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Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Silva CR, de Freitas PNN, Constantin PP, Pileggi SAV, Olchanheski LR, Pileggi M. Probiotics as a strategy for addressing helminth infections in low-income countries: Working smarter rather than richer. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116363. [PMID: 38871336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116363] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Helminth infections, which affect approximately 1.5 billion individuals worldwide (mainly children), are common in low- and middle-income tropical countries and can lead to various diseases. One crucial factor affecting the occurrence of these diseases is the reduced diversity of the gut microbiome due to antibiotic use. This reduced diversity compromises immune health in hosts and alters host gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. Helminth infections may produce complex biochemical signatures that could serve as therapeutic targets. Such therapies include next-generation probiotics, live biotherapeutic products, and biochemical drug approaches. Probiotics can bind ferric hydroxide, reducing the iron that is available to opportunistic microorganisms. They also produce short-chain fatty acids associated with immune response modulation, oral tolerance facilitation, and inflammation reduction. In this review, we examine the potential link between these effects and epigenetic changes in immune response-related genes by analyzing methyltransferase-related genes within probiotic strains discussed in the literature. The identified genes were only correlated with methylation in bacterial genes. Various metabolic interactions among hosts, helminth parasites, and intestinal microbiomes can impact the immune system, potentially aiding or hindering worm expulsion through chemical signaling. Implementing a comprehensive strategy using probiotics may reduce the impact of drug-resistant helminth strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelinda Schemczssen-Graeff
- Comparative Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Caroline Rosa Silva
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | - Paola Pereira Constantin
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Sônia Alvim Veiga Pileggi
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Life Sciences and Health Institute, Structural and Molecular Biology, and Genetics Department, Ponta Grossa State University, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Olchanheski
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Life Sciences and Health Institute, Structural and Molecular Biology, and Genetics Department, Ponta Grossa State University, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
| | - Marcos Pileggi
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Life Sciences and Health Institute, Structural and Molecular Biology, and Genetics Department, Ponta Grossa State University, Ponta Grossa, Brazil.
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2
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Elizalde-Velázquez LE, Schlosser-Brandenburg J, Laubschat A, Oser L, Kundik A, Adjah J, Groenhagen S, Kühl AA, Rausch S, Hartmann S. Th2-biased immune responses to body migrating Ascaris larvae in primary infection are associated with pathology but not protection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14919. [PMID: 38942904 PMCID: PMC11213949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65281-0] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections lead to an overdispersion of the parasites in humans as well as in animals. We asked whether early immune responses against migrating Ascaris larvae are responsible for the unequal distribution of worms in natural host populations and thus investigated a susceptible versus a resistant mouse strain. In mice, the roundworm larvae develop until the lung stage and thus early anti-Ascaris immune responses against the migrating larvae in the liver and lung can be deciphered. Our data show that susceptible C57BL/6 mice respond to Ascaris larval migration significantly stronger compared to resistant CBA mice and the anti-parasite reactivity is associated with pathology. Increased eosinophil recruitment was detected in the liver and lungs, but also in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of susceptible mice on day 8 post infection compared to resistant mice. In serum, eosinophil peroxidase levels were significantly higher only in the susceptible mice, indicating functional activity of the recruited eosinophils. This effect was associated with an increased IL-5/IL-13 production by innate lymphoid cells and CD4+ T cells and a pronounced type 2 macrophage polarization in the lungs of susceptible mice. Furthermore, a comparison of wildtype BALB/c and eosinophil-deficient dblGATA-1 BALB/c mice showed that eosinophils were not essential for the early control of migrating Ascaris larvae. In conclusion, in primary infection, a strong local and systemic type 2 immune response during hepato-tracheal helminth larval migration is associated with pathology rather than protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Elizalde-Velázquez
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Schlosser-Brandenburg
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Laubschat
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Larissa Oser
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arkadi Kundik
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joshua Adjah
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Saskia Groenhagen
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja A Kühl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, iPATH.Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rausch
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Hartmann
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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3
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Lopez-Perez D, Prados-Lopez B, Galvez J, Leon J, Carazo A. Eosinophils in Colorectal Cancer: Emerging Insights into Anti-Tumoral Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6098. [PMID: 38892286 PMCID: PMC11172675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116098] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Eosinophils are myeloid effector cells whose main homing is the gastrointestinal tract. There, they take part in type I and type II immune responses. They also contribute to other non-immunological homeostatic functions like mucus production, tissue regeneration, and angiogenesis. In colorectal cancer (CRC), eosinophils locate in the center of the tumor and in the front of invasion and play an anti-tumoral role. They directly kill tumor cells by releasing cytotoxic compounds and eosinophil extracellular traps or indirectly by activating other immune cells via cytokines. As CRC progresses, the number of infiltrating eosinophils decreases. Although this phenomenon is not fully understood, it is known that some changes in the microenvironmental milieu and microbiome can affect eosinophil infiltration. Importantly, a high number of intratumoral eosinophils is a favorable prognostic factor independent from the tumor stage. Moreover, after immunotherapy, responding patients usually display eosinophilia, so eosinophils could be a good biomarker candidate to monitor treatment outcomes. Finally, even though eosinophils seem to play an interesting anti-tumoral role in CRC, much more research is needed to fully understand their interactions in the CRC microenvironment. This review explores the multifaceted roles of eosinophils in colorectal cancer, highlighting their anti-tumoral effects, prognostic significance, and potential as a biomarker for treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lopez-Perez
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Belen Prados-Lopez
- Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Galvez
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red para Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBER-EHD), Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Josefa Leon
- Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Angel Carazo
- Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
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4
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Souza JLN, Lopes CDA, Leal-Silva T, Vieira-Santos F, Amorim CCO, Padrão LDLS, Antunes Porto AR, Fujiwara RT, Russo RC, Bueno LL. Evaluation of reference genes for gene expression analysis by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in different tissues from mice infected by Ascaris suum. Microb Pathog 2024; 189:106567. [PMID: 38364877 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106567] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Human ascariasis is the most prevalent helminth infection, affecting 445 million people worldwide. To better understand the impact of the immune system on the pathophysiology of individuals infected with Ascaris suum, mice have been used as experimental models. The RT-qPCR technique is a critical auxiliary tool of investigation used to quantify mRNA levels. However, proper normalization using reference genes is essential to ensure reliable outcomes to avoid analytical errors and false results. Despite the importance of reference genes for experimental A. suum infection studies, no specific reference genes have been identified yet. Therefore, we conducted a study to assess five potential reference genes (GAPDH, 18s, ACTB, B2M, and HPRT1) in different tissues (liver, lungs, small and large intestines) affected by A. suum larval migration in C57BL/6j mice. Tissue collection was carried out to analyze parasite burden and confirm the presence of larvae during the peak of migration in each tissue. Upon confirmation, we analyzed different genes in the tissues and found no common gene with stable expression. Our results highlight the importance of analyzing different genes and using different software programs to ensure reliable relative expression results. Based on our findings, B2M was ranked as the ideal reference gene for the liver, while 18S was the most stable gene in the lung and small intestine. ACTB, or a combination of ACTB with GAPDH, was deemed suitable as reference genes for the large intestine due to their stable expression and less variation between the control and infected groups. To further demonstrate the impact of using different reference genes, we normalized the expression of a chemokine gene (CXCL9) in all tissues. Significant differences in CXCL9 expression levels were observed between different groups in all tissues except for the large intestine. This underscores the importance of selecting appropriate reference genes to avoid overestimating target gene expression levels and encountering normalization-related issues that can lead to false results. In conclusion, our study highlights the significance of using reliable reference genes for accurate RT-qPCR analysis, especially in the context of A. suum infection studies in different tissues. Proper normalization is crucial to ensure the validity of gene expression data and avoid potential pitfalls in interpreting results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lucas Nascimento Souza
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila de Almeida Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thais Leal-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Vieira-Santos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Chiara Cássia Oliveira Amorim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luiza de Lima Silva Padrão
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Rafaela Antunes Porto
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Remo Castro Russo
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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5
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Albrecht M, Garn H, Buhl T. Epithelial-immune cell interactions in allergic diseases. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2249982. [PMID: 37804068 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202249982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial/immune interactions are characterized by the different properties of the various epithelial tissues, the mediators involved, and the varying immune cells that initiate, sustain, or abrogate allergic diseases on the surface. The intestinal mucosa, respiratory mucosa, and regular skin feature structural differences according to their primary function and surroundings. In the context of these specialized functions, the active role of the epithelium in shaping immune responses is increasingly recognizable. Crosstalk between epithelial and immune cells plays an important role in maintaining homeostatic conditions. While cells of the myeloid cell lineage, mainly macrophages, are the dominating immune cell population in the skin and the respiratory tract, lymphocytes comprise most intraepithelial immune cells in the intestine under healthy conditions. Common to all surface epithelia is the fact that innate immune cells represent the first line of immunosurveillance that either directly defeats invading pathogens or initiates and coordinates more effective successive immune responses involving adaptive immune cells and effector cells. Pharmacological approaches for the treatment of allergic and chronic inflammatory diseases involving epithelial barriers target immunological mediators downstream of the epithelium (such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE). The next generation of therapeutics involves upstream events of the inflammatory cascade, such as epithelial-derived alarmins and related mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Albrecht
- Molecular Allergology, Vice President´s Research Group, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Translational Inflammation Research Division and Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and the Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Timo Buhl
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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6
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Oliveira FMS, Kraemer L, Vieira-Santos F, Leal-Silva T, Gazzinelli-Guimarães AC, Lopes CA, Amorim CCO, Pinheiro GRG, Moura MS, Matias PHP, Barbosa FS, Caliari MV, Weatherhead JE, Bueno LL, Russo RC, Fujiwara RT. The long-lasting Ascaris suum antigens in the lungs shapes the tissue adaptation modifying the pulmonary architecture and immune response after infection in mice. Microb Pathog 2024; 186:106483. [PMID: 38092133 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Ascariasis is the most prevalent helminth affecting approximately 819 million people worldwide. The acute phase of Ascariasis is characterized by larval migration of Ascaris spp., through the intestinal wall, carried to the liver and lungs of the host by the circulatory system. Most of the larvae subsequently transverse the lung parenchyma leading to tissue injury, reaching the airways and pharynx, where they can be expectorated and swallowed back to the gastrointestinal tract, where they develop into adult worms. However, some larvae are trapped in the lung parenchyma inciting an inflammatory response that causes persistent pulmonary tissue damage long after the resolution of infection, which returns to tissue homeostasis. However, the mechanism by which chronic lung disease develops and resolves remains unknown. Here, using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that small fragments and larval antigens of Ascaris suum are deposited and retained chronically in the lung parenchyma of mice following a single Ascaris infection. Our results reveal that the prolonged presence of Ascaris larval antigens in the lung parenchyma contributes to the persistent immune stimulation inducing histopathological changes observed chronically following infection, and clearly demonstrate that larval antigens are related to all phases of tissue adaptation after infection: lung injury, chronic inflammation, resolution, and tissue remodeling, in parallel to increased specific humoral immunity and the recovery of lung function in mice. Additional insight is needed into the mechanisms of Ascaris antigen to induce chronic immune responses and resolution in the host lungs following larval migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício M S Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Cellular and Molecular Immunology Group, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1.715, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucas Kraemer
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Vieira-Santos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thaís Leal-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana C Gazzinelli-Guimarães
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila A Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Chiara C O Amorim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Guilherme R G Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Matheus S Moura
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pablo H P Matias
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo V Caliari
- Laboratory of Protozooses, Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jill E Weatherhead
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Remo C Russo
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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7
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Myhill LJ, Williams AR. Diet-microbiota crosstalk and immunity to helminth infection. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12965. [PMID: 36571323 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Helminths are large multicellular parasites responsible for widespread chronic disease in humans and animals. Intestinal helminths live in close proximity with the host gut microbiota and mucosal immune network, resulting in reciprocal interactions that closely influence the course of infections. Diet composition may strongly regulate gut microbiota composition and intestinal immune function and therefore may play a key role in modulating anti-helminth immune responses. Characterizing the multitude of interactions that exist between different dietary components (e.g., dietary fibres), immune cells, and the microbiota, may shed new light on regulation of helminth-specific immunity. This review focuses on the current knowledge of how metabolism of dietary components shapes immune response during helminth infection, and how this information may be potentially harnessed to design new therapeutics to manage parasitic infections and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Myhill
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew R Williams
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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8
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In silico design of a polypeptide as a vaccine candidate against ascariasis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3504. [PMID: 36864139 PMCID: PMC9981566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30445-x] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis is the most prevalent zoonotic helminthic disease worldwide, and is responsible for nutritional deficiencies, particularly hindering the physical and neurological development of children. The appearance of anthelmintic resistance in Ascaris is a risk for the target of eliminating ascariasis as a public health problem by 2030 set by the World Health Organisation. The development of a vaccine could be key to achieving this target. Here we have applied an in silico approach to design a multi-epitope polypeptide that contains T-cell and B-cell epitopes of reported novel potential vaccination targets, alongside epitopes from established vaccination candidates. An artificial toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) adjuvant (RS09) was added to improve immunogenicity. The constructed peptide was found to be non-allergic, non-toxic, with adequate antigenic and physicochemical characteristics, such as solubility and potential expression in Escherichia coli. A tertiary structure of the polypeptide was used to predict the presence of discontinuous B-cell epitopes and to confirm the molecular binding stability with TLR2 and TLR4 molecules. Immune simulations predicted an increase in B-cell and T-cell immune response after injection. This polypeptide can now be validated experimentally and compared to other vaccine candidates to assess its possible impact in human health.
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9
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Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F, Torreggiani E, Rotondo JC. Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health. Cells 2023; 12:cells12010184. [PMID: 36611977 PMCID: PMC9818925 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells and commensal microbes in the human intestine constantly communicate with and react to each other in a stable environment in order to maintain healthy immune activities. Immune system-microbiota cross-talk relies on a complex network of pathways that sustain the balance between immune tolerance and immunogenicity. Probiotic bacteria can interact and stimulate intestinal immune cells and commensal microflora to modulate specific immune functions and immune homeostasis. Growing evidence shows that probiotic bacteria present important health-promoting and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, the use of probiotics might represent a promising approach for improving immune system activities. So far, few studies have been reported on the beneficial immune modulatory effect of probiotics. However, many others, which are mainly focused on their metabolic/nutritional properties, have been published. Therefore, the mechanisms behind the interaction between host immune cells and probiotics have only been partially described. The present review aims to collect and summarize the most recent scientific results and the resulting implications of how probiotic bacteria and immune cells interact to improve immune functions. Hence, a description of the currently known immunomodulatory mechanisms of probiotic bacteria in improving the host immune system is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (J.C.R.); Tel.: +39-053-2455-557 (E.T.); +39-053-245-5536 (J.C.R.)
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (J.C.R.); Tel.: +39-053-2455-557 (E.T.); +39-053-245-5536 (J.C.R.)
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10
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Wen Z, Zhang Y, Feng J, Aimulajiang K, Aleem MT, Lu M, Xu L, Song X, Li X, Yan R. Excretory/secretory proteins inhibit host immune responses by downregulating the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathway: A possible mechanism of immune evasion in parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1013159. [PMID: 36238295 PMCID: PMC9551057 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1013159] [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: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is an important parasitic nematode of ruminants. Previous studies showed that H. contortus escape the immunity through complex mechanisms, including releasing excretory/secretory proteins (ESPs) to modulate the host immune response. However, the detailed mechanism through which H. contortus excretory/secretory proteins (HcESPs) promote immune evasion remains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that HcESPs inhibit the adaptive immune response of goats including downregulation of immune cell antigen presentation, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, activation of the STAT3/PD-L1 pathway, and activation of immunosuppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells. Furthermore, HcESPs reversed the LPS-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators in PBMCs by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPKs/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Our study provides a better understanding of the evasion mechanisms for H. contortus, which could be helpful in providing an alternative way to prevent the infection of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohai Wen
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajun Feng
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kalibixiati Aimulajiang
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingmin Lu
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Ruofeng Yan,
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Kraemer L, McKay DM, Russo RC, Fujiwara RT. Chemokines and chemokine receptors: insights from human disease and experimental models of helminthiasis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 66:38-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Genetic background affects the mucosal SIgA levels, parasite burden, lung inflammation and susceptibility of male mice to Ascaris suum infection. Infect Immun 2021; 90:e0059521. [PMID: 34807734 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00595-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis is a neglected tropical disease, widespread in the world and causing important socioeconomic impacts. The presence of various stages of worm development in the pulmonary and intestinal mucosa induces a humoral and cellular immune response. However, although there is much evidence of the protective role of mucosal immunity against various pathogens, including helminthes, there is still a gap in the knowledge about the immune response and the mechanisms of action that are involved in protection against diseases, especially in the initial phase of ascariasis. Then, the aim of this study was to evaluate the kinetic aspects of the immune parasitological parameters in intestinal and pulmonary mucosa in male mice with early ascariasis. Therefore, two mice strains showed a different susceptibility to ascariasis (BALB/c and C57BL6/j), when experimentally infected with 2,500 infective eggs of Ascaris suum from time-point 0 and the immune parasitological parameters evaluated each two days after infection, during the period of 12 days. The results were suggestive of a synergetic action of intestinal and pulmonary SIgA contributing for the protection against early ascariasis by reducing the amount of migrating larval as well as the influx of leukocytes in the lung and the consequent impair of the pulmonary capacity.
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