seq before (in cercariae) and after (in adults) the phenotypic sexual dimorphism appearance. In this paper we present (i) candidate determinants of the sexual differentiation, (ii) sex-biased players of the interaction with the vertebrate host, and (iii) different dynamic of the H3K27me3 histone mark between sexes as an illustration of sex-biased epigenetic landscapes. Conclusions/ Significance Our work presents evidence that sexual differentiation in S. mansoni is accompanied by distinct male and female transcriptional landscapes of known players of the host-parasite crosstalk, genetic determinants and epigenetic regulators. Our results suggest that such combination could lead to the optimized sexual dimorphism of this parasitic species. As S. mansoni is pathogenic for humans, this study represents a promising source of therapeutic targets, providing not only data on the parasite development in interaction with its vertebrate host, but also new insights on its reproductive function. Parasitic flatworms include more than 20,000 species that are classically hermaphrodites. Among them, the roughly hundred species of Schistosomatidae are intriguing because they are gonochoric. Schistosomes are responsible of the second most important parasitic disease worldwide, and eggs are the main cause of the inflammatory symptoms. Thus, studying the sexual reproduction mechanisms of schistosomes is of particular interest for drug development. Schistosome’s sex is genetically determined by the presence of sex chromosomes: ZZ in males or ZW in females. There is, however, no phenotypic dimorphism in the larval stages: sexual dimorphism appears only in the vertebrate host. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic sexual dimorphism, we performed a transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq) in five different stages of the parasite lifecycle as well as a chromatin status analysis (ChIP-Seq) in the non-differentiated stage cercariae and in the adult differentiated stage, for males and females separately. Our work presents evidence that sexual differentiation in S. mansoni is accompanied by distinct male and female transcriptional landscapes of known players of the host-parasite crosstalk, developmental pathways and epigenetic regulators. Our sex-comparative approach provides therefore new potential therapeutic targets to affect development and sexual reproduction of parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion A. L. Picard
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Jérôme Boissier
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - David Roquis
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Christoph Grunau
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Jean-François Allienne
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - David Duval
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Eve Toulza
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Nathalie Arancibia
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- 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
| | - Thavy Long
- 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
| | | | | | - Céline Cosseau
- Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ. Montpellier, Perpignan, France
- * E-mail:
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45
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Aberrant immune response with consequent vascular and connective tissue remodeling - causal to scleroderma and associated syndromes such as Raynaud phenomenon and other fibrosing syndromes? Curr Opin Rheumatol 2016; 28:571-6. [PMID: 27548652 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Scleroderma and other autoimmune-induced connective tissue diseases are characterized by dysfunctions in the immune system, connective tissue and the vasculature. We are focusing on systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated pulmonary hypertension, which remains a leading cause of death with only a 50-60% of 2-year survival rate. RECENT FINDINGS Much research and translational efforts have been directed at understanding the immune response that causes SSc and the networked interactions with the connective tissue and the vasculature. One of the unexpected findings was that in some cases the pathogenic immune response in SSc resembles the immune response to helminth parasites. During coevolution, means of communication were developed which protect the host from over-colonization with parasites and which protect the parasite from excessive host responses. One explanation for the geographically clustered occurrence of SSc is that environmental exposures combined with genetic predisposition turn on triggers of molecular and cellular modules that were once initiated by parasites. SUMMARY Future research is needed to further understand the parasite-derived signals that dampen the host response. Therapeutic helminth infection or treatment with parasite-derived response modifiers could be promising new management tools for autoimmune connective tissue diseases.
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46
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Magalhães LG, Morais ER, Machado CB, Gomes MS, Cabral FJ, Souza JM, Soares CS, Sá RG, Castro-Borges W, Rodrigues V. Uncovering Notch pathway in the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3951-61. [PMID: 27344453 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Several signaling molecules that govern development in higher animals have been identified in the parasite Schistosoma mansoni, including the transforming growth factor β, protein tyrosine kinases, nuclear hormone receptors, among others. The Notch pathway is a highly conserved signaling mechanism which is involved in a wide variety of developmental processes including embryogenesis and oogenesis in worms and flies. Here we aimed to provide the molecular reconstitution of the Notch pathway in S. mansoni using the available transcriptome and genome databases. Our results also revealed the presence of the transcripts coded for SmNotch, SmSu(H), SmHes, and the gamma-secretase complex (SmNicastrin, SmAph-1, and SmPen-2), throughout all the life stages analyzed. Besides, it was observed that the viability and separation of adult worm pairs were not affected by treatment with N-[N(3,5)-difluorophenacetyl)-L-Alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), a Notch pathway inhibitor. Moreover, DAPT treatment decreased the production of phenotypically normal eggs and arrested their development in culture. Our results also showed a significant decrease in SmHes transcript levels in both adult worms and eggs treated with DAPT. These results provide, for the first time, functional validation of the Notch pathway in S. mansoni and suggest its involvement in parasite oogenesis and embryogenesis. Given the complexity of the Notch pathway, further experiments shall highlight the full repertoire of Notch-mediated cellular processes throughout the S. mansoni life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizandra G Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Avenida, Dr Armando Salles de Oliveira, 201 Franca, SP, Brazil.
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Enyara R Morais
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Carla B Machado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Matheus S Gomes
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda J Cabral
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia M Souza
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, Avenida, Dr Armando Salles de Oliveira, 201 Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Cláudia S Soares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata G Sá
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - William Castro-Borges
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Cai P, Gobert GN, You H, McManus DP. The Tao survivorship of schistosomes: implications for schistosomiasis control. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:453-63. [PMID: 26873753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, is a major public health problem which contributes substantially to the economic and financial burdens of many nations in the developing world. An array of survival strategies, such as the unique structure of the tegument which acts as a major host-parasite interface, immune modulation mechanisms, gene regulation, and apoptosis and self-renewal have been adopted by schistosome parasites over the course of long-term evolution with their mammalian definitive hosts. Recent generation of complete schistosome genomes together with numerous biological, immunological, high-throughput "-omics" and gene function studies have revealed the Tao or strategies that schistosomes employ not only to promote long-term survival, but also to ensure effective life cycle transmission. New scenarios for the future control of this important neglected tropical disease will present themselves as our understanding of these Tao increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
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48
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Han H, Peng J, Hong Y, Fu Z, Lu K, Li H, Zhu C, Zhao Q, Lin J. Comparative analysis of microRNA in schistosomula isolated from non-permissive host and susceptible host. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 204:81-88. [PMID: 26844643 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The reed vole Microtus fortis is the only known mammal in which the schistosome is naturally prevented from maturing and schistosome infection does not cause significant pathogenesis. However, the mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unknown. In the present study, Solexa deep sequencing technology was used to carry out high-throughput sequencing and comparative analysis of microRNA (miRNA) between small RNA libraries isolated from 10 days oldschistosomula of M. fortis and BALB/c mice.In total, 10d schistosomula from M. fortis and BALB/c mice yielded 13.37 and 10.84 million reads, respectively, and nearly 39% and 40% of reads could be mapped to selected miRNAs in miRbase. Based on a bioinformatic analysis, we found that most of the miRNAs identified in Schistosoma japonicum were detected in our study. Further analysis revealed that 24 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the schistosomula from the two rodents, of which 21 were down-regulated and three were up-regulated in schistosomula from M. fortis. Also, six novel miRNAs were predicted and identified in this study. Target genes were mapped and filtered by correlating them with differentially expressed genes obtained from S. japonicum oligonucleotide microarray analyses performed in previous studies. miRNAs such as miR-10-3p, miR-10-5p, and miR-2b-5p may affect the growth, differentiation, and metabolism of worms via regulation of the expression of target genes such as enolase, aquaporin, TGF-beta-inducible nuclear protein, and paramyosin. Gene Ontology analysis of the predicted target genes of these six differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that some important biological pathways, such as metabolic processes,glycolysis, and catalytic activity, were involved. The results of this study highlight the function of miRNAs in the development and survival of the schistosome, and provide valuable information to increase our understanding of the regulatory function of miRNAs in schistosome development and host-parasite interactions in a differentially susceptible host environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiao Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China; Minhang Animal Disease Control Center, Shanghai 201109, China.
| | - Jinbiao Peng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Yang Hong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Ke Lu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Chuangang Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Qiuhua Zhao
- Minhang Animal Disease Control Center, Shanghai 201109, China.
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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49
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Zhu L, Zhao J, Wang J, Hu C, Peng J, Luo R, Zhou C, Liu J, Lin J, Jin Y, Davis RE, Cheng G. MicroRNAs Are Involved in the Regulation of Ovary Development in the Pathogenic Blood Fluke Schistosoma japonicum. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005423. [PMID: 26871705 PMCID: PMC4752461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes, blood flukes, are an important global public health concern. Paired adult female schistosomes produce large numbers of eggs that are primarily responsible for the disease pathology and critical for dissemination. Consequently, understanding schistosome sexual maturation and egg production may open novel perspectives for intervening with these processes to prevent clinical symptoms and to interrupt the life-cycle of these blood-flukes. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of many biological processes including development, cell proliferation, metabolism, and signal transduction. Here, we report on the identification of Schistosoma japonicum miRNAs using small RNA deep sequencing in the key stages of male-female pairing, gametogenesis, and egg production. We identified 38 miRNAs, including 10 previously unknown miRNAs. Eighteen of the miRNAs were differentially expressed between male and female schistosomes and during different stages of sexual maturation. We identified 30 potential target genes for 16 of the S. japonicum miRNAs using antibody-based pull-down assays and bioinformatic analyses. We further validated some of these target genes using either in vitro luciferase assays or in vivo miRNA suppression experiments. Notably, suppression of the female enriched miRNAs bantam and miR-31 led to morphological alteration of ovaries in female schistosomes. These findings uncover key roles for specific miRNAs in schistosome sexual maturation and egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangping Zhao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Chao Hu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jinbiao Peng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Luo
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjing Zhou
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Youxin Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richard E. Davis
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
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50
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Johnston CJC, Smyth DJ, Dresser DW, Maizels RM. TGF-β in tolerance, development and regulation of immunity. Cell Immunol 2015; 299:14-22. [PMID: 26617281 PMCID: PMC4711336 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The broader superfamily of TGF-β-like proteins is reviewed, and signaling pathways summarised. The role of TGF-β in the immune tolerance and control of infectious disease is discussed. The superfamily member AMH is involved in embryonic sexual differentiation. Helminth parasites appear to exploit the TGF-β pathway to suppress host immunity. TGF-β homologues and mimics from parasites offer a new route for therapeutic tolerance induction.
The TGF-β superfamily is an ancient metazoan protein class which cuts across cell and tissue differentiation, developmental biology and immunology. Its many members are regulated at multiple levels from intricate control of gene transcription, post-translational processing and activation, and signaling through overlapping receptor structures and downstream intracellular messengers. We have been interested in TGF-β homologues firstly as key players in the induction of immunological tolerance, the topic so closely associated with Ray Owen. Secondly, our interests in how parasites may manipulate the immune system of their host has also brought us to study the TGF-β pathway in infections with longlived, essentially tolerogenic, helminth parasites. Finally, within the spectrum of mammalian TGF-β proteins is an exquisitely tightly-regulated gene, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), whose role in sex determination underpins the phenotype of freemartin calves that formed the focus of Ray’s seminal work on immunological tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris J C Johnston
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Danielle J Smyth
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - David W Dresser
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, UK.
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