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Eissa MM, Salem AE, El Skhawy N. Parasites revive hope for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:489. [PMID: 39367471 PMCID: PMC11453045 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-02057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasites have attained a life-long stigma of being detrimental organisms with deleterious outcomes. Yet, recently, a creditable twist was verified that can dramatically change our perception of those parasites from being a source of misery to millions of people to a useful anti-cancerous tool. Various parasites have shown promise to combat cancer in different experimental models, including colorectal, lung, and breast cancers, among others. Helminths and protozoan parasites, as well as their derivatives such as Echinococcus granulosus protein KI-1, Toxoplasma gondii GRA15II, and Trypanosoma cruzi calreticulin, have demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This article provides an overview of the literature on various cancer types that have shown promising responses to parasite therapy in both in vitro and in vivo animal studies. Parasites have shown anti-neoplastic activity through a variety of mechanisms that collectively contribute to their anti-cancer properties. These include immunomodulation, inhibition of angiogenesis, and molecular mimicry with cancer cells. This review article sheds light on this intriguing emerging field and emphasizes the value of collaborative multidisciplinary research projects with funding agencies and pharmaceutical companies. Thus, these strategies would secure continuous exploration of this new avenue and accelerate the advancement of cancer therapy research. Although experimental studies are heavily conducted by leaps and bounds, further steps are definitely lagging. Upgrading research from the experimental level to the clinical trial would be a wise progression toward efficient exploitation of the anti-neoplastic capabilities of parasites, ultimately saving countless lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Ebada Salem
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 48123, USA
| | - Nahla El Skhawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Zheng Z, Lu X, Zhou D, Deng XF, Liu QX, Liu XB, Zhang J, Li YQ, Zheng H, Dai JG. A novel enemy of cancer: recent investigations into protozoan anti-tumor properties. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1325144. [PMID: 38274735 PMCID: PMC10808745 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1325144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant global health issue, despite advances in screening and treatment. While existing tumor treatment protocols such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have proven effective in enhancing the prognosis for some patients, these treatments do not benefit all patients. Consequently, certain types of cancer continue to exhibit a relatively low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, the pursuit of novel tumor intervention strategies may help improve the current effectiveness of tumor treatment. Over the past few decades, numerous species of protozoa and their components have exhibited anti-tumor potential via immune and non-immune mechanisms. This discovery introduces a new research direction for the development of new and effective cancer treatments. Through in vitro experiments and studies involving tumor-bearing mice, the anti-tumor ability of Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other protozoa have unveiled diverse mechanisms by which protozoa combat cancer, demonstrating encouraging prospects for their application. In this review, we summarize the anti-tumor ability and anti-tumor mechanisms of various protozoa and explore the potential for their clinical development and application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army (Third Military) Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji-gang Dai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army (Third Military) Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Kaufman CD, Farré C, Biscari L, Pérez AR, Alloatti A. Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas disease and cancer: putting together the pieces of a complex puzzle. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1260423. [PMID: 38188016 PMCID: PMC10768204 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1260423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the extensive and widespread impact on individuals, cancer can presently be categorized as a pandemic. In many instances, the development of tumors has been linked to endemic microbe infections. Among parasitic infections, Trypanosoma cruzi stands out as one of the most extensively discussed protozoans in the literature that explores the association between diseases of parasite origin and cancer. However, the effective association remains an unsolved paradox. Both the parasite, along with protozoan-derived molecules, and the associated antiparasitic immune response can induce alterations in various host cell pathways, leading to modifications in cell cycle, metabolism, glycosylation, DNA mutations, or changes in neuronal signaling. Furthermore, the presence of the parasite can trigger cell death or a senescent phenotype and modulate the immune system, the metastatic cascade, and the formation of new blood vessels. The interaction among the parasite (and its molecules), the host, and cancer undoubtedly encompasses various mechanisms that operate differentially depending on the context. Remarkably, contrary to expectations, the evidence tilts the balance toward inhibiting tumor growth or resisting tumor development. This effect is primarily observed in malignant cells, rather than normal cells, indicating a selective or specific component. Nevertheless, nonspecific bystander mechanisms, such as T. cruzi's adjuvancy or the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, may also play a significant role in this phenomenon. This work aims to elucidate this complex scenario by synthesizing the main findings presented in the literature and by proposing new questions and answers, thereby adding pieces to this challenging puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Daniela Kaufman
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Farré
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación y Producción de Reactivos Biológicos, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Lucía Biscari
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andrés Alloatti
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
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de Souza G, Teixeira SC, Fajardo Martínez AF, Silva RJ, Luz LC, de Lima Júnior JP, Rosini AM, dos Santos NCL, de Oliveira RM, Paschoalino M, Barbosa MC, Alves RN, Gomes AO, da Silva CV, Ferro EAV, Barbosa BF. Trypanosoma cruzi P21 recombinant protein modulates Toxoplasma gondii infection in different experimental models of the human maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243480. [PMID: 37915581 PMCID: PMC10617204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease that affects about one-third of the human population. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but severe cases can occur such as in congenital transmission, which can be aggravated in individuals infected with other pathogens, such as HIV-positive pregnant women. However, it is unknown whether infection by other pathogens, such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, as well as one of its proteins, P21, could aggravate T. gondii infection. Methods In this sense, we aimed to investigate the impact of T. cruzi and recombinant P21 (rP21) on T. gondii infection in BeWo cells and human placental explants. Results Our results showed that T. cruzi infection, as well as rP21, increases invasion and decreases intracellular proliferation of T. gondii in BeWo cells. The increase in invasion promoted by rP21 is dependent on its binding to CXCR4 and the actin cytoskeleton polymerization, while the decrease in proliferation is due to an arrest in the S/M phase in the parasite cell cycle, as well as interleukin (IL)-6 upregulation and IL-8 downmodulation. On the other hand, in human placental villi, rP21 can either increase or decrease T. gondii proliferation, whereas T. cruzi infection increases T. gondii proliferation. This increase can be explained by the induction of an anti-inflammatory environment through an increase in IL-4 and a decrease in IL-6, IL-8, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. Discussion In conclusion, in situations of coinfection, the presence of T. cruzi may favor the congenital transmission of T. gondii, highlighting the importance of neonatal screening for both diseases, as well as the importance of studies with P21 as a future therapeutic target for the treatment of Chagas disease, since it can also favor T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Aryani Felixa Fajardo Martínez
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Luana Carvalho Luz
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Joed Pires de Lima Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Natália Carine Lima dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael Martins de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Paschoalino
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Matheus Carvalho Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Nascimento Alves
- Department of Agricultural and Natural Science, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Ituiutaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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Ribeiro Franco PI, do Carmo Neto JR, Miguel MP, Machado JR, Nunes Celes MR. Cancer and Trypanosoma cruzi: Tumor induction or protection? Biochimie 2023; 207:113-121. [PMID: 36368477 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, a neglected disease that can be divided, overall, into acute and chronic phases. Understanding the mechanisms underlying its progression is based on the parasite-host interactions occurring during the infection. Although the pathophysiology of the main symptomatic forms of Chagas disease has been the subject of several studies, little is known about their relationship with the development of different types of cancer. Therefore, knowledge regarding the molecular aspects of infection in the host, as well as the influence of the immune response in the parasite and the host, can help to understand the association between Chagas disease and tumor development. This review aims to summarize the main molecular mechanisms related to T. cruzi-dependent carcinogenic development and the mechanisms associated with tumor protection mediated by different parasite components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Igor Ribeiro Franco
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, 74605-050, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, 74605-050, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Marina Pacheco Miguel
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, 74605-050, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil; Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, 74605-050, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Juliana Reis Machado
- Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, 38025-180, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mara Rúbia Nunes Celes
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, 74605-050, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil
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Azevedo Silveira AC, Cristina de Oliveira R, Rodrigues CC, Teixeira SC, Borges BC, Vieira da Silva C. Trypanosoma cruzi infection induces proliferation and impairs migration of a human breast cancer cell line. Exp Parasitol 2023; 245:108443. [PMID: 36526003 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108443] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is considered the type of cancer that most affects women in the world. The triple negative breast cancer is considered aggressive with poor prognosis. In the 1930s Russian researchers observed that T. cruzi has tropism for tumor cells. Since then, this research field has been subject of a numerous of researches. Here, we proposed to investigate the impact of T. cruzi infection on proliferation and migration of triple negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). T. cruzi showed high invasion and multiplication rate in MDA-MB-231 cell line. The infection promoted the multiplication of MDA-MB-231 cell, continuous cell lysis throughout of days of in vitro infection and impaired MDA-MB-231 cell migration. Taken together, these results demonstrated the high susceptibility of MDA-MB-231 cell to T. cruzi and suggested that molecules from T. cruzi may impair host cell migration with potential use to avoid metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cassiano Costa Rodrigues
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna Cristina Borges
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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