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Araujo S, Mabille D, Garcia AB, Caljon G. A breath of fresh air: impact of insect-borne protozoan parasites on the respiratory system. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:717-730. [PMID: 39013660 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma are transmitted by hematophagous insects and cause severe diseases in humans. These infections pose a global threat, particularly in low-resource settings, and are increasingly extending beyond the current endemic regions. Tropism of parasites is crucial for their development, and recent studies have revealed colonization of noncanonical tissues, aiding their survival and immune evasion. Despite receiving limited attention, cumulative evidence discloses the respiratory system as a significant interface for host-pathogen interactions, influencing the course of (co)infection and disease onset. Due to its pathophysiological and clinical implications, we emphasize that further research is needed to better understand the involvement of the respiratory system and its potential to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and interruption of the chain of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Araujo
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Alvaro Baeza Garcia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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2
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Duffy PE, Gorres JP, Healy SA, Fried M. Malaria vaccines: a new era of prevention and control. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024:10.1038/s41579-024-01065-7. [PMID: 39025972 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01065-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Malaria killed over 600,000 people in 2022, a death toll that has not improved since 2015. Additionally, parasites and mosquitoes resistant to existing interventions are spreading across Africa and other regions. Vaccines offer hope to reduce the mortality burden: the first licensed malaria vaccines, RTS,S and R21, will be widely deployed in 2024 and should substantially reduce childhood deaths. In this Review, we provide an overview of the malaria problem and the Plasmodium parasite, then describe the RTS,S and R21 vaccines (the first vaccines for any human parasitic disease), summarizing their benefits and limitations. We explore next-generation vaccines designed using new knowledge of malaria pathogenesis and protective immunity, which incorporate antigens and platforms to elicit effective immune responses against different parasite stages in human or mosquito hosts. We describe a decision-making process that prioritizes malaria vaccine candidates for development in a resource-constrained environment. Future vaccines might improve upon the protective efficacy of RTS,S or R21 for children, or address the wider malaria scourge by preventing pregnancy malaria, reducing the burden of Plasmodium vivax or accelerating malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - J Patrick Gorres
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sara A Healy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michal Fried
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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3
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McLellan JL, Hanson KK. Differential effects of translation inhibitors on Plasmodium berghei liver stage parasites. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302540. [PMID: 38575357 PMCID: PMC10994859 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing numbers of antimalarial compounds are being identified that converge mechanistically at inhibition of cytoplasmic translation, regardless of the molecular target or mechanism. A deeper understanding of how their effectiveness as liver stage translation inhibitors relates to their chemoprotective potential could prove useful. Here, we probed that relationship using the Plasmodium berghei-HepG2 liver stage infection model. After determining translation inhibition EC50s for five compounds, we tested them at equivalent effective concentrations to compare the parasite response to, and recovery from, a brief period of translation inhibition in early schizogony, followed by parasites to 120 h post-infection to assess antiplasmodial effects of the treatment. We show compound-specific heterogeneity in single parasite and population responses to translation inhibitor treatment, with no single metric strongly correlated to the release of hepatic merozoites for all compounds. We also demonstrate that DDD107498 is capable of exerting antiplasmodial effects on translationally arrested liver stage parasites and uncover unexpected growth dynamics during the liver stage. Our results demonstrate that translation inhibition efficacy does not determine antiplasmodial efficacy for these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L McLellan
- https://ror.org/01kd65564 Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and STCEID, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kirsten K Hanson
- https://ror.org/01kd65564 Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and STCEID, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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4
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McLellan JL, Morales-Hernandez B, Saeger S, Hanson KK. A high content imaging assay for identification of specific inhibitors of native Plasmodium liver stage protein synthesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596519. [PMID: 38854116 PMCID: PMC11160711 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs is a serious threat to public health in malaria-endemic areas. Compounds that target core cellular processes like translation are highly desirable, as they should be multistage actives, capable of killing parasites in the liver and blood, regardless of molecular target or mechanism. Assays that can identify these compounds are thus needed. Recently, specific quantification of native Plasmodium berghei liver stage protein synthesis as well as that of the hepatoma cells supporting parasite growth, was achieved via automated confocal feedback microscopy of the o-propargyl puromycin (OPP)-labeled nascent proteome, but this imaging modality is limited in throughput. Here, we developed and validated a miniaturized high content imaging (HCI) version of the OPP assay that increases throughput, before deploying this approach to screen the Pathogen Box. We identified only two hits, both of which are parasite-specific quinoline-4-carboxamides, and analogues of the clinical candidate and known inhibitor of blood and liver stage protein synthesis, DDD107498/cabamiquine. We further show that these compounds have strikingly distinct relationships between their antiplasmodial and translation inhibition efficacies. These results demonstrate the utility and reliability of the P. berghei liver stage OPP HCI assay for specific, single-well quantification of Plasmodium and human protein synthesis in the native cellular context, allowing identification of selective Plasmodium translation inhibitors with the highest potential for multistage activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L. McLellan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Beatriz Morales-Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sarah Saeger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kirsten K. Hanson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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5
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Khalaf A, Francis O, Blaxter ML. Genome evolution in intracellular parasites: Microsporidia and Apicomplexa. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13033. [PMID: 38785208 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Microsporidia and Apicomplexa are eukaryotic, single-celled, intracellular parasites with huge public health and economic importance. Typically, these parasites are studied separately, emphasizing their uniqueness and diversity. In this review, we explore the huge amount of genomic data that has recently become available for the two groups. We compare and contrast their genome evolution and discuss how their transitions to intracellular life may have shaped it. In particular, we explore genome reduction and compaction, genome expansion and ploidy, gene shuffling and rearrangements, and the evolution of centromeres and telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Khalaf
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ore Francis
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
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6
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Narwal SK, Mishra A, Devi R, Ghosh A, Choudhary HH, Mishra S. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase regulates organelle biogenesis and hepatic merozoite formation in Plasmodium berghei. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:940-953. [PMID: 38419272 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium is an obligate intracellular parasite that requires intense lipid synthesis for membrane biogenesis and survival. One of the principal membrane components is oleic acid, which is needed to maintain the membrane's biophysical properties and fluidity. The malaria parasite can modify fatty acids, and stearoyl-CoA Δ9-desaturase (Scd) is an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of oleic acid by desaturation of stearic acid. Scd is dispensable in P. falciparum blood stages; however, its role in mosquito and liver stages remains unknown. We show that P. berghei Scd localizes to the ER in the blood and liver stages. Disruption of Scd in the rodent malaria parasite P. berghei did not affect parasite blood stage propagation, mosquito stage development, or early liver-stage development. However, when Scd KO sporozoites were inoculated intravenously or by mosquito bite into mice, they failed to initiate blood-stage infection. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that organelle biogenesis was impaired and merozoite formation was abolished, which initiates blood-stage infections. Genetic complementation of the KO parasites restored merozoite formation to a level similar to that of WT parasites. Mice immunized with Scd KO sporozoites confer long-lasting sterile protection against infectious sporozoite challenge. Thus, the Scd KO parasite is an appealing candidate for inducing protective pre-erythrocytic immunity and hence its utility as a GAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar Narwal
- Division of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Akancha Mishra
- Division of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Raksha Devi
- Division of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Ankit Ghosh
- Division of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Hadi Hasan Choudhary
- Division of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Satish Mishra
- Division of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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7
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Scheiner M, Burda PC, Ingmundson A. Moving on: How malaria parasites exit the liver. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:328-340. [PMID: 37602900 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
An essential step in the life cycle of malaria parasites is their egress from hepatocytes, which enables the transition from the asymptomatic liver stage to the pathogenic blood stage of infection. To exit the liver, Plasmodium parasites first disrupt the parasitophorous vacuole membrane that surrounds them during their intracellular replication. Subsequently, parasite-filled structures called merosomes emerge from the infected cell. Shrouded by host plasma membrane, like in a Trojan horse, parasites enter the vasculature undetected by the host immune system and travel to the lung where merosomes rupture, parasites are released, and the blood infection stage begins. This complex, multi-step process must be carefully orchestrated by the parasite and requires extensive manipulation of the infected host cell. This review aims to outline the known signaling pathways that trigger exit, highlight Plasmodium proteins that contribute to the release of liver-stage merozoites, and summarize the accompanying changes to the hepatic host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattea Scheiner
- Molecular Parasitology, Humboldt University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul-Christian Burda
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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8
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McLellan JL, Hanson KK. Translation inhibition efficacy does not determine the Plasmodium berghei liver stage antiplasmodial efficacy of protein synthesis inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.07.570699. [PMID: 38106175 PMCID: PMC10723475 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.07.570699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Protein synthesis is a core cellular process, necessary throughout the complex lifecycle of Plasmodium parasites, thus specific translation inhibitors would be a valuable class of antimalarial drugs, capable of both treating symptomatic infections in the blood and providing chemoprotection by targeting the initial parasite population in the liver, preventing both human disease and parasite transmission back to the mosquito host. As increasing numbers of antiplasmodial compounds are identified that converge mechanistically at inhibition of cytoplasmic translation, regardless of molecular target or mechanism, it would be useful to gain deeper understanding of how their effectiveness as liver stage translation inhibitors relates to their chemoprotective potential. Here, we probed that relationship using the P. berghei-HepG2 liver stage infection model. Using o-propargyl puromycin-based labeling of the nascent proteome in P. berghei-infected HepG2 monolayers coupled with automated confocal feedback microscopy to generate unbiased, single parasite image sets of P. berghei liver stage translation, we determined translation inhibition EC50s for five compounds, encompassing parasite-specific aminoacyl tRNA synthetase inhibitors, compounds targeting the ribosome in both host and parasite, as well as DDD107498, which targets Plasmodium eEF2, and is a leading antimalarial candidate compound being clinically developed as cabamiquine. Compounds were then tested at equivalent effective concentrations to compare the parasite response to, and recovery from, a brief period of translation inhibition in early schizogony, with parasites followed up to 120 hours post-infection to assess liver stage antiplasmodial effects of the treatment. Our data conclusively show that translation inhibition efficacy per se does not determine a translation inhibitor's antiplasmodial efficacy. DDD107498 was the least effective translation inhibitor, yet exerted the strongest antimalarial effects at both 5x- and 10x EC50 concentrations. We show compound-specific heterogeneity in single parasite and population responses to translation inhibitor treatment, with no single metric strongly correlated to release of hepatic merozoites for all compound, demonstrate that DDD107498 is capable of exerting antiplasmodial effects on translationally arrested liver stage parasites, and uncover unexpected growth dynamics during the liver stage. Our results demonstrate that translation inhibition efficacy cannot function as a proxy for antiplasmodial effectiveness, and highlight the importance of exploring the ultimate, as well as proximate, mechanisms of action of these compounds on liver stage parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L. McLellan
- University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and STCEID, San Antonio TX, USA
| | - Kirsten K. Hanson
- University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and STCEID, San Antonio TX, USA
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9
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Abdul Rahman SM, Bhatti JS, Thareja S, Monga V. Current development of 1,2,3-triazole derived potential antimalarial scaffolds: Structure- activity relationship (SAR) and bioactive compounds. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115699. [PMID: 37542987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is among one of the most devastating and deadliest parasitic disease in the world claiming millions of lives every year around the globe. It is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by various species of the parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium. The indiscriminate exploitation of the clinically used antimalarial drugs led to the development of various drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant strains of plasmodium which severely reduces the therapeutic effectiveness of most frontline medicines. Therefore, there is urgent need to develop novel structural classes of antimalarial agents acting with unique mechanism of action(s). In this context, design and development of hybrid molecules containing pharmacophoric features of different lead molecules in a single entity represents a unique strategy for the development of next-generation antimalarial drugs. Research efforts by the scientific community over the past few years has led to the identification and development of several heterocyclic small molecules as antimalarial agents with high potency, less toxicity and desired efficacy. Triazole derivatives have become indispensable units in the medicinal chemistry due to their diverse spectrum of biological profiles and many triazole based hybrids and conjugates have demonstrated potential in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities. The manuscript compiled recent developments in the medicinal chemistry of triazole based small heterocyclic molecules as antimalarial agents and discusses various reported biologically active compounds to lay the groundwork for the rationale design and discovery of triazole based antimalarial compounds. The article emphasised on biological activities, structure activity relationships, and molecular docking studies of various triazole based hybrids with heterocycles such as quinoline, artemisinins, naphthyl, naphthoquinone, etc. as potential antimalarial agents which could act on the dual stage and multi stage of the parasitic life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Maheen Abdul Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Jasvinder Singh Bhatti
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Vikramdeep Monga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India.
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10
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Vigetti L, Tardieux I. Fostering innovation to solve the biomechanics of microbe-host interactions: Focus on the adhesive forces underlying Apicomplexa parasite biology. Biol Cell 2023; 115:e202300016. [PMID: 37227253 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202300016] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp., are preeminent members of the Apicomplexa parasitic phylum in large part due to their public health and economic impact. Hence, they serve as model unicellular eukaryotes with which to explore the repertoire of molecular and cellular strategies that specific developmental morphotypes deploy to timely adjust to their host(s) in order to perpetuate. In particular, host tissue- and cell-invasive morphotypes termed zoites alternate extracellular and intracellular lifestyles, thereby sensing and reacting to a wealth of host-derived biomechanical cues over their partnership. In the recent years, biophysical tools especially related to real time force measurement have been introduced, teaching us how creative are these microbes to shape a unique motility system that powers fast gliding through a variety of extracellular matrices, across cellular barriers, in vascular systems or into host cells. Equally performant was this toolkit to start illuminating how parasites manipulate their hosting cell adhesive and rheological properties to their advantage. In this review, besides highlighting major discoveries along the way, we discuss the most promising development, synergy, and multimodal integration in active noninvasive force microscopy methods. These should in the near future unlock current limitations and allow capturing, from molecules to tissues, the many biomechanical and biophysical interplays over the dynamic host and microbe partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Vigetti
- Team Biomechanics of Host-Parasite Interactions, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Team Biomechanics of Host-Parasite Interactions, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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Quaye IK, Aleksenko L, Paganotti GM, Peloewetse E, Haiyambo DH, Ntebela D, Oeuvray C, Greco B. Malaria Elimination in Africa: Rethinking Strategies for Plasmodium vivax and Lessons from Botswana. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:392. [PMID: 37624330 PMCID: PMC10458071 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The global malaria community has picked up the theme of malaria elimination in more than 90% of the world's population in the next decade. Recent reports of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) in sub-Saharan Africa, including in Duffy-negative individuals, threaten the efforts aimed at achieving elimination. This is not only in view of strategies that are tailored only to P. falciparum elimination but also due to currently revealed biological characteristics of P. vivax concerning the relapse patterns of hypnozoites and conservation of large biomasses in cryptic sites in the bone marrow and spleen. A typical scenario was observed in Botswana between 2008 and 2018, which palpably projects how P. vivax could endanger malaria elimination efforts where the two parasites co-exist. The need for the global malaria community, national malaria programs (NMPs), funding agencies and relevant stakeholders to engage in a forum to discuss and recommend clear pathways for elimination of malaria, including P. vivax, in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac K. Quaye
- Pan African Vivax and Ovale Network, Faculty of Engineering Computer and Allied Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, #1 Regent Ave, McCarthy Hill, Mendskrom, Dansoman, Accra P.O. Box DS1636, Ghana
| | - Larysa Aleksenko
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, London UB8 3PH, UK;
| | - Giacomo M. Paganotti
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Riverwalk, Gaborone P.O. Box 45498, Botswana;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elias Peloewetse
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag 00704, Botswana;
| | - Daniel H. Haiyambo
- Department of Human, Biological and Translational Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia School of Medicine, Hage Geingob Campus, Windhoek Private Bag 13301, Namibia;
| | - Davies Ntebela
- National Malaria Program, Ministry of Health, Gaborone Private Bag 0038, Botswana;
| | - Claude Oeuvray
- Global Health Institute of Merck, Terre Bonne Building Z0, Route de Crassier 1, Eysin, 1266 Geneva, Switzerland; (C.O.); (B.G.)
| | - Beatrice Greco
- Global Health Institute of Merck, Terre Bonne Building Z0, Route de Crassier 1, Eysin, 1266 Geneva, Switzerland; (C.O.); (B.G.)
| | - the PAVON Consortium
- PAVON, Regent University College of Science and Technology, #1 Regent Avenue, McCarthy Hiil, Mendskrom, Dansoman, Accra P.O. Box DS1636, Ghana
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12
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Reers AB, Bautista R, McLellan J, Morales B, Garza R, Bol S, Hanson KK, Bunnik EM. Histone modification analysis reveals common regulators of gene expression in liver and blood stage merozoites of Plasmodium parasites. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:25. [PMID: 37322481 PMCID: PMC10268464 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression in malaria parasites is subject to various layers of regulation, including histone post-translational modifications (PTMs). Gene regulatory mechanisms have been extensively studied during the main developmental stages of Plasmodium parasites inside erythrocytes, from the ring stage following invasion to the schizont stage leading up to egress. However, gene regulation in merozoites that mediate the transition from one host cell to the next is an understudied area of parasite biology. Here, we sought to characterize gene expression and the corresponding histone PTM landscape during this stage of the parasite lifecycle through RNA-seq and ChIP-seq on P. falciparum blood stage schizonts, merozoites, and rings, as well as P. berghei liver stage merozoites. In both hepatic and erythrocytic merozoites, we identified a subset of genes with a unique histone PTM profile characterized by a region of H3K4me3 depletion in their promoter. These genes were upregulated in hepatic and erythrocytic merozoites and rings, had roles in protein export, translation, and host cell remodeling, and shared a DNA motif. These results indicate that similar regulatory mechanisms may underlie merozoite formation in the liver and blood stages. We also observed that H3K4me2 was deposited in gene bodies of gene families encoding variant surface antigens in erythrocytic merozoites, which may facilitate switching of gene expression between different members of these families. Finally, H3K18me and H2K27me were uncoupled from gene expression and were enriched around the centromeres in erythrocytic schizonts and merozoites, suggesting potential roles in the maintenance of chromosomal organization during schizogony. Together, our results demonstrate that extensive changes in gene expression and histone landscape occur during the schizont-to-ring transition to facilitate productive erythrocyte infection. The dynamic remodeling of the transcriptional program in hepatic and erythrocytic merozoites makes this stage attractive as a target for novel anti-malarial drugs that may have activity against both the liver and blood stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B Reers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Rodriel Bautista
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - James McLellan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Beatriz Morales
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Rolando Garza
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Bol
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kirsten K Hanson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Evelien M Bunnik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Markwalter CF, Petersen JEV, Zeno EE, Sumner KM, Freedman E, Mangeni JN, Abel L, Obala AA, Prudhomme-O’Meara W, Taylor SM. Symptomatic malaria enhances protection from reinfection with homologous Plasmodium falciparum parasites. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011442. [PMID: 37307293 PMCID: PMC10289385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A signature remains elusive of naturally-acquired immunity against Plasmodium falciparum. We identified P. falciparum in a 14-month cohort of 239 people in Kenya, genotyped at immunogenic parasite targets expressed in the pre-erythrocytic (circumsporozoite protein, CSP) and blood (apical membrane antigen 1, AMA-1) stages, and classified into epitope type based on variants in the DV10, Th2R, and Th3R epitopes in CSP and the c1L region of AMA-1. Compared to asymptomatic index infections, symptomatic malaria was associated with reduced reinfection by parasites bearing homologous CSP-Th2R (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]:0.63; 95% CI:0.45-0.89; p = 0.008) CSP-Th3R (aHR:0.71; 95% CI:0.52-0.97; p = 0.033), and AMA-1 c1L (aHR:0.63; 95% CI:0.43-0.94; p = 0.022) epitope types. The association of symptomatic malaria with reduced hazard of homologous reinfection was strongest for rare epitope types. Symptomatic malaria provides more durable protection against reinfection with parasites bearing homologous epitope types. The phenotype represents a legible molecular epidemiologic signature of naturally-acquired immunity by which to identify new antigen targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine F. Markwalter
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jens E. V. Petersen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erica E. Zeno
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kelsey M. Sumner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Freedman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Judith N. Mangeni
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Lucy Abel
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Andrew A. Obala
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Wendy Prudhomme-O’Meara
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Steve M. Taylor
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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14
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da Veiga GTS, Moriggi MR, Vettorazzi JF, Müller-Santos M, Albrecht L. Plasmodium vivax vaccine: What is the best way to go? Front Immunol 2023; 13:910236. [PMID: 36726991 PMCID: PMC9885200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most devastating human infectious diseases caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites. A search for an effective and safe vaccine is the main challenge for its eradication. Plasmodium vivax is the second most prevalent Plasmodium species and the most geographically distributed parasite and has been neglected for decades. This has a massive gap in knowledge and consequently in the development of vaccines. The most significant difficulties in obtaining a vaccine against P. vivax are the high genetic diversity and the extremely complex life cycle. Due to its complexity, studies have evaluated P. vivax antigens from different stages as potential targets for an effective vaccine. Therefore, the main vaccine candidates are grouped into preerythrocytic stage vaccines, blood-stage vaccines, and transmission-blocking vaccines. This review aims to support future investigations by presenting the main findings of vivax malaria vaccines to date. There are only a few P. vivax vaccines in clinical trials, and thus far, the best protective efficacy was a vaccine formulated with synthetic peptide from a circumsporozoite protein and Montanide ISA-51 as an adjuvant with 54.5% efficacy in a phase IIa study. In addition, the majority of P. vivax antigen candidates are polymorphic, induce strain-specific and heterogeneous immunity and provide only partial protection. Nevertheless, immunization with recombinant proteins and multiantigen vaccines have shown promising results and have emerged as excellent strategies. However, more studies are necessary to assess the ideal vaccine combination and test it in clinical trials. Developing a safe and effective vaccine against vivax malaria is essential for controlling and eliminating the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to determine what is already known to propose and identify new candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Tatiane Soares da Veiga
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil,Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Müller-Santos
- Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Letusa Albrecht
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil,*Correspondence: Letusa Albrecht,
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15
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Markwalter CF, Petersen JEV, Zeno EE, Sumner KM, Freedman E, Mangeni JN, Abel L, Obala AA, Prudhomme-O’Meara W, Taylor SM. Symptomatic malaria enhances protection from reinfection with homologous Plasmodium falciparum parasites. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.04.23284198. [PMID: 36711685 PMCID: PMC9882554 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.04.23284198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A signature remains elusive of naturally-acquired immunity against Plasmodium falciparum . We identified P. falciparum in a 14-month cohort of 239 people in Kenya, genotyped at immunogenic parasite targets expressed in the pre-erythrocytic (circumsporozoite protein, CSP) and blood (apical membrane antigen 1, AMA-1) stages, and classified into epitope type based on variants in the DV10, Th2R, and Th3R epitopes in CSP and the c1L region of AMA-1. Compared to asymptomatic index infections, symptomatic malaria was associated with a reduced reinfection by parasites bearing homologous CSP-Th2R (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]:0.63; 95% CI:0.45-0.89; p=0.008) CSP-Th3R (aHR:0.71; 95% CI:0.52-0.97; p=0.033), and AMA-1 c1L (aHR:0.63; 95% CI:0.43-0.94; p=0.022) epitope types. The association of symptomatic malaria with reduced risk of homologous reinfection was strongest for rare epitope types. Symptomatic malaria more effectively promotes functional immune responses. The phenotype represents a legible molecular epidemiologic signature of naturally-acquired immunity by which to identify new antigen targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens E. V. Petersen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham NC USA
| | - Erica E. Zeno
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham NC USA,Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Kelsey M. Sumner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham NC USA,Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Elizabeth Freedman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham NC USA
| | - Judith N. Mangeni
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Lucy Abel
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret Kenya
| | - Andrew A. Obala
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret Kenya
| | - Wendy Prudhomme-O’Meara
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham NC USA,Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham NC USA,School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Steve M. Taylor
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham NC USA,Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham NC USA,Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC USA,Corresponding author: Steve M Taylor ,
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16
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Zanghi G, Patel H, Camargo N, Smith JL, Bae Y, Flannery EL, Chuenchob V, Fishbaugher ME, Mikolajczak SA, Roobsoong W, Sattabongkot J, Hayes K, Vaughan AM, Kappe SHI. Global gene expression of human malaria parasite liver stages throughout intrahepatocytic development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.05.522945. [PMID: 36711670 PMCID: PMC9881933 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.05.522945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is causing the greatest malaria burden, yet the liver stages (LS) of this most important parasite species have remained poorly studied. Here, we used a human liver-chimeric mouse model in combination with a novel fluorescent PfNF54 parasite line (PfNF54cspGFP) to isolate PfLS-infected hepatocytes and generate transcriptomes that cover the major LS developmental phases in human hepatocytes. RNA-seq analysis of early Pf LS trophozoites two days after infection, revealed a central role of translational regulation in the transformation of the extracellular invasive sporozoite into intracellular LS. The developmental time course gene expression analysis indicated that fatty acid biosynthesis, isoprenoid biosynthesis and iron metabolism are sustaining LS development along with amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis. Countering oxidative stress appears to play an important role during intrahepatic LS development. Furthermore, we observed expression of the variant PfEMP1 antigen-encoding var genes, and we confirmed expression of PfEMP1 protein during LS development. Transcriptome comparison of the late Pf liver stage schizonts with P. vivax (Pv) late liver stages revealed highly conserved gene expression profiles among orthologous genes. A notable difference however was the expression of genes regulating sexual stage commitment. While Pv schizonts expressed markers of sexual commitment, the Pf LS parasites were not sexually committed and showed expression of gametocytogenesis repression factors. Our results provide the first comprehensive gene expression profile of the human malaria parasite Pf LS isolated during in vivo intrahepatocytic development. This data will inform biological studies and the search for effective intervention strategies that can prevent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gigliola Zanghi
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Hardik Patel
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nelly Camargo
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jenny L. Smith
- Research Scientific Computing, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Yeji Bae
- Research Scientific Computing, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Erika L. Flannery
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, United State
| | - Vorada Chuenchob
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, United State
| | - Matthew E. Fishbaugher
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, United State
| | - Sebastian A Mikolajczak
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, United State
| | - Wanlapa Roobsoong
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kiera Hayes
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ashley M. Vaughan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Stefan H. I. Kappe
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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17
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Abstract
Human malaria, caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites, remains one of the most important global public health problems, with the World Health Organization reporting more than 240 million cases and 600,000 deaths annually as of 2020 (World malaria report 2021). Our understanding of the biology of these parasites is critical for development of effective therapeutics and prophylactics, including both antimalarials and vaccines. Plasmodium is a protozoan organism that is intracellular for most of its life cycle. However, to complete its complex life cycle and to allow for both amplification and transmission, the parasite must egress out of the host cell in a highly regulated manner. This review discusses the major pathways and proteins involved in the egress events during the Plasmodium life cycle-merozoite and gametocyte egress out of red blood cells, sporozoite egress out of the oocyst, and merozoite egress out of the hepatocyte. The similarities, as well as the differences, between the various egress pathways of the parasite highlight both novel cell biology and potential therapeutic targets to arrest its life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel E Goldberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; and Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA;
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18
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Yee M, Walther T, Frischknecht F, Douglas RG. Divergent Plasmodium actin residues are essential for filament localization, mosquito salivary gland invasion and malaria transmission. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010779. [PMID: 35998188 PMCID: PMC9439217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin is one of the most conserved and ubiquitous proteins in eukaryotes. Its sequence has been highly conserved for its monomers to self-assemble into filaments that mediate essential cell functions such as trafficking, cell shape and motility. The malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium, expresses a highly sequence divergent actin that is critical for its rapid motility at different stages within its mammalian and mosquito hosts. Each of Plasmodium actin’s four subdomains have divergent regions compared to canonical vertebrate actins. We previously identified subdomains 2 and 3 as providing critical contributions for parasite actin function as these regions could not be replaced by subdomains of vertebrate actins. Here we probed the contributions of individual divergent amino acid residues in these subdomains on parasite motility and progression. Non-lethal changes in these subdomains did not affect parasite development in the mammalian host but strongly affected progression through the mosquito with striking differences in transmission to and through the insect. Live visualization of actin filaments showed that divergent amino acid residues in subdomains 2 and 4 enhanced localization associated with filaments, while those in subdomain 3 negatively affected actin filaments. This suggests that finely tuned actin dynamics are essential for efficient organ entry in the mosquito vector affecting malaria transmission. This work provides residue level insight on the fundamental requirements of actin in highly motile cells. Actin is one of the most abundant and conserved proteins known. Actin monomers can join together to form long filaments. The malaria-causing parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes and needs actin to move very rapidly. An actin from the parasite is different to other actins: its amino acid sequence has relatively high amounts of changes compared to animal species and the actin tends to form only short filaments. We previously identified two large parts of the protein that were critical for the parasite since these large parts could not be exchanged with the equivalent regions of other species. In this study, we focused in on these regions by making more discrete mutations. Most mutations of the actin sequence were tolerated by the parasite in the blood stages. However, these mutants has striking defects in progressing through mosquitoes, especially in invading its salivary glands. We used a new filament labeler to visualize how these mutations affect the actin filaments and found surprisingly different effects. Taken together, small changes to the sequence can have large consequences for the parasite, which ultimately affects its ability to transmit to a new host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Yee
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Walther
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, DZIF, partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail: (FF); (RGD)
| | - Ross G. Douglas
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Centre and Molecular Infection Biology, Biomedical Research Centre Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail: (FF); (RGD)
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19
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Abstract
"The Primate Malarias" book has been a uniquely important resource for multiple generations of scientists, since its debut in 1971, and remains pertinent to the present day. Indeed, nonhuman primates (NHPs) have been instrumental for major breakthroughs in basic and pre-clinical research on malaria for over 50 years. Research involving NHPs have provided critical insights and data that have been essential for malaria research on many parasite species, drugs, vaccines, pathogenesis, and transmission, leading to improved clinical care and advancing research goals for malaria control, elimination, and eradication. Whilst most malaria scientists over the decades have been studying Plasmodium falciparum, with NHP infections, in clinical studies with humans, or using in vitro culture or rodent model systems, others have been dedicated to advancing research on Plasmodium vivax, as well as on phylogenetically related simian species, including Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium coatneyi, and Plasmodium knowlesi. In-depth study of these four phylogenetically related species over the years has spawned the design of NHP longitudinal infection strategies for gathering information about ongoing infections, which can be related to human infections. These Plasmodium-NHP infection model systems are reviewed here, with emphasis on modern systems biological approaches to studying longitudinal infections, pathogenesis, immunity, and vaccines. Recent discoveries capitalizing on NHP longitudinal infections include an advanced understanding of chronic infections, relapses, anaemia, and immune memory. With quickly emerging new technological advances, more in-depth research and mechanistic discoveries can be anticipated on these and additional critical topics, including hypnozoite biology, antigenic variation, gametocyte transmission, bone marrow dysfunction, and loss of uninfected RBCs. New strategies and insights published by the Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center (MaHPIC) are recapped here along with a vision that stresses the importance of educating future experts well trained in utilizing NHP infection model systems for the pursuit of innovative, effective interventions against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Galinski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory National Primate Research Center (Yerkes National Primate Research Center), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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20
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Sánchez-Arcila JC, Jensen KDC. Forward Genetics in Apicomplexa Biology: The Host Side of the Story. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:878475. [PMID: 35646724 PMCID: PMC9133346 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.878475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forward genetic approaches have been widely used in parasitology and have proven their power to reveal the complexities of host-parasite interactions in an unbiased fashion. Many aspects of the parasite's biology, including the identification of virulence factors, replication determinants, antibiotic resistance genes, and other factors required for parasitic life, have been discovered using such strategies. Forward genetic approaches have also been employed to understand host resistance mechanisms to parasitic infection. Here, we will introduce and review all forward genetic approaches that have been used to identify host factors involved with Apicomplexa infections, which include classical genetic screens and QTL mapping, GWAS, ENU mutagenesis, overexpression, RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 library screens. Collectively, these screens have improved our understanding of host resistance mechanisms, immune regulation, vaccine and drug designs for Apicomplexa parasites. We will also discuss how recent advances in molecular genetics give present opportunities to further explore host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Sánchez-Arcila
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
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21
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Patra S, Singh M, Wasnik K, Pareek D, Gupta PS, Mukherjee S, Paik P. Polymeric Nanoparticle Based Diagnosis and Nanomedicine for Treatment and Development of Vaccines for Cerebral Malaria: A Review on Recent Advancement. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:7342-7365. [PMID: 35006689 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria occurs due to Plasmodium falciparum infection, which causes 228 million infections and 450,000 deaths worldwide every year. African people are mostly affected with nearly 91% cases, of which 86% are pregnant women and infants. India and Brazil are the other two countries severely suffering from malaria endemicity. Commonly used drugs have severe side effects, and unfortunately no suitable vaccine is available in the market today. In this line, this review is focused on polymeric nanomaterials and nanocapsules that can be used for the development of effective diagnostic strategies, nanomedicines, and vaccines in the management of cerebral malaria. Further, this review will help scientists and medical professionals by updating the status on the development stages of polymeric nanoparticle based diagnostics, nanomedicines, and vaccines and strategies to eradicate cerebral malaria. In addition to this, the predominant focus of this review is antimalarial agents based on polymer nanomedicines that are currently in the preclinical and clinical trial stages, and potential developments are suggested as well. This review further will have an important social and commercial impact worldwide for the development of polymeric nanomedicines and strategies for the treatment of cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Patra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Monika Singh
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Kirti Wasnik
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Divya Pareek
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Prem Shankar Gupta
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Sudip Mukherjee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Pradip Paik
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
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22
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Bonam SR, Rénia L, Tadepalli G, Bayry J, Kumar HMS. Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Vaccines and Vaccine Adjuvants. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1072. [PMID: 34696180 PMCID: PMC8541031 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria-a parasite vector-borne disease-is a global health problem, and Plasmodium falciparum has proven to be the deadliest among Plasmodium spp., which causes malaria in humans. Symptoms of the disease range from mild fever and shivering to hemolytic anemia and neurological dysfunctions. The spread of drug resistance and the absence of effective vaccines has made malaria disease an ever-emerging problem. Although progress has been made in understanding the host response to the parasite, various aspects of its biology in its mammalian host are still unclear. In this context, there is a pressing demand for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies, including new drugs and novel adjuvanted vaccines that elicit protective immunity. The present article provides an overview of the current knowledge of anti-malarial immunity against P. falciparum and different options of vaccine candidates in development. A special emphasis has been made on the mechanism of action of clinically used vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France;
| | - Laurent Rénia
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Ganesh Tadepalli
- Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India;
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France;
- Biological Sciences & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad 678623, India
| | - Halmuthur Mahabalarao Sampath Kumar
- Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India;
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23
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Synthesis, characterization, docking study and biological evaluation of new chalcone, pyrazoline, and pyrimidine derivatives as potent antimalarial compounds. ARAB J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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24
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Poole J, Hartley-Tassell LE, Day CJ, Stanisic DI, Groves PL, Chakravarty S, Lee Sim BK, Hoffman SL, Tiralongo J, Bovin N, Doolan DL, Jennings MP. Identification of the Glycan Binding Profile of Human and Rodent Plasmodium Sporozoites. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2383-2389. [PMID: 34170120 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of Plasmodium spp. sporozoites to the mammalian host is the first step in the initiation of the mosquito-borne disease known as malaria. The exact route of transmission from the bloodstream to the liver is still not clearly elucidated, and identification of the host glycan structures bound by the sporozoites may inform as to which host cells are involved. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the glycan structures that sporozoites from the human pathogen, P. falciparum, and the rodent pathogen, P. yoelii, recognize and bind. Glycan array analysis was used to profile the glycans bound by the sporozoites, and the binding affinities of these sporozoite-glycan interactions were then determined by surface plasmon resonance. Data showed that the different Plasmodium spp. bind different classes of glycans. P. falciparum was observed to bind to glycans with terminal N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) or Galactose (Gal) linked to a GalNAc, and the highest-affinity observed was with the GalNAc monosaccharide (12.5 nM). P. yoelii bound glycosaminoglycans, mannosyl glycans, Gal linked to N-acetylglucosamine structures, and the αGal epitope. The highest-affinity interaction for P. yoelii was with the αGal epitope (31.4 nM). This is the first study to identify the key host glycan structures recognized by human and rodent Plasmodium spp. sporozoites. An understanding of how Plasmodium sporozoites interact with the specific glycan structures identified here may provide further insight into this infectious disease that could help direct the design of an effective therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Poole
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport 4222, Queensland Australia
| | | | - Christopher J. Day
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport 4222, Queensland Australia
| | - Danielle I. Stanisic
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport 4222, Queensland Australia
| | - Penny L. Groves
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston 4029, Queensland Australia
| | | | - B. Kim Lee Sim
- Sanaria Inc, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States of America
| | | | - Joe Tiralongo
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport 4222, Queensland Australia
| | - Nicolai Bovin
- Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Denise L. Doolan
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Queensland Australia
| | - Michael P. Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport 4222, Queensland Australia
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25
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Liffner B, Balbin JM, Wichers JS, Gilberger TW, Wilson DW. The Ins and Outs of Plasmodium Rhoptries, Focusing on the Cytosolic Side. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:638-650. [PMID: 33941492 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Plasmodium cause human and animal malaria, leading to significant health and economic impacts. A key aspect of the complex life cycle of Plasmodium parasites is the invasion of the parasite into its host cell, which is mediated by secretory organelles. The largest of these organelles, the rhoptry, undergoes rapid and profound physiological changes when it secretes its contents during merozoite and sporozoite invasion of the host erythrocyte and hepatocyte, respectively. Here we discuss recent advancements in our understanding of the dynamic rhoptry biology during the parasite's invasive stages, with a focus on the roles of cytosolically exposed rhoptry-interacting proteins (C-RIPs). We explore potential similarities between the molecular mechanisms driving merozoite and sporozoite rhoptry function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Liffner
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Juan Miguel Balbin
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Jan Stephan Wichers
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, 22607, Hamburg, Germany; Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim-Wolf Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, 22607, Hamburg, Germany; Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; Biology Department, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Danny W Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.
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26
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Salomaki ED, Terpis KX, Rueckert S, Kotyk M, Varadínová ZK, Čepička I, Lane CE, Kolisko M. Gregarine single-cell transcriptomics reveals differential mitochondrial remodeling and adaptation in apicomplexans. BMC Biol 2021; 19:77. [PMID: 33863338 PMCID: PMC8051059 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apicomplexa is a diverse phylum comprising unicellular endobiotic animal parasites and contains some of the most well-studied microbial eukaryotes including the devastating human pathogens Plasmodium falciparum and Cryptosporidium hominis. In contrast, data on the invertebrate-infecting gregarines remains sparse and their evolutionary relationship to other apicomplexans remains obscure. Most apicomplexans retain a highly modified plastid, while their mitochondria remain metabolically conserved. Cryptosporidium spp. inhabit an anaerobic host-gut environment and represent the known exception, having completely lost their plastid while retaining an extremely reduced mitochondrion that has lost its genome. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing have enabled the first broad genome-scale explorations of gregarines, providing evidence of differential plastid retention throughout the group. However, little is known about the retention and metabolic capacity of gregarine mitochondria. RESULTS Here, we sequenced transcriptomes from five species of gregarines isolated from cockroaches. We combined these data with those from other apicomplexans, performed detailed phylogenomic analyses, and characterized their mitochondrial metabolism. Our results support the placement of Cryptosporidium as the earliest diverging lineage of apicomplexans, which impacts our interpretation of evolutionary events within the phylum. By mapping in silico predictions of core mitochondrial pathways onto our phylogeny, we identified convergently reduced mitochondria. These data show that the electron transport chain has been independently lost three times across the phylum, twice within gregarines. CONCLUSIONS Apicomplexan lineages show variable functional restructuring of mitochondrial metabolism that appears to have been driven by adaptations to parasitism and anaerobiosis. Our findings indicate that apicomplexans are rife with convergent adaptations, with shared features including morphology, energy metabolism, and intracellularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Salomaki
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina X Terpis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Sonja Rueckert
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Michael Kotyk
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ivan Čepička
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Christopher E Lane
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.
| | - Martin Kolisko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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27
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Abstract
All intracellular pathogens must escape (egress) from the confines of their host cell to disseminate and proliferate. The malaria parasite only replicates in an intracellular vacuole or in a cyst, and must undergo egress at four distinct phases during its complex life cycle, each time disrupting, in a highly regulated manner, the membranes or cyst wall that entrap the parasites. This Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster summarises our current knowledge of the morphological features of egress across the Plasmodium life cycle, the molecular mechanisms that govern the process, and how researchers are working to exploit this knowledge to develop much-needed new approaches to malaria control. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele S Y Tan
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michael J Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK .,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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28
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Bioengineered 3D Microvessels for Investigating Plasmodium falciparum Pathogenesis. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:401-413. [PMID: 33485788 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum pathogenesis is complex and intimately connected to vascular physiology. This is exemplified by cerebral malaria (CM), a neurovascular complication that accounts for most of the malaria deaths worldwide. P. falciparum sequestration in the brain microvasculature is a hallmark of CM and is not replicated in animal models. Numerous aspects of the disease are challenging to fully understand from clinical studies, such as parasite binding tropism or causal pathways in blood-brain barrier breakdown. Recent bioengineering approaches allow for the generation of 3D microvessels and organ-specific vasculature that provide precise control of vessel architecture and flow dynamics, and hold great promise for malaria research. Here, we discuss recent and future applications of bioengineered microvessels in malaria pathogenesis research.
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29
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Ferreira JL, Heincke D, Wichers JS, Liffner B, Wilson DW, Gilberger TW. The Dynamic Roles of the Inner Membrane Complex in the Multiple Stages of the Malaria Parasite. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:611801. [PMID: 33489940 PMCID: PMC7820811 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.611801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites, such as human malaria parasites, have complex lifecycles encompassing multiple and diverse environmental niches. Invading, replicating, and escaping from different cell types, along with exploiting each intracellular niche, necessitate large and dynamic changes in parasite morphology and cellular architecture. The inner membrane complex (IMC) is a unique structural element that is intricately involved with these distinct morphological changes. The IMC is a double membrane organelle that forms de novo and is located beneath the plasma membrane of these single-celled organisms. In Plasmodium spp. parasites it has three major purposes: it confers stability and shape to the cell, functions as an important scaffolding compartment during the formation of daughter cells, and plays a major role in motility and invasion. Recent years have revealed greater insights into the architecture, protein composition and function of the IMC. Here, we discuss the multiple roles of the IMC in each parasite lifecycle stage as well as insights into its sub-compartmentalization, biogenesis, disassembly and regulation during stage conversion of P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie Liane Ferreira
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Heinrich Pette Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Experimentelle Virologie, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Heincke
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Stephan Wichers
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Liffner
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Danny W. Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim-Wolf Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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30
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Drewry LL, Harty JT. Balancing in a black box: Potential immunomodulatory roles for TGF-β signaling during blood-stage malaria. Virulence 2021; 11:159-169. [PMID: 32043415 PMCID: PMC7051139 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1726569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Malarial disease caused by Plasmodium parasites challenges the mammalian immune system with a delicate balancing act. Robust inflammatory responses are required to control parasite replication within red blood cells, which if unchecked, can lead to severe anemia and fatality. However, the same inflammatory response that controls parasite replication is also associated with immunopathology and severe disease, as is exemplified by cerebral malaria. A robust literature has identified critical roles for innate, cellular, and humoral immune responses orchestrated by IFN-γ and TH1 type responses in controlling blood stage malarial disease. In contrast, TGF-β and IL-10 have been identified as important anti–inflammatory immunomodulators that help to limit inflammation and pathology during malaria. TGF-β is a pleiotropic cytokine, with the ability to exert a wide variety of context-dependent immunomodulatory roles. The specific mechanisms that allow TGF-β to protect against malarial pathology remain essentially unexplored and offer a promising avenue to dissect the most critical elements of immunomodulation in avoiding severe malaria. Here we discuss potential immunomodulatory roles for TGF-β during malaria in light of recent advances in our understanding of the role of Tregs during blood-stage malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L Drewry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - John T Harty
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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31
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Abuga KM, Jones-Warner W, Hafalla JCR. Immune responses to malaria pre-erythrocytic stages: Implications for vaccine development. Parasite Immunol 2020; 43:e12795. [PMID: 32981095 PMCID: PMC7612353 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Radiation-attenuated sporozoites induce sterilizing immunity and remain the 'gold standard' for malaria vaccine development. Despite practical challenges in translating these whole sporozoite vaccines to large-scale intervention programmes, they have provided an excellent platform to dissect the immune responses to malaria pre-erythrocytic (PE) stages, comprising both sporozoites and exoerythrocytic forms. Investigations in rodent models have provided insights that led to the clinical translation of various vaccine candidates-including RTS,S/AS01, the most advanced candidate currently in a trial implementation programme in three African countries. With advances in immunology, transcriptomics and proteomics, and application of lessons from past failures, an effective, long-lasting and wide-scale malaria PE vaccine remains feasible. This review underscores the progress in PE vaccine development, focusing on our understanding of host-parasite immunological crosstalk in the tissue environments of the skin and the liver. We highlight possible gaps in the current knowledge of PE immunity that can impact future malaria vaccine development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Mokaya Abuga
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Department of Epidemiology and Demography, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - William Jones-Warner
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Julius Clemence R Hafalla
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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32
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Putrianti ED, Schmidt-Christensen A, Heussler V, Matuschewski K, Ingmundson A. A Plasmodium cysteine protease required for efficient transition from the liver infection stage. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008891. [PMID: 32956401 PMCID: PMC7529260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The transitions between developmental stages are critical points in the Plasmodium life cycle. The development of Plasmodium in the livers of their mammalian hosts bridges malaria transmission and the onset of clinical symptoms elicited by red blood cell infection. The egress of Plasmodium parasites from the liver must be a carefully orchestrated process to ensure a successful switch to the blood stage of infection. Cysteine protease activity is known to be required for liver-stage Plasmodium egress, but the crucial cysteine protease(s) remained unidentified. Here, we characterize a member of the papain-like cysteine protease family, Plasmodium berghei serine repeat antigen 4 (PbSERA4), that is required for efficient initiation of blood-stage infection. Through the generation PbSERA4-specific antisera and the creation of transgenic parasites expressing fluorescently tagged protein, we show that PbSERA4 is expressed and proteolytically processed in the liver and blood stages of infection. Targeted disruption of PbSERA4 results in viable and virulent blood-stage parasites. However, upon transmission from mosquitoes to mice, Pbsera4(-) parasites displayed a reduced capacity to initiate a new round of asexual blood-stage replication. Our results from cultured cells indicate that this defect results from an inability of the PbSERA4-deficient parasites to egress efficiently from infected cells at the culmination of liver-stage development. Protection against infection with wildtype P. berghei could be generated in animals in which Pbsera4(-) parasites failed to establish infection. Our findings confirm that liver-stage merozoite release is an active process and demonstrate that this parasite-encoded cysteine protease contributes to parasite escape from the liver. Plasmodium parasites cause over 200 million cases of malaria every year. When parasites are transmitted by mosquito bite, they initially colonize the liver before they move into the blood and cause disease. During successful transition from the liver into the blood, Plasmodium cloak themselves in host plasma membrane as they egress from the liver cells. Although some aspects of how Plasmodium exit their host hepatocytes appear unique, certain attributes are shared across diverse pathogens. For example, protease activity is required not only for multiple stages of Plasmodium exit, but is also involved in the egress of some bacteria and other protozoan. Here we characterize a protease in Plasmodium berghei that is expressed in the liver and conserved across Plasmodium species. Through gene targeting, we found PbSERA4 is required for efficient egress of Plasmodium from the liver. In the absence of this protease the transition between the liver and blood stages of growth is prolonged due to inefficient parasite release from liver cells. These findings provide new insights into the function of a conserved Plasmodium protease and into the process of Plasmodium escape from the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyzana Dewi Putrianti
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Schmidt-Christensen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Heussler
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alyssa Ingmundson
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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33
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Govindasamy K, Bhanot P. Overlapping and distinct roles of CDPK family members in the pre-erythrocytic stages of the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008131. [PMID: 32866196 PMCID: PMC7485973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasion of hepatocytes by Plasmodium sporozoites initiates the pre-erythrocytic step of a malaria infection. Subsequent development of the parasite within hepatocytes and exit from them is essential for starting the disease-causing erythrocytic cycle. Identification of signaling pathways that operate in pre-erythrocytic stages provides insight into a critical step of infection and potential targets for chemoprotection from malaria. We demonstrate that P. berghei homologs of Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (CDPK1), CDPK4 and CDPK5 play overlapping but distinct roles in sporozoite invasion and parasite egress from hepatocytes. All three kinases are expressed in sporozoites. All three are required for optimal motility of sporozoites and consequently their invasion of hepatocytes. Increased cGMP can compensate for the functional loss of CDPK1 and CDPK5 during sporozoite invasion but cannot overcome loss of CDPK4. CDPK1 and CDPK5 expression is downregulated after sporozoite invasion. CDPK5 reappears in a subset of late stage liver stages and is present in all merosomes. Chemical inhibition of CDPK4 and depletion of CDPK5 in liver stages implicate these kinases in the formation and/or release of merosomes from mature liver stages. Furthermore, depletion of CDPK5 in merosomes significantly delays initiation of the erythrocytic cycle without affecting infectivity of hepatic merozoites. These data suggest that CDPK5 may be required for the rupture of merosomes. Our work provides evidence that sporozoite invasion requires CDPK1 and CDPK5, and suggests that CDPK5 participates in the release of hepatic merozoites. The malaria-parasite Plasmodium begins its mammalian cycle by infecting hepatocytes in the liver. A single parasite differentiates into tens of thousands of hepatic merozoites which exit the host cell in vesicles called merosomes. Hepatic merozoites initiate the first round of erythrocytic infection that eventually causes disease. We show that optimal invasion of liver cells by Plasmodium requires the action of three closely-related parasite kinases, CDPK1, 4 and 5. Loss of any of the three enzymes in the parasite significantly reduces infection of liver cells. Furthermore, CDPK5 is likely required for release of hepatic merozoites from merosomes and therefore for initiation of the erythrocytic cycle. A better understanding of how these kinases function could lead to drugs that prevent malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Govindasamy
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Purnima Bhanot
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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34
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Goswami D, Betz W, Locham NK, Parthiban C, Brager C, Schäfer C, Camargo N, Nguyen T, Kennedy SY, Murphy SC, Vaughan AM, Kappe SH. A replication-competent late liver stage-attenuated human malaria parasite. JCI Insight 2020; 5:135589. [PMID: 32484795 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.135589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-sporozoite vaccines engender sterilizing immunity against malaria in animal models and importantly, in humans. Gene editing allows for the removal of specific parasite genes, enabling generation of genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) strains for vaccination. Using rodent malaria parasites, we have previously shown that late liver stage-arresting replication-competent (LARC) GAPs confer superior protection when compared with early liver stage-arresting replication-deficient GAPs and radiation-attenuated sporozoites. However, generating a LARC GAP in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) has been challenging. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a likely unprecedented P. falciparum LARC GAP generated by targeted gene deletion of the Mei2 gene: P. falciparum mei2-. Robust exoerythrocytic schizogony with extensive cell growth and DNA replication was observed for P. falciparum mei2- liver stages in human liver-chimeric mice. However, P. falciparum mei2- liver stages failed to complete development and did not form infectious exoerythrocytic merozoites, thereby preventing their transition to asexual blood stage infection. Therefore, P. falciparum mei2- is a replication-competent, attenuated human malaria parasite strain with potentially increased potency, useful for vaccination to protect against P. falciparum malaria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashree Goswami
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - William Betz
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Navin K Locham
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Carolyn Brager
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carola Schäfer
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nelly Camargo
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Thao Nguyen
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Spencer Y Kennedy
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Ashley M Vaughan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stefan Hi Kappe
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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35
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Abstract
Parasitic diseases, such as sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and malaria, remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but particularly in tropical, developing countries. Controlling these diseases requires a better understanding of host-parasite interactions, including a deep appreciation of parasite distribution in the host. The preferred accumulation of parasites in some tissues of the host has been known for many years, but recent technical advances have allowed a more systematic analysis and quantifications of such tissue tropisms. The functional consequences of tissue tropism remain poorly studied, although it has been associated with important aspects of disease, including transmission enhancement, treatment failure, relapse and clinical outcome. Here, we discuss current knowledge of tissue tropism in Trypanosoma infections in mammals, describe potential mechanisms of tissue entry, comparatively discuss relevant findings from other parasitology fields where tissue tropism has been extensively investigated, and reflect on new questions raised by recent discoveries and their potential impact on clinical treatment and disease control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Sandra Trindade
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Luisa M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
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36
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De Niz M, Carvalho T, Penha-Gonçalves C, Agop-Nersesian C. Intravital imaging of host-parasite interactions in organs of the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13201. [PMID: 32149435 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13201] [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: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Infections with protozoan and helminthic parasites affect multiple organs in the mammalian host. Imaging pathogens in their natural environment takes a more holistic view on biomedical aspects of parasitic infections. Here, we focus on selected organs of the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities most commonly affected by parasites. Parasitic infections of these organs are often associated with severe medical complications or have health implications beyond the infected individual. Intravital imaging has provided a more dynamic picture of the host-parasite interplay and contributed not only to our understanding of the various disease pathologies, but has also provided fundamental insight into the biology of the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana De Niz
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tânia Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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37
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Caldelari R, Dogga S, Schmid MW, Franke-Fayard B, Janse CJ, Soldati-Favre D, Heussler V. Transcriptome analysis of Plasmodium berghei during exo-erythrocytic development. Malar J 2019; 18:330. [PMID: 31551073 PMCID: PMC6760107 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2968-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complex life cycle of malaria parasites requires well-orchestrated stage specific gene expression. In the vertebrate host the parasites grow and multiply by schizogony in two different environments: within erythrocytes and within hepatocytes. Whereas erythrocytic parasites are well-studied in this respect, relatively little is known about the exo-erythrocytic stages. METHODS In an attempt to fill this gap, genome wide RNA-seq analyses of various exo-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium berghei including sporozoites, samples from a time-course of liver stage development and detached cells were performed. These latter contain infectious merozoites and represent the final step in exo-erythrocytic development. RESULTS The analysis represents the complete transcriptome of the entire life cycle of P. berghei parasites with temporal detailed analysis of the liver stage allowing comparison of gene expression across the progression of the life cycle. These RNA-seq data from different developmental stages were used to cluster genes with similar expression profiles, in order to infer their functions. A comparison with published data from other parasite stages confirmed stage-specific gene expression and revealed numerous genes that are expressed differentially in blood and exo-erythrocytic stages. One of the most exo-erythrocytic stage-specific genes was PBANKA_1003900, which has previously been annotated as a "gametocyte specific protein". The promoter of this gene drove high GFP expression in exo-erythrocytic stages, confirming its expression profile seen by RNA-seq. CONCLUSIONS The comparative analysis of the genome wide mRNA expression profiles of erythrocytic and different exo-erythrocytic stages could be used to improve the understanding of gene regulation in Plasmodium parasites and can be used to model exo-erythrocytic stage metabolic networks toward the identification of differences in metabolic processes during schizogony in erythrocytes and hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reto Caldelari
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Sunil Dogga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Blandine Franke-Fayard
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chris J Janse
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Volker Heussler
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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38
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Pattinson DJ, Apte SH, Wibowo N, Chuan YP, Rivera-Hernandez T, Groves PL, Lua LH, Middelberg APJ, Doolan DL. Chimeric Murine Polyomavirus Virus-Like Particles Induce Plasmodium Antigen-Specific CD8 + T Cell and Antibody Responses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:215. [PMID: 31275867 PMCID: PMC6593135 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
An effective vaccine against the Plasmodium parasite is likely to require the induction of robust antibody and T cell responses. Chimeric virus-like particles are an effective vaccine platform for induction of antibody responses, but their capacity to induce robust cellular responses and cell-mediated protection against pathogen challenge has not been established. To evaluate this, we produced chimeric constructs using the murine polyomavirus structural protein with surface-exposed CD8+ or CD4+ T cell or B cell repeat epitopes derived from the Plasmodium yoelii circumsporozoite protein, and assessed immunogenicity and protective capacity in a murine model. Robust CD8+ T cell responses were induced by immunization with the chimeric CD8+ T cell epitope virus-like particles, however CD4+ T cell responses were very low. The B cell chimeric construct induced robust antibody responses but there was no apparent synergy when T cell and B cell constructs were administered as a pool. A heterologous prime/boost regimen using plasmid DNA priming followed by a VLP boost was more effective than homologous VLP immunization for cellular immunity and protection. These data show that chimeric murine polyomavirus virus-like particles are a good platform for induction of CD8+ T cell responses as well as antibody responses.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan
- Antibody Formation/immunology
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Immunity, Cellular
- Immunization
- Immunization, Secondary
- Malaria Vaccines
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Plasmodium yoelii
- Polyomavirus/genetics
- Polyomavirus/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/genetics
- Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Pattinson
- Infectious Diseases Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon H. Apte
- Infectious Diseases Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nani Wibowo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yap P. Chuan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Penny L. Groves
- Infectious Diseases Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Linda H. Lua
- Protein Expression Facility, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anton P. J. Middelberg
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Denise L. Doolan
- Infectious Diseases Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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39
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Greischar MA, Reece SE, Savill NJ, Mideo N. The Challenge of Quantifying Synchrony in Malaria Parasites. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:341-355. [PMID: 30952484 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Malaria infection is often accompanied by periodic fevers, triggered by synchronous cycles of parasite replication within the host. The degree of synchrony in parasite development influences the efficacy of drugs and immune defenses and is therefore relevant to host health and infectiousness. Synchrony is thought to vary over the course of infection and across different host-parasite genotype or species combinations, but the evolutionary significance - if any - of this diversity remains elusive. Standardized methods are lacking, but the most common metric for quantifying synchrony is the percentage of parasites in a particular developmental stage. We use a heuristic model to show that this metric is often unacceptably biased. Methodological challenges must be addressed to characterize diverse patterns of synchrony and their consequences for disease severity and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Greischar
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Sarah E Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicholas J Savill
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicole Mideo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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40
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A probabilistic model of pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine combination in mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209028. [PMID: 30625136 PMCID: PMC6326473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains one the world’s most deadly infectious diseases, with almost half a million deaths and over 150 million clinical cases each year. An effective vaccine would contribute enormously to malaria control and will almost certainly be required for eventual eradication of the disease. However, the leading malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S, shows only 30–50% efficacy under field conditions, making it less cost-effective than long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets. Other subunit malaria vaccine candidates, including TRAP-based vaccines, show no better protective efficacy. This has led to increased interest in combining subunit malaria vaccines as a means of enhancing protective efficacy. Mathematical models of the effect of combining such vaccines on protective efficacy can help inform optimal vaccine strategies and decision-making at all stages of the clinical process. So far, however, no such model has been developed for pre-clinical murine studies, the stage at which all candidate antigens and combinations begin evaluation. To address this gap, this paper develops a mathematical model of vaccine combination adapted to murine malaria studies. The model is based on simple probabilistic assumptions which put the model on a firmer theoretical footing than previous clinical models, which rather than deriving a relationship between immune responses and protective efficacy posit the relationship to be either exponential or Hill curves. Data from pre-clinical murine malaria studies are used to derive values for unknowns in the model which in turn allows simulations of vaccine combination efficacy and suggests optimal strategies to pursue. Finally, the ability of the model to shed light on fundamental biological variables of murine malaria such as the blood stage growth rate and sporozoite infectivity is explored.
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41
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Kaur A, Kannan D, Mehta SK, Singh S, Salunke DB. Synthetic Toll-like receptor agonists for the development of powerful malaria vaccines: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2018; 28:837-847. [PMID: 30280939 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2018.1530217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, there is no efficient vaccine available against clinical malaria. However, continuous efforts have been committed to develop powerful antimalarial vaccine by discovery of novel antigens with in-depth understanding of its nature, immunogenicity, and presentation (delivery adjuvants). Moreover, another important part of vaccine development includes discovery of better immunostimulatory formulation components (immunostimulants). A protective vaccine against malaria requires antigen-specific B and T helper cell responses as well as cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. A long-lasting B and T memory cell production is also required for effective malaria vaccine. Since activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) promotes both innate inflammatory responses as well as the induction of adaptive immunity, several initiatives have been mounted during the last few years for the use of TLR agonists as malaria vaccine adjuvants. AREAS COVERED The review summarizes reports related to the use and development of TLR agonists as malaria vaccine adjuvants and describes various strategies involved for the selection of specific antigens and TLR agonists. EXPERT OPINION TLR agonists are promising adjuvants for the development of effective malaria vaccine, allowing for both innate inflammatory responses as well as the induction of adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshpreet Kaur
- a Department of Chemistry & Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry , Panjab University , Chandigarh , India
| | - Deepika Kannan
- b Department of Life Science , Shiv Nadar University , Greater Noida , Uttar Pradesh , India
| | - Surinder K Mehta
- a Department of Chemistry & Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry , Panjab University , Chandigarh , India
| | - Shailja Singh
- b Department of Life Science , Shiv Nadar University , Greater Noida , Uttar Pradesh , India.,c Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University , Delhi , India
| | - Deepak B Salunke
- a Department of Chemistry & Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry , Panjab University , Chandigarh , India
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42
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Flieger A, Frischknecht F, Häcker G, Hornef MW, Pradel G. Pathways of host cell exit by intracellular pathogens. MICROBIAL CELL 2018; 5:525-544. [PMID: 30533418 PMCID: PMC6282021 DOI: 10.15698/mic2018.12.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Host cell exit is a critical step in the life-cycle of intracellular pathogens, intimately linked to barrier penetration, tissue dissemination, inflammation, and pathogen transmission. Like cell invasion and intracellular survival, host cell exit represents a well-regulated program that has evolved during host-pathogen co-evolution and that relies on the dynamic and intricate interplay between multiple host and microbial factors. Three distinct pathways of host cell exit have been identified that are employed by three different taxa of intracellular pathogens, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, namely (i) the initiation of programmed cell death, (ii) the active breaching of host cellderived membranes, and (iii) the induced membrane-dependent exit without host cell lysis. Strikingly, an increasing number of studies show that the majority of intracellular pathogens utilize more than one of these strategies, dependent on life-cycle stage, environmental factors and/or host cell type. This review summarizes the diverse exit strategies of intracellular-living bacterial, fungal and protozoan pathogens and discusses the convergently evolved commonalities as well as system-specific variations thereof. Key microbial molecules involved in host cell exit are highlighted and discussed as potential targets for future interventional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Flieger
- Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | | | - Georg Häcker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mathias W Hornef
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
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43
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Mhlwatika Z, Aderibigbe BA. Polymeric Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Antimalarials. Molecules 2018; 23:E2527. [PMID: 30279405 PMCID: PMC6222303 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23102527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan parasite which is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes around tropical and sub-tropical regions. Half of the world's population is at risk of being infected by malaria. This mainly includes children, pregnant women and people living with chronic diseases. The main factor that has contributed to the spread of this disease is the increase in the number of drug-resistant parasites. To overcome drug resistance, researchers have developed drug delivery systems from biodegradable polymers for the loading of antimalarials. The drug delivery systems were characterized by distinct features such as good biocompatibility, high percentage drug encapsulation, reduced drug toxicity and targeted drug delivery. In this review article, we highlight the various types of drug delivery systems developed from polymeric nanocarriers used for the delivery of antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zandile Mhlwatika
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Eastern Cape 5700, South Africa.
| | - Blessing Atim Aderibigbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Eastern Cape 5700, South Africa.
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44
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Agop-Nersesian C, Niklaus L, Wacker R, Theo Heussler V. Host cell cytosolic immune response during Plasmodium liver stage development. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 42:324-334. [PMID: 29529207 PMCID: PMC5995216 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a great gain in knowledge regarding parasite-host cell interactions during Plasmodium liver stage development. It is now an accepted fact that a large percentage of sporozoites invading hepatocytes fail to form infectious merozoites. There appears to be a delicate balance between parasite survival and elimination and we now start to understand why this is so. Plasmodium liver stage parasites replicate within the parasitophorous vacuole (PV), formed during invasion by invagination of the host cell plasma membrane. The main interface between the parasite and hepatocyte is the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) that surrounds the PV. Recently, it was shown that autophagy marker proteins decorate the PVM of Plasmodium liver stage parasites and eliminate a proportion of them by an autophagy-like mechanism. Successfully developing Plasmodium berghei parasites are initially also labeled but in the course of development, they are able to control this host defense mechanism by shedding PVM material into the tubovesicular network (TVN), an extension of the PVM that releases vesicles into the host cell cytoplasm. Better understanding of the molecular events at the PVM/TVN during parasite elimination could be the basis of new antimalarial measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Agop-Nersesian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, MA 02118, USA
| | - Livia Niklaus
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Wacker
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Volker Theo Heussler
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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45
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Abstract
The coevolution of intracellular bacteria with their eukaryotic hosts has presented these pathogens with numerous challenges for their evolutionary progress and survival. Chief among these is the ability to exit from host cells, an event that is fundamentally linked to pathogen dissemination and transmission. Recent years have witnessed a major expansion of research in this area, and this chapter summarizes our current understanding of the spectrum of exit strategies that are exploited by intracellular pathogens. Clear themes regarding the mechanisms of microbial exit have emerged and are most easily conceptualized as (i) lysis of the host cell, (ii) nonlytic exit of free bacteria, and (iii) release of microorganisms into membrane-encased compartments. The adaptation of particular exit strategies is closely linked with additional themes in microbial pathogenesis, including host cell death, manipulation of host signaling pathways, and coincident activation of proinflammatory responses. This chapter will explore the molecular determinants used by intracellular pathogens to promote host cell escape and the infectious advantages each exit pathway may confer, and it will provide an evolutionary framework for the adaptation of these mechanisms.
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46
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Pádua TA, Torres ND, Candéa ALP, Costa MFS, Silva JD, Silva‐Filho JL, Costa FTM, Rocco PRM, Souza MC, Henriques MG. Therapeutic effect of Lipoxin A
4
in malaria‐induced acute lung injury. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 103:657-670. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3a1016-435rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A. Pádua
- Laboratory of Applied PharmacologyFarmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT‐IDPN) FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Natalia D. Torres
- Laboratory of Applied PharmacologyFarmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT‐IDPN) FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - André L. P. Candéa
- Laboratory of Applied PharmacologyFarmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT‐IDPN) FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Souza Costa
- Laboratory of Applied PharmacologyFarmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT‐IDPN) FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Johnatas D. Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary InvestigationCarlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - João Luiz Silva‐Filho
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases – Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology (IB)University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
| | - Fabio T. M. Costa
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases – Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology (IB)University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
| | - Patricia R. M. Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary InvestigationCarlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Mariana C. Souza
- Laboratory of Applied PharmacologyFarmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT‐IDPN) FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Maria G. Henriques
- Laboratory of Applied PharmacologyFarmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT‐IDPN) FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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47
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Zuck M, Austin LS, Danziger SA, Aitchison JD, Kaushansky A. The Promise of Systems Biology Approaches for Revealing Host Pathogen Interactions in Malaria. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2183. [PMID: 29201016 PMCID: PMC5696578 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite global eradication efforts over the past century, malaria remains a devastating public health burden, causing almost half a million deaths annually (WHO, 2016). A detailed understanding of the mechanisms that control malaria infection has been hindered by technical challenges of studying a complex parasite life cycle in multiple hosts. While many interventions targeting the parasite have been implemented, the complex biology of Plasmodium poses a major challenge, and must be addressed to enable eradication. New approaches for elucidating key host-parasite interactions, and predicting how the parasite will respond in a variety of biological settings, could dramatically enhance the efficacy and longevity of intervention strategies. The field of systems biology has developed methodologies and principles that are well poised to meet these challenges. In this review, we focus our attention on the Liver Stage of the Plasmodium lifecycle and issue a “call to arms” for using systems biology approaches to forge a new era in malaria research. These approaches will reveal insights into the complex interplay between host and pathogen, and could ultimately lead to novel intervention strategies that contribute to malaria eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Zuck
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Laura S Austin
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Samuel A Danziger
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - John D Aitchison
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alexis Kaushansky
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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48
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Vaughan AM, Kappe SHI. Malaria Parasite Liver Infection and Exoerythrocytic Biology. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a025486. [PMID: 28242785 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a025486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In their infection cycle, malaria parasites undergo replication and population expansions within the vertebrate host and the mosquito vector. Host infection initiates with sporozoite invasion of hepatocytes, followed by a dramatic parasite amplification event during liver stage parasite growth and replication within hepatocytes. Each liver stage forms up to 90,000 exoerythrocytic merozoites, which are in turn capable of initiating a blood stage infection. Liver stages not only exploit host hepatocyte resources for nutritional needs but also endeavor to prevent hepatocyte cell death and detection by the host's immune system. Research over the past decade has identified numerous parasite factors that play a critical role during liver infection and has started to delineate a complex web of parasite-host interactions that sustain successful parasite colonization of the mammalian host. Targeting the parasites' obligatory infection of the liver as a gateway to the blood, with drugs and vaccines, constitutes the most effective strategy for malaria eradication, as it would prevent clinical disease and onward transmission of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Vaughan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Stefan H I Kappe
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
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49
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Abstract
A crucial step in the life cycle of Plasmodium parasites is the transition from the liver stage to the blood stage. Hepatocyte-derived merozoites reach the blood vessels of the liver inside host cell-derived vesicles called merosomes. The molecular basis of merosome formation is only partially understood. Here we show that Plasmodium berghei liver stage merozoites, upon rupture of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, destabilize the host cell membrane (HCM) and induce separation of the host cell actin cytoskeleton from the HCM. At the same time, the phospholipid and protein composition of the HCM appears to be substantially altered. This includes the loss of a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) reporter and the PIP2-dependent actin-plasma membrane linker ezrin from the HCM. Furthermore, transmembrane domain-containing proteins and palmitoylated and myristoylated proteins, as well as glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins, lose their HCM localization. Collectively, these findings provide an explanation of HCM destabilization during Plasmodium liver stage egress and thereby contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to merosome formation. Egress from host cells is an essential process for intracellular pathogens, allowing successful infection of other cells and thereby spreading the infection. Here we describe the molecular details of a novel egress strategy of Plasmodium parasites infecting hepatocytes. We show that toward the end of the liver stage, parasites induce a breakdown of the host cell actin cytoskeleton, leading to destabilization of the host cell plasma membrane. This, in turn, results in the formation of membrane vesicles (merosomes), in which parasites can safely migrate from liver tissue to the bloodstream to infect red blood cells and start the pathogenic phase of malaria.
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50
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López C, Yepes-Pérez Y, Hincapié-Escobar N, Díaz-Arévalo D, Patarroyo MA. What Is Known about the Immune Response Induced by Plasmodium vivax Malaria Vaccine Candidates? Front Immunol 2017; 8:126. [PMID: 28243235 PMCID: PMC5304258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax continues being one of the most important infectious diseases around the world; P. vivax is the second most prevalent species and has the greatest geographic distribution. Developing an effective antimalarial vaccine is considered a relevant control strategy in the search for means of preventing the disease. Studying parasite-expressed proteins, which are essential in host cell invasion, has led to identifying the regions recognized by individuals who are naturally exposed to infection. Furthermore, immunogenicity studies have revealed that such regions can trigger a robust immune response that can inhibit sporozoite (hepatic stage) or merozoite (erythrocyte stage) invasion of a host cell and induce protection. This review provides a synthesis of the most important studies to date concerning the antigenicity and immunogenicity of both synthetic peptide and recombinant protein candidates for a vaccine against malaria produced by P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina López
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; PhD Programme in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yoelis Yepes-Pérez
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; MSc Programme in Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Hincapié-Escobar
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC) , Bogotá , Colombia
| | - Diana Díaz-Arévalo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (UDCA), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; Basic Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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