1
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Lawrence N, Handley TNG, de Veer SJ, Harding MD, Andraszek A, Hall L, Raven KD, Duffy S, Avery VM, Craik DJ, Malins LR, McMorran BJ. Enhancing the Intrinsic Antiplasmodial Activity and Improving the Stability and Selectivity of a Tunable Peptide Scaffold Derived from Human Platelet Factor 4. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2899-2912. [PMID: 39087267 PMCID: PMC11320574 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00276] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The control of malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that kills over half a million people every year, is threatened by the continual emergence and spread of drug resistance. Therefore, new molecules with different mechanisms of action are needed in the antimalarial drug development pipeline. Peptides developed from host defense molecules are gaining traction as anti-infectives due to theood of inducing drug resistance. Human platelet factor 4 (PF4) has intrinsic activity against P. falciparum, and a macrocyclic helix-loop-helix peptide derived from its active domain recapitulates this activity. In this study, we used a stepwise approach to optimize first-generation PF4-derived internalization peptides (PDIPs) by producing analogues with substitutions to charged and hydrophobic amino acid residues or with modifications to terminal residues including backbone cyclization. We evaluated the in vitro activity of PDIP analogues against P. falciparum compared to their overall helical structure, resistance to breakdown by serum proteases, selective binding to negatively charged membranes, and hemolytic activity. Next, we combined antiplasmodial potency-enhancing substitutions that retained favorable membrane and cell-selective properties onto the most stable scaffold to produce a backbone cyclic PDIP analogue with four-fold improved activity against P. falciparum compared to first-generation peptides. These studies demonstrate the ability to modify PDIP to select for and combine desirable properties and further validate the suitability of this unique peptide scaffold for developing a new molecule class that is distinct from existing antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Lawrence
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Research Council Centre of
Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas N. G. Handley
- Department
of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Imaging, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Sir
Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Simon J. de Veer
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Research Council Centre of
Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Maxim D. Harding
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Research Council Centre of
Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Alicja Andraszek
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Research Council Centre of
Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Lachlan Hall
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Research Council Centre of
Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Karoline D. Raven
- The
John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Sandra Duffy
- Discovery
Biology, Centre for Cellular Phenomics, School of Environment and
Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Vicky M. Avery
- Discovery
Biology, Centre for Cellular Phenomics, School of Environment and
Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Research Council Centre of
Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Lara R. Malins
- Research
School of Chemistry and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Brendan J. McMorran
- The
John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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2
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Fraser M, Curtis B, Phillips P, Yates PA, Lam KS, Netzel O, van Dooren GG, Ingmundson A, Matuschewski K, McLeod MD, Maier AG. Harnessing cholesterol uptake of malaria parasites for therapeutic applications. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1515-1532. [PMID: 38862600 PMCID: PMC11251039 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasites, such as the malaria parasite P. falciparum, are critically dependent on host nutrients. Interference with nutrient uptake can lead to parasite death and, therefore, serve as a successful treatment strategy. P. falciparum parasites cannot synthesise cholesterol, and instead source this lipid from the host. Here, we tested whether cholesterol uptake pathways could be 'hijacked' for optimal drug delivery to the intracellular parasite. We found that fluorescent cholesterol analogues were delivered from the extracellular environment to the intracellular parasite. We investigated the uptake and inhibitory effects of conjugate compounds, where proven antimalarial drugs (primaquine and artesunate) were attached to steroids that mimic the structure of cholesterol. These conjugated antimalarial drugs improved the inhibitory effects against multiple parasite lifecycle stages, multiple parasite species, and drug-resistant parasites, whilst also lowering the toxicity to human host cells. Steroids with introduced peroxides also displayed antimalarial activity. These results provide a proof-of-concept that cholesterol mimics can be developed as a drug delivery system against apicomplexan parasites with the potential to improve drug efficacy, increase therapeutic index, and defeat drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merryn Fraser
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, 10115, Germany
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Blake Curtis
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia
- Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Patrick Phillips
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia
| | - Patrick A Yates
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia
| | - Kwong Sum Lam
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia
| | - Otto Netzel
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, 10115, Germany
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia
| | - Alyssa Ingmundson
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, 10115, Germany
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, 10115, Germany
| | - Malcolm D McLeod
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia.
| | - Alexander G Maier
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia.
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3
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Ngotho P, Press KD, Peedell M, Muasya W, Omondi BR, Otoboh SE, Seydel KB, Kapulu M, Laufer M, Taylor T, Bousema T, Marti M. Reversible host cell surface remodelling limits immune recognition and maximizes transmission of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.30.591837. [PMID: 38746342 PMCID: PMC11092622 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Reducing malaria transmission has been a major pillar of control programmes and is considered crucial for achieving malaria elimination. Gametocytes, the transmissible forms of the P. falciparum parasite, arise during the blood stage of the parasite and develop through 5 morphologically distinct stages. Immature gametocytes (stage I-IV) sequester and develop in the extravascular niche of the bone marrow and possibly spleen. Only mature stage V gametocytes re-enter peripheral circulation to be taken up by mosquitoes for successful onward transmission. We have recently shown that immature, but not mature gametocytes are targets of host immune responses and identified putative target surface antigens. We hypothesize that these antigens play a role in gametocyte sequestration and contribute to acquired transmission-reducing immunity. Here we demonstrate that surface antigen expression, serum reactivity by human IgG, and opsonic phagocytosis by macrophages all show similar dynamics during gametocyte maturation, i.e., on in immature and off in mature gametocytes. Moreover, the switch in surface reactivity coincides with reversal in phosphatidylserine (PS) surface exposure, a marker for red blood cell age and clearance. PS is exposed on the surface of immature gametocytes (as well as in late asexual stages) but is removed from the surface in later gametocyte stages (IV-V). Using parasite reverse genetics and drug perturbations, we confirm that parasite protein export into the host cell and phospholipid scramblase activity are required for the observed surface modifications in asexual and sexual P. falciparum stages. These findings suggest that the dynamic surface remodelling allows (i) immature gametocyte sequestration in bone marrow and (ii) mature gametocyte release into peripheral circulation and immune evasion, therefore contributing to mature gametocyte survival in vivo and onward transmission to mosquitoes. Importantly, blocking scramblase activity during gametocyte maturation results in efficient clearance of mature gametocytes, revealing a potential path for transmission blocking interventions. Our studies have important implications for our understanding of parasite biology and form a starting point for novel intervention strategies to simultaneously reduce parasite burden and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Ngotho
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Megan Peedell
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - William Muasya
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Roy Omondi
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stanley E. Otoboh
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karl B. Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Miriam Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Terrie Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Walker IS, Rogerson SJ. Pathogenicity and virulence of malaria: Sticky problems and tricky solutions. Virulence 2023; 14:2150456. [PMID: 36419237 PMCID: PMC9815252 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cause over 600,000 deaths each year, concentrated in Africa and in young children, but much of the world's population remain at risk of infection. In this article, we review the latest developments in the immunogenicity and pathogenesis of malaria, with a particular focus on P. falciparum, the leading malaria killer. Pathogenic factors include parasite-derived toxins and variant surface antigens on infected erythrocytes that mediate sequestration in the deep vasculature. Host response to parasite toxins and to variant antigens is an important determinant of disease severity. Understanding how parasites sequester, and how antibody to variant antigens could prevent sequestration, may lead to new approaches to treat and prevent disease. Difficulties in malaria diagnosis, drug resistance, and specific challenges of treating P. vivax pose challenges to malaria elimination, but vaccines and other preventive strategies may offer improved disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel S Walker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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5
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Vallintine T, van Ooij C. Distribution of malaria parasite-derived phosphatidylcholine in the infected erythrocyte. mSphere 2023; 8:e0013123. [PMID: 37606582 PMCID: PMC10597409 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00131-23] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites modify their host erythrocyte in multiple ways, leading to changes in the deformability, adhesiveness, and permeability of the host erythrocyte. Most of these changes are mediated by proteins exported from the parasite to the host erythrocyte, where these proteins interact with the host cell cytoskeleton or form complexes in the plasma membrane of the infected erythrocyte. In addition, malaria parasites induce the formation of membranous compartments-the parasitophorous vacuole, the tubovesicular network (TVN), the Maurer's clefts and small vesicles-within the infected erythrocyte, a cell that is normally devoid of internal membranes. After infection, changes also occur in the composition and asymmetry of the erythrocyte plasma membrane. Although many aspects of the mechanism of export of parasite proteins have become clear, the mechanism by which these membranous compartments are formed and expanded is almost entirely unknown. To determine whether parasite-derived phospholipids play a part in these processes, we applied a metabolic labeling technique that allows phosphatidylcholine to be labeled with a fluorophore. As the host erythrocyte cannot synthesize phospholipids, within infected erythrocytes, only parasite-derived phosphatidylcholine will be labeled with this technique. The results revealed that phosphatidylcholine produced by the parasite is distributed throughout the infected erythrocyte, including the TVN and the erythrocyte plasma membrane, but not Maurer's clefts. Interestingly, labeled phospholipids were also detected in the erythrocyte plasma membrane very soon after invasion of the parasites, indicating that the parasite may add phospholipids to the host erythrocyte during invasion. IMPORTANCE Here, we describe a previously unappreciated way in which the malaria parasite interacts with the host erythrocyte, namely, by the transfer of parasite phospholipids to the erythrocyte plasma membrane. This likely has important consequences for the survival of the parasite in the host cell and the host organism. We show that parasite-derived phospholipids are transferred from the parasite to the host erythrocyte plasma membrane and that other internal membranes that are produced after the parasite has invaded the cell are produced, at least in part, using parasite-derived phospholipids. The one exception to this is the Maurer's cleft, a membranous organelle that is involved in the transport of parasite proteins to the surface of the erythrocyte. This reveals that the Maurer's cleft is produced in a different manner than the other parasite-induced membranes. Overall, these findings provide a platform for the study of a new aspect of the host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tansy Vallintine
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christiaan van Ooij
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Fasanya A, Mohammed N, Saleh BH, Tijani MK, Teleka A, Quintana MDP, Hviid L, Persson KEM. Anti-phosphatidylserine antibody levels are low in multigravid pregnant women in a malaria-endemic area in Nigeria, and do not correlate with anti-VAR2CSA antibodies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130186. [PMID: 37091678 PMCID: PMC10114609 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130186] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia is a common malaria-associated complication in pregnant women in endemic regions. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is exposed to the immune system during the massive destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) that accompany malaria, and antibodies against PS have been linked to anemia through destruction of uninfected RBCs. We determined levels of anti-PS IgG antibodies in pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria and correlated them to parameters of importance in development of anemia and immunity. Anti-PS correlated inversely with Packed Cell Volume (PCV), indicating that the antibodies could contribute to anemia. There was no correlation with anti-VAR2CSA IgG, haptoglobin or parasitemia, indicating that the modulation of anti-PS response is multifactorial in nature. Anti-PS levels were lowest in multigravidae compared to both primigravidae and secundigravidae and correlated inversely with age. In conclusion, lower levels of anti-PS in multigravidae could be beneficial in avoiding anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adebimpe Fasanya
- Cellular Parasitology Programme, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Nurat Mohammed
- Cellular Parasitology Programme, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bandar Hasan Saleh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muyideen Kolapo Tijani
- Cellular Parasitology Programme, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Muyideen Kolapo Tijani, ; ; Kristina E. M. Persson,
| | - Alexandra Teleka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria del Pilar Quintana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Hviid
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina E. M. Persson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Muyideen Kolapo Tijani, ; ; Kristina E. M. Persson,
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7
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The enemy within: lipid asymmetry in intracellular parasite-host interactions. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:67-79. [PMID: 36820809 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220089] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic pathogens with an intracellular parasitic lifestyle are shielded from extracellular threats during replication and growth. In addition to many nutrients, parasites scavenge host cell lipids to establish complex membrane structures inside their host cells. To counteract the disturbance of the host cell plasma membrane they have evolved strategies to regulate phospholipid asymmetry. In this review, the function and importance of lipid asymmetry in the interactions of intracellular protozoan parasites with the target and immune cells of the host are highlighted. The malaria parasite Plasmodium infects red blood cells and extensively refurbishes these terminally differentiated cells. Cholesterol depletion and an altered intracellular calcium ion homeostasis can lead to disruption in erythrocyte membrane asymmetry and increased exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS). Binding to the PS receptor on monocytes and macrophages results in phagocytosis and destruction of infected erythrocytes. Leishmania parasites display apoptotic mimicry by actively enhancing PS exposure on their surface to trigger increased infection of macrophages. In extracellular Toxoplasma gondii a P4-type ATPase/CDC50 co-chaperone pair functions as a flippase important for exocytosis of specialised secretory organelles. Identification and functional analysis of parasite lipid-translocating proteins, i.e. flippases, floppases, and scramblases, will be central for the recognition of the molecular mechanisms of parasite/host interactions. Ultimately, a better understanding of parasitic diseases, host immunity, and immune escape by parasites require more research on the dynamics of phospholipid bilayers of parasites and the infected host cell.
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8
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Maier AG, van Ooij C. The role of cholesterol in invasion and growth of malaria parasites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:984049. [PMID: 36189362 PMCID: PMC9522969 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.984049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites are unicellular eukaryotic pathogens that develop through a complex lifecycle involving two hosts, an anopheline mosquito and a vertebrate host. Throughout this lifecycle, the parasite encounters widely differing conditions and survives in distinct ways, from an intracellular lifestyle in the vertebrate host to exclusively extracellular stages in the mosquito. Although the parasite relies on cholesterol for its growth, the parasite has an ambiguous relationship with cholesterol: cholesterol is required for invasion of host cells by the parasite, including hepatocytes and erythrocytes, and for the development of the parasites in those cells. However, the parasite is unable to produce cholesterol itself and appears to remove cholesterol actively from its own plasma membrane, thereby setting up a cholesterol gradient inside the infected host erythrocyte. Overall a picture emerges in which the parasite relies on host cholesterol and carefully controls its transport. Here, we describe the role of cholesterol at the different lifecycle stages of the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. Maier
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Alexander G. Maier, ; Christiaan van Ooij,
| | - Christiaan van Ooij
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Alexander G. Maier, ; Christiaan van Ooij,
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9
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Chambrion C, Depond M, Angella L, Mouri O, Kendjo E, Fricot-Monsinjon A, Roussel C, Biligui S, Tantaoui I, Taieb A, Argy N, Houzé S, Piarroux R, Siriez JY, Jaureguiberry S, Larréché S, Théllier M, Cenac N, Buffet P, Ndour PA. Altered Subpopulations of Red Blood Cells and Post-treatment Anemia in Malaria. Front Physiol 2022; 13:875189. [PMID: 35480048 PMCID: PMC9037233 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.875189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In acute malaria, the bulk of erythrocyte loss occurs after therapy, with a nadir of hemoglobin generally observed 3–7 days after treatment. The fine mechanisms leading to this early post-treatment anemia are still elusive. We explored pathological changes in RBC subpopulations by quantifying biochemical and mechanical alterations during severe malaria treated with artemisinin derivatives, a drug family that induce “pitting” in the spleen. In this study, the hemoglobin concentration dropped by 1.93 G/dl during therapy. During the same period, iRBC accounting for 6.12% of all RBC before therapy (BT) were replaced by pitted-RBC, accounting for 5.33% of RBC after therapy (AT). RBC loss was thus of 15.9%, of which only a minor part was due to the loss of iRBC or pitted-RBC. When comparing RBC BT and AT to normal controls, lipidomics revealed an increase in the cholesterol/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio (0.17 versus 0.24, p < 0.001) and cholesterol/phosphatidylinositol ratio (0.36 versus 0.67, p = 0.001). Using ektacytometry, we observed a reduced deformability of circulating RBC, similar BT and AT, compared to health control donors. The mean Elongation Index at 1.69Pa was 0.24 BT and 0.23 AT vs. 0.28 in controls (p < 0.0001). At 30Pa EI was 0.56 BT and 0.56 AT vs. 0.60 in controls (p < 0.001). The retention rate (rr) of RBC subpopulations in spleen-mimetic microsphere layers was higher for iRBC (rr = 20% p = 0.0033) and pitted-RBC (rr = 19%, p = 0.0031) than for healthy RBC (0.12%). Somewhat surprisingly, the post-treatment anemia in malaria results from the elimination of RBC that were never infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Chambrion
- Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Université de Paris, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Mallorie Depond
- Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Université de Paris, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Lucia Angella
- Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Université de Paris, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Oussama Mouri
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Eric Kendjo
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | - Camille Roussel
- Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Université de Paris, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Sylvestre Biligui
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Ilhame Tantaoui
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Aida Taieb
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Argy
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Houzé
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Renaud Piarroux
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtriére, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Siriez
- Service d'accueil des Urgences Pédiatriques, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | | | - Sébastien Larréché
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital d’Instruction Des Armées Bégin, Saint-Mandé, France
| | - Marc Théllier
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtriére, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Cenac
- IRSD, INSERM, INRA, INPENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Buffet
- Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Université de Paris, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Papa Alioune Ndour
- Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Université de Paris, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Papa Alioune Ndour,
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10
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Ahiya AI, Bhatnagar S, Morrisey JM, Beck JR, Vaidya AB. Dramatic Consequences of Reducing Erythrocyte Membrane Cholesterol on Plasmodium falciparum. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0015822. [PMID: 35196803 PMCID: PMC8865471 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00158-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is the most abundant lipid in the erythrocyte. During its blood-stage development, the malaria parasite establishes an active cholesterol gradient across the various membrane systems within the infected erythrocyte. Interestingly, some antimalarial compounds have recently been shown to disrupt cholesterol homeostasis in the intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. These studies point to the importance of cholesterol for parasite growth. Previously, reduction of cholesterol from the erythrocyte membrane by treatment with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) was shown to inhibit parasite invasion and growth. In addition, MβCD treatment of trophozoite-stage P. falciparum was shown to result in parasite expulsion from the host cell. We have revisited these phenomena by using live video microscopy, ultrastructural analysis, and response to antimalarial compounds. By using time-lapse video microscopy of fluorescently tagged parasites, we show that MβCD treatment for just 30 min causes dramatic expulsion of the trophozoite-stage parasites. This forceful expulsion occurs within 10 s. Remarkably, the plasma membrane of the host cell from which the parasite has been expelled does not appear to be compromised. The parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) continued to surround the extruded parasite, but the PVM appeared damaged. Treatment with antimalarial compounds targeting PfATP4 or PfNCR1 prevented MβCD-mediated extrusion of the parasites, pointing to a potential role of cholesterol dynamics underlying the expulsion phenomena. We also confirmed the essential role of erythrocyte plasma membrane cholesterol for invasion and growth of P. falciparum. This defect can be partially complemented by cholesterol and desmosterol but not with epicholesterol, revealing stereospecificity underlying cholesterol function. Overall, our studies advance previous observations and reveal unusual cell biological features underlying cholesterol depletion of the infected erythrocyte plasma membrane. IMPORTANCE Malaria remains a major challenge in much of the world. Symptoms of malaria are caused by the growth of parasites belonging to Plasmodium spp. inside the red blood cells (RBCs), leading to their destruction. The parasite depends upon its host for much of its nutritional needs. Cholesterol is a major lipid in the RBC plasma membrane, which is the only source of this lipid for malaria parasites. We have previously shown that certain new antimalarial compounds disrupt cholesterol homeostasis in P. falciparum. Here, we use live time-lapse video microscopy to show dramatic expulsion of the parasite from the host RBC when the cholesterol content of the RBC is reduced. Remarkably, this expulsion is inhibited by the antimalarials that disrupt lipid homeostasis. We also show stereospecificity of cholesterol in supporting parasite growth inside RBC. Overall, these results point to a critical role of cholesterol in the physiology of malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika I. Ahiya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Suyash Bhatnagar
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joanne M. Morrisey
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Josh R. Beck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Akhil B. Vaidya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Garten M, Beck JR. Structured to conquer: transport across the Plasmodium parasitophorous vacuole. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:181-188. [PMID: 34375857 PMCID: PMC8463430 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During the vertebrate stage of the Plasmodium life cycle, obligate intracellular malaria parasites establish a vacuolar niche for replication, first within host hepatocytes at the pre-patent liver-stage and subsequently in erythrocytes during the pathogenic blood-stage. Survival in this protective microenvironment requires diverse transport mechanisms that enable the parasite to transcend the vacuolar barrier. Effector proteins exported out of the vacuole modify the erythrocyte membrane, increasing access to serum nutrients which then cross the vacuole membrane through a nutrient-permeable channel, supporting rapid parasite growth. This review highlights the most recent insights into the organization of the parasite vacuole to facilitate the solute, lipid and effector protein trafficking that establishes a nutrition pipeline in the terminally differentiated, organelle-free red blood cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Garten
- Section on Integrative Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Josh R Beck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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12
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Fraser M, Matuschewski K, Maier AG. Of membranes and malaria: phospholipid asymmetry in Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4545-4561. [PMID: 33713154 PMCID: PMC11071739 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03799-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a vector-borne parasitic disease with a vast impact on human history, and according to the World Health Organisation, Plasmodium parasites still infect over 200 million people per year. Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest parasite species, has a remarkable ability to undermine the host immune system and cause life-threatening disease during blood infection. The parasite's host cells, red blood cells (RBCs), generally maintain an asymmetric distribution of phospholipids in the two leaflets of the plasma membrane bilayer. Alterations to this asymmetry, particularly the exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer leaflet, can be recognised by phagocytes. Because of the importance of innate immune defence numerous studies have investigated PS exposure in RBCs infected with P. falciparum, but have reached different conclusions. Here we review recent advancements in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms which regulate asymmetry in RBCs, and whether infection with the P. falciparum parasite results in changes to PS exposure. On the balance of evidence, it is likely that membrane asymmetry is disrupted in parasitised RBCs, though some methodological issues need addressing. We discuss the potential causes and consequences of altered asymmetry in parasitised RBCs, particularly for in vivo interactions with the immune system, and the role of host-parasite co-evolution. We also examine the potential asymmetric state of parasite membranes and summarise current knowledge on the parasite proteins, which could regulate asymmetry in these membranes. Finally, we highlight unresolved questions at this time and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to uncover the machinery which enables P. falciparum parasites to hide in mature erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merryn Fraser
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander G Maier
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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13
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Creative interior design by Plasmodium falciparum: Lipid metabolism and the parasite's secret chamber. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102369. [PMID: 33905815 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Malaria parasites conceal themselves within host erythrocytes and establish a necessary logistics system through the three-membrane layered structures of these cells. To establish this system, lipid metabolism is needed for the de novo synthesis of lipids and the recycling of extracellular lipids and erythrocyte lipid components. Cholesterol supply depends on its uptake from the extracellular environment and erythrocyte cytoplasm, but phospholipids can be synthesized on their own. This differential production of lipid species creates unique modifications in the lipid profile of parasitized erythrocytes, which in turn may influence the biophysical and/or mechanical properties of organelles and vesicles and communication among them. Variations in local membrane properties possibly influence the transportation of various molecules such as parasite-derived proteins, because efficiencies in secretion, vesicle fusion and budding are partly determined by the lipid profiles. Comprehensive understanding of the parasite's lipid metabolism and the biophysics of lipid membranes provides fundamental knowledge about these pathogenic organisms and could lead to new anti-malarials.
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