1
|
Kefi M, Cardoso-Jaime V, Saab SA, Dimopoulos G. Curing mosquitoes with genetic approaches for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:487-499. [PMID: 38760256 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Malaria remains a persistent global public health challenge because of the limitations of current prevention tools. The use of transgenic mosquitoes incapable of transmitting malaria, in conjunction with existing methods, holds promise for achieving elimination of malaria and preventing its reintroduction. In this context, population modification involves the spread of engineered genetic elements through mosquito populations that render them incapable of malaria transmission. Significant progress has been made in this field over the past decade in revealing promising targets, optimizing genetic tools, and facilitating the transition from the laboratory to successful field deployments, which are subject to regulatory scrutiny. This review summarizes recent advances and ongoing challenges in 'curing' Anopheles vectors of the malaria parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kefi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Victor Cardoso-Jaime
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sally A Saab
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Olvera-Lucio FH, Riveros-Rosas H, Quintero-Martínez A, Hernández-Santoyo A. Tandem-repeat lectins: structural and functional insights. Glycobiology 2024; 34:cwae041. [PMID: 38857376 PMCID: PMC11186620 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwae041] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multivalency in lectins plays a pivotal role in influencing glycan cross-linking, thereby affecting lectin functionality. This multivalency can be achieved through oligomerization, the presence of tandemly repeated carbohydrate recognition domains, or a combination of both. Unlike lectins that rely on multiple factors for the oligomerization of identical monomers, tandem-repeat lectins inherently possess multivalency, independent of this complex process. The repeat domains, although not identical, display slightly distinct specificities within a predetermined geometry, enhancing specificity, affinity, avidity and even oligomerization. Despite the recognition of this structural characteristic in recently discovered lectins by numerous studies, a unified criterion to define tandem-repeat lectins is still necessary. We suggest defining them multivalent lectins with intrachain tandem repeats corresponding to carbohydrate recognition domains, independent of oligomerization. This systematic review examines the folding and phyletic diversity of tandem-repeat lectins and refers to relevant literature. Our study categorizes all lectins with tandemly repeated carbohydrate recognition domains into nine distinct folding classes associated with specific biological functions. Our findings provide a comprehensive description and analysis of tandem-repeat lectins in terms of their functions and structural features. Our exploration of phyletic and functional diversity has revealed previously undocumented tandem-repeat lectins. We propose research directions aimed at enhancing our understanding of the origins of tandem-repeat lectin and fostering the development of medical and biotechnological applications, notably in the design of artificial sugars and neolectins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco H Olvera-Lucio
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico
| | - Héctor Riveros-Rosas
- Depto. Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico
| | - Adrián Quintero-Martínez
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Weng SC, Masri RA, Akbari OS. Advances and challenges in synthetic biology for mosquito control. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:75-88. [PMID: 38000957 PMCID: PMC11064511 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.001] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne illnesses represent a significant global health peril, resulting in approximately one million fatalities annually. West Nile, dengue, Zika, and malaria are continuously expanding their global reach, driven by factors that escalate mosquito populations and pathogen transmission. Innovative control measures are imperative to combat these catastrophic ailments. Conventional approaches, such as eliminating breeding sites and using insecticides, have been helpful, but they face challenges such as insecticide resistance and environmental harm. Given the mounting severity of mosquito-borne diseases, there is promise in exploring innovative approaches using synthetic biology to bolster mosquitoes' resistance to pathogens, or even eliminate the mosquito vectors, as a means of control. This review outlines current strategies, future goals, and the importance of gene editing for global health defenses against mosquito-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Che Weng
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Reem A Masri
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Raban R, Marshall JM, Hay BA, Akbari OS. Manipulating the Destiny of Wild Populations Using CRISPR. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:361-390. [PMID: 37722684 PMCID: PMC11064769 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-031623-105059] [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] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Genetic biocontrol aims to suppress or modify populations of species to protect public health, agriculture, and biodiversity. Advancements in genome engineering technologies have fueled a surge in research in this field, with one gene editing technology, CRISPR, leading the charge. This review focuses on the current state of CRISPR technologies for genetic biocontrol of pests and highlights the progress and ongoing challenges of using these approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Raban
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - John M Marshall
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Bruce A Hay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bottino-Rojas V, James AA. Use of Insect Promoters in Genetic Engineering to Control Mosquito-Borne Diseases. Biomolecules 2022; 13:16. [PMID: 36671401 PMCID: PMC9855440 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito transgenesis and gene-drive technologies provide the basis for developing promising new tools for vector-borne disease prevention by either suppressing wild mosquito populations or reducing their capacity from transmitting pathogens. Many studies of the regulatory DNA and promoters of genes with robust sex-, tissue- and stage-specific expression profiles have supported the development of new tools and strategies that could bring mosquito-borne diseases under control. Although the list of regulatory elements available is significant, only a limited set of those can reliably drive spatial-temporal expression. Here, we review the advances in our ability to express beneficial and other genes in mosquitoes, and highlight the information needed for the development of new mosquito-control and anti-disease strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bottino-Rojas
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Anthony A. James
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hoermann A, Habtewold T, Selvaraj P, Del Corsano G, Capriotti P, Inghilterra MG, Kebede TM, Christophides GK, Windbichler N. Gene drive mosquitoes can aid malaria elimination by retarding Plasmodium sporogonic development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo1733. [PMID: 36129981 PMCID: PMC9491717 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo1733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene drives hold promise for the genetic control of malaria vectors. The development of vector population modification strategies hinges on the availability of effector mechanisms impeding parasite development in transgenic mosquitoes. We augmented a midgut gene of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae to secrete two exogenous antimicrobial peptides, magainin 2 and melittin. This small genetic modification, capable of efficient nonautonomous gene drive, hampers oocyst development in both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei. It delays the release of infectious sporozoites, while it simultaneously reduces the life span of homozygous female transgenic mosquitoes. Modeling the spread of this modification using a large-scale agent-based model of malaria epidemiology reveals that it can break the cycle of disease transmission across a range of transmission intensities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Hoermann
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Tibebu Habtewold
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Prashanth Selvaraj
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Paolo Capriotti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Temesgen M. Kebede
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fofana A, Yerbanga RS, Bilgo E, Ouedraogo GA, Gendrin M, Ouedraogo JB. The Strategy of Paratransgenesis for the Control of Malaria Transmission. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.867104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect-borne diseases are responsible for important burdens on health worldwide particularly in Africa. Malaria alone causes close to half a million deaths every year, mostly in developing, tropical and subtropical countries, with 94% of the global deaths in 2019 occurring in the WHO African region. With several decades, vector control measures have been fundamental to fight against malaria. Considering the spread of resistance to insecticides in mosquitoes and to drugs in parasites, the need for novel strategies to inhibit the transmission of the disease is pressing. In recent years, several studies have focused on the interaction of malaria parasites, bacteria and their insect vectors. Their findings suggested that the microbiota of mosquitoes could be used to block Plasmodium transmission. A strategy, termed paratransgenesis, aims to interfere with the development of malaria parasites within their vectors through genetically-modified microbes, which produce antimalarial effectors inside the insect host. Here we review the progress of the paratransgenesis approach. We provide a historical perspective and then focus on the choice of microbial strains and on genetic engineering strategies. We finally describe the different steps from laboratory design to field implementation to fight against malaria.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dong Y, Dong S, Dizaji NB, Rutkowski N, Pohlenz T, Myles K, Dimopoulos G. The Aedes aegypti siRNA pathway mediates broad-spectrum defense against human pathogenic viruses and modulates antibacterial and antifungal defenses. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001668. [PMID: 35679279 PMCID: PMC9182253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito's innate immune system defends against a variety of pathogens, and the conserved siRNA pathway plays a central role in the control of viral infections. Here, we show that transgenic overexpression of Dicer2 (Dcr2) or R2d2 resulted in an accumulation of 21-nucleotide viral sequences that was accompanied by a significant suppression of dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) replication, thus indicating the broad-spectrum antiviral response mediated by the siRNA pathway that can be applied for the development of novel arbovirus control strategies. Interestingly, overexpression of Dcr2 or R2d2 regulated the mRNA abundance of a variety of antimicrobial immune genes, pointing to additional functions of DCR2 and R2D2 as well as cross-talk between the siRNA pathway and other immune pathways. Accordingly, transgenic overexpression of Dcr2 or R2d2 resulted in a lesser proliferation of the midgut microbiota and increased resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nahid Borhani Dizaji
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Natalie Rutkowski
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tyler Pohlenz
- Texas A & M University, Department of Entomology, TAMU College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kevin Myles
- Texas A & M University, Department of Entomology, TAMU College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pascini TV, Jeong YJ, Huang W, Pala ZR, Sá JM, Wells MB, Kizito C, Sweeney B, Alves E Silva TL, Andrew DJ, Jacobs-Lorena M, Vega-Rodríguez J. Transgenic Anopheles mosquitoes expressing human PAI-1 impair malaria transmission. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2949. [PMID: 35618711 PMCID: PMC9135733 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30606-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the serine protease plasmin degrades extracellular proteins during blood clot removal, tissue remodeling, and cell migration. The zymogen plasminogen is activated into plasmin by two serine proteases: tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a process regulated by plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), a serine protease inhibitor that specifically inhibits tPA and uPA. Plasmodium gametes and sporozoites use tPA and uPA to activate plasminogen and parasite-bound plasmin degrades extracellular matrices, facilitating parasite motility in the mosquito and the mammalian host. Furthermore, inhibition of plasminogen activation by PAI-1 strongly blocks infection in both hosts. To block parasite utilization of plasmin, we engineered Anopheles stephensi transgenic mosquitoes constitutively secreting human PAI-1 (huPAI-1) in the midgut lumen, in the saliva, or both. Mosquitoes expressing huPAI-1 strongly reduced rodent and human Plasmodium parasite transmission to mosquitoes, showing that co-opting plasmin for mosquito infection is a conserved mechanism among Plasmodium species. huPAI-1 expression in saliva induced salivary gland deformation which affects sporozoite invasion and P. berghei transmission to mice, resulting in significant levels of protection from malaria. Targeting the interaction of malaria parasites with the fibrinolytic system using genetically engineered mosquitoes could be developed as an intervention to control malaria transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tales V Pascini
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rm 2E20A, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Yeong Je Jeong
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rm 2E20A, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Zarna R Pala
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rm 2E20A, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Juliana M Sá
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rm 2E20A, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Michael B Wells
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, G10 Hunterian, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Meridian, ID, 83642, USA
| | - Christopher Kizito
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Brendan Sweeney
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rm 2E20A, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Thiago L Alves E Silva
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rm 2E20A, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Deborah J Andrew
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, G10 Hunterian, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Joel Vega-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rm 2E20A, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shinzawa N, Kashima C, Aonuma H, Takahashi K, Shimojima M, Fukumoto S, Saiki E, Yamamoto DS, Yoshida S, Matsuoka H, Kawaoka Y, Kanuka H. Generation of Transgenic Mosquitoes Harboring a Replication-Restricted Virus. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.850111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Live microbe vaccines are designed to elicit strong cellular and antibody responses without developing the symptoms of the disease, and these are effective in preventing infectious diseases. A flying vaccinator (also known as a flying syringe) is a conceptual, genetically engineered hematophagous insect that is used to deliver vaccines such as an antigen from a parasite produced in mosquito saliva; bites from such insects may elicit antibody production by immunizing the host with an antigen through blood-feeding. In addition to a simple vaccine antigen, a flying vaccinator may potentially load a live attenuated microbe with an appropriate mechanism for sustaining its constitutive proliferation in the insect. In this study, a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) lacking the glycoprotein gene (VSV-G) was used to produce replication-restricted VSV (rrVSV) containing GFP. Transgenic Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, in which the salivary glands expressed a VSV-G gene driven by an aapp salivary gland-specific promoter, were generated and injected intraperitoneally with rrVSV. The injected rrVSV entered the cells of the salivary gland and stimulated endogenous production of progeny rrVSV particles, as seen in rrVSV-infected Drosophila melanogaster expressing VSV-G. These data suggested the possibility of developing a valuable tool for delivering genetically attenuated virus vaccines via mosquito saliva, although efficient replication-restricted virus production is required.
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu F, Tang L, Tao M, Cui C, He D, Li L, Liao Y, Gao Y, He J, Sun F, Lin H, Li H. Stichoposide C Exerts Anticancer Effects on Ovarian Cancer by Inducing Autophagy via Inhibiting AKT/mTOR Pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:87-101. [PMID: 35087279 PMCID: PMC8789324 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s340556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Stichoposide C (STC) is a triterpene glycoside isolated from Thelenota ananas, which is previously demonstrated to wide spectrum of anticancer effects against various tumor cells. However, the antitumor effects and underlying molecular mechanisms in ovarian cancer (OC) cells are not fully understood. Here, we examined if and through which mechanisms STC exerts anticancer effects on OC. METHODS CCK-8 and colony formation assays were used to detect cell viability and proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Protein expression and phosphorylation were measured by Western blotting analysis. Confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the autophagy flux. Autophagosome formation was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Antitumor effect of STC was investigated in patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and A2780 subcutaneous xenograft tumors. RESULTS STC was found that not only exerted antiproliferation activity and apoptosis but also induced autophagy. Mechanistically, STC induced autophagy via inhibited the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cells. In addition, STC and an autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) combination treatment showed significant synergetic effects on inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis in vitro. Consistent with cell experiments, STC also inhibited the growth of two OC PDOs. Finally, STC markedly reduced the growth of A2780 subcutaneous xenograft tumors without organ toxicity and activated autophagy in vivo. CONCLUSION Stichoposide C exerts in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects on ovarian cancer by inducing autophagy via inhibiting AKT/mTOR pathway. The findings warrant further prove for STC as a potential therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lumin Tang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengyu Tao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecology Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuang Cui
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di He
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Longxia Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yahui Liao
- Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yamin Gao
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing He
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Sun
- Research Center for Marine Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Pharmacy, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Houwen Lin
- Research Center for Marine Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Pharmacy, RenJi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - He Li
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang GJ, Wang WW, Liu Y, Chai LQ, Wang GX, Liu XS, Wang YF, Wang JL. Steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone promotes CTL1-mediated cellular immunity in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1399-1413. [PMID: 32677271 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mermithid nematodes, such as Ovomermis sinensis, are used as biological control agents against many insect pests, including cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). However, given the host's robust immune system, the infection rate of O. sinensis is low, thus restricting its widespread use. To understand the host defense mechanisms against mermithid nematodes, we identified and characterized a protein involved in the recognition of O. sinensis, the potential O. sinensis-binding protein C-type lectin 1 (HaCTL1a and/or HaCTL1b), which was eluted from the surface of O. sinensis after incubation with H. armigera plasma. HaCTL1b is homologous to the previously reported HaCTL1a protein. HaCTL1 was predominantly expressed in hemocytes and was induced by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone through ecdysone receptor (HaEcR) or ultraspiracle (HaUSP), or both. Binding assays confirmed the interactions of the HaCTL1 proteins with O. sinensis but not with Romanomermis wuchangensis, a parasitic nematode of mosquito. Moreover, the HaCTL1 proteins were secreted into the hemocoel and promoted hemocyte-mediated encapsulation and phagocytosis. A knockdown of HaEcR and/or HaUSP resulted in compromised encapsulation and phagocytosis. Thus, HaCTL1 appears to modulate cellular immunity in the defense against parasitic nematodes, and the 20-hydroxyecdysone-HaEcR-HaUSP complex is involved in regulating the process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Jie Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Wen-Wen Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Lian-Qin Chai
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Guo-Xiu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Jia-Lin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dong S, Dong Y, Simões ML, Dimopoulos G. Mosquito transgenesis for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:54-66. [PMID: 34483052 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases. Because of the ineffectiveness of current malaria-control methods, several novel mosquito vector-based control strategies have been proposed to supplement existing control strategies. Mosquito transgenesis and gene drive have emerged as promising tools for preventing the spread of malaria by either suppressing mosquito populations by self-destructing mosquitoes or replacing mosquito populations with disease-refractory populations. Here we review the development of mosquito transgenesis and its application for malaria control, highlighting the transgenic expression of antiparasitic effector genes, inactivation of host factor genes, and manipulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs. Overall, from a malaria-control perspective, mosquito transgenesis is not envisioned as a stand-alone approach; rather, its use is proposed as a complement to existing vector-control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Caragata EP, Dong S, Dong Y, Simões ML, Tikhe CV, Dimopoulos G. Prospects and Pitfalls: Next-Generation Tools to Control Mosquito-Transmitted Disease. Annu Rev Microbiol 2021; 74:455-475. [PMID: 32905752 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-011320-025557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-transmitted diseases, including malaria and dengue, are a major threat to human health around the globe, affecting millions each year. A diverse array of next-generation tools has been designed to eliminate mosquito populations or to replace them with mosquitoes that are less capable of transmitting key pathogens. Many of these new approaches have been built on recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. These initiatives have driven the development of pathogen-resistant lines, new genetics-based sexing methods, and new methods of driving desirable genetic traits into mosquito populations. Many other emerging tools involve microorganisms, including two strategies involving Wolbachia that are achieving great success in the field. At the same time, other mosquito-associated bacteria, fungi, and even viruses represent untapped sources of new mosquitocidal or antipathogen compounds. Although there are still hurdles to be overcome, the prospect that such approaches will reduce the impact of these diseases is highly encouraging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E P Caragata
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - S Dong
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - Y Dong
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - M L Simões
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - C V Tikhe
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| | - G Dimopoulos
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , , , , ,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dong Y, Simões ML, Dimopoulos G. Versatile transgenic multistage effector-gene combinations for Plasmodium falciparum suppression in Anopheles. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay5898. [PMID: 32426491 PMCID: PMC7220273 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay5898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The malaria parasite's complex journey through the Anopheles mosquito vector provides multiple opportunities for targeting Plasmodium with recombinant effectors at different developmental stages and different host tissues. We have designed and expressed transgenes that efficiently suppress Plasmodium infection by targeting the parasite with multiple independent endogenous and exogenous effectors at multiple infection stages to potentiate suppression and minimize the probability for development of resistance to develop. We have also addressed the fitness impact of transgene expression on the mosquito. We show that highly potent suppression can be achieved by targeting both pre-oocyst stages by transgenically overexpressing either the endogenous immune deficiency immune pathway transcription factor Rel2 or a polycistronic mRNA encoding multiple antiparasitic effectors and simultaneously targeting the sporozoite stages with an anti-sporozoite single-chain antibody fused to the antiparasitic protein Scorpine. Expression of the selected endogenous effector systems appears to pose a lower fitness cost than does the use of foreign genes.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhu Y, Yu X, Cheng G. Insect C-Type Lectins in Microbial Infections. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1204:129-140. [PMID: 32152945 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-1580-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a family of carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD)-containing proteins that bind to ligands in a calcium-dependent manner. CTLs act as important components of insect innate immune responses, such as pattern recognition, agglutination, encapsulation, melanization, phagocytosis and prophenoloxidase activation, as well as gut microbiome homeostasis maintenance, to defend against pathogens. Besides, some insect CTLs can facilitate pathogen infection and colonization. In this review, we describe the properties of insect CTLs and focus on explaining their role in viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.,School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. .,Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Islam A, Emran TB, Yamamoto DS, Iyori M, Amelia F, Yusuf Y, Yamaguchi R, Alam MS, Silveira H, Yoshida S. Anopheline antiplatelet protein from mosquito saliva regulates blood feeding behavior. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3129. [PMID: 30816309 PMCID: PMC6395645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39960-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The saliva of hematophagous arthropods is enriched with a complex mixture of antihemostatic molecules, the biological functions of which are largely unknown. Anopheline antiplatelet protein (AAPP) from malaria vector mosquito exhibits strong antiplatelet activity when bound directly to host collagen by its C-terminus and through its N-terminus with Ca2+-binding activity. To investigate the biological functions of AAPP in blood feeding behavior and malaria transmission, we generated transgenic Anopheles stephensi mosquito lines expressing anti-AAPP antibody single-chain fragment (scFv) in their salivary glands. The AAPP-specific collagen-binding activity was completely abolished by AAPP-scFv complex formation in the saliva. Probing and prediuresis time, feeding success, blood meal size, and fecundity, which are all fitness characteristics, were significantly reduced in the transgenic mosquitoes. However, oocysts number in these mosquitoes were not significantly reduced following blood meal intake from Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. These results show that although AAPP plays an important role in mosquito blood feeding, its neutralizing activity did not affect sporogonic development in our laboratory model, but its high fitness cost would pose a survival risk for parasite-infected mosquitoes in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashekul Islam
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Applied Immunology, Kanazawa University School of Pharmacy, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Applied Immunology, Kanazawa University School of Pharmacy, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Daisuke S Yamamoto
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, 329-0431, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Iyori
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Applied Immunology, Kanazawa University School of Pharmacy, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Fitri Amelia
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Applied Immunology, Kanazawa University School of Pharmacy, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yenni Yusuf
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Applied Immunology, Kanazawa University School of Pharmacy, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Ririka Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Applied Immunology, Kanazawa University School of Pharmacy, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Md Shah Alam
- Laboratory of Ecology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Henrique Silveira
- Laboratory of Vector-borne diseases and Pathogens, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1099-085, Portugal
| | - Shigeto Yoshida
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Applied Immunology, Kanazawa University School of Pharmacy, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xia X, You M, Rao XJ, Yu XQ. Insect C-type lectins in innate immunity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:70-79. [PMID: 29198776 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a family of proteins that contain characteristic modules of carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) and they possess the binding activity to ligands in a calcium-dependent manner. CTLs play important roles in animal immune responses, and in insects, they are involved in opsonization, nodule formation, agglutination, encapsulation, melanization, and prophenoloxidase activation, as well as in maintaining gut microbiome homeostasis. In this review, we will summarize insect CTLs, compare the properties of insect CTLs with vertebrate CTLs, and focus mainly on the domain organization and functions of insect CTLs in innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Vector control strategies based on population modification of Anopheline mosquitoes may have a significant role in the malaria eradication agenda. They could consolidate elimination gains by providing barriers to the reintroduction of parasites and competent vectors, and allow resources to be allocated to new control sites while maintaining treated areas free of malaria. Synthetic biological approaches are being used to generate transgenic mosquitoes for population modification. Proofs-of-principle exist for mosquito transgenesis, the construction of anti-parasite effector genes and gene-drive systems for rapidly introgressing beneficial genes into wild populations. Key challenges now are to develop field-ready strains of mosquitoes that incorporate features that maximize safety and efficacy, and specify pathways from discovery to development. We propose three pathways and a framework for target product profiles that maximize safety and efficacy while meeting the demands of the complexity of malaria transmission, and the regulatory and social diversity of potential end-users and stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony A. James
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tetreau G, Pinaud S, Portet A, Galinier R, Gourbal B, Duval D. Specific Pathogen Recognition by Multiple Innate Immune Sensors in an Invertebrate. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1249. [PMID: 29051762 PMCID: PMC5633686 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of pathogens by all living organisms is the primary step needed to implement a coherent and efficient immune response. This implies a mediation by different soluble and/or membrane-anchored proteins related to innate immune receptors called PRRs (pattern-recognition receptors) to trigger immune signaling pathways. In most invertebrates, their roles have been inferred by analogy to those already characterized in vertebrate homologs. Despite the induction of their gene expression upon challenge and the presence of structural domains associated with the detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns in their sequence, their exact role in the induction of immune response and their binding capacity still remain to be demonstrated. To this purpose, we developed a fast interactome approach, usable on any host–pathogen couple, to identify soluble proteins capable of directly or indirectly detecting the presence of pathogens. To investigate the molecular basis of immune recognition specificity, different pathogens (Gram-positive bacterium, Micrococcus luteus; Gram-negative, Escherichia coli; yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae; and metazoan parasites, Echinostoma caproni or Schistosoma mansoni) were exposed to hemocyte-free hemolymph from the gastropod Biomphalaria glabrata. Twenty-three different proteins bound to pathogens were identified and grouped into three different categories based on their primary function. Each pathogen was recognized by a specific but overlapping set of circulating proteins in mollusk’s hemolymph. While known PRRs such as C-type lectins were identified, other proteins not known to be primarily involved in pathogen recognition were found, including actin, tubulin, collagen, and hemoglobin. Confocal microscopy and specific fluorescent labeling revealed that extracellular actin present in snail hemolymph was able to bind to yeasts and induce their clotting, a preliminary step for their elimination by the snail immune system. Aerolysin-like proteins (named biomphalysins) were the only ones involved in the recognition of all the five pathogens tested, suggesting a sentinel role of these horizontally acquired toxins. These findings highlight the diversity and complexity of a highly specific innate immune sensing system. It paves the way for the use of such approach on a wide range of host–pathogen systems to provide new insights into the specificity and diversity of immune recognition by innate immune systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Tetreau
- University of Perpignan, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Silvain Pinaud
- University of Perpignan, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Anaïs Portet
- University of Perpignan, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Richard Galinier
- University of Perpignan, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Benjamin Gourbal
- University of Perpignan, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - David Duval
- University of Perpignan, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Simões ML, Dong Y, Hammond A, Hall A, Crisanti A, Nolan T, Dimopoulos G. The Anopheles FBN9 immune factor mediates Plasmodium species-specific defense through transgenic fat body expression. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 67:257-265. [PMID: 27667688 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes have a multifaceted innate immune system that is actively engaged in warding off various pathogens, including the protozoan malaria parasite Plasmodium. Various immune signaling pathways and effectors have been shown to mediate a certain degree of defense specificity against different Plasmodium species. A key pattern recognition receptor of the Anopheles gambiae immune system is the fibrinogen domain-containing immunolectin FBN9, which has been shown to be transcriptonally induced by Plasmodium infection, and to mediate defense against both rodent and human malaria parasites and bacteria. Here we have further studied the defense specificity of FBN9 using a transgenic approach, in which FBN9 is overexpressed in the fat body tissue after a blood meal through a vitellogenin promoter. Interestingly, the Vg-FBN9 transgenic mosquitoes showed increased resistance only to the rodent parasite P. berghei, and not to the human parasite P. falciparum, pointing to differences in the mosquito's defense mechanisms against the two parasite species. The Vg-FBN9 transgenic mosquitoes were also more resistant to infection with both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and showed increased longevity when infected with P. berghei. Our study points to the importance of both experimentally depleting and enriching candidate anti-Plasmodium effectors in functional studies in order to ascertain their suitability for the development of transgenic mosquito-based malaria control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew Hammond
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ann Hall
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Tony Nolan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Jupatanakul N, Sim S, Angleró-Rodríguez YI, Souza-Neto J, Das S, Poti KE, Rossi SL, Bergren N, Vasilakis N, Dimopoulos G. Engineered Aedes aegypti JAK/STAT Pathway-Mediated Immunity to Dengue Virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005187. [PMID: 28081143 PMCID: PMC5230736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed genetically modified Ae. aegypti mosquitoes that activate the conserved antiviral JAK/STAT pathway in the fat body tissue, by overexpressing either the receptor Dome or the Janus kinase Hop by the blood feeding-induced vitellogenin (Vg) promoter. Transgene expression inhibits infection with several dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in the midgut as well as systemically and in the salivary glands. The impact of the transgenes Dome and Hop on mosquito longevity was minimal, but it resulted in a compromised fecundity when compared to wild-type mosquitoes. Overexpression of Dome and Hop resulted in profound transcriptome regulation in the fat body tissue as well as the midgut tissue, pinpointing several expression signatures that reflect mechanisms of DENV restriction. Our transcriptome studies and reverse genetic analyses suggested that enrichment of DENV restriction factor and depletion of DENV host factor transcripts likely accounts for the DENV inhibition, and they allowed us to identify novel factors that modulate infection. Interestingly, the fat body-specific activation of the JAK/STAT pathway did not result in any enhanced resistance to Zika virus (ZIKV) or chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, thereby indicating a possible specialization of the pathway’s antiviral role. Dengue has represented a significant public health burden for a number of decades, and given the lack of dengue-specific drugs and limited availability of licensed vaccine, new methods for prevention and control are urgently needed. Here, we investigated whether genetic manipulation of the mosquitoes’ native JAK/STAT pathway-mediated anti-DENV defense system could be used to render mosquitoes more resistant to infection. We generated Ae. aegypti mosquitoes overexpressing the JAK/STAT pathway components Dome and Hop under the control of a bloodmeal-inducible, fat body-specific vitellogenin (Vg) promoter. These genetically modified mosquitoes showed an increased resistance to DENV infection, likely because of higher expression of DENV restriction factors and lower expression of DENV host factors, as indicated by transcriptome analyses. Expression of the transgenes had a minimal impact on mosquito longevity; however, it significantly impaired the mosquitoes’ fecundity. Interestingly, bloodmeal-inducible fat body-specific overexpression of either Hop or Dome did not affect mosquito permissiveness to either ZIKV or CHIKV infection, suggesting a possible specialization of JAK/STAT pathway antiviral defenses. Thus, our study is the first to provide a proof-of-concept that genetic engineering of the mosquitoes’ JAK/STAT immune pathway can be used to render this host more resistant to DENV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natapong Jupatanakul
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shuzhen Sim
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yesseinia I. Angleró-Rodríguez
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jayme Souza-Neto
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Suchismita Das
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kristin E. Poti
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology and Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston TX, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Bergren
- Department of Pathology and Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston TX, United States of America
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Department of Pathology and Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston TX, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
This article attempts to draw together current knowledge on the biology of Plasmodium and experience gained from past control campaigns to interpret and guide current efforts to discover and develop exciting new strategies targeting the parasite with the objective of interrupting transmission. Particular note is made of the advantages of targeting often unappreciated small, yet vital, bottleneck populations to enhance both the impact and the useful lifetime of hard-won interventions. A case is made for the standardization of methods to measure transmission blockade to permit the rational comparison of how diverse interventions (drugs, vaccines, insecticides, Genetically Modified technologies) targeting disparate aspects of parasite biology may impact upon the commonly used parameter of parasite prevalence in the human population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R E Sinden
- The Jenner Institute, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Subramani PA, Narasimha RV, Balasubramanian R, Narala VR, Ganesh MR, Michael RD. Cytotoxic effects of Aeromonas hydrophila culture supernatant on peripheral blood leukocytes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Possible presence of a secreted cytotoxic lectin. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 58:604-611. [PMID: 27702674 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.09.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Number of exotoxins like haemolysin, leukocidin, aerolysin etc. were reported from Aeromonas hydrophila. In this study, we report the haemolytic and cytotoxic effect of A. hydrophila culture supernatant (CS) that is specifically inhibited by lactose and also by serum and mucus of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Hence, we assume the presence of a secreted lectin in the CS. CS is toxic to peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) of O. niloticus as revealed by MTT assay and by flow cytometry. DNA laddering assay indicates that CS causes necrosis to PBL. As a result of necrosis, CS treated PBL showed increased production of reactive oxygen species as indicated by nitroblue tetrazolium and 2',7' -dichlorofluorescin diacetate assays. CS treated PBL showed reduced mRNA expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ genes. When CS was subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it showed a single band corresponding to the molecular weight of 45 kDa. However, upon concentrating the CS by ultrafiltration, many bands were visualized. Further studies at molecular level are required to unravel this macromolecular-leukocyte interaction which would ultimately benefit the aquaculture industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parasuraman Aiya Subramani
- Centre for Fish Immunology, Vels Institute of Science, Technology, and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, 600117, India
| | | | - Ramalakshmi Balasubramanian
- Centre for Fish Immunology, Vels Institute of Science, Technology, and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, 600117, India
| | | | - M R Ganesh
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine, SRM University, Kattankulathur, 603203, India
| | - R Dinakaran Michael
- Centre for Fish Immunology, Vels Institute of Science, Technology, and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, 600117, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yamamoto DS, Sumitani M, Kasashima K, Sezutsu H, Matsuoka H. Inhibition of Malaria Infection in Transgenic Anopheline Mosquitoes Lacking Salivary Gland Cells. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005872. [PMID: 27598328 PMCID: PMC5012584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an important global public health challenge, and is transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes during blood feeding. Mosquito vector control is one of the most effective methods to control malaria, and population replacement with genetically engineered mosquitoes to block its transmission is expected to become a new vector control strategy. The salivary glands are an effective target tissue for the expression of molecules that kill or inactivate malaria parasites. Moreover, salivary gland cells express a large number of molecules that facilitate blood feeding and parasite transmission to hosts. In the present study, we adapted a functional deficiency system in specific tissues by inducing cell death using the mouse Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) to the Asian malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles stephensi. We applied this technique to salivary gland cells, and produced a transgenic strain containing extremely low amounts of saliva. Although probing times for feeding on mice were longer in transgenic mosquitoes than in wild-type mosquitoes, transgenic mosquitoes still successfully ingested blood. Transgenic mosquitoes also exhibited a significant reduction in oocyst formation in the midgut in a rodent malaria model. These results indicate that mosquito saliva plays an important role in malaria infection in the midgut of anopheline mosquitoes. The dysfunction in the salivary glands enabled the inhibition of malaria transmission from hosts to mosquito midguts. Therefore, salivary components have potential in the development of new drugs or genetically engineered mosquitoes for malaria control. Malaria, transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes, represents an important global public health challenge. The salivary glands of mosquitoes are an attractive target tissue for malaria and vector control. We produced a transgenic strain inducing cell death in the salivary glands with a cell death effector molecule in the Asian malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles stephensi. This transgenic strain contained extremely low amounts of saliva. An analysis of this strain revealed that saliva plays an important role in probing as well as malaria infection in the midgut in a rodent malaria model. The dysfunction in the salivary glands enabled the inhibition of malaria transmission to mosquito midguts. Therefore, salivary components are also important in malaria control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke S. Yamamoto
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Megumi Sumitani
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Katsumi Kasashima
- Division of Functional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Matsuoka
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Moura RM, Melo AA, Carneiro RF, Rodrigues CR, Delatorre P, Nascimento KS, Saker-Sampaio S, Nagano CS, Cavada BS, Sampaio AH. Hemagglutinating/Hemolytic activities in extracts of marine invertebrates from the Brazilian coast and isolation of two lectins from the marine sponge Cliona varians and the sea cucumber Holothuria grisea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 87:973-84. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201520140399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Twenty species of marine invertebrates from the Brazilian coast were screened for hemagglutinating/hemolytic activity. In at least twelve tested species, hemagglutinating activity was different for different blood types, suggesting the presence of lectins. Extracts from four species showed hemolytic activity. Two new lectins were purified from the marine sponge Cliona varians (CvL-2) and sea cucumber Holothuria grisea (HGL). CvL-2 was able to agglutinate rabbit erythrocytes and was inhibited by galactosides. The hemagglutinating activity was optimal in pH neutral and temperatures below 70 °C. CvL-2 is a trimeric protein with subunits of 175 kDa. On the other hand, HGL showed both hemagglutinating and hemolytic activity in human and rabbit erythrocytes, but hemolysis could be inhibited by osmotic protection, and agglutination was inhibited by mucin. HGL was stable in pH values ranging from 4 to 10 and temperatures up to 90 °C. In electrophoresis and gel filtration, HGL was a monomeric protein with 15 kDa. CvL-2 and HGL showed different levels of toxicity to Artemia naplii. CvL-2 showed LC50 of 850.1 μg/mL, whereas HGL showed LC50 of 9.5 µg/mL.
Collapse
|
27
|
Xue Z, Li H, Wang X, Li X, Liu Y, Sun J, Liu C. A review of the immune molecules in the sea cucumber. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 44:1-11. [PMID: 25655326 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
It is very important to identify and characterize the immune-related genes that respond to pathogens. Until recently, only some of the immune-related genes in sea cucumbers had been characterized. Their expression patterns after pathogen challenges have been analyzed via expressed sequence tag libraries, microarray studies and proteomic approaches. These genes include lectins, antimicrobial peptides, lysozyme, enzymes, clotting protein, pattern recognition proteins, Toll receptors, complement C3 and other humoral factors that might participate in the innate immune system of sea cucumbers. Although the participation of some of these immune molecules in the sea cucumber's innate immune defense against invading pathogens has been demonstrated, the functions of many of the molecules remain unclear. This review focuses on the discovery and functional characterization of the immune-related molecules from the sea cucumber for the first time and provides new insights into the immune mechanisms of the sea cucumber, which opens new possibilities for developing drugs for novel anti-bacterial and antiviral applications in fisheries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Xue
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Hui Li
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiuli Wang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Liaoning Province Academy of Analytic Science, Shenyang 110015, China
| | - Cenjie Liu
- Dalian Institute of Product Quality Supervision & Inspection, Dalian 116023, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cheung RCF, Wong JH, Pan W, Chan YS, Yin C, Dan X, Ng TB. Marine lectins and their medicinal applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015. [PMID: 25794876 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6518-0/tables/2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Marine organisms have been extensively explored for the last several decades as potential sources of novel biologically active compounds, and extensive research has been conducted on lectins. Lectins derived from marine organisms are structurally diverse and also differ from those identified from terrestrial organisms. Marine lectins appear to be particularly useful in some biological applications. They seem to induce negligible immunogenicity because they have a relatively small size, are more stable due to extensive disulfide bridge formation, and have high specificity for complex glyco-conjugates and carbohydrates instead of simple sugars. It is clear that many of them have not yet been extensively studied when compared with their terrestrial counterparts. Marine lectins can be used to design and develop new potentially useful therapeutic agents. This review encompasses recent research on the isolation and identification of marine lectins with potential value in medicinal applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cheung RCF, Wong JH, Pan W, Chan YS, Yin C, Dan X, Ng TB. Marine lectins and their medicinal applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:3755-73. [PMID: 25794876 PMCID: PMC7080081 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6518-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine organisms have been extensively explored for the last several decades as potential sources of novel biologically active compounds, and extensive research has been conducted on lectins. Lectins derived from marine organisms are structurally diverse and also differ from those identified from terrestrial organisms. Marine lectins appear to be particularly useful in some biological applications. They seem to induce negligible immunogenicity because they have a relatively small size, are more stable due to extensive disulfide bridge formation, and have high specificity for complex glyco-conjugates and carbohydrates instead of simple sugars. It is clear that many of them have not yet been extensively studied when compared with their terrestrial counterparts. Marine lectins can be used to design and develop new potentially useful therapeutic agents. This review encompasses recent research on the isolation and identification of marine lectins with potential value in medicinal applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Francischetti IMB, Ma D, Andersen JF, Ribeiro JMC. Evidence for a lectin specific for sulfated glycans in the salivary gland of the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107295. [PMID: 25207644 PMCID: PMC4160252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland homogenate (SGH) from the female mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae, An. stephensi, An. freeborni, An. dirus and An. albimanus were found to exhibit hemagglutinating (lectin) activity. Lectin activity was not found for male An. gambiae, or female Ae aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Phlebotomus duboscqi, and Lutzomyia longipalpis. With respect to species-specificity, An. gambiae SGH agglutinates red blood cells (RBC) from humans, horse, sheep, goat, pig, and cow; it is less active for rats RBC, and not detectable for guinea-pigs or chicken RBC. Notably, lectin activity was inhibited by low concentrations of dextran sulfate 50–500 K, fucoidan, heparin, laminin, heparin sulfate proteoglycan, sialyl-containing glycans (e.g. 3′-sialyl Lewis X, and 6′-sialyl lactose), and gangliosides (e.g. GM3, GD1, GD1b, GTB1, GM1, GQ1B), but not by simple sugars. These results imply that molecule(s) in the salivary gland target sulfated glycans. SGH from An. gambiae was also found to promote agglutination of HL-60 cells which are rich in sialyl Lewis X, a glycan that decorates PSGL-1, the neutrophils receptor that interacts with endothelial cell P-selectin. Accordingly, SGH interferes with HL-60 cells adhesion to immobilized P-selectin. Because An. gambiae SGH expresses galectins, one member of this family (herein named Agalectin) was expressed in E. coli. Recombinant Agalectin behaves as a non-covalent homodimer. It does not display lectin activity, and does not interact with 500 candidates tested in a Glycan microarray. Gel-filtration chromatography of the SGH of An. gambiae identified a fraction with hemagglutinating activity, which was analyzed by 1D PAGE followed by in-gel tryptic digestion, and nano-LC MS/MS. This approach identified several genes which emerge as candidates for a lectin targeting sulfated glycans, the first with this selectivity to be reported in the SGH of a blood-sucking arthropod. The role of salivary molecules (sialogenins) with lectin activity is discussed in the context of inflammation, and parasite-vector-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivo M. B. Francischetti
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Dongying Ma
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John F. Andersen
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - José M. C. Ribeiro
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
McArthur CC, Meredith JM, Eggleston P. Transgenic Anopheles gambiae expressing an antimalarial peptide suffer no significant fitness cost. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88625. [PMID: 24516671 PMCID: PMC3916423 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases present some of the greatest health challenges faced by the world today. In many cases, existing control measures are compromised by insecticide resistance, pathogen tolerance to drugs and the lack of effective vaccines. In light of these difficulties, new genetic tools for disease control programmes, based on the deployment of genetically modified mosquitoes, are seen as having great promise. Transgenic strains may be used to control disease transmission either by suppressing vector populations or by replacing susceptible with refractory genotypes. In practice, the fitness of the transgenic strain relative to natural mosquitoes will be a critical determinant of success. We previously described a transgenic strain of Anopheles gambiae expressing the Vida3 peptide into the female midgut following a blood-meal, which exhibited significant protection against malaria parasites. Here, we investigated the fitness of this strain relative to non-transgenic controls through comparisons of various life history traits. Experiments were designed, as far as possible, to equalize genetic backgrounds and heterogeneity such that fitness comparisons focussed on the presence and expression of the transgene cassette. We also employed reciprocal crosses to identify any fitness disturbance associated with inheritance of the transgene from either the male or female parent. We found no evidence that the presence or expression of the effector transgene or associated fluorescence markers caused any significant fitness cost in relation to larval mortality, pupal sex ratio, fecundity, hatch rate or longevity of blood-fed females. In fact, fecundity was increased in transgenic strains. We did, however, observe some fitness disturbances associated with the route of inheritance of the transgene. Maternal inheritance delayed male pupation whilst paternal inheritance increased adult longevity for both males and unfed females. Overall, in comparison to controls, there was no evidence of significant fitness costs associated with the presence or expression of transgenes in this strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare C. McArthur
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Janet M. Meredith
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Eggleston
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Temperature alters Plasmodium blocking by Wolbachia. Sci Rep 2014; 4:3932. [PMID: 24488176 PMCID: PMC3909897 DOI: 10.1038/srep03932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Very recently, the Asian malaria vector (Anopheles stephensi) was stably transinfected with the wAlbB strain of Wolbachia, inducing refractoriness to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. However, conditions in the field can differ substantially from those in the laboratory. We use the rodent malaria P. yoelii, and somatically transinfected An. stephensi as a model system to investigate whether the transmission blocking potential of wAlbB is likely to be robust across different thermal environments. wAlbB reduced malaria parasite prevalence and oocyst intensity at 28°C. At 24°C there was no effect on prevalence but a marked increase in oocyst intensity. At 20°C, wAlbB had no effect on prevalence or intensity. Additionally, we identified a novel effect of wAlbB that resulted in reduced sporozoite development across temperatures, counterbalancing the oocyst enhancement at 24°C. Our results demonstrate complex effects of temperature on the Wolbachia-malaria interaction, and suggest the impacts of transinfection might vary across diverse environments.
Collapse
|
33
|
Smith RC, Kizito C, Rasgon JL, Jacobs-Lorena M. Transgenic mosquitoes expressing a phospholipase A(2) gene have a fitness advantage when fed Plasmodium falciparum-infected blood. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76097. [PMID: 24098427 PMCID: PMC3788000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetically modified mosquitoes have been proposed as an alternative strategy to reduce the heavy burden of malaria. In recent years, several proof-of-principle experiments have been performed that validate the idea that mosquitoes can be genetically modified to become refractory to malaria parasite development. Results We have created two transgenic lines of Anophelesstephensi, a natural vector of Plasmodium falciparum, which constitutively secrete a catalytically inactive phospholipase A2 (mPLA2) into the midgut lumen to interfere with Plasmodium ookinete invasion. Our experiments show that both transgenic lines expressing mPLA2 significantly impair the development of rodent malaria parasites, but only one line impairs the development of human malaria parasites. In addition, when fed on malaria-infected blood, mosquitoes from both transgenic lines are more fecund than non-transgenic mosquitoes. Consistent with these observations, cage experiments with mixed populations of transgenic and non-transgenic mosquitoes show that the percentage of transgenic mosquitoes increases when maintained on Plasmodium-infected blood. Conclusions Our results suggest that the expression of an anti-Plasmodium effector gene gives transgenic mosquitoes a fitness advantage when fed malaria-infected blood. These findings have important implications for future applications of transgenic mosquito technology in malaria control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christopher Kizito
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jason L. Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Matsuoka H. Production of a transgenic mosquito, as a flying syringe, to deliver protective vaccine via saliva. MALARIAWORLD JOURNAL 2013; 4:4. [PMID: 38828114 PMCID: PMC11138733 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10894636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Matsuoka
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, 1311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi-ken, 329-0498 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Koosha M, Abai MR, Abolhasani M, Charedar S, Basseri HR. Lectin Activity in Gut Extract of Culex pipiens. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2013; 7:23-30. [PMID: 23785692 PMCID: PMC3684494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of lectins is important in interaction between pathogens and mosquito vectors. This study was performed to identify agglutinin activities of protein molecules on the midgut of Culex pipiens. METHODS Culex pipiens was reared in insectray condition and the midguts of males and females (blood fed and unfed) were dissected separately in Tris-HCl buffer. The extracts of midguts were applied for hemagglutinin assay against red blood cells of rabbit, mouse, rat, dog, horse, sheep, guinea pig, cow, human (A, B, AB, O groups). Then, the RBCs with relatively high agglutinin activity were chosen for carbohydrate inhibition assay. D (+) glucose, D (+) galactose, D (+) mannose, D (-) fructose, D (-) arabinose, L (-) fucose, lactose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, sialic acid were used to specify carbohydrate binding lectin. RESULTS The highest agglutinin activities were found against sheep and rabbits RBCs. Sexual diversity of agglutinin activities was observed among midgut extraction of males and females. In addition, variation in agglutinin activity of blood fed and unfed female mosquitoes were detected. The lectin activity was inhibited highly with glucose, galactose, fucose and fructose but less inhibitor activities was observed by arabinose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, n-acetyl-d-glucosamine, lactose and mannose. CONCLUSION The secretion of hemagglutinins (lectins or lectin-like molecules) in the digestive system depends on the type of food in the gut. This suggests that emptying of the gut in preparation for protein rich food probably starts the secretion of hemagglutinins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Koosha
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abai
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mandan Abolhasani
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soroor Charedar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Basseri
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Meredith JM, Underhill A, McArthur CC, Eggleston P. Next-generation site-directed transgenesis in the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles gambiae: self-docking strains expressing germline-specific phiC31 integrase. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59264. [PMID: 23516619 PMCID: PMC3596282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes have a devastating impact on global health and the situation is complicated due to difficulties with both existing control measures and the impact of climate change. Genetically modified mosquitoes that are refractory to disease transmission are seen as having great potential in the delivery of novel control strategies. The Streptomyces phage phiC31 integrase system has been successfully adapted for site-directed transgene integration in a range of insects, thus overcoming many limitations due to size constraints and random integration associated with transposon-mediated transformation. Using this technology, we previously published the first site-directed transformation of Anopheles gambiae, the principal vector of human malaria. Mosquitoes were initially engineered to incorporate the phiC31 docking site at a defined genomic location. A second phase of genetic modification then achieved site-directed integration of an anti-malarial effector gene. In the current publication we report improved efficiency and utility of the phiC31 integrase system following the generation of Anopheles gambiae self-docking strains. Four independent strains, with docking sites at known locations on three different chromosome arms, were engineered to express integrase under control of the regulatory regions of the nanos gene from Anopheles gambiae. The resulting protein accumulates in the posterior oocyte to provide integrase activity at the site of germline development. Two self-docking strains, exhibiting significantly different levels of integrase expression, were assessed for site-directed transgene integration and found to demonstrate greatly improved survival and efficiency of transformation. In the fight against malaria, it is imperative to establish a broad repertoire of both anti-malarial effector genes and tissue-specific promoters to regulate their expression, enabling those offering maximum effect with minimum fitness cost to be identified. The improved technology we describe here will facilitate comparative studies of effector transgenes, allowing informed choices to be made that potentially lead to transmission blockade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet M. Meredith
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Underhill
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Clare C. McArthur
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Eggleston
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang S, Jacobs-Lorena M. Genetic approaches to interfere with malaria transmission by vector mosquitoes. Trends Biotechnol 2013; 31:185-93. [PMID: 23395485 PMCID: PMC3593784 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most devastating diseases worldwide, causing over 1 million deaths every year. The most vulnerable stages of Plasmodium development in the vector mosquito occur in the midgut lumen, making the midgut a prime target for intervention. Mosquito transgenesis and paratransgenesis are two novel strategies that aim at rendering the vector incapable of sustaining Plasmodium development. Mosquito transgenesis involves direct genetic engineering of the mosquito itself for delivery of anti-Plasmodium effector molecules. Conversely, paratransgenesis involves the genetic modification of mosquito symbionts for expression of anti-pathogen effector molecules. Here we consider both genetic manipulation strategies for rendering mosquitoes refractory to Plasmodium infection, and discuss challenges for the translation of laboratory findings to field applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Sumitani M, Kasashima K, Yamamoto DS, Yagi K, Yuda M, Matsuoka H, Yoshida S. Reduction of malaria transmission by transgenic mosquitoes expressing an antisporozoite antibody in their salivary glands. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 22:41-51. [PMID: 23176559 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2012.01168.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We have previously developed a robust salivary gland-specific expression system in transgenic Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. To establish transgenic mosquito lines refractory to Plasmodium falciparum using this system, we generated a transgenic mosquito harbouring the gene encoding an anti-P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) single-chain antibody (scFv) fused to DsRed in a secretory form (mDsRed-2A10 scFv). Fluorescence microscopy showed that the mDsRed-2A10 scFv was localized in the secretory cavities and ducts of the salivary glands in a secreted form. To evaluate P. falciparum transmission-blocking in a rodent malaria model, a transgenic Plasmodium berghei line expressing PfCSP in place of PbCSP (PfCSP/Pb) was constructed. The PfCSP/Pb parasites were able to bind to the mDsRed-2A10 scFv in the salivary glands of the transgenic mosquitoes. Importantly, the infectivity of the transgenic mosquitoes to mice was strongly impaired, indicating that the parasites had been inactivated. These results suggest that salivary gland-specific expression of antisporozoite molecules could be a promising strategy for blocking malaria transmission to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Sumitani
- Genetically Modified Organism Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rethinking vector immunology: the role of environmental temperature in shaping resistance. Nat Rev Microbiol 2012; 10:869-76. [PMID: 23147703 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro2900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recent ecological research has revealed that environmental factors can strongly affect insect immunity and influence the outcome of host-parasite interactions. To date, however, most studies examining immune function in mosquitoes have ignored environmental variability. We argue that one such environmental variable, temperature, influences both vector immunity and the parasite itself. As temperatures in the field can vary greatly from the ambient temperature in the laboratory, it will be essential to take temperature into account when studying vector immunology.
Collapse
|
40
|
Matsuoka H, Sano GI, Hattori R, Tomita H, Yamamoto DS, Hirai M. One Injection of DsRed Followed by Bites from Transgenic Mosquitoes Producing DsRed in the Saliva Elicits a High Titer of Antibody in Mice. Trop Med Health 2012; 40:47-52. [PMID: 23097619 PMCID: PMC3473083 DOI: 10.2149/tmh.2011-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that transgenic mosquitoes can be used as a “flying syringe” for infectious disease control. We succeeded in generating a transgenic (TG) mosquito, Anopheles stephensi, excreting and discharging DsRed in saliva. DsRed was deposited on the membrane where the TG mosquito probed with its proboscis. Repeated feeding by the TG mosquitoes induced anti-DeRed as well as anti-SG antibodies in mice. This indicates that the TG mosquitoes can immunize the animal. Moreover, in this report, we employed a pre-immunization method before exposing mice to the TG mosquitoes. We injected DsRed to mice to prepare memory B cells and exposed the mice to bites by the TG mosquitoes excreting DsRed. The mice produced a higher titer of antibody to DsRed, suggesting that the bites from TG mosquitoes act as a booster and that primary immunization with a vaccine protein and exposure to TG mosquitoes excreting the vaccine protein in the saliva produces a synergistic effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Matsuoka
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mona MH, Omran NEE, Mansoor MA, El-Fakharany ZM. Antischistosomal effect of holothurin extracted from some Egyptian sea cucumbers. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2012; 50:1144-1150. [PMID: 22486556 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2012.661741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Holothuria polii (H. polii) Linnaeus (Holothuriidae), Actinopyga mauritiana (A. mauritiana) Quoy & Gaimard (Holothuriidae) and Bohadschia vitiensis (B. vitiensis) Semper (Holothuriidae) are sea cucumbers inhabiting the coasts of Egypt. Their tegument and the cuvierian gland contained a substance called holothurin that was used in traditional medicine. These three species are abundant in the Egyptian coast, however there are no reports about their efficacy as antiparasitic agent. OBJECTIVE The antischistosomal effect of the holothurin extracted from the three species of sea cucumber is investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ethanol extract was made from the tegument of both H. polii and A. mauritiana while it was made from the cuvierian gland of B. vitiensis. The body wall (or cuvierian gland) of the sea cucumber was blended with 95% ethanol in a volume = 4 × tissue weight. Extraction was done at room temperature for one day then filtered. The ethanol was removed by evaporation using Rotavapour (BÜCHI 461 water bath REIII) at 40°C. Later the aqueous residue was placed in a vacuum oven at 20°C for about 48 h to remove water. The resulting dried mass was then stored at -4°C until use. The percentage yield and the LD₅₀ were calculated for each extract. Each extract was administered orally to Shistosoma mansoni infected mice in acute and chronic phases of infection. The dose of one-tenth of LD₅₀ of each extract was administrated to mice (5.4, 62.2, and 10 mg/kg body weight/mouse for H. polii extract (HPE), A. mauritiana extract (AME), and cuvierian gland of B. vitiensis, respectively) for 24 h. The effects of each extract on the worm burden and total egg count was studied. The effects of each extract on the worm tegument using scanning electron microscope (SEM) were investigated in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS The percentage yield of cuvierian gland extract (CGE) was higher (70%) than the tegument AME (33.4%) and HPE (9.3%). The 24 h LD₅₀ of investigated sea cucumber ethanol extracts were 54.46, 627, and 100 mg/kg body weight/mouse for HPE, AME, and CGE. Oral administration of HPE caused decrease in male and female worm burden of 30-day infected mice to reach 60 and 90%, respectively. HPE decreased the egg count significantly in those mice with 30-day (1.75 egg counts/g tissue, p < 0.05) and 45-day (3.25 egg counts/g tissue, p < 0.05) infections. SEM studies of recovered worms from treated mice with all extracts showed different tegumental changes like formation of blebs, wrinkling, formation of numerous pores, and rupturing of some tubercles. These effects were more pronounced in those worms treated in vitro represented by severe shrinkage of the tegument, deformation of spines, rupturing, and collapsing of tubercles. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Results support the hypothesis that holothurin is a promising antischistosomal agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed H Mona
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Marois E, Scali C, Soichot J, Kappler C, Levashina EA, Catteruccia F. High-throughput sorting of mosquito larvae for laboratory studies and for future vector control interventions. Malar J 2012; 11:302. [PMID: 22929810 PMCID: PMC3470999 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquito transgenesis offers new promises for the genetic control of vector-borne infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Genetic control strategies require the release of large number of male mosquitoes into field populations, whether they are based on the use of sterile males (sterile insect technique, SIT) or on introducing genetic traits conferring refractoriness to disease transmission (population replacement). However, the current absence of high-throughput techniques for sorting different mosquito populations impairs the application of these control measures. Methods A method was developed to generate large mosquito populations of the desired sex and genotype. This method combines flow cytometry and the use of Anopheles gambiae transgenic lines that differentially express fluorescent markers in males and females. Results Fluorescence-assisted sorting allowed single-step isolation of homozygous transgenic mosquitoes from a mixed population. This method was also used to select wild-type males only with high efficiency and accuracy, a highly desirable tool for genetic control strategies where the release of transgenic individuals may be problematic. Importantly, sorted males showed normal mating ability compared to their unsorted brothers. Conclusions The developed method will greatly facilitate both laboratory studies of mosquito vectorial capacity requiring high-throughput approaches and future field interventions in the fight against infectious disease vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Marois
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U963, CNRS UPR9022, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Caljon G, De Vooght L, Van Den Abbeele J. Options for the delivery of anti-pathogen molecules in arthropod vectors. J Invertebr Pathol 2012; 112 Suppl:S75-82. [PMID: 22841635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2012.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Blood feeding arthropods are responsible for the transmission of a large array of medically important infectious agents that include viruses, bacteria, protozoan parasites and helminths. The recent development of transgenic and paratransgenic technologies have enabled supplementing the immune system of these arthropod vectors with anti-pathogen effector molecules in view of compromising their vector competence for these microbial agents. The characteristics of the selected anti-pathogen compound will largely determine the efficacy and specificity of this approach. Low specificity will generally result in bystander effects, likely having a direct or indirect fitness cost for the arthropod. In contrast, the use of highly specific compounds from the adaptive immune system of vertebrates such as antibody derived fragments is more likely to enable highly specific effects without conferring a selective disadvantage to the (para)transgenic arthropods. Here, Nanobodies® are excellent candidates to increase the immune competence of arthropods. Moreover they were shown to exert a novel type of anti-pathogen activity that uniquely depends on their small size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy Caljon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yamamoto DS, Sumitani M, Nagumo H, Yoshida S, Matsuoka H. Induction of antisporozoite antibodies by biting of transgenic Anopheles stephensi delivering malarial antigen via blood feeding. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 21:223-33. [PMID: 22787718 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2011.01128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We produced a transgenic mosquito expressing a rodent malaria vaccine candidate antigen in the salivary gland. Three tandemly repeated amino acid units from the repeat region of circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium berghei (PbCS3R) fused to red fluorescent protein (monomeric DsRed) was chosen as a vaccine candidate antigen. Immunoblot and fluorescence microscopic analyses showed the transgene expression in the female salivary gland. The transgene product was released from the proboscis as a component of saliva. The monomeric DsRed-fusion expression system could be suitable for transgene secretion in the saliva of female mosquitoes. Mice repeatedly bitten by transgenic mosquitoes raised antibodies against P. berghei sporozoites, and the sera had protective ability against sporozoite invasion of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. These results suggest that transgene products are immunogenically active in saliva, and induce the antibodies to malaria parasite. These findings indicate that this technology has the potential for production of a 'flying vaccinator' for rodent malaria parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D S Yamamoto
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Infectionand Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji,Shimotsuke, Tochigi,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Dong Y, Das S, Cirimotich C, Souza-Neto JA, McLean KJ, Dimopoulos G. Engineered anopheles immunity to Plasmodium infection. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002458. [PMID: 22216006 PMCID: PMC3245315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A causative agent of human malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The malaria parasite is under intensive attack from the mosquito's innate immune system during its sporogonic development. We have used genetic engineering to create immune-enhanced Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes through blood meal-inducible expression of a transgene encoding the IMD pathway-controlled NF-kB Rel2 transcription factor in the midgut and fat-body tissue. Transgenic mosquitoes showed greater resistance to Plasmodium and microbial infection as a result of timely concerted tissue-specific immune attacks involving multiple effectors. The relatively weak impact of this genetic modification on mosquito fitness under laboratory conditions encourages further investigation of this approach for malaria control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Suchismita Das
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chris Cirimotich
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jayme A. Souza-Neto
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kyle J. McLean
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kiew PL, Don MM. Jewel of the seabed: sea cucumbers as nutritional and drug candidates. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2011; 63:616-36. [DOI: 10.3109/09637486.2011.641944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
47
|
Low- and high-tech approaches to control Plasmodium parasite transmission by anopheles mosquitoes. J Trop Med 2011; 2011:891342. [PMID: 21876705 PMCID: PMC3157759 DOI: 10.1155/2011/891342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Current efforts have proven inadequate to stop the transmission of Plasmodium parasites, and hence the spread of malaria, by Anopheles mosquitoes. Therefore, a novel arsenal of strategies for inhibiting Plasmodium infection of mosquitoes is urgently needed. In this paper, we summarize research on two approaches to malaria control, a low-tech strategy based on parasite inhibition by the mosquito's natural microflora, and a high-tech strategy using genetic modification of mosquitoes that renders them resistant to infection and discuss advantages and disadvantages for both approaches.
Collapse
|
48
|
Damodaran SE, Pradhan P, Pradhan SC. Newer approaches to malaria control. Trop Parasitol 2011; 1:57-63. [PMID: 23508211 PMCID: PMC3593474 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.86929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the third leading cause of death due to infectious diseases affecting around 243 million people, causing 863,000 deaths each year, and is a major public health problem. Most of the malarial deaths occur in children below 5 years and is a major contributor of under-five mortality. As a result of environmental and climatic changes, there is a change in vector population and distribution, leading to resurgence of malaria at numerous foci. Resistance to antimalarials is a major challenge to malaria control and there are new drug developments, new approaches to treatment strategies, combination therapy to overcome resistance and progress in vaccine development. Now, artemisinin-based combination therapy is the first-line therapy as the malarial parasite has developed resistance to other antimalarials. Reports of artemisinin resistance are appearing and identification of new drug targets gains utmost importance. As there is a shift from malaria control to malaria eradication, more research is focused on malaria vaccine development. A malaria vaccine, RTS,S, is in phase III of development and may become the first successful one. Due to resistance to insecticides and lack of environmental sanitation, the conventional methods of vector control are turning out to be futile. To overcome this, novel strategies like sterile insect technique and transgenic mosquitoes are pursued for effective vector control. As a result of the global organizations stepping up their efforts with continued research, eradication of malaria can turn out to be a reality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- SE Damodaran
- Department of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Prita Pradhan
- Department of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Suresh Chandra Pradhan
- Department of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Isaacs AT, Li F, Jasinskiene N, Chen X, Nirmala X, Marinotti O, Vinetz JM, James AA. Engineered resistance to Plasmodium falciparum development in transgenic Anopheles stephensi. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002017. [PMID: 21533066 PMCID: PMC3080844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposon-mediated transformation was used to produce Anopheles
stephensi that express single-chain antibodies (scFvs) designed to
target the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The
scFvs, m1C3, m4B7, and m2A10, are derived from mouse monoclonal antibodies that
inhibit either ookinete invasion of the midgut or sporozoite invasion of
salivary glands. The scFvs that target the parasite surface, m4B7 and m2A10,
were fused to an Anopheles gambiae antimicrobial peptide,
Cecropin A. Previously-characterized Anopheles cis-acting DNA
regulatory elements were included in the transgenes to coordinate scFv
production with parasite development. Gene amplification and immunoblot analyses
showed promoter-specific increases in transgene expression in blood-fed females.
Transgenic mosquito lines expressing each of the scFv genes had significantly
lower infection levels than controls when challenged with P.
falciparum. Malaria eradication will require vector-control strategies that are both
self-sustaining and not affected by migration of infected humans and mosquitoes.
Replacement of wild malaria-susceptible mosquito populations with transgenic
strains refractory to parasite development could interrupt the cycle of disease
transmission and support eradication efforts. Production of P.
falciparum-resistant mosquitoes is a necessary first step towards
investigating the population replacement strategy. Here we show that An.
stephensi engineered to produce P.
falciparum-targeting effector molecules are resistant to this important
human malaria parasite. Two of the three effector molecules represent a novel
combination of components derived from the immune systems of mosquitoes and
mice. An important feature of these molecules is that they are unlikely to
significantly harm the mosquito, as the mosquito component is an
Anopheles antimicrobial peptide with activity against
Plasmodium, while the other component is based on a murine
antibody selected for its ability to bind specifically to a parasite protein.
Transgenes with this design coupled with a gene-drive system could be used
alongside vaccines and drugs to provide sustainable local elimination of malaria
as part of a long-term strategy for eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison T. Isaacs
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine,
University of California, Irvine, California, United States of
America
| | - Fengwu Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of
California-San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of
America
| | - Nijole Jasinskiene
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of
California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health and Tropical
Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guang Zhou, GD, China
| | - Xavier Nirmala
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida,
Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- USDA/ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology,
Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Osvaldo Marinotti
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of
California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph M. Vinetz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of
California-San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of
America
| | - Anthony A. James
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine,
University of California, Irvine, California, United States of
America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of
California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Nolan T, Petris E, Müller HM, Cronin A, Catteruccia F, Crisanti A. Analysis of two novel midgut-specific promoters driving transgene expression in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16471. [PMID: 21326609 PMCID: PMC3033896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tissue-specific promoters controlling the expression of transgenes in Anopheles mosquitoes represent a valuable tool both for studying the interaction between these malaria vectors and the Plasmodium parasites they transmit and for novel malaria control strategies based on developing Plasmodium-refractory mosquitoes by expressing anti-parasitic genes. With this aim we have studied the promoter regions of two genes from the most important malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, whose expression is strongly induced upon blood feeding. Results We analysed the A. gambiae Antryp1 and G12 genes, which we have shown to be midgut-specific and maximally expressed at 24 hours post-bloodmeal (PBM). Antryp1, required for bloodmeal digestion, encodes one member of a family of 7 trypsin genes. The G12 gene, of unknown function, was previously identified in our laboratory in a screen for genes induced in response to a bloodmeal. We fused 1.1 kb of the upstream regions containing the putative promoter of these genes to reporter genes and transformed these into the Indian malaria vector A. stephensi to see if we could recapitulate the expression pattern of the endogenous genes. Both the Antryp1 and G12 upstream regions were able to drive female-predominant, midgut-specific expression in transgenic mosquitoes. Expression of the Antryp1-driven reporter in transgenic A. stephensi lines was low, undetectable by northern blot analysis, and failed to fully match the induction kinetics of the endogenous Antryp1 gene in A. gambiae. This incomplete conservation of expression suggests either subtle differences in the transcriptional machinery between A. stephensi and A. gambiae or that the upstream region chosen lacked all the control elements. In contrast, the G12 upstream region was able to faithfully reproduce the expression profile of the endogenous A. gambiae gene, showing female midgut specificity in the adult mosquito and massive induction PBM, peaking at 24 hours. Conclusions Our studies on two putative blood-meal induced, midgut-specific promoters validate the use of G12 upstream regulatory regions to drive targeted transgene expression coinciding spatially and temporally with pre-sporogonic stages of Plasmodium parasites in the mosquito, offering the possibility of manipulating vector competence or performing functional studies on vector-parasite interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony Nolan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Petris
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hans-Michael Müller
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Centre, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann Cronin
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- * E-mail: (FC); (ACrisanti)
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (FC); (ACrisanti)
| |
Collapse
|