1
|
Resisting an invasion: A review of the triatomine vector (Kissing bug) defense strategies against a Trypanosoma sp infection. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106745. [PMID: 36375520 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106745] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Triatomines are an important group of insects in the Americas. They serve as transmission vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent responsible for the deadly Chagas disease in humans. The digenetic parasite has a complex life cycle, alternating between mammalian and insect hosts, facing different environments. In the insect vector, the metacyclic trypomastigote (non-replicative) and epimastigote (replicative) stages face a set of insect-mediated environmental changes, such as intestinal pH, body temperature, nutrient availability, and vector immune response. These insects have the ability to differentiate between self and non-self-particles using their innate immune system. This immune system comprises physical barriers, cellular responses (phagocytosis, nodules and encapsulation), humoral factors, including effector mechanisms (antimicrobial peptides and prophenoloxidase cascade) and the intestinal microbiota. Here, we consolidate and synthesize the available literature to describe the defense mechanisms deployed by the triatomine vector against the parasite, as documented in recent years, the possible mechanisms developed by the parasite to protect against the insect's specific microenvironment and innate immune responses, and future perspectives on the Triatomine-Trypanosome interaction.
Collapse
|
2
|
Araújo CAC, Pacheco JPF, Waniek PJ, Geraldo RB, Sibajev A, Dos Santos AL, Evangelho VGO, Dyson PJ, Azambuja P, Ratcliffe NA, Castro HC, Mello CB. A rhamnose-binding lectin from Rhodnius prolixus and the impact of its silencing on gut bacterial microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 114:103823. [PMID: 32800901 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lectins are ubiquitous proteins involved in the immune defenses of different organisms and mainly responsible for non-self-recognition and agglutination reactions. This work describes molecular and biological characterization of a rhamnose-binding lectin (RBL) from Rhodnius prolixus, which possesses a 21 amino acid signal peptide and a mature protein of 34.6 kDa. The in-silico analysis of the primary and secondary structures of RpLec revealed a lectin domain fully conserved among previous insects studied. The three-dimensional homology model of RpLec was similar to other RBL-lectins. Docking predictions with the monosaccharides showed rhamnose and galactose-binding sites comparable to Latrophilin-1 and N-Acetylgalactosamine-binding in a different site. The effects of RpLec gene silencing on levels of infecting Trypanosoma cruzi Dm 28c and intestinal bacterial populations in the R. prolixus midgut were studied by injecting RpLec dsRNA into the R. prolixus hemocoel. Whereas T. cruzi numbers remained unchanged compared with the controls, numbers of bacteria increased significantly. The silencing also induced the up regulation of the R. prolixus defC (defensin) expression gene. These results with RpLec reveal the potential importance of this little studied molecule in the insect vector immune response and homeostasis of the gut bacterial microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A C Araújo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - J P F Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - P J Waniek
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - R B Geraldo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - A Sibajev
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Roraima, Av. Cap. Enê Garcez 2413, Boa Vista, RR, CEP 69400-000, Brazil
| | - A L Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - V G O Evangelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - P J Dyson
- Institute of Life Science, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - P Azambuja
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21045-900, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - N A Ratcliffe
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA28PP, UK
| | - H C Castro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil.
| | - C B Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Laura Flores-Villegas A, Cabrera-Bravo M, De Fuentes-Vicente JA, Guillermo Jiménez-Cortés J, Salazar-Schettino PM, Bucio-Torres MI, Córdoba-Aguilar A. Coinfection by Trypanosoma cruzi and a fungal pathogen increases survival of Chagasic bugs: advice against a fungal control strategy. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2020; 110:363-369. [PMID: 31690355 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485319000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Triatomine bugs carry the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. It is known that both the parasite and entomopathogenic fungi can decrease bug survival, but the combined effect of both pathogens is not known, which is relevant for biological control purposes. Herein, the survival of the triatomine Meccus pallidipennis (Stal, 1872) was compared when it was coinfected with the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) and T. cruzi, and when both pathogens acted separately. The immune response of the insect was also studied, using phenoloxidase activity in the bug gut and hemolymph, to understand our survival results. Contrary to expectations, triatomine survival was higher in multiple than in single challenges, even though the immune response was lower in cases of multiple infection. We postulate that T. cruzi exerts a protective effect and/or that the insect reduced the resources allocated to defend itself against both pathogens. Based on the present results, the use of M. anisopliae as a control agent should be re-considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Laura Flores-Villegas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José A De Fuentes-Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Libramiento Norte Poniente 1150, CP 29029. Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - J Guillermo Jiménez-Cortés
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paz María Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Irene Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hinestroza G, Ortiz MI, Molina J. Behavioral fever response in Rhodnius prolixus (Reduviidae: Triatominae) to intracoelomic inoculation of Trypanosoma cruzi. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 49:425-32. [PMID: 27598628 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0415-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Behavioral fever is a response to infections with microorganisms observed in some poikilothermic animals. Rhodnius prolixus is involved in the transmission of two parasites: Trypanosoma cruzi (pathogenic for humans and transmitted in feces) and Trypanosoma rangeli (non-pathogenic for humans, pathogenic for Rhodnius and transmitted by the bite of an infected individual). Only T. rangeli is found in the hemolymph of Rhodnius as it travels to the salivary glands. METHODS To study vector-parasite interactions, we evaluated possible behavioral fever responses of R. prolixus to intracoelomic inoculation with T. cruzi or T. rangeli. Temperature preferences of fifth-instar nymphs of R. prolixus were evaluated after inoculation with T. rangeli KP1(+), KP1(-), T. cruzi I, or the Trypanosome culture medium. Four different fixed temperatures (25, 30, 35, and 40°C) in two simultaneous experiments (enclosed and free-moving insects) were evaluated. Free-moving insects were marked daily according to their temperature preferences on each of the 15 days after inoculation. Numbers of insects in each temperature shelter and daily mortality were compared with those enclosed shelters of different temperatures. RESULTS Rhodnius prolixus inoculated with both strains of T. rangeli and with the trypanosome culture medium showed preferences for the lowest temperatures (25°C). However, R. prolixus inoculated with T. cruzi I showed significant preferences for temperatures around 35°C. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known investigation to demonstrate a behavioral fever response in R. prolixus injected intracoelomically with T. cruzi I.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Hinestroza
- Proyecto Maricultura Isla de Providencia, San Andrés y Providencia, Colombia
| | - Mario Iván Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología Parasitología Tropical, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge Molina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología Parasitología Tropical, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vieira CS, Waniek PJ, Castro DP, Mattos DP, Moreira OC, Azambuja P. Impact of Trypanosoma cruzi on antimicrobial peptide gene expression and activity in the fat body and midgut of Rhodnius prolixus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:119. [PMID: 26931761 PMCID: PMC4774030 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhodnius prolixus is a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in Latin America. In natural habitats, these insects are in contact with a variety of bacteria, fungi, virus and parasites that they acquire from both their environments and the blood of their hosts. Microorganism ingestion may trigger the synthesis of humoral immune factors, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The objective of this study was to compare the expression levels of AMPs (defensins and prolixicin) in the different midgut compartments and the fat body of R. prolixus infected with different T. cruzi strains. The T. cruzi Dm 28c clone (TcI) successfully develops whereas Y strain (TcII) does not complete its life- cycle in R. prolixus. The relative AMP gene expressions were evaluated in the insect midgut and fat body infected on different days with the T. cruzi Dm 28c clone and the Y strain. The influence of the antibacterial activity on the intestinal microbiota was taken into account. Methods The presence of T. cruzi in the midgut of R. prolixus was analysed by optical microscope. The relative expression of the antimicrobial peptides encoding genes defensin (defA, defB, defC) and prolixicin (prol) was quantified by RT-qPCR. The antimicrobial activity of the AMPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens were evaluated in vitro using turbidimetric tests with haemolymph, anterior and posterior midgut samples. Midgut bacteria were quantified using colony forming unit (CFU) assays and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results Our results showed that the infection of R. prolixus by the two different T. cruzi strains exhibited different temporal AMP induction profiles in the anterior and posterior midgut. Insects infected with T. cruzi Dm 28c exhibited an increase in defC and prol transcripts and a simultaneous reduction in the midgut cultivable bacteria population, Serratia marcescens and Rhodococcus rhodnii. In contrast, the T. cruzi Y strain neither induced AMP gene expression in the gut nor reduced the number of colony formation units in the anterior midgut. Beside the induction of a local immune response in the midgut after feeding R. prolixus with T. cruzi, a simultaneous systemic response was also detected in the fat body. Conclusions R. prolixus AMP gene expressions and the cultivable midgut bacterial microbiota were modulated in distinct patterns, which depend on the T. cruzi genotype used for infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1398-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - P J Waniek
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D P Mattos
- Laboratório deBiologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - O C Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - P Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Flores-Villegas AL, Salazar-Schettino PM, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, Rojas-Wastavino GE, Bucio-Torres MI, Cabrera-Bravo M. Immune defence mechanisms of triatomines against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2015; 105:523-532. [PMID: 26082354 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485315000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Triatomines are vectors that transmit the protozoan haemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The aim of the current review is to provide a synthesis of the immune mechanisms of triatomines against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to provide clues for areas of further research including biological control. Regarding bacteria, the triatomine immune response includes antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as defensins, lysozymes, attacins and cecropins, whose sites of synthesis are principally the fat body and haemocytes. These peptides are used against pathogenic bacteria (especially during ecdysis and feeding), and also attack symbiotic bacteria. In relation to viruses, Triatoma virus is the only one known to attack and kill triatomines. Although the immune response to this virus is unknown, we hypothesize that haemocytes, phenoloxidase (PO) and nitric oxide (NO) could be activated. Different fungal species have been described in a few triatomines and some immune components against these pathogens are PO and proPO. In relation to parasites, triatomines respond with AMPs, including PO, NO and lectin. In the case of T. cruzi this may be effective, but Trypanosoma rangeli seems to evade and suppress PO response. Although it is clear that three parasite-killing processes are used by triatomines - phagocytosis, nodule formation and encapsulation - the precise immune mechanisms of triatomines against invading agents, including trypanosomes, are as yet unknown. The signalling processes used in triatomine immune response are IMD, Toll and Jak-STAT. Based on the information compiled, we propose some lines of research that include strategic approaches of biological control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Flores-Villegas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - P M Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - A Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva,Instituto de Ecología,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Apdo. P. 70-275,Circuito Exterior,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - A E Gutiérrez-Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - G E Rojas-Wastavino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - M I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - M Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Elias CGR, Pereira FM, Dias FA, Silva TLA, Lopes AHCS, d'Avila-Levy CM, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Cysteine peptidases in the tomato trypanosomatid Phytomonas serpens: influence of growth conditions, similarities with cruzipain and secretion to the extracellular environment. Exp Parasitol 2008; 120:343-52. [PMID: 18793639 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 08/13/2008] [Accepted: 08/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We have characterized the cysteine peptidase production by Phytomonas serpens, a tomato trypanosomatid. The parasites were cultivated in four distinct media, since growth conditions could modulate the synthesis of bioactive molecules. The proteolytic profile has not changed qualitatively regardless the media, showing two peptidases of 38 and 40kDa; however, few quantitative changes were observed including a drastic reduction (around 70%) on the 40 and 38kDa peptidase activities when parasites were grown in yeast extract and liver infusion trypticase medium, respectively, in comparison with parasites cultured in Warren medium. The time-span of growth did not significantly alter the protein and peptidase expression. The proteolytic activities were blocked by classical cysteine peptidase inhibitors (E-64, leupeptin, and cystatin), being more active at pH 5.0 and showing complete dependence to reducing agents (dithiothreitol and l-cysteine) for full activity. The cysteine peptidases were able to hydrolyze several proteinaceous substrates, including salivary gland proteins from Oncopeltus fasciatus, suggesting broad substrate utilization. By means of agglutination, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting analyses we showed that both cysteine peptidases produced by P. serpens share common epitopes with cruzipain, the major cysteine peptidase of Trypanosoma cruzi. Moreover, our data suggest that the 40kDa cysteine peptidase was located at the P. serpens cell surface, attached to membrane domains via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The 40kDa peptidase was also detected in the cell-free culture supernatant, in an active form, which suggests secretion of this peptidase to the extracellular environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila G R Elias
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Bioquímica Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, IMPPG, CCS, Bloco I-subsolo, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Castro DP, Figueiredo MB, Ribeiro IM, Tomassini TCB, Azambuja P, Garcia ES. Immune depression in Rhodnius prolixus by seco-steroids, physalins. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 54:555-562. [PMID: 18234209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2007.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2007] [Revised: 12/04/2007] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A comparative study of the effects of physalins, seco-steroidal substances of Physalis angulata (Solanaceae), on the immune reactions of R. prolixus was carried out. Ecdysis and mortality were not affected by treatment with physalins B, D, F or G (1-10 microg/ml of blood meal). R. prolixus larvae fed with blood containing physalins and inoculated with 1 microl of Enterobacter cloacae beta12 (5 x 10(3)/insect) exhibited mortality rates three times higher than controls. The insects treated with physalin B, and F (1 microg/ml) and inoculated with E. cloacae beta12 showed significant differences on lysozyme activity in the hemolymph compared to untreated insects. Furthermore, physalin D (1 microg/ml) significantly reduced the antibacterial activity. Concerning cellular immune reactions, all insects treated with physalins (1 microg/ml), exhibited drastic reductions in the quantity of yeast cell-hemocyte binding and subsequent internalization. Insects inoculated with bacteria and treated with physalins B, F and G showed reductions of microaggregate formation but physalin D did not. Physalins B and F also reduced total hemocyte count in the hemolymph. These results suggest that, in different ways, probably due to their different chemical structures, physalin B, D, F and G are immunomodulatory substances for the bloodsucking insect, R. prolixus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
De Stefani Marquez D, Rodrigues-Ottaiano C, Mônica Oliveira R, Pedrosa AL, Cabrine-Santos M, Lages-Silva E, Ramírez LE. Susceptibility of different triatomine species to Trypanosoma rangeli experimental infection. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2007; 6:50-6. [PMID: 16584327 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2006.6.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma rangeli is a kinetoplastid protozoan parasite that has been found in the majority of Latin American countries, overlapping its distribution area with that of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This parasite shares the same reservoirs and vectors as T. cruzi. Triatomines from genus Rhodnius are considered the most susceptible hosts to infection. In this work, we report the susceptibility of different triatomine species (Rhodnius neglectus, Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma infestans, T. sordida, T. braziliensis, and T. vitticeps) to experimental infection by T. rangeli isolated from Didelphis albiventris in a highly endemic region for Chagas disease. An intense parasitism was evidenced in feces (56% to 81%) of the majority of the species studied on the 10th day after infection, decreasing during the period of the experiment (30 days). T. vitticeps did not present parasites in feces at any time. All triatomine species presented parasites in the hemolymph. In T. vitticeps and P. megistus, this parasitism was scarce (6.3% and 6.6%, respectively). In the other species, the parasitism was variable (62.5% to 100%). Triatomine mortality varied between 3% to 40%, increasing during the infection in all species studied. The lowest mortality was observed for T. infestans. Also, we showed that only trypomastigotes forms from salivary glands, and hemolymph were infective for mice. We conclude that all triatomine species used were susceptible to infection by T. rangeli at different levels. There was no direct correlation between intensity of parasitism and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela De Stefani Marquez
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ursic-Bedoya RJ, Lowenberger CA. Rhodnius prolixus: identification of immune-related genes up-regulated in response to pathogens and parasites using suppressive subtractive hybridization. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 31:109-20. [PMID: 16824597 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2006.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2006] [Revised: 05/16/2006] [Accepted: 05/18/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We report the identification of immune-related molecules from the fat body, and intestine of Rhodnius prolixus, an important vector of Chagas disease. Insects were challenged by introducing pathogens or Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, into the hemocoel. RNA from intestines, or fat body were isolated 24h after stimulation. We used suppressive subtractive hybridization to identify immune-related genes, generated three subtracted libraries, sequenced the clones and assembled the sequences. The functional annotation revealed expressed sequence tags (ESTs) generated in response to various stimuli in all tissues, and included pathogen recognition molecules, regulatory molecules, and effector molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul J Ursic-Bedoya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A1S6.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lopez L, Morales G, Ursic R, Wolff M, Lowenberger C. Isolation and characterization of a novel insect defensin from Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 33:439-47. [PMID: 12650692 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(03)00008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
An antimicrobial peptide belonging to the defensin family of small cationic peptides associated with innate immunity in insects was isolated from the hemolymph of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. This peptide, designated R. prolixus defensin A, was purified and sequenced. The active peptide contains 43 residues and aligns well with other insect defensins. However the pre-pro region of the sequence has little shared identity with other insect defensins. We have identified 3 isoforms of R. prolixus defensin from cDNA clones obtained from RNA isolated from the whole bodies of immune activated insects. Northern analysis and Real-Time Quantitative PCR indicate that there is a very low baseline transcription of this peptide in naïve insects, and that transcription increases significantly in the fat body of immune activated insects. In addition there is a delayed induction of transcription of this peptide in the intestine 24 h post activation suggesting that the midgut/intestine of this species is active in the immune response against pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Lopez
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 67 No 53-108, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
de Melo ACN, d'Avila-Levy CM, Branquinha MH, Vermelho AB. Crithidia guilhermei: gelatin- and haemoglobin-degrading extracellular metalloproteinases. Exp Parasitol 2002; 102:150-6. [PMID: 12856310 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-4894(03)00037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular metalloproteinases of the insect trypanosomatid Crithidia guilhermei were characterized through the incorporation of different protein substrates (gelatin, casein, haemoglobin, and bovine serum albumin) into SDS-PAGE. Two gelatinases (60 and 80 kDa) showed ability to degrade casein as well and a 67-kDa enzyme presented the broadest specificity since it was also able to degrade casein and haemoglobin. Besides the 67-kDa extracellular proteinases detected on haemoglobin-SDS-PAGE, a 43-kDa haemoglobinase was only observed with this substrate. All C. guilhermei proteinases were incapable of using bovine serum albumin. C. guilhermei was also grown in four different culture media and the best proteinase production was reached using yeast extract-peptone medium containing glucose as the major carbon source. The results point to the importance of the use of distinct culture media and proteinaceous substrates on the characterization of extracellular proteolytic activities in trypanosomatids, since alterations in growth conditions and methods of detection could lead to distinct proteolytic profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Nogueira de Melo
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Prof Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Bl I, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|