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Cabral G, Moss WJ, Brown KM. Proteomic approaches for protein kinase substrate identification in Apicomplexa. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2024; 259:111633. [PMID: 38821187 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2024.111633] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Apicomplexa is a phylum of protist parasites, notable for causing life-threatening diseases including malaria, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, and babesiosis. Apicomplexan pathogenesis is generally a function of lytic replication, dissemination, persistence, host cell modification, and immune subversion. Decades of research have revealed essential roles for apicomplexan protein kinases in establishing infections and promoting pathogenesis. Protein kinases modify their substrates by phosphorylating serine, threonine, tyrosine, or other residues, resulting in rapid functional changes in the target protein. Post-translational modification by phosphorylation can activate or inhibit a substrate, alter its localization, or promote interactions with other proteins or ligands. Deciphering direct kinase substrates is crucial to understand mechanisms of kinase signaling, yet can be challenging due to the transient nature of kinase phosphorylation and potential for downstream indirect phosphorylation events. However, with recent advances in proteomic approaches, our understanding of kinase function in Apicomplexa has improved dramatically. Here, we discuss methods that have been used to identify kinase substrates in apicomplexan parasites, classifying them into three main categories: i) kinase interactome, ii) indirect phosphoproteomics and iii) direct labeling. We briefly discuss each approach, including their advantages and limitations, and highlight representative examples from the Apicomplexa literature. Finally, we conclude each main category by introducing prospective approaches from other fields that would benefit kinase substrate identification in Apicomplexa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Cabral
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - William J Moss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kevin M Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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2
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Mady RF, El-Temsahy MM, Issa YA, Zaghloul AS, Khedr SI. MicroRNA mmu-miR-511-5p: A promising Diagnostic Biomarker in Experimental Toxoplasmosis Using Different Strains and Infective Doses in Mice with Different Immune States Before and After Treatment. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1253-1266. [PMID: 38743178 PMCID: PMC11182863 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00851-w] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Searching for a novel early diagnostic biomarker for toxoplasmosis, real-time-PCR was currently used to measure the serum mmu-miR-511-5p level in male Swiss-albino mice infected with either; ME49 or RH Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) strains. METHODS Three mice groups were used; (GI) constituted the non-infected control group, while (GII) and (GIII) were experimentally infected with ME49 or RH strains, respectively. GII mice were orally infected using 10 or 20 ME49 cysts (ME-10 and ME-20), both were subdivided into; non-treated (ME-10-NT and ME-20-NT) and were further subdivided into; immunocompetent (ME-10-IC and ME-20-IC) [euthanized 3-days, 1, 2, 6 or 8-weeks post-infection (PI)], and immunosuppressed using two Endoxan® injections (ME-10-IS and ME-20-IS) [euthanized 6- or 8-weeks PI], and spiramycin-treated (ME-10-SP and ME-20-SP) that received daily spiramycin, for one-week before euthanasia. GIII mice individually received 2500 intraperitoneal RH strain tachyzoites, then, were subdivided into; non-treated (RH-NT) [euthanized 3 or 5-days PI], and spiramycin-treated (RH-SP) that were euthanized 5 or 10-days PI (refer to the graphical abstract). RESULTS Revealed significant upregulation of mmu-miR-511-5p in GII, one-week PI, with gradually increased expression, reaching its maximum 8-weeks PI, especially in ME-20-NT group that received the higher infective dose. Immunosuppression increased the upregulation. Contrarily, treatment caused significant downregulation. GIII recorded significant upregulation 3-days PI, yet, treatment significantly decreased this expression. CONCLUSION Serum mmu-miR-511-5p is a sensitive biomarker for early diagnosis of ME49 and RH infection (as early as one-week and 3-days, respectively), and its expression varies according to T. gondii infective dose, duration of infection, spiramycin-treatment and host immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Fadly Mady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 2nd Floor, El Mowasah Medical and Educational Complex, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mona Mohamed El-Temsahy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 2nd Floor, El Mowasah Medical and Educational Complex, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Yasmine Amr Issa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime transport, New Alamein campus, Egypt
| | - Aya Saied Zaghloul
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 2nd Floor, El Mowasah Medical and Educational Complex, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Safaa Ibrahim Khedr
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 2nd Floor, El Mowasah Medical and Educational Complex, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Cordonnier C, Mandalasi M, Gigley J, Wohlfert EA, West CM, Blader IJ. The Toxoplasma oxygen-sensing protein, TgPhyA, is required for resistance to interferon gamma-mediated nutritional immunity in mice. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002690. [PMID: 38857298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
As Toxoplasma gondii disseminates through its host, the parasite must sense and adapt to its environment and scavenge nutrients. Oxygen (O2) is one such environmental factor and cytoplasmic prolyl 4-hydroxylases (PHDs) are evolutionarily conserved O2 cellular sensing proteins that regulate responses to changes in O2 availability. Toxoplasma expresses 2 PHDs. One of them, TgPHYa hydroxylates SKP1, a subunit of the SCF-E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. In vitro, TgPHYa is important for growth at low O2 levels. However, studies have yet to examine the role that TgPHYa or any other pathogen-encoded PHD plays in virulence and disease. Using a type II ME49 Toxoplasma TgPHYa knockout, we report that TgPHYa is important for Toxoplasma virulence and brain cyst formation in mice. We further find that while TgPHYa mutant parasites can establish an infection in the gut, they are unable to efficiently disseminate to peripheral tissues because the mutant parasites are unable to survive within recruited immune cells. Since this phenotype was abrogated in IFNγ knockout mice, we studied how TgPHYa mediates survival in IFNγ-treated cells. We find that TgPHYa is not required for release of parasite-encoded effectors into host cells that neutralize anti-parasitic processes induced by IFNγ. In contrast, we find that TgPHYa is required for the parasite to scavenge tryptophan, which is an amino acid whose levels are decreased after IFNγ up-regulates the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme, indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO). We further find, relative to wild-type mice, that IDO knockout mice display increased morbidity when infected with TgPHYa knockout parasites. Together, these data identify the first parasite mechanism for evading IFNγ-induced nutritional immunity and highlight a novel role that oxygen-sensing proteins play in pathogen growth and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Cordonnier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Msano Mandalasi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jason Gigley
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A Wohlfert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Christopher M West
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ira J Blader
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
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Schanz ML, Bitters AM, Zadeii KE, Joulani D, Chamberlain AK, López-Yglesias AH. IL-12 Mediates T-bet-Expressing Myeloid Cell-Dependent Host Resistance against Toxoplasma gondii. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:355-362. [PMID: 38687282 PMCID: PMC11066714 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2400029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
To defend against intracellular pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, the host generates a robust type 1 immune response. Specifically, host defense against T. gondii is defined by an IL-12-dependent IFN-γ response that is critical for host resistance. Previously, we demonstrated that host resistance is mediated by T-bet-dependent ILC-derived IFN-γ by maintaining IRF8+ conventional type 1 dendritic cells during parasitic infection. Therefore, we hypothesized that innate lymphoid cells are indispensable for host survival. Surprisingly, we observed that T-bet-deficient mice succumb to infection quicker than do mice lacking lymphocytes, suggesting an unknown T-bet-dependent-mediated host defense pathway. Analysis of parasite-mediated inflammatory myeloid cells revealed a novel subpopulation of T-bet+ myeloid cells (TMCs). Our results reveal that TMCs have the largest intracellular parasite burden compared with other professional phagocytes, suggesting they are associated with active killing of T. gondii. Mechanistically, we established that IL-12 is necessary for the induction of inflammatory TMCs during infection and these cells are linked to a role in host survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L. Schanz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine–Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN
| | - Abigail M. Bitters
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine–Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN
| | - Kamryn E. Zadeii
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
| | - Dana Joulani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine–Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN
| | - Angela K. Chamberlain
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine–Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN
| | - Américo H. López-Yglesias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine–Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN
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Yoon C, Ham YS, Gil WJ, Yang CS. Exploring the potential of Toxoplasma gondii in drug development and as a delivery system. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:289-300. [PMID: 38297164 PMCID: PMC10907749 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01165-7] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are various groups of conditions that result in immune system disorders and increased cancer risk. Despite the identification of causative cytokines and pathways, current clinical treatment for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases is limited. In addition, immune-mediated inflammatory disease treatment can increase the risk of cancer. Several previous studies have demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii manipulates the immune response by inhibiting or stimulating cytokines, suggesting the potential for controlling and maintaining a balanced immune system. Additionally, T. gondii also has the unique characteristic of being a so-called "Trojan horse" bacterium that can be used as a drug delivery system to treat regions that have been resistant to previous drug delivery therapies. In this study, we reviewed the potential of T. gondii in drug development and as a delivery system through current research on inflammation-regulating mechanisms in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjin Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Institute of Natural Science & Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Yu Seong Ham
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Woo Jin Gil
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Chul-Su Yang
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea.
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea.
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea.
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Houngue R, Sangaré LO, Alayi TD, Dieng A, Bitard-Feildel T, Boulogne C, Slomianny C, Atindehou CM, Fanou LA, Hathout Y, Callebaut I, Tomavo S. Toxoplasma membrane inositol phospholipid binding protein TgREMIND is essential for secretory organelle function and host infection. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113601. [PMID: 38157297 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113601] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites possess specialized secretory organelles called rhoptries, micronemes, and dense granules that play a vital role in host infection. In this study, we demonstrate that TgREMIND, a protein found in Toxoplasma gondii, is necessary for the biogenesis of rhoptries and dense granules. TgREMIND contains a Fes-CIP4 homology-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) domain, which binds to membrane phospholipids, as well as a novel uncharacterized domain that we have named REMIND (regulator of membrane-interacting domain). Both the F-BAR domain and the REMIND are crucial for TgREMIND functions. When TgREMIND is depleted, there is a significant decrease in the abundance of dense granules and abnormal transparency of rhoptries, leading to a reduction in protein secretion from these organelles. The absence of TgREMIND inhibits host invasion and parasite dissemination, demonstrating that TgREMIND is essential for the proper function of critical secretory organelles required for successful infection by Toxoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigue Houngue
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Lamba Omar Sangaré
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Tchilabalo Dilezitoko Alayi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University-SUNY, Johnson City, NY 13790, USA
| | - Aissatou Dieng
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Tristan Bitard-Feildel
- Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR CNRS 7590, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Claire Boulogne
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France; Plateforme Imagerie-Gif, Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Christian Slomianny
- University of Lille, Laboratory of Cell Physiology, INSERM U 1003, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Cynthia Menonve Atindehou
- Université d'Abomey Calavi, Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Lucie Ayi Fanou
- Université d'Abomey Calavi, Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Yetrib Hathout
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University-SUNY, Johnson City, NY 13790, USA
| | - Isabelle Callebaut
- Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR CNRS 7590, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stanislas Tomavo
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France.
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Liu X, Li X, Li C, Lu M, Xu L, Yan R, Song X, Li X. Toxoplasma gondii eIF-5A Modulates the Immune Response of Murine Macrophages In Vitro. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:101. [PMID: 38276673 PMCID: PMC10819733 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan that can elicit a robust immune response during infection. Macrophage cells have been shown to play an important role in the immune response against T. gondii. In our previous study, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) gene of T. gondii was found to influence the invasion and replication of tachyzoites. In this study, the recombinant protein of T. gondii eIF-5A (rTgeIF-5A) was incubated with murine macrophages, and the regulatory effect of TgeIF-5A on macrophages was characterized. Immunofluorescence assay showed that TgeIF-5A was able to bind to macrophages and partially be internalized. The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) level and chemotaxis of macrophages stimulated with TgeIF-5A were reduced. However, the phagocytosis and apoptosis of macrophages were amplified by TgeIF-5A. Meanwhile, the cell viability experiment indicated that TgeIF-5A can promote the viability of macrophages, and in the secretion assays, TgeIF-5A can induce the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) from macrophages. These findings demonstrate that eIF-5A of T. gondii can modulate the immune response of murine macrophages in vitro, which may provide a reference for further research on developing T. gondii vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchao Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China;
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.); (C.L.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (R.Y.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.); (C.L.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (R.Y.); (X.S.)
| | - Chunjing Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.); (C.L.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (R.Y.); (X.S.)
| | - Mingmin Lu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.); (C.L.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (R.Y.); (X.S.)
| | - Lixin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.); (C.L.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (R.Y.); (X.S.)
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.); (C.L.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (R.Y.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiaokai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.); (C.L.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (R.Y.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiangrui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.L.); (C.L.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (R.Y.); (X.S.)
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Brito RMDM, de Lima Bessa G, Bastilho AL, Dantas-Torres F, de Andrade-Neto VF, Bueno LL, Fujiwara RT, Magalhães LMD. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in South America: occurrence, immunity, and fate of infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:461. [PMID: 38115102 PMCID: PMC10729521 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. Toxoplasma gondii infections are of great concern for public health, and their impact is usually most severe in pregnant women and their foetuses, and in immunocompromised individuals. Displaying considerable genetic diversity, T. gondii strains differ widely according to geographical location, with archetypal strains predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere and non-archetypal (atypical) strains, with highly diverse genotypes, found mainly in South America. In this review, we present an overview of the identification and distribution of non-archetypal strains of T. gondii. Special attention is paid to the strains that have been isolated in Brazil, their interaction with the host immunological response, and their impact on disease outcomes. The genetic differences among the strains are pivotal to the distinct immunological responses that they elicit. These differences arise from polymorphisms of key proteins released by the parasite, which represent important virulence factors. Infection with divergent non-archetypal strains can lead to unusual manifestations of the disease, even in immunocompetent individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Lazoski Bastilho
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Luisa M D Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Lian L, Sun Q, Huang X, Li W, Cui Y, Pan Y, Yang X, Wang P. Inhibition of Cell Apoptosis by Apicomplexan Protozoa-Host Interaction in the Early Stage of Infection. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3817. [PMID: 38136854 PMCID: PMC10740567 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan protozoa, which are a group of specialized intracellular parasitic protozoa, infect humans and other animals and cause a variety of diseases. The lack of research on the interaction mechanism between Apicomplexan protozoa and their hosts is a key factor restricting the development of new drugs and vaccines. In the early stages of infection, cell apoptosis is inhibited by Apicomplexan protozoa through their interaction with the host cells; thereby, the survival and reproduction of Apicomplexan protozoa in host cells is promoted. In this review, the key virulence proteins and pathways are introduced regarding the inhibition of cell apoptosis by the interaction between the protozoa and their host during the early stage of Apicomplexan protozoa infection. It provides a theoretical basis for the development of drugs or vaccines for protozoal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyin Lian
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Qian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xinyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Wanjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Yanjun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Yuebo Pan
- Gansu Polytechnic College of Animal Husbandry and Engineering, Wuwei 733006, China
| | - Xianyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Pu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
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10
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Valleau D, Sidik SM, Godoy LC, Acevedo‐Sánchez Y, Pasaje CFA, Huynh M, Carruthers VB, Niles JC, Lourido S. A conserved complex of microneme proteins mediates rhoptry discharge in Toxoplasma. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113155. [PMID: 37886905 PMCID: PMC10690463 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022113155] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites discharge specialized organelles called rhoptries upon host cell contact to mediate invasion. The events that drive rhoptry discharge are poorly understood, yet essential to sustain the apicomplexan parasitic life cycle. Rhoptry discharge appears to depend on proteins secreted from another set of organelles called micronemes, which vary in function from allowing host cell binding to facilitation of gliding motility. Here we examine the function of the microneme protein CLAMP, which we previously found to be necessary for Toxoplasma gondii host cell invasion, and demonstrate its essential role in rhoptry discharge. CLAMP forms a distinct complex with two other microneme proteins, the invasion-associated SPATR, and a previously uncharacterized protein we name CLAMP-linked invasion protein (CLIP). CLAMP deficiency does not impact parasite adhesion or microneme protein secretion; however, knockdown of any member of the CLAMP complex affects rhoptry discharge. Phylogenetic analysis suggests orthologs of the essential complex components, CLAMP and CLIP, are ubiquitous across apicomplexans. SPATR appears to act as an accessory factor in Toxoplasma, but despite incomplete conservation is also essential for invasion during Plasmodium falciparum blood stages. Together, our results reveal a new protein complex that mediates rhoptry discharge following host-cell contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luiz C Godoy
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | | | | | - My‐Hang Huynh
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Vern B Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Jacquin C Niles
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Sebastian Lourido
- Whitehead InstituteCambridgeMAUSA
- Biology DepartmentMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
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11
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Berneking L, Bekere I, Rob S, Schnapp M, Huang J, Ruckdeschel K, Aepfelbacher M. A bacterial effector protein promotes nuclear translocation of Stat3 to induce IL-10. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151364. [PMID: 37806297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151364] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The multifunctional Yersinia effector YopM inhibits effector triggered immunity and increases production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10) to suppress the host immune response. Previously it was shown that YopM induces IL-10 gene expression by elevating phosphorylation of the serine-threonine kinase RSK1 in the nucleus of human macrophages. Using transcriptomics, we found that YopM strongly affects expression of genes belonging to the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Further analysis revealed that YopM mediates nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Stat3 in Y. enterocolitica infected macrophages and that knockdown of Stat3 inhibited YopM-induced IL-10 gene expression. YopM-induced Stat3 translocation did not depend on autocrine IL-10, activation of RSK1 or tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat3. Thus, besides activation of RSK1, stimulation of nuclear translocation of Stat3 is another mechanism by which YopM increases IL-10 gene expression in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Berneking
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Indra Bekere
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sören Rob
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marie Schnapp
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jiabin Huang
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Ruckdeschel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Aepfelbacher
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.
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12
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Zouei N, Dalimi A, Pirestani M, Ghaffarifar F. Assessment of tissue levels of miR-146a and proinflammatory cytokines in experimental cerebral toxoplasmosis following atovaquone and clindamycin treatment: An in vivo study. Microb Pathog 2023; 184:106340. [PMID: 37683834 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent advances for treating cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT), monitoring the parasite burden and treatment response is still challenging. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with regulatory functions that can be used in diagnosis and treatment monitoring. We investigated the changes in miR-146a, BAG-1 gene, IL-6, and IL-10 tissue levels in the brain of BALB/c mice with chronic CT caused by the PRU strain of T. gondii following anti-parasitic and antibiotic treatment. METHOD Fifty-three 6-to 8-week-old BALB/c mice were infected using intraperitoneal inoculation of cerebral cysts of T. gondii PRU strain and then divided into five groups as follows: group 1 included mice treated with 100 mg/kg/d Atovaquone (AT), group 2 included mice treated with 400 mg/kg/d clindamycin (CL), group 3 included mice treated with combination therapy (AT + CL), group 4 included infected untreated mice as a positive control (PC), and; group 5 included uninfected untreated mice as negative control (NC). After the completion of the treatment course, tissue level of mir-146a, miR-155, BAG-1 gene, IL-6, and IL-10 was investigated with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The IL-6/IL-10 ratio was calculated as an indicator of immune response. Moreover, brain cyst numbers were counted on autopsy samples. RESULTS miR-146a, IL-6, IL-10, and BAG-1 genes were expressed in PC, but not in the NC group; miR-146a, IL-6, IL-10, and BAG-1 gene expression were significantly lower in AT, CL, and AT + CL compared with PC. MiR-146a and BAG-1 levels in AT and CL were not different statistically, however, they both had lower levels compared to AT + CL (P < 0.01). There was no difference in the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 between treatment groups. BAG-1 expression was significantly lower in AT, than in CL and AT + CL (P < 0.0089 and < 0.002, respectively). The PC group showed a higher ratio of IL-6/IL-10, although this increase was not statistically significant. It is noteworthy that the treatment with AT reduced this ratio; in the inter-group comparison, this ratio showed a decrease in the AT and AT + CL compared to the PC. The number of brain tissue cysts was significantly lower in AT, CL, and AT + CL, than in PC (p < 0.0001). AT had significantly lower brain cysts than CL and AT + CL (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION It seems that the factors studied in the current research (microRNA and cytokines) are a suitable index for evaluating the response to antiparasitic and antibiotic treatment. However, more studies should be conducted in the future to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Zouei
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Chyb M, Dziadek B, Dzitko K, Ferra BT, Kawka M, Holec-Gąsior L, Gatkowska J. Evaluation of long-term immunity and protection against T. gondii after immunization with multivalent recombinant chimeric T. gondii proteins. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12976. [PMID: 37563166 PMCID: PMC10415312 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis caused by the opportunistic, cosmopolitan protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitoses in the world. Although it may prove dangerous or even fatal for immunocompromised individuals, immunoprophylaxis for humans is still nonexistent. Thus, the aim of the current work was to assess the ability of two immunogenic recombinant chimeric T. gondii proteins, SAG2-GRA1-ROP1 (SGR) and SAG1-MIC1-MAG1-GRA2 (SMMG), selected in previous experiments to induce long-lasting immunity when administered with a safe adjuvant. Thus, the determination of immunological parameters and parasite challenge were performed both two weeks after the last boost injection and 6 months postvaccination. Both experimental vaccines triggered specific humoral and cellular responses in immunized C3H/HeOuJ male mice, characterized by the production of specific IgG (IgG1/IgG2a) antibodies in vivo and the synthesis of key Th1/Th2 cytokines by Toxoplasma lysate antigen-stimulated splenocytes in vitro. Although the levels of specific antibodies and cytokine release were in most cases lower six months postimmunization, the protection rates conferred by the vaccination were comparable regardless of the time after the administration of the last vaccine dose. The results indicate that both preparations induce long-lasting immunity, which makes them attractive candidates for further research aimed at boosting their immunogenicity and immunoprotective capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Chyb
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
- Bio-Med-Chem Doctoral School of the University of Lodz and Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Bożena Dziadek
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dzitko
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Tomasz Ferra
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B, 81-519, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Malwina Kawka
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Justyna Gatkowska
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.
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14
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Hildebrandt F, Mohammed M, Dziedziech A, Bhandage AK, Divne AM, Barrenäs F, Barragan A, Henriksson J, Ankarklev J. scDual-Seq of Toxoplasma gondii-infected mouse BMDCs reveals heterogeneity and differential infection dynamics. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1224591. [PMID: 37575232 PMCID: PMC10415529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1224591] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells and macrophages are integral parts of the innate immune system and gatekeepers against infection. The protozoan pathogen, Toxoplasma gondii, is known to hijack host immune cells and modulate their immune response, making it a compelling model to study host-pathogen interactions. Here we utilize single cell Dual RNA-seq to parse out heterogeneous transcription of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) infected with two distinct genotypes of T. gondii parasites, over multiple time points post infection. We show that the BMDCs elicit differential responses towards T. gondii infection and that the two parasite lineages distinctly manipulate subpopulations of infected BMDCs. Co-expression networks define host and parasite genes, with implications for modulation of host immunity. Integrative analysis validates previously established immune pathways and additionally, suggests novel candidate genes involved in host-pathogen interactions. Altogether, this study provides a comprehensive resource for characterizing host-pathogen interplay at high-resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hildebrandt
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mubasher Mohammed
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexis Dziedziech
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Amol K. Bhandage
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Maria Divne
- Microbial Single Cell Genomics Facility, SciLifeLab, Biomedical Center (BMC) Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Barrenäs
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Henriksson
- Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Center for Microbial Research, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johan Ankarklev
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Microbial Single Cell Genomics Facility, SciLifeLab, Biomedical Center (BMC) Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Kongsomboonvech AK, García-López L, Njume F, Rodriguez F, Souza SP, Rosenberg A, Jensen KDC. Variation in CD8 T cell IFNγ differentiation to strains of Toxoplasma gondii is characterized by small effect QTLs with contribution from ROP16. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130965. [PMID: 37287466 PMCID: PMC10242045 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii induces a strong CD8 T cell response characterized by the secretion of IFNγ that promotes host survival during infection. The initiation of CD8 T cell IFNγ responses in vitro differs widely between clonal lineage strains of T. gondii, in which type I strains are low inducers, while types II and III strains are high inducers. We hypothesized this phenotype is due to a polymorphic "Regulator Of CD8 T cell Response" (ROCTR). Methods Therefore, we screened F1 progeny from genetic crosses between the clonal lineage strains to identify ROCTR. Naïve antigen-specific CD8 T cells (T57) isolated from transnuclear mice, which are specific for the endogenous and vacuolar TGD057 antigen, were measured for their ability to become activated, transcribe Ifng and produce IFNγ in response to T. gondii infected macrophages. Results Genetic mapping returned four non-interacting quantitative trait loci (QTL) with small effect on T. gondii chromosomes (chr) VIIb-VIII, X and XII. These loci encompass multiple gene candidates highlighted by ROP16 (chrVIIb-VIII), GRA35 (chrX), TgNSM (chrX), and a pair of uncharacterized NTPases (chrXII), whose locus we report to be significantly truncated in the type I RH background. Although none of the chromosome X and XII candidates bore evidence for regulating CD8 T cell IFNγ responses, type I variants of ROP16 lowered Ifng transcription early after T cell activation. During our search for ROCTR, we also noted the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) targeting factor for dense granules (GRAs), GRA43, repressed the response suggesting PVM-associated GRAs are important for CD8 T cell activation. Furthermore, RIPK3 expression in macrophages was an absolute requirement for CD8 T cell IFNγ differentiation implicating the necroptosis pathway in T cell immunity to T. gondii. Discussion Collectively, our data suggest that while CD8 T cell IFNγ production to T. gondii strains vary dramatically, it is not controlled by a single polymorphism with strong effect. However, early in the differentiation process, polymorphisms in ROP16 can regulate commitment of responding CD8 T cells to IFNγ production which may have bearing on immunity to T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel K. Kongsomboonvech
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Quantitative Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Laura García-López
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Quantitative Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Ferdinand Njume
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Felipe Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Scott P. Souza
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Quantitative Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Alex Rosenberg
- The Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
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16
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de Lima Bessa G, Vitor RWDA, Lobo LMS, Rêgo WMF, de Souza GCA, Lopes REN, Costa JGL, Martins-Duarte ES. In vitro and in vivo susceptibility to sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine of Toxoplasma gondii strains isolated from Brazilian free wild birds. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7359. [PMID: 37147353 PMCID: PMC10162961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34502-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the existence of drug-resistant Toxoplasma gondii strains and their possible impact on clinic outcomes. To expand our knowledge about the existence of natural variations on drug susceptibility of T. gondii strains in Brazil, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo susceptibility to sulfadiazine (SDZ) and pyrimethamine (PYR) of three atypical strains (Wild2, Wild3, and Wild4) isolated from free-living wild birds. In vitro susceptibility assay showed that the three strains were equally susceptible to SDZ and PYR but variations in the susceptibility were observed to SDZ plus PYR treatment. Variations in the proliferation rates in vitro and spontaneous conversion to bradyzoites were also accessed for all strains. Wild2 showed a lower cystogenesis capacity compared to Wild3 and Wild4. The in vivo analysis showed that while Wild3 was highly susceptible to all SDZ and PYR doses, and their combination, Wild2 and Wild4 showed low susceptibility to the lower doses of SDZ or PYR. Interestingly, Wild2 presented low susceptibility to the higher doses of SDZ, PYR and their combination. Our results suggest that the variability in treatment response by T. gondii isolates could possibly be related not only to drug resistance but also to the strain cystogenesis capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella de Lima Bessa
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner de Almeida Vitor
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luana Margarida Sabino Lobo
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wagner Martins Fontes Rêgo
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Carolina Alves de Souza
- Laboratório de Quimioterapia de Protozoários Egler Chiari, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rosálida Estevam Nazar Lopes
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Júlia Gatti Ladeia Costa
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Universidade Do Estado de Minas Gerais, Unidade Ibirité, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Erica S Martins-Duarte
- Laboratório de Quimioterapia de Protozoários Egler Chiari, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
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Kochanowsky JA, Chandrasekaran S, Sanchez JR, Thomas KK, Koshy AA. ROP16-mediated activation of STAT6 enhances cyst development of type III Toxoplasma gondii in neurons. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011347. [PMID: 37068104 PMCID: PMC10138205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii establishes a long-lived latent infection in the central nervous system (CNS) of its hosts. Reactivation in immunocompromised individuals can lead to life threatening disease. Latent infection is driven by the ability of the parasite to convert from the acute-stage tachyzoite to the latent-stage bradyzoite which resides in long-lived intracellular cysts. While much work has focused on the parasitic factors that drive cyst development, the host factors that influence encystment are not well defined. Here we show that a polymorphic secreted parasite kinase (ROP16), that phosphorylates host cell proteins, mediates efficient encystment of T. gondii in a stress-induced model of encystment and primary neuronal cell cultures (PNCs) in a strain-specific manner. Using short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdowns in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and PNCs from transgenic mice, we determined that ROP16's cyst enhancing abilities are mediated, in part, by phosphorylation-and therefore activation-of the host cell transcription factor STAT6. To test the role of STAT6 in vivo, we infected wild-type (WT) and STAT6KO mice, finding that, compared to WT mice, STAT6KO mice have a decrease in CNS cyst burden but not overall parasite burden or dissemination to the CNS. Finally, we found a similar ROP16-dependent encystment defect in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Together, these findings identify a host cell factor (STAT6) that T. gondii manipulates in a strain-specific manner to generate a favorable encystment environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Kochanowsky
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | | | - Jacqueline R. Sanchez
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin K. Thomas
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Anita A. Koshy
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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18
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Hamed EFA, Mostafa NES, Fawzy EM, Ibrahim MN, Ibrahim BH, Radwan M, Salama MA. Toxoplasma gondii Suppresses Th2-Induced by Trichinella spiralis Infection and Downregulates Serine Protease Genes Expression: A Critical Role in Vaccine Development. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2023; 18:172-181. [PMID: 37583627 PMCID: PMC10423907 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i2.13183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii coinfection can modify host immune responses and the severity and spread of other parasites. We investigated how T. gondii and Trichinella spiralis infections counter-regulate each other's immune responses. Methods The parasite burden, the expression of T. gondii rhoptry kinase ROP18 and T. spiralis putative serine protease (TsSP), the IgG1 and IgG2a responses, besides histopathological and immunohistochemical staining with iNOS and arginase were used to evaluate the dynamics of coinfection. Results Through their effects on host immune responsiveness, coinfection with T. gondii modified the virulence of T. spiralis infection. Coinfected animals with high and low doses of T. gondii demonstrated significant reductions in the T. spiralis burden of 75.2% and 68.2%, respectively. TsSP expression was downregulated in both groups by 96.2% and 86.7%, whereasROP18 expression was downregulated by only 6% and10.6%, respectively. In coinfected mice, elevated levels of T. gondii-specific IgG2a antibodies were detected. Th1 induced by T. gondii inhibits the Th2 response to T. spiralis in coinfected animals with high iNOS expression andlow-arginine1 expression. Conclusion T. gondii infection induces a shift toward a Th1-type immune response while suppressing a helminth-specific Th2 immune response, paving the way for developing novel vaccines and more efficient control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nahed El-Sayed Mostafa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Eman Magdy Fawzy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Nabil Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Qurrayat, KSA
| | - Basma Hamed Ibrahim
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Mona Radwan
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Marwa Ahmed Salama
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
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Overview of Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Inflammatory Processes in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020253. [PMID: 36839525 PMCID: PMC9966443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite. During the parasitic invasion, T. gondii creates a parasitophorous vacuole, which enables the modulation of cell functions, allowing its replication and host infection. It has effective strategies to escape the immune response and reach privileged immune sites and remain inactive in a controlled environment in tissue cysts. This current review presents the factors that affect host cells and the parasite, as well as changes in the immune system during host cell infection. The secretory organelles of T. gondii (dense granules, micronemes, and rhoptries) are responsible for these processes. They are involved with proteins secreted by micronemes and rhoptries (MIC, AMA, and RONs) that mediate the recognition and entry into host cells. Effector proteins (ROP and GRA) that modify the STAT signal or GTPases in immune cells determine their toxicity. Interference byhost autonomous cells during parasitic infection, gene expression, and production of microbicidal molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), result in the regulation of cell death. The high level of complexity in host cell mechanisms prevents cell death in its various pathways. Many of these abilities play an important role in escaping host immune responses, particularly by manipulating the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Here we present recent works that define the mechanisms by which T. gondii interacts with these processes in infected host cells.
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A. PORTES JULIANA, C. VOMMARO ROSSIANE, AYRES CALDAS LUCIO, S. MARTINS-DUARTE ERICA. Intracellular life of protozoan Toxoplasma gondii: Parasitophorous vacuole establishment and survival strategies. BIOCELL 2023. [DOI: 10.32604/biocell.2023.026629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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21
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Honfozo A, Houngue R, Vandeputte A, Dechavanne S, Nouatin O, Atindehou MC, Fanou LA, Massougbodji A, Dechavanne C, Brodin P, Tomavo S. An image-based high-content screening for compounds targeting Toxoplasma gondii repurposed inhibitors effective against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1102551. [PMID: 36936758 PMCID: PMC10020723 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1102551] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexa phylum includes numerous obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that are life threatening for humans and animals. In this context, Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii are of particular interest, as they are responsible for malaria and toxoplasmosis, respectively, for which efficient vaccines are presently lacking and therapies need to be improved. Apicomplexan parasites have a highly polarized morphology, with their apical end containing specific secretory organelles named rhoptries and micronemes, which depend on the unique receptor and transporter sortilin TgSORT for their biogenesis. In the present study, we took advantage of the subcellular polarity of the parasite to engineer a clonal transgenic Toxoplasma line that expresses simultaneously the green fluorescent protein TgSORT-GFP in the post-Golgi-endosome-like compartment and the red fluorescent protein rhoptry ROP1-mCherry near the apical end. We utilized this fluorescent transgenic T. gondii to develop a miniaturized image-based phenotype assay coupled to an automated image analysis. By applying this methodology to 1,120 compounds, we identified 12 that are capable of disrupting the T. gondii morphology and inhibiting intracellular replication. Analysis of the selected compounds confirmed that all 12 are kinase inhibitors and intramembrane pumps, with some exhibiting potent activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Our findings highlight the advantage of comparative and targeted phenotypic analysis involving two related parasite species as a means of identifying molecules with a conserved mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Honfozo
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Rodrigue Houngue
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Alexandre Vandeputte
- Université de Lille, CNRS UMR 9017, INSERM U 1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 − UAR 2014 − PLBS, CIIL − Center for Immunity and Infection of Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Odilon Nouatin
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | | | - Lucie Ayi Fanou
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, FAST/UAC, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Célia Dechavanne
- Université de Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, Paris, France
- CERPAGE, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Priscille Brodin
- Université de Lille, CNRS UMR 9017, INSERM U 1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 − UAR 2014 − PLBS, CIIL − Center for Immunity and Infection of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Stanislas Tomavo
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif sur Yvette, France
- *Correspondence: Stanislas Tomavo,
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22
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Abstract
Innate immunity acts as the first line of defense against pathogen invasion. During Toxoplasma gondii infection, multiple innate immune sensors are activated by invading microbes or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). However, how inflammasome is activated and its regulatory mechanisms during T. gondii infection remain elusive. Here, we showed that the infection of PRU, a lethal type II T. gondii strain, activates inflammasome at the early stage of infection. PRU tachyzoites, RNA and soluble tachyzoite antigen (STAg) mainly triggered the NLRP3 inflammasome, while PRU genomic DNA (gDNA) specially activated the AIM2 inflammasome. Furthermore, mice deficient in AIM2, NLRP3, or caspase-1/11 were more susceptible to T. gondii PRU infection, and the ablation of inflammasome signaling impaired antitoxoplasmosis immune responses by enhancing type I interferon (IFN-I) production. Blockage of IFN-I receptor fulfilled inflammasome-deficient mice competent immune responses as WT mice. Moreover, we have identified that the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) is a key negative regulator induced by inflammasome-activated IL-1β signaling and inhibits IFN-I production by targeting interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). In general, our study defines a novel protective role of inflammasome activation during toxoplasmosis and identifies a critical regulatory mechanism of the cross talk between inflammasome and IFN-I signaling for understanding infectious diseases. IMPORTANCE As a key component of innate immunity, inflammasome is critical for host antitoxoplasmosis immunity, but the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. In this study, we found that inflammasome signaling was activated by PAMPs of T. gondii, which generated a protective immunity against T. gondii invasion by suppressing type I interferon (IFN-I) production. Mechanically, inflammasome-coupled IL-1β signaling triggered the expression of negative regulator SOCS1, which bound to IRF3 to inhibit IFN-I production. The role of IFN-I in anti-T. gondii immunity is little studied and controversial, and here we also found IFN-I is harmful to host antitoxoplasmosis immunity by using knockout mice and recombinant proteins. In general, our study identifies a protective role of inflammasomes to the host during T. gondii infection and a novel mechanism by which inflammasome suppresses IFN-I signaling in antitoxoplasmosis immunity, which will likely provide new insights into therapeutic targets for toxoplasmosis and highlight the cross talk between innate immune signaling in infectious diseases prevention.
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Effects of Ovine Monocyte-Derived Macrophage Infection by Recently Isolated Toxoplasma gondii Strains Showing Different Phenotypic Traits. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243453. [PMID: 36552372 PMCID: PMC9774764 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovine toxoplasmosis is one the most relevant reproductive diseases in sheep. The genetic variability among different Toxoplasma gondii isolates is known to be related to different degrees of virulence in mice and humans, but little is known regarding its potential effects in sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of genetic variability (types II (ToxoDB #1 and #3) and III (#2)) of six recently isolated strains that showed different phenotypic traits both in a normalized mouse model and in ovine trophoblasts, in ovine monocyte-derived macrophages and the subsequent transcript expression of cytokines and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase). The type III isolate (TgShSp24) showed the highest rate of internalization, followed by the type II clonal isolate (TgShSp2), while the type II PRU isolates (TgShSp1, TgShSp3, TgShSp11 and TgShSp16) showed the lowest rates. The type II PRU strains, isolated from abortions, exhibited higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS than those obtained from the myocardium of chronically infected sheep (type II PRU strains and type III), which had higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The present results show the existence of significant intra- and inter-genotypic differences in the parasite-macrophage relationship that need to be confirmed in in vivo experiments.
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Ma Z, Li Z, Jiang R, Li X, Yan K, Zhang N, Lu B, Huang Y, Dibo N, Wu X. Virulence-related gene wx2 of Toxoplasma gondii regulated host immune response via classic pyroptosis pathway. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:454. [PMID: 36471417 PMCID: PMC9724370 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05502-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is known as the most successful parasite, which can regulate the host immune response through a variety of ways to achieve immune escape. We previously reported that a novel gene wx2 of T. gondii may be a virulence-related molecule. The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism of wx2 regulating host immune response. METHODS The wx2 knockout strain (RHwx2-/- strain) and complementary strain (RHwx2+/+ strain) were constructed by the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, and the virulence of the wx2 gene was detected and changes in pyroptosis-related molecules were observed. RESULTS Compared with the wild RH and RHwx2+/+ strain groups, the survival time for mice infected with the RHwx2-/- strain was prolonged to a certain extent. The mRNA levels of pyroptosis-related molecules of caspase-1, NLRP3, and GSDMD and et al. in mouse lymphocytes in vivo and RAW267.4 cells in vitro infected with RHwx2-/- strain increased to different degrees, compared with infected with wild RH strain and RHwx2+/+ strain. As with the mRNA level, the protein level of caspase-1, caspase-1 p20, IL-1β, NLRP3, GSDMD-FL, GSDMD-N, and phosphorylation level of NF-κB (p65) were also significantly increased. These data suggest that wx2 may regulate the host immune response through the pyroptosis pathway. In infected RAW264.7 cells at 48 h post-infection, the levels of Th1-type cytokines of IFN-γ, Th2-type cytokines such as IL-13, Th17-type cytokine of IL-17 in cells infected with RHwx2-/- were significantly higher than those of RH and RHwx2+/+ strains, suggesting that the wx2 may inhibit the host's immune response. CONCLUSION wx2 is a virulence related gene of T. gondii, and may be involved in host immune regulation by inhibiting the pyroptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenrong Ma
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuolin Li
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruolan Jiang
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanwu Li
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kang Yan
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ni Zhang
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Lu
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yehong Huang
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nouhoum Dibo
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China ,Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Immunology and Transmission Control On Schistosomiasis, Changsha, China
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Omar M, Abdelal HO. Nitric oxide in parasitic infections: a friend or foe? J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:1147-1163. [PMID: 36457767 PMCID: PMC9606182 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01518-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex interaction between the host and the parasite remains a puzzling question. Control of parasitic infections requires an efficient immune response that must be balanced against destructive pathological consequences. Nitric oxide is a nitrogenous free radical which has many molecular targets and serves diverse functions. Apart from being a signaling messenger, nitric oxide is critical for controlling numerous infections. There is still controversy surrounding the exact role of nitric oxide in the immune response against different parasitic species. It proved protective against intracellular protozoa, as well as extracellular helminths. At the same time, it plays a pivotal role in stimulating detrimental pathological changes in the infected hosts. Several reports have discussed the anti-parasitic and immunoregulatory functions of nitric oxide, which could directly influence the control of the infection. Nevertheless, there is scarce literature addressing the harmful cytotoxic impacts of this mediator. Thus, this review provides insights into the most updated concepts and controversies regarding the dual nature and opposing sides of nitric oxide during the course of different parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Omar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Gameyet Almohafza St. 1, Menya Al-Kamh, City of Zagazig, 44511 Sharkia Governorate Egypt
| | - Heba O. Abdelal
- LIS: Cross-National Data Center, Maison des Sciences Humaines - 5e étage, 11- porte des Sciences, L-4366 Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
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26
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Figueiredo CA, Düsedau HP, Steffen J, Ehrentraut S, Dunay MP, Toth G, Reglödi D, Heimesaat MM, Dunay IR. The neuropeptide PACAP alleviates T. gondii infection-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal impairment. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:274. [PMCID: PMC9675261 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02639-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is responsible for inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) contributing to subtle neuronal alterations. Albeit essential for brain parasite control, continuous microglia activation and recruitment of peripheral immune cells entail distinct neuronal impairment upon infection-induced neuroinflammation. PACAP is an endogenous neuropeptide known to inhibit inflammation and promote neuronal survival. Since PACAP is actively transported into the CNS, we aimed to assess the impact of PACAP on the T. gondii-induced neuroinflammation and subsequent effects on neuronal homeostasis. Methods Exogenous PACAP was administered intraperitoneally in the chronic stage of T. gondii infection, and brains were isolated for histopathological analysis and determination of pathogen levels. Immune cells from the brain, blood, and spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the further production of inflammatory mediators was investigated by intracellular protein staining as well as expression levels by RT-qPCR. Neuronal and synaptic alterations were assessed on the transcriptional and protein level, focusing on neurotrophins, neurotrophin-receptors and signature synaptic markers. Results Here, we reveal that PACAP administration reduced the inflammatory foci and the number of apoptotic cells in the brain parenchyma and restrained the activation of microglia and recruitment of monocytes. The neuropeptide reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators such as IFN-γ, IL-6, iNOS, and IL-1β. Moreover, PACAP diminished IFN-γ production by recruited CD4+ T cells in the CNS. Importantly, PACAP promoted neuronal health via increased expression of the neurotrophin BDNF and reduction of p75NTR, a receptor related to neuronal cell death. In addition, PACAP administration was associated with increased expression of transporters involved in glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling that are particularly affected during cerebral toxoplasmosis. Conclusions Together, our findings unravel the beneficial effects of exogenous PACAP treatment upon infection-induced neuroinflammation, highlighting the potential implication of neuropeptides to promote neuronal survival and minimize synaptic prejudice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02639-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Andreeta Figueiredo
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henning Peter Düsedau
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Steffen
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ehrentraut
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Miklos P. Dunay
- grid.483037.b0000 0001 2226 5083Department and Clinic of Surgery and Ophthalmology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Toth
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglödi
- grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Markus M. Heimesaat
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany ,grid.418723.b0000 0001 2109 6265Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences – CBBS, Magdeburg, Germany
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27
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Ten Hoeve AL, Braun L, Rodriguez ME, Olivera GC, Bougdour A, Belmudes L, Couté Y, Saeij JPJ, Hakimi MA, Barragan A. The Toxoplasma effector GRA28 promotes parasite dissemination by inducing dendritic cell-like migratory properties in infected macrophages. Cell Host Microbe 2022; 30:1570-1588.e7. [PMID: 36309013 PMCID: PMC9710525 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Upon pathogen detection, macrophages normally stay sessile in tissues while dendritic cells (DCs) migrate to secondary lymphoid tissues. The obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii exploits the trafficking of mononuclear phagocytes for dissemination via unclear mechanisms. We report that, upon T. gondii infection, macrophages initiate the expression of transcription factors normally attributed to DCs, upregulate CCR7 expression with a chemotactic response, and perform systemic migration when adoptively transferred into mice. We show that parasite effector GRA28, released by the MYR1 secretory pathway, cooperates with host chromatin remodelers in the host cell nucleus to drive the chemotactic migration of parasitized macrophages. During in vivo challenge studies, bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with wild-type T. gondii outcompeted those challenged with MYR1- or GRA28-deficient strains in migrating and reaching secondary organs. This work reveals how an intracellular parasite hijacks chemotaxis in phagocytes and highlights a remarkable migratory plasticity in differentiated cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne L Ten Hoeve
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laurence Braun
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Matias E Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriela C Olivera
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandre Bougdour
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Lucid Belmudes
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, UMR BioSanté U1292, CNRS, CEA, FR2048, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Yohann Couté
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, UMR BioSanté U1292, CNRS, CEA, FR2048, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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28
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Host cell proteins modulated upon Toxoplasma infection identified using proteomic approaches: a molecular rationale. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1853-1865. [PMID: 35552534 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogenic protozoan parasite belonging to the apicomplexan phylum that infects the nucleated cells of warm-blooded hosts leading to an infectious disease known as toxoplasmosis. Apicomplexan parasites such as T. gondii can display different mechanisms to control or manipulate host cells signaling at different levels altering the host subcellular genome and proteome. Indeed, Toxoplasma is able to modulate host cell responses (especially immune responses) during infection to its advantage through both structural and functional changes in the proteome of different infected cells. Consequently, parasites can transform the invaded cells into a suitable environment for its own replication and the induction of infection. Proteomics as an applicable tool can identify such critical proteins involved in pathogen (Toxoplasma)-host cell interactions and consequently clarify the cellular mechanisms that facilitate the entry of pathogens into host cells, and their replication and transmission, as well as the central mechanisms of host defense against pathogens. Accordingly, the current paper reviews several proteins (identified using proteomic approaches) differentially expressed in the proteome of Toxoplasma-infected host cells (macrophages and human foreskin fibroblasts) and tissues (brain and liver) and highlights their plausible functions in the cellular biology of the infected cells. The identification of such modulated proteins and their related cell impact (cell responses/signaling) can provide further information regarding parasite pathogenesis and biology that might lead to a better understanding of therapeutic strategies and novel drug targets.
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29
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Zhu L, Qi W, Yang G, Yang Y, Wang Y, Zheng L, Fu Y, Cheng X. Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry Protein 7 (ROP7) Interacts with NLRP3 and Promotes Inflammasome Hyperactivation in THP-1-Derived Macrophages. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101630. [PMID: 35626667 PMCID: PMC9139738 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a common opportunistic protozoan pathogen that can parasitize the karyocytes of humans and virtually all other warm-blooded animals. In the host’s innate immune response to T. gondii infection, inflammasomes can mediate the maturation of pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18, which further enhances the immune response. However, how intercellular parasites specifically provoke inflammasome activation remains unclear. In this study, we found that the T. gondii secretory protein, rhoptry protein 7 (ROP7), could interact with the NACHT domain of NLRP3 through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and co-immunoprecipitation assays. When expressing ROP7 in differentiated THP-1 cells, there was significant up-regulation in NF-κB and continuous release of IL-1β. This process is pyroptosis-independent and leads to inflammasome hyperactivation through the IL-1β/NF-κB/NLRP3 feedback loop. The loss of ROP7 in tachyzoites did not affect parasite proliferation in host cells but did attenuate parasite-induced inflammatory activity. In conclusion, these findings unveil that a T. gondii-derived protein is able to promote inflammasome activation, and further study of ROP7 will deepen our understanding of host innate immunity to parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (L.Z.); (W.Q.); (X.C.)
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (L.Z.); (W.Q.); (X.C.)
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
| | - Yurong Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China;
| | - Yuwen Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, The Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, The Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Yongfeng Fu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (L.Z.); (W.Q.); (X.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (L.Z.); (W.Q.); (X.C.)
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30
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Sun X, Xie H, Zhang H, Li Z, Qi H, Yang C, Liu X, Ren L, Jiang Y, Hu X. B7-H4 reduction induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection results in dysfunction of decidual dendritic cells by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:157. [PMID: 35505420 PMCID: PMC9066748 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05263-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary infection of Toxoplasma gondii can cause serious abnormal pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage and stillbirth. Inhibitory molecule B7-H4 is abundantly expressed in dendritic cells (DCs) and plays an important role in maintaining immune tolerance. However, the role of B7-H4 in decidual DCs (dDCs) in T. gondii-induced abnormal pregnancy outcomes is not clear. Methods We established T. gondii-infected abnormal pregnancy model in wild-type (WT) and B7-H4 knockout (B7-H4−/−) pregnant mice in vivo and cultured primary human dDCs in vitro. The abnormal pregnancy outcomes were observed and the expression of B7-H4, functional molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC-II or HLA-DR), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), cytokines (IL-10 and IL-12), and signaling molecules JAK2/STAT3 in dDCs was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Results Our results showed that T. gondii infection significantly decreased B7-H4 expression in dDCs. In addition, B7-H4−/− infected pregnant mice showed much more severe abnormal pregnancy outcomes than their counterparts. Importantly, B7-H4−/− infection further regulated the expression of molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC-II or HLA-DR), enzyme IDO, and cytokines (IL-10 and IL-12) in dDCs. We further discovered that B7-H4−/− infection impairs the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, contributing to dDC dysfunction. Conclusions Taken together, the results show that reduction of B7-H4 by T. gondii infection significantly modulates the decrease in cytokine IL-10 and enzyme IDO and the increase in cytokine IL-12, contributing to dDC dysfunction. Moreover, the JAK2/STAT3 pathway is involved in the regulation of B7-H4 by T. gondii infection and in the subsequent IDO and cytokine production, which ultimately contributes to abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05263-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Sun
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbing Xie
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Houbao Qi
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Department of Oral Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqin Ren
- Department of Medical Genetics and Cell Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Sasai M, Yamamoto M. Anti-toxoplasma host defense systems and the parasitic counterdefense mechanisms. Parasitol Int 2022; 89:102593. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Steffen J, Ehrentraut S, Bank U, Biswas A, Figueiredo CA, Hölsken O, Düsedau HP, Dovhan V, Knop L, Thode J, Romero-Suárez S, Duarte CI, Gigley J, Romagnani C, Diefenbach A, Klose CSN, Schüler T, Dunay IR. Type 1 innate lymphoid cells regulate the onset of Toxoplasma gondii-induced neuroinflammation. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110564. [PMID: 35354032 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral infections are restrained by a complex interplay of tissue-resident and recruited peripheral immune cells. Whether innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are involved in the orchestration of the neuroinflammatory dynamics is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that ILCs accumulate in the cerebral parenchyma, the choroid plexus, and the meninges in the onset of cerebral Toxoplasma gondii infection. Antibody-mediated depletion of conventional natural killer (cNK) cells and ILC1s in the early stage of infection results in diminished cytokine and chemokine expression and increased cerebral parasite burden. Using cNK- and ILC1-deficient murine models, we demonstrate that exclusively the lack of ILC1s affects cerebral immune responses. In summary, our results provide evidence that ILC1s are an early source of IFN-γ and TNF in response to cerebral T. gondii infection, thereby inducing host defense factors and initiating the development of a neuroinflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Steffen
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ehrentraut
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ute Bank
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aindrila Biswas
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Caio Andreeta Figueiredo
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Hölsken
- Mucosal and Developmental Immunology, German Rheuma Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany; Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henning Peter Düsedau
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Vladyslava Dovhan
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Laura Knop
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Thode
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Silvina Romero-Suárez
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Infante Duarte
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jason Gigley
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Innate Immunity, German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany; Medical Department I, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Diefenbach
- Mucosal and Developmental Immunology, German Rheuma Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany; Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph S N Klose
- Neuro-immune Interactions, Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Schüler
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology, and Inflammation (GC-I(3)), Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Bingxiang W, Ningning Z, Yakun W, Lingyu S, Hongmei L, Zhang X, Zhao X. Characterization of the Eimeria tenella rhoptry protein with a nuclear localization sequence (EtROP30). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1507-1516. [PMID: 35314894 PMCID: PMC8938219 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Rhoptry proteins (ROPs), secreted by specific rhoptry organelles of apicomplexan parasites, are determinants of parasite pathogenesis and sources of vaccine candidates. Twenty-eight ROPs of Eimeria tenella have been predicted by genomic approaches, and in the present study, E. tenella rhoptry protein 30 (EtROP30) was characterized. Subcellular localizations of EtROP30 in sporozoites and merozoites were in the apical complex and rhoptry-like bulb, suggesting that EtROP30 is a member of ROPs in E. tenella. Sequence analysis showed that EtROP30 contained an N-terminal secretory signal, a protein kinase domain with eight E. tenella-specific rhoptry kinase 1 subfamily (ROPK-Eten1) motifs, and a C-terminal nuclear localization sequence (NLS), making EtROP30 the only ROP that contains both a secretory signal and an NLS in E. tenella. Subsequent experiments showed that EtROP30 was a secreted protein in the sporozoite stage, relying on NLS for migration to the host nucleus. In addition, EtROP30 showed significantly higher expression levels in the parasite merozoite stage, indicating that EtROP30 plays a critical role during parasite reinvasion and development and may be a viable option as a vaccine candidate for anti-parasitic infection. The immunization protection efficacies of EtROP30 were evaluated. Significant improvements in mean body weight gain, reduction of cecum lesion score, and number of oocysts excreted were observed, indicating that EtROP30 has good immunogenicity against E. tenella. In the present study, a ROP of E. tenella with secretory and nuclear localization characteristics has been identified, and proved to be an effective vaccine candidate against this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Bingxiang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao Ningning
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Wang Yakun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Sun Lingyu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Li Hongmei
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China.
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Nagai K, Goto Y. Parasitomimetics: Can We Utilize Parasite-Derived Immunomodulatory Molecules for Interventions to Immunological Disorders? Front Immunol 2022; 13:824695. [PMID: 35386686 PMCID: PMC8977410 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.824695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Because our immune system has ability to expel microorganisms invading our body, parasites need evolution to maintain their symbiosis with the hosts. One such strategy of the parasites is to manipulate host immunity by producing immunomodulatory molecules and the ability of parasites to regulate host immunity has long been a target of research. Parasites can not only manipulate host immune response specific to them, but also influence the host's entire immune system. Such ability of the parasites may sometimes bring benefit to the hosts as many studies have indicated the "hygiene hypothesis" that a decreased opportunity of parasitic infections is associated with an increased incidence of allergy and autoimmune diseases. In other words, elucidating the mechanisms of parasites to regulate host immunity could be applied not only to resolution of parasitic infections but also to treatment of non-parasitic immunological disorders. In this review, we show how much progress has been made in the research on immunomodulation of host immunity by parasites. Here, we define the word 'parasitomimetics' as emulation of parasites' immunomodulatory systems to solve immunological problems in humans and discuss potential applications of parasite-derived molecules to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasuyuki Goto
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Silvestre A, Shintre SS, Rachidi N. Released Parasite-Derived Kinases as Novel Targets for Antiparasitic Therapies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:825458. [PMID: 35252034 PMCID: PMC8893276 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.825458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficient manipulation of their host cell is an essential feature of intracellular parasites. Most molecular mechanisms governing the subversion of host cell by protozoan parasites involve the release of parasite-derived molecules into the host cell cytoplasm and direct interaction with host proteins. Among these released proteins, kinases are particularly important as they govern the subversion of important host pathways, such as signalling or metabolic pathways. These enzymes, which catalyse the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP onto serine, threonine, tyrosine or histidine residues to covalently modify proteins, are involved in numerous essential biological processes such as cell cycle or transport. Although little is known about the role of most of the released parasite-derived kinases in the host cell, they are examples of kinases hijacking host cellular pathways such as signal transduction or apoptosis, which are essential for immune response evasion as well as parasite survival and development. Here we present the current knowledge on released protozoan kinases and their involvement in host-pathogen interactions. We also highlight the knowledge gaps remaining before considering those kinases - involved in host signalling subversion - as antiparasitic drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Silvestre
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
- *Correspondence: Anne Silvestre, ; Najma Rachidi,
| | - Sharvani Shrinivas Shintre
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris and INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
| | - Najma Rachidi
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris and INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Anne Silvestre, ; Najma Rachidi,
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36
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Figueiredo CA, Steffen J, Morton L, Arumugam S, Liesenfeld O, Deli MA, Kröger A, Schüler T, Dunay IR. Immune response and pathogen invasion at the choroid plexus in the onset of cerebral toxoplasmosis. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:17. [PMID: 35027063 PMCID: PMC8759173 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a highly successful parasite being able to cross all biological barriers of the body, finally reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies have highlighted the critical involvement of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during T. gondii invasion and development of subsequent neuroinflammation. Still, the potential contribution of the choroid plexus (CP), the main structure forming the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) have not been addressed. METHODS To investigate T. gondii invasion at the onset of neuroinflammation, the CP and brain microvessels (BMV) were isolated and analyzed for parasite burden. Additionally, immuno-stained brain sections and three-dimensional whole mount preparations were evaluated for parasite localization and morphological alterations. Activation of choroidal and brain endothelial cells were characterized by flow cytometry. To evaluate the impact of early immune responses on CP and BMV, expression levels of inflammatory mediators, tight junctions (TJ) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were quantified. Additionally, FITC-dextran was applied to determine infection-related changes in BCSFB permeability. Finally, the response of primary CP epithelial cells to T. gondii parasites was tested in vitro. RESULTS Here we revealed that endothelial cells in the CP are initially infected by T. gondii, and become activated prior to BBB endothelial cells indicated by MHCII upregulation. Additionally, CP elicited early local immune response with upregulation of IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6, host-defence factors as well as swift expression of CXCL9 chemokine, when compared to the BMV. Consequently, we uncovered distinct TJ disturbances of claudins, associated with upregulation of MMP-8 and MMP-13 expression in infected CP in vivo, which was confirmed by in vitro infection of primary CP epithelial cells. Notably, we detected early barrier damage and functional loss by increased BCSFB permeability to FITC-dextran in vivo, which was extended over the infection course. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our data reveal a close interaction between T. gondii infection at the CP and the impairment of the BCSFB function indicating that infection-related neuroinflammation is initiated in the CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Andreeta Figueiredo
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Steffen
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lorena Morton
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sushmitha Arumugam
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mária A Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andrea Kröger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schüler
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, CBBS, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protist infecting a wide group of warm-blooded animals, ranging from birds to humans. While this infection is usually asymptomatic in healthy individuals, it can also lead to severe ocular or neurological outcomes in immunocompromised individuals or in developing fetuses. This obligate intracellular parasite has the ability to infect a considerable range of nucleated cells and can propagate in the intermediate host. Yet, under the pressure of the immune system it transforms into an encysted persistent form residing primarily in the brain and muscle tissues. Encysted parasites, which are resistant to current medication, may reactivate and give rise to an acute infection. The clinical outcome of toxoplasmosis depends on a complex balance between the host immune response and parasite virulence factors. Susceptibility to the disease is thus determined by both parasite strains and host species. Recent advances on our understanding of host cell-parasite interactions and parasite virulence have brought new insights into the pathophysiology of T. gondii infection and are summarized here.
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Hajj RE, Tawk L, Itani S, Hamie M, Ezzeddine J, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Toxoplasmosis: Current and Emerging Parasite Druggable Targets. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122531. [PMID: 34946133 PMCID: PMC8707595 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent disease affecting a wide range of hosts including approximately one-third of the human population. It is caused by the sporozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which instigates a range of symptoms, manifesting as acute and chronic forms and varying from ocular to deleterious congenital or neuro-toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may cause serious health problems in fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised patients. Recently, associations between toxoplasmosis and various neuropathies and different types of cancer were documented. In the veterinary sector, toxoplasmosis results in recurring abortions, leading to significant economic losses. Treatment of toxoplasmosis remains intricate and encompasses general antiparasitic and antibacterial drugs. The efficacy of these drugs is hindered by intolerance, side effects, and emergence of parasite resistance. Furthermore, all currently used drugs in the clinic target acute toxoplasmosis, with no or little effect on the chronic form. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview on the currently used and emergent drugs and their respective parasitic targets to combat toxoplasmosis. We will also abridge the repurposing of certain drugs, their targets, and highlight future druggable targets to enhance the therapeutic efficacy against toxoplasmosis, hence lessening its burden and potentially alleviating the complications of its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Jana Ezzeddine
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
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Lodoen MB, Smith NC, Soldati-Favre D, Ferguson DJP, van Dooren GG. Nanos gigantium humeris insidentes: old papers informing new research into Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1193-1212. [PMID: 34736901 PMCID: PMC10538201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Since Nicolle, Manceaux and Splendore first described Toxoplasma gondii as a parasite of rodents and rabbits in the early 20th century, a diverse and vigorous research community has been built around studying this fascinating intracellular parasite. In addition to its importance as a pathogen of humans, livestock and wildlife, modern researchers are attracted to T. gondii as a facile experimental system to study many aspects of evolutionary biology, cellular biology, host-microbe interactions, and host immunity. For new researchers entering the field, the extensive literature describing the biology of the parasite, and the interactions with its host, can be daunting. In this review, we examine four foundational studies that describe various aspects of T. gondii biology, presenting a 'journal club'-style analysis of each. We have chosen a paper that established the beguiling life cycle of the parasite (Hutchison et al., 1971), a paper that described key features of its cellular biology that the parasite shares with related organisms (Gustafson et al., 1954), a paper that characterised the origin of the unique compartment in which the parasite resides within host cells (Jones and Hirsch, 1972), and a paper that established a key mechanism in the host immune response to parasite infection (Pfefferkorn, 1984). These interesting and far-reaching studies set the stage for subsequent research into numerous facets of parasite biology. As well as providing new researchers with an entry point into the literature surrounding the parasite, revisiting these studies can remind us of the roots of our discipline, how far we have come, and the new directions in which we might head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Lodoen
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Nicholas C Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David J P Ferguson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Science, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
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Transcriptomic Analysis of the Effects of Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 Deficiency on Immune Responses in the Mouse Brain during Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112340. [PMID: 34835465 PMCID: PMC8620038 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects warm-blooded animals, including humans. We previously revealed through a whole-brain transcriptome analysis that infection with T. gondii in mice causes immune response-associated genes to be upregulated, for instance, chemokines and chemokine receptors such as CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) and its ligand CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10). Here, we describe the effect of CXCR3 on responses against T. gondii infection in the mouse brain. In vivo assays using CXCR3-deficient mice showed that the absence of CXCR3 delayed the normal recovery of body weight and increased the brain parasite burden, suggesting that CXCR3 plays a role in the control of pathology in the brain, the site where chronic infection occurs. Therefore, to further analyze the function of CXCR3 in the brain, we profiled the gene expression patterns of primary astrocytes and microglia by RNA sequencing and subsequent analyses. CXCR3 deficiency impaired the normal upregulation of immune-related genes during T. gondii infection, in astrocytes and microglia alike. Collectively, our results suggest that the immune-related genes upregulated by CXCR3 perform a particular role in controlling pathology when the host is chronically infected with T. gondii in the brain.
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Frickel EM, Hunter CA. Lessons from Toxoplasma: Host responses that mediate parasite control and the microbial effectors that subvert them. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212714. [PMID: 34670268 PMCID: PMC8532566 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii has long provided a tractable experimental system to investigate how the immune system deals with intracellular infections. This review highlights the advances in defining how this organism was first detected and the studies with T. gondii that contribute to our understanding of how the cytokine IFN-γ promotes control of vacuolar pathogens. In addition, the genetic tractability of this eukaryote organism has provided the foundation for studies into the diverse strategies that pathogens use to evade antimicrobial responses and now provides the opportunity to study the basis for latency. Thus, T. gondii remains a clinically relevant organism whose evolving interactions with the host immune system continue to teach lessons broadly relevant to host–pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Frickel
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Snyder LM, Doherty CM, Mercer HL, Denkers EY. Induction of IL-12p40 and type 1 immunity by Toxoplasma gondii in the absence of the TLR-MyD88 signaling cascade. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009970. [PMID: 34597344 PMCID: PMC8513874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an orally acquired pathogen that induces strong IFN-γ based immunity conferring protection but that can also be the cause of immunopathology. The response in mice is driven in part by well-characterized MyD88-dependent signaling pathways. Here we focus on induction of less well understood immune responses that do not involve this Toll-like receptor (TLR)/IL-1 family receptor adaptor molecule, in particular as they occur in the intestinal mucosa. Using eYFP-IL-12p40 reporter mice on an MyD88-/- background, we identified dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils as cellular sources of MyD88-independent IL-12 after peroral T. gondii infection. Infection-induced IL-12 was lower in the absence of MyD88, but was still clearly above noninfected levels. Overall, this carried through to the IFN-γ response, which while generally decreased was still remarkably robust in the absence of MyD88. In the latter mice, IL-12 was strictly required to induce type I immunity. Type 1 and type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC), CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells each contributed to the IFN-γ pool. We report that ILC3 were expanded in infected MyD88-/- mice relative to their MyD88+/+ counterparts, suggesting a compensatory response triggered by loss of MyD88. Furthermore, bacterial flagellin and Toxoplasma specific CD4+ T cell populations in the lamina propria expanded in response to infection in both WT and KO mice. Finally, we show that My88-independent IL-12 and T cell mediated IFN-γ production require the presence of the intestinal microbiota. Our results identify MyD88-independent intestinal immune pathways induced by T. gondii including myeloid cell derived IL-12 production, downstream type I immunity and IFN-γ production by ILC1, ILC3, and T lymphocytes. Collectively, our data reveal an underlying network of immune responses that do not involve signaling through MyD88. Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite estimated to infect 30–50% of humans worldwide. The parasite normally establishes latency in brain and muscle tissue marked by persistent asymptomatic infection. T. gondii masterfully strikes a balance between eliciting strong, anti-parasite immunity while also persisting in the host. Although the murine host recognizes Toxoplasma profilin via MyD88 and Toll-like receptors 11/12, humans lack these receptors and MyD88 deficient patients retain resistance to T. gondii infection. Given these observations, it is important to identify MyD88 independent pathways of immunity. Using an oral infection mouse model, we identified cellular sources of IL-12 and IFN-γ, two cytokines that are essential for host resistance to this microbial pathogen. We determined how these responses are impacted by the presence and absence of MyD88 and the intestinal microbiota. Our data demonstrate that T. gondii triggers MyD88-independent innate and adaptive immunity in the intestinal mucosa that requires the presence of intestinal microbes. These pathways may be conserved among species and understanding how they work in rodents will likely help determine how humans recognize and respond to T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Snyder
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Claire M Doherty
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Heather L Mercer
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Eric Y Denkers
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
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Rajendran E, Clark M, Goulart C, Steinhöfel B, Tjhin ET, Gross S, Smith NC, Kirk K, van Dooren GG. Substrate-mediated regulation of the arginine transporter of Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009816. [PMID: 34352043 PMCID: PMC8370653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular parasites, such as the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii, are adept at scavenging nutrients from their host. However, there is little understanding of how parasites sense and respond to the changing nutrient environments they encounter during an infection. TgApiAT1, a member of the apicomplexan ApiAT family of amino acid transporters, is the major uptake route for the essential amino acid L-arginine (Arg) in T. gondii. Here, we show that the abundance of TgApiAT1, and hence the rate of uptake of Arg, is regulated by the availability of Arg in the parasite's external environment, increasing in response to decreased [Arg]. Using a luciferase-based 'biosensor' strain of T. gondii, we demonstrate that the expression of TgApiAT1 varies between different organs within the host, indicating that parasites are able to modulate TgApiAT1-dependent uptake of Arg as they encounter different nutrient environments in vivo. Finally, we show that Arg-dependent regulation of TgApiAT1 expression is post-transcriptional, mediated by an upstream open reading frame (uORF) in the TgApiAT1 transcript, and we provide evidence that the peptide encoded by this uORF is critical for mediating regulation. Together, our data reveal the mechanism by which an apicomplexan parasite responds to changes in the availability of a key nutrient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Rajendran
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Morgan Clark
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Cibelly Goulart
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Birte Steinhöfel
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Erick T. Tjhin
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Simon Gross
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nicholas C. Smith
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kiaran Kirk
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Giel G. van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Matta SK, Rinkenberger N, Dunay IR, Sibley LD. Toxoplasma gondii infection and its implications within the central nervous system. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:467-480. [PMID: 33627834 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00518-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that infects a wide range of animals and causes zoonotic infections in humans. Although it normally only results in mild illness in healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis is a common opportunistic infection with high mortality in individuals who are immunocompromised, most commonly due to reactivation of infection in the central nervous system. In the acute phase of infection, interferon-dependent immune responses control rapid parasite expansion and mitigate acute disease symptoms. However, after dissemination the parasite differentiates into semi-dormant cysts that form within muscle cells and neurons, where they persist for life in the infected host. Control of infection in the central nervous system, a compartment of immune privilege, relies on modified immune responses that aim to balance infection control while limiting potential damage due to inflammation. In response to the activation of interferon-mediated pathways, the parasite deploys an array of effector proteins to escape immune clearance and ensure latent survival. Although these pathways are best studied in the laboratory mouse, emerging evidence points to unique mechanisms of control in human toxoplasmosis. In this Review, we explore some of these recent findings that extend our understanding for proliferation, establishment and control of toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit K Matta
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nicholas Rinkenberger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ildiko R Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Lentini G, Ben Chaabene R, Vadas O, Ramakrishnan C, Mukherjee B, Mehta V, Lunghi M, Grossmann J, Maco B, Visentin R, Hehl AB, Korkhov VM, Soldati-Favre D. Structural insights into an atypical secretory pathway kinase crucial for Toxoplasma gondii invasion. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3788. [PMID: 34145271 PMCID: PMC8213820 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Active host cell invasion by the obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasites relies on the formation of a moving junction, which connects parasite and host cell plasma membranes during entry. Invading Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites secrete their rhoptry content and insert a complex of RON proteins on the cytoplasmic side of the host cell membrane providing an anchor to which the parasite tethers. Here we show that a rhoptry-resident kinase RON13 is a key virulence factor that plays a crucial role in host cell entry. Cryo-EM, kinase assays, phosphoproteomics and cellular analyses reveal that RON13 is a secretory pathway kinase of atypical structure that phosphorylates rhoptry proteins including the components of the RON complex. Ultimately, RON13 kinase activity controls host cell invasion by anchoring the moving junction at the parasite-host cell interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Lentini
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rouaa Ben Chaabene
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oscar Vadas
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chandra Ramakrishnan
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Budhaditya Mukherjee
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.429017.90000 0001 0153 2859Present Address: School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, India
| | - Ved Mehta
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Lunghi
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Grossmann
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Functional Genomic Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.419765.80000 0001 2223 3006The Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, SIB, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bohumil Maco
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rémy Visentin
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adrian B. Hehl
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Volodymyr M. Korkhov
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.5991.40000 0001 1090 7501Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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The role of upstream open reading frames in translation regulation in the apicomplexan parasites Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitology 2021; 148:1277-1287. [PMID: 34099078 PMCID: PMC8383288 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During their complex life cycles, the Apicomplexan parasites Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii employ several layers of regulation of their gene expression. One such layer is mediated at the level of translation through upstream open reading frames (uORFs). As uORFs are found in the upstream regions of a majority of transcripts in both the parasites, it is essential that their roles in translational regulation be appreciated to a greater extent. This review provides a comprehensive summary of studies that show uORF-mediated gene regulation in these parasites and highlights examples of clinically and physiologically relevant genes, including var2csa in P. falciparum, and ApiAT1 in T. gondii, that exhibit uORF-mediated regulation. In addition to these examples, several studies that use bioinformatics, transcriptomics, proteomics and ribosome profiling also indicate the possibility of widespread translational regulation by uORFs. Further analysis of these genome-wide datasets, taking into account uORFs associated with each gene, will reveal novel genes involved in key biological pathways such as cell-cycle progression, stress-response and pathogenicity. The cumulative evidence from studies presented in this review suggests that uORFs will play crucial roles in regulating gene expression during clinical disease caused by these important human pathogens.
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de Faria Junior GM, Murata FHA, Lorenzi HA, Castro BBP, Assoni LCP, Ayo CM, Brandão CC, de Mattos LC. The Role of microRNAs in the Infection by T. gondii in Humans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:670548. [PMID: 34055667 PMCID: PMC8160463 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.670548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are molecules belonging to an evolutionarily conserved family of small non-coding RNAs, which act on post-transcriptional gene regulation, causing messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation or inhibiting mRNA translation into proteins. These molecules represent potential biomarkers for diagnosis, non-invasive prognosis, and monitoring the development of the disease. Moreover, they may provide additional information on the pathophysiology of parasitic infections and guide strategies for treatment. The Apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii modifies the levels of microRNAs and mRNAs in infected host cells by modulating the innate and adaptive immune responses, facilitating its survival within the host. Some studies have shown that microRNAs are promising molecular markers for developing diagnostic tools for human toxoplasmosis. MicroRNAs can be detected in human specimens collected using non-invasive procedures. changes in the circulating host microRNAs have been associated with T. gondii infection in mice and ocular toxoplasmosis in humans. Besides, microRNAs can be amplified from samples using sensitive and molecular-specific approaches such as real-time PCR. This review presents recent findings of the role that microRNAs play during T. gondii infection and discuss their potential use of these small nuclei acid molecules to different approaches such as laboratory diagnosis, modulation of cell and tissue infected as other potential applications in human toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo Magela de Faria Junior
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernando Henrique Antunes Murata
- Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | | | - Bruno Bello Pede Castro
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Carolina Paraboli Assoni
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Christiane Maria Ayo
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Cinara Cássia Brandão
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos de Mattos
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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Kochanowsky JA, Thomas KK, Koshy AA. ROP16-Mediated Activation of STAT6 Suppresses Host Cell Reactive Oxygen Species Production, Facilitating Type III Toxoplasma gondii Growth and Survival. mBio 2021; 12:e03305-20. [PMID: 33653884 PMCID: PMC8092286 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03305-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphic effector proteins determine the susceptibility of Toxoplasma gondii strains to IFN-γ-mediated clearance mechanisms deployed by murine host cells. However, less is known about the influence of these polymorphic effector proteins on IFN-γ-independent clearance mechanisms. Here, we show that deletion of one such polymorphic effector protein, ROP16, from a type III background leads to a defect in parasite growth and survival in unstimulated human fibroblasts and murine macrophages. Rescue of these defects requires a ROP16 with a functional kinase domain and the ability to activate a specific family of host cell transcription factors (STAT3, 5a, and 6). The growth and survival defects correlate with an accumulation of host cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are prevented by treatment with an ROS inhibitor. Exogenous activation of STAT3 and 6 suppresses host cell ROS production during infection with ROP16-deficient parasites and depletion of STAT6, but not STAT3 or 5a, causes an accumulation of ROS in cells infected with wild-type parasites. Pharmacological inhibition of NOX2 and mitochondrially derived ROS also rescues growth and survival of ROP16-deficient parasites. Collectively, these findings reveal an IFN-γ-independent mechanism of parasite restriction in human cells that is subverted by injection of ROP16 by type III parasites.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects up to one-third of the world's population. Control of the parasite is largely accomplished by IFN-γ-dependent mechanisms that stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Parasite suppression of IFN-γ-stimulated responses has been linked to proteins that the parasite secretes into its host cell. These secreted proteins vary by T. gondii strain and determine strain-specific lethality in mice. How these strain-specific polymorphic effector proteins affect IFN-γ-independent parasite control mechanisms in human and murine cells is not well known. This study shows that one such secreted protein, ROP16, enables efficient parasite growth and survival by suppressing IFN-γ-independent production of ROS by human and mouse cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anita A Koshy
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Li T, Cui L, Xu X, Zhang H, Jiang Y, Ren L, Yang C, Liu X, Hu X. The Role of Tim-3 on dNK Cells Dysfunction During Abnormal Pregnancy With Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:587150. [PMID: 33718261 PMCID: PMC7953497 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.587150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during gestation can result in severe complications such as abortion, congenital malformation, fetal teratogenesis, etc. Immune inhibitory molecule Tim-3 was discovered to be expressed on some decidual immune cells and participates in the maintenance of maternal-fetal tolerance. Dysregulation of Tim-3 expression on decidual NK (dNK) cells was observed in several cases of pregnancy complications, whereas the role of Tim-3 on dNK cells during T. gondii infection remains unclear. In the present study, T. gondii infected Tim-3-/- pregnant mice, and anti-Tim-3 neutralizing antibody treated and infected human dNK cells were successfully established to explore the role of Tim-3 in dysfunction of dNK cells during abnormal pregnancy. Our results illustrated that Tim-3-/- pregnant mice displayed more worse pregnancy outcomes with T. gondii infection compared to infected WT pregnant mice. Also, it demonstrated that Tim-3 expression on dNK cells was significantly down-regulated following T. gondii infection. Data suggested a remarkable activation of dNK cells in Tim-3-/- mice and anti-Tim-3 neutralizing antibody treated and infected groups, with higher ratios of activating receptor NKG2D to inhibitory receptor NKG2A or KIR2DL4, IFN-γ/IL-10, and increased granule production compared with that of the infected group. Mechanism analysis proved that T. gondii-induced Tim-3 down-regulation significantly activated the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT and JAK-STAT signaling pathway, by which the GranzymeB, Perforin, IFN-γ, and IL-10 production were further up-regulated. Our research demonstrated that the decrease of Tim-3 on dNK cells caused by T. gondii infection further led to dNK cells function disorder, which finally contributed to the development of abnormal pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Liqin Ren
- Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- School of Stomatology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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50
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Menard KL, Bu L, Denkers EY. Transcriptomics analysis of Toxoplasma gondii-infected mouse macrophages reveals coding and noncoding signatures in the presence and absence of MyD88. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:130. [PMID: 33622246 PMCID: PMC7903719 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed protozoan parasite that establishes life-long asymptomatic infection in humans, often emerging as a life-threatening opportunistic pathogen during immunodeficiency. As an intracellular microbe, Toxoplasma establishes an intimate relationship with its host cell from the outset of infection. Macrophages are targets of infection and they are important in early innate immunity and possibly parasite dissemination throughout the host. Here, we employ an RNA-sequencing approach to identify host and parasite transcriptional responses during infection of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). We incorporated into our analysis infection with the high virulence Type I RH strain and the low virulence Type II strain PTG. Because the well-known TLR-MyD88 signaling axis is likely of less importance in humans, we examined transcriptional responses in both MyD88+/+ and MyD88-/- BMDM. Long noncoding (lnc) RNA molecules are emerging as key regulators in infection and immunity, and were, therefore, included in our analysis. RESULTS We found significantly more host genes were differentially expressed in response to the highly virulent RH strain rather than with the less virulent PTG strain (335 versus 74 protein coding genes for RH and PTG, respectively). Enriched in these protein coding genes were subsets associated with the immune response as well as cell adhesion and migration. We identified 249 and 83 non-coding RNAs as differentially expressed during infection with RH and PTG strains, respectively. Although the majority of these are of unknown function, one conserved lncRNA termed mir17hg encodes the mir17 microRNA gene cluster that has been implicated in down-regulating host cell apoptosis during T. gondii infection. Only a minimal number of transcripts were differentially expressed between MyD88 knockout and wild type cells. However, several immune genes were among the differences. While transcripts for parasite secretory proteins were amongst the most highly expressed T. gondii genes during infection, no differentially expressed parasite genes were identified when comparing infection in MyD88 knockout and wild type host BMDM. CONCLUSIONS The large dataset presented here lays the groundwork for continued studies on both the MyD88-independent immune response and the function of lncRNAs during Toxoplasma gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla L Menard
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Lijing Bu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eric Y Denkers
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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