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Flores-Velázquez LM, Ruiz-Campillo MT, Herrera-Torres G, Martínez-Moreno Á, Martínez-Moreno FJ, Zafra R, Buffoni L, Rufino-Moya PJ, Molina-Hernández V, Pérez J. Fasciolosis: pathogenesis, host-parasite interactions, and implication in vaccine development. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1270064. [PMID: 38149297 PMCID: PMC10750376 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1270064] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is distributed worldwide, causing substantial economic losses in the animal husbandry industry. Human fasciolosis is an emerging zoonosis in Andean America, Asia, and Africa. The control of the disease, both in humans and animals, is based on using anthelmintic drugs, which has resulted in increased resistance to the most effective anthelmintics, such as triclabendazole, in many countries. This, together with the concerns about drug residues in food and the environment, has increased the interest in preventive measures such as a vaccine to help control the disease in endemic areas. Despite important efforts over the past two decades and the work carried out with numerous vaccine candidates, none of them has demonstrated consistent and reproducible protection in target species. This is at least in part due to the high immunomodulation capacity of the parasite, making ineffective the host response in susceptible species such as ruminants. It is widely accepted that a deeper knowledge of the host-parasite interactions is needed for a more rational design of vaccine candidates. In recent years, the use of emerging technologies has notably increased the amount of data about these interactions. In the present study, current knowledge of host-parasite interactions and their implication in Fasciola hepatica vaccine development is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Miguel Flores-Velázquez
- Unidad de Anatomía, Histología y Patología Veterinaria, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad San Sebastián, Campus Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - María Teresa Ruiz-Campillo
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Guillem Herrera-Torres
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Área de Parasitología), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Área de Parasitología), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael Zafra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Área de Parasitología), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Leandro Buffoni
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Área de Parasitología), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pablo José Rufino-Moya
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Área de Parasitología), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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Oehm AW, Leinmueller M, Zablotski Y, Campe A, Hoedemaker M, Springer A, Jordan D, Strube C, Knubben-Schweizer G. Multinomial logistic regression based on neural networks reveals inherent differences among dairy farms depending on the differential exposure to Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:687-697. [PMID: 37355196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.05.006] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi are cattle parasites with worldwide relevance for economic outcome as well as animal health and welfare. The on-farm exposure of cattle to both parasites is a function of host-associated, intrinsic, as well as environmental and farm-specific, extrinsic, factors. Even though knowledge on the biology of both parasites exists, sophisticated and innovative modelling approaches can help to deepen our understanding of key aspects fostering the exposure of dairy cows to these pathogens. In the present study, multiple multinomial logistic regression models were fitted via neural networks to describe the differences among farms where cattle were not exposed to either F. hepatica or O. ostertagi, to one parasite, or to both, respectively. Farm-specific production and management characteristics were used as covariates to portray these differences. This elucidated inherent farm characteristics associated with parasite exposure. In both studied regions, pasture access for cows, farm-level milk yield, and lameness prevalence were identified as relevant factors. In region 'South', adherence to organic farming principles was a further covariate of importance. In region 'North', the prevalence of cows with a low body condition score, herd size, hock lesion prevalence, farm-level somatic cell count, and study year appeared to be of relevance. The present study broadens our understanding of the complex epidemiological scenarios that could predict differential farm-level parasite status. The analyses have revealed the importance of awareness of dissimilarities between farms in regard to the differential exposure to F. hepatica and O. ostertagi. This provides solid evidence that dynamics and relevant factors differ depending on whether or not cows are exposed to F. hepatica, O. ostertagi, or to both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W Oehm
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
| | - Markus Leinmueller
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martina Hoedemaker
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Jordan
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Fasciola gigantica Cathepsin L1H: High Sensitivity and Specificity of Immunochromatographic Strip Test for Antibody Detection. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030164. [PMID: 36977165 PMCID: PMC10056140 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciolosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Fasciola gigantica or F. hepatica infections, which are frequently occurring parasites in animals and humans. The present gold-standard diagnostic technique involves finding parasite eggs through microscopy. However, this method is also restricted due to low specificity and low sensitivity. An alternative to coprological diagnosis is the immunochromatographic strip (ICS) test, which is rapid, simple, convenient, and cost-effective, with high sensitivity and high specificity. Cathepsin L1H (CathL1H) is a cysteine protease secreted by F. gigantica, which is found in high amounts in newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) and juvenile stages. Cathepsin L1H plays an important role in both the immune response to invading pathogens and in the ability of some pathogens to evade the host immune system. The present study aims to develop an ICS test and detect antibodies against CathL1H in mice and cattle serum using the recombinant F. gigantica Cathepsin L1H (rFgCathL1H) and rabbit anti-rFgCathL1H antibody. The F. gigantica-infected serum and non-infected serum of mice and cattle were tested using the ICS test. Moreover, the strip results were confirmed with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (indirect ELISA). The relative sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the ICS strip were 97.5, 99.99, and 99.00%, respectively. Therefore, these data suggest that the ICS method could be used to detect F. gigantica antibodies to highly enhance throughput, reduce costs, and determine the best alternative on-site method.
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Ruiz-Campillo MT, Barrero-Torres DM, Abril N, Pérez J, Zafra R, Buffoni L, Martínez-Moreno Á, Martínez-Moreno FJ, Molina-Hernández V. Fasciola hepatica primoinfections and reinfections in sheep drive distinct Th1/Th2/Treg immune responses in liver and hepatic lymph node at early and late stages. Vet Res 2023; 54:2. [PMID: 36627694 PMCID: PMC9832625 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of proinflammatory (IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α) and regulatory (IL-10, TGF-β, IL-4) cytokines, as well as the transcription factor FoxP3, was quantified in the liver and hepatic lymph node (HLN) of sheep primoinfected and reinfected with Fasciola hepatica at early (4, 8 and 16 days post-infection [dpi]) and late (100 dpi) stages. The liver exerted a Th2 immune response at very early stages after the primoinfection with F. hepatica that induced the downregulation of IFN-γ, followed by a Th1/Th2/Treg response although the late stages were characterised by the expression of Th1/Th2 immune mediators. Contrarily, in reinfected sheep a robust mixed Th1/Th2/Treg immune response was found at very early stages meanwhile at late stages we observed a Th2/Treg immune response overcoming the expression of Th1 immune mediators. However, the HLN displayed a completely different Th1/Th2/Treg expression profile compared to the liver. Primoinfections with F. hepatica in HLN induced a mixed Th1/Th2/Treg environment from early stages, establishing a Th2 immune response at a late stage. However, the reinfected sheep exerted a Th2 immune response at early stages led by the IL-4 expression in opposition to the Th1/Th2/Treg found in the liver, meanwhile at late stages the HLN of reinfected sheep exerted a mixed Th1/Th2/Treg immune response. This is the first work publishing the expression of immune mediators in the liver and HLN from reinfected sheep with F. hepatica. The study of the immune responses exerted by the natural host in the target organs directly implied in the development of F. hepatica are crucial to better understand the immunopathogenesis of the fasciolosis being a key factor to develop effective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Ruiz-Campillo
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Diana María Barrero-Torres
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nieves Abril
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael Zafra
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Parasitología), Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Leandro Buffoni
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Parasitología), Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Parasitología), Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Martínez-Moreno
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Parasitología), Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
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Zou S, Khoo BL. Subtyping based on immune cell fractions reveal heterogeneity of cardiac fibrosis in end-stage heart failure. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1053793. [PMID: 36875078 PMCID: PMC9975711 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1053793] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A central issue hindering the development of effective anti-fibrosis drugs for heart failure is the unclear interrelationship between fibrosis and the immune cells. This study aims at providing precise subtyping of heart failure based on immune cell fractions, elaborating their differences in fibrotic mechanisms, and proposing a biomarker panel for evaluating intrinsic features of patients' physiological statuses through subtype classification, thereby promoting the precision medicine for cardiac fibrosis. Methods We inferred immune cell type abundance of the ventricular samples by a computational method (CIBERSORTx) based on ventricular tissue samples from 103 patients with heart failure, and applied K-means clustering to divide patients into two subtypes based on their immune cell type abundance. We also designed a novel analytic strategy: Large-Scale Functional Score and Association Analysis (LAFSAA), to study fibrotic mechanisms in the two subtypes. Results Two subtypes of immune cell fractions: pro-inflammatory and pro-remodeling subtypes, were identified. LAFSAA identified 11 subtype-specific pro-fibrotic functional gene sets as the basis for personalised targeted treatments. Based on feature selection, a 30-gene biomarker panel (ImmunCard30) established for diagnosing patient subtypes achieved high classification performance, with the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve corresponding to 0.954 and 0.803 for the discovery and validation sets, respectively. Conclusion Patients with the two subtypes of cardiac immune cell fractions were likely having different fibrotic mechanisms. Patients' subtypes can be predicted based on the ImmunCard30 biomarker panel. We envision that our unique stratification strategy revealed in this study will unravel advance diagnostic techniques for personalised anti-fibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangjie Zou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Hong Kong Center for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bee Luan Khoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Hong Kong Center for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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Ariyaratne A, Kim SY, Pollo SMJ, Perera S, Liu H, Nguyen WNT, Coria AL, Luzzi MDC, Bowron J, Szabo EK, Patel KD, Wasmuth JD, Nair MG, Finney CAM. Trickle infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus results in decreased worm burdens but increased intestinal inflammation and scarring. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1020056. [PMID: 36569914 PMCID: PMC9773095 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1020056] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intestinal roundworms cause chronic debilitating disease in animals, including humans. Traditional experimental models of these types of infection use a large single-dose infection. However, in natural settings, hosts are exposed to parasites on a regular basis and when mice are exposed to frequent, smaller doses of Heligmosomoides polygyrus, the parasites are cleared more quickly. Whether this more effective host response has any negative consequences for the host is not known. Results Using a trickle model of infection, we found that worm clearance was associated with known resistance-related host responses: increased granuloma and tuft cell numbers, increased levels of granuloma IgG and decreased intestinal transit time, as well as higher serum IgE levels. However, we found that the improved worm clearance was also associated with an inflammatory phenotype in and around the granuloma, increased smooth muscle hypertrophy/hyperplasia, and elevated levels of Adamts gene expression. Discussion To our knowledge, we are the first to identify the involvement of this protein family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in host responses to helminth infections. Our results highlight the delicate balance between parasite clearance and host tissue damage, which both contribute to host pathology. When continually exposed to parasitic worms, improved clearance comes at a cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Ariyaratne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sang Yong Kim
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Stephen M. J. Pollo
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shashini Perera
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hongrui Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - William N. T. Nguyen
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Aralia Leon Coria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mayara de Cassia Luzzi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Joel Bowron
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Edina K. Szabo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kamala D. Patel
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - James D. Wasmuth
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Meera G. Nair
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Constance A. M. Finney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host Parasite Interactions Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Nukeri S, Malatji MP, Sengupta ME, Vennervald BJ, Stensgaard AS, Chaisi M, Mukaratirwa S. Potential Hybridization of Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica in Africa-A Scoping Review. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111303. [PMID: 36365054 PMCID: PMC9695073 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111303] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica in Africa is well documented; however, unlike in Asia, there is a paucity of information on the existence of hybrids or parthenogenetic species on the continent. Nonetheless, these hybrid species may have beneficial characteristics, such as increased host range and pathogenicity. This study provides evidence of the potential existence of Fasciola hybrids in Africa. A literature search of articles published between 1980 and 2022 was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct using a combination of search terms and Boolean operators. Fasciola species were documented in 26 African countries with F. hepatica being restricted to 12 countries, whilst F. gigantica occurred in 24 countries, identified based on morphological features of adult Fasciola specimens or eggs and molecular techniques. The co-occurrence of both species was reported in 11 countries. However, the occurrence of potential Fasciola hybrids was only confirmed in Egypt and Chad but is suspected in South Africa and Zimbabwe. These were identified based on liver fluke morphometrics, assessment of the sperms in the seminal vesicle, and molecular techniques. The occurrence of intermediate host snails Galba truncatula and Radix natalensis was reported in Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, where F. hepatica and F. gigantica co-occurrences were reported. The invasive Pseudosuccinea columella snails naturally infected with F. gigantica were documented in South Africa and Egypt. In Zimbabwe, P. columella was infected with a presumed parthenogenetic Fasciola. This suggests that the invasive species might also be contributing to the overlapping distributions of the two Fasciola species since it can transmit both species. Notwithstanding the limited studies in Africa, the potential existence of Fasciola hybrids in Africa is real and might mimic scenarios in Asia, where parthenogenetic Fasciola exist in most Asian countries. In South Africa, aspermic F. hepatica and Fasciola sp. have been reported already, and Fasciola hybrids have been reported? in Chad and Egypt. Thus, the authors recommend future surveys using molecular markers recommended to identify Fasciola spp. and their snail intermediate hosts to demarcate areas of overlapping distribution where Fasciola hybrids and/or parthenogenetic Fasciola may occur. Further studies should also be conducted to determine the presence and role of P. columella in the transmission of Fasciola spp. in these geographical overlaps to help prevent parasite spillbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophy Nukeri
- School of Life Science, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Foundational Research & Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Mokgadi Pulane Malatji
- School of Life Science, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Foundational Research & Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Mita Eva Sengupta
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Jyding Vennervald
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Sofie Stensgaard
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate Change, Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mamohale Chaisi
- Foundational Research & Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Science, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre KN 0101, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Costa M, Saravia A, Ubios D, Lores P, da Costa V, Festari MF, Landeira M, Rodríguez-Zraquia SA, Banchero G, Freire T. Liver function markers and haematological dynamics during acute and chronic phases of experimental Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle treated with triclabendazole. Exp Parasitol 2022; 238:108285. [PMID: 35654132 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica, a worldwide-distributed liver fluke, is one of the causative agents of fasciolosis, a zoonotic disease that affects livestock and humans. In livestock, fasciolosis causes huge economic losses worldwide, reducing animal fertility, milk production, weight gain and condemnation of livers. In spite of the availability of drugs, such as triclabendazole (TCZ), for the treatment of fasciolosis, they do not necessarily prevent liver damage or parasite reinfection and can eventually increase parasite resistance. The aim of this research was to relate the hepatic function, haematological parameters, leukocyte counts in circulation and parasite egg shedding during F. hepatica acute and chronic phases of infection in cattle as well as to determine how these parameters change with TCZ-treatment of chronically infected cattle. Our results show that increased levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) were detected in early stages of the experimental infection. Moreover, high circulating eosinophil count and plateletcrit levels were correlated with fluke number in livers from infected cattle. On the other hand, although TCZ-treatment in the chronic phase of infection reduced parasite burden and damage in the liver, it was not able to completely avoid them. In conclusion, our work sheds light into the physiopathological mechanisms induced during fluke infection in cattle, revealing the complexity of the host response to the infection, together with the effects of TCZ-treatment in chronically infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Costa
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Desarrollo de Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Anderson Saravia
- Plataforma de Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Ruta 50, km 11, Colonia, 70006, Uruguay
| | - Diego Ubios
- Programa de carne y lana, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Ruta 50, km 11, Colonia, 70006, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Lores
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Desarrollo de Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Valeria da Costa
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Desarrollo de Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Florencia Festari
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Desarrollo de Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mercedes Landeira
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Desarrollo de Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago A Rodríguez-Zraquia
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Desarrollo de Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Georgget Banchero
- Programa de carne y lana, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Ruta 50, km 11, Colonia, 70006, Uruguay
| | - Teresa Freire
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Desarrollo de Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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9
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Hu RS, Zhang FK, Ma QN, Ehsan M, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ. Transcriptomic landscape of hepatic lymph nodes, peripheral blood lymphocytes and spleen of swamp buffaloes infected with the tropical liver fluke Fasciola gigantica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010286. [PMID: 35320269 PMCID: PMC8942208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The tropical liver fluke Fasciola gigantica is a parasitic helminth that has been frequently reported to infect mammals, typically involving water buffaloes. In this study, we characterized the tissue transcriptional landscape of buffaloes following infection by F. gigantica. RNAs were isolated from hepatic lymph nodes (hLNs), peripheral blood lymphocytes (pBLs), and spleen at 3-, 42- and 70-days post-infection (dpi), and all samples were subjected to RNA sequencing analyses. At 3 dpi, 2603, 460, and 162 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) were detected in hLNs, pBLs, and spleen, respectively. At 42 dpi, 322, 937, and 196 DETs were detected in hLNs, pBLs, and spleen, respectively. At 70 dpi, 376, 334, and 165 DETs were detected in hLNs, pBLs, and spleen, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis identified upregulated immune-related pathways in the infected tissues involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, especially in hLNs at 42 and 70 dpi, and pBLs at 3 and 42 dpi. The upregulated transcripts in spleen were not enriched in any immune-related pathway. Co-expression network analysis further identified transcriptional changes associated with immune response to F. gigantica infection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that 107 genes in hLNs, 32 genes in pBLs, and 36 genes in spleen correlated with F. gigantica load. These findings provide new insight into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with F. gigantica infection in buffaloes. Fasciola gigantica is a socioeconomically important tropical liver fluke of mammals, causing fascioliasis–a neglected tropical disease. In the present study, RNA sequencing and bioinformatic approach were employed to explore the global transcriptional changes of hepatic lymph nodes (hLNs), peripheral blood lymphocytes (pBLs), and spleen of water buffaloes during F. gigantica infection at 3-, 42-, and 70-days post-infection (dpi). The results revealed significant transcriptional upregulation of genes associated with innate and adaptive immune responses in infected hLNs (42 and 70 dpi) and pBLs (3 and 42 dpi). However, downregulation of transcripts involved in immune response was detected in pBLs at 70 dpi. The downregulated transcripts were enriched in metabolic pathways, such as drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 in infected hLNs at 3 dpi. These findings provide new insight into the pathogenesis of F. gigantica in its natural mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Si Hu
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fu-Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao-Ni Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Ehsan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (QZ); (X-QZ)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (QZ); (X-QZ)
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10
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Herron CM, O’Connor A, Robb E, McCammick E, Hill C, Marks NJ, Robinson MW, Maule AG, McVeigh P. Developmental Regulation and Functional Prediction of microRNAs in an Expanded Fasciola hepatica miRNome. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:811123. [PMID: 35223544 PMCID: PMC8867070 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.811123] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, is a global burden on the wellbeing and productivity of farmed ruminants, and a zoonotic threat to human health. Despite the clear need for accelerated discovery of new drug and vaccine treatments for this pathogen, we still have a relatively limited understanding of liver fluke biology and host interactions. Noncoding RNAs, including micro (mi)RNAs, are key to transcriptional regulation in all eukaryotes, such that an understanding of miRNA biology can shed light on organismal function at a systems level. Four previous publications have reported up to 89 mature miRNA sequences from F. hepatica, but our data show that this does not represent a full account of this species miRNome. We have expanded on previous studies by sequencing, for the first time, miRNAs from multiple life stages (adult, newly excysted juvenile (NEJ), metacercariae and adult-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs)). These experiments detected an additional 61 high-confidence miRNAs, most of which have not been described in any other species, expanding the F. hepatica miRNome to 150 mature sequences. We used quantitative (q)PCR assays to provide the first developmental profile of miRNA expression across metacercariae, NEJ, adult and adult-derived Evs. The majority of miRNAs were expressed most highly in metacercariae, with at least six distinct expression clusters apparent across life stages. Intracellular miRNAs were functionally analyzed to identify target mRNAs with inversely correlated expression in F. hepatica tissue transcriptomes, highlighting regulatory interactions with key virulence transcripts including cathepsin proteases, and neuromuscular genes that control parasite growth, development and motility. We also linked 28 adult-derived EV miRNAs with downregulation of 397 host genes in F. hepatica-infected transcriptomes from ruminant lymph node, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and liver tissue transcriptomes. These included genes involved in signal transduction, immune and metabolic pathways, adding to the evidence for miRNA-based immunosuppression during fasciolosis. These data expand our understanding of the F. hepatica miRNome, provide the first data on developmental miRNA regulation in this species, and provide a set of testable hypotheses for functional genomics interrogations of liver fluke miRNA biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul McVeigh
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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11
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Healy M, Aldridge A, Glasgow A, Mahon BP, English K, O'Neill SM. Helminth antigens modulate human PBMCs, attenuating disease progression in a humanised mouse model of graft versus host disease. Exp Parasitol 2022; 235:108231. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Connick K, Lalor R, Murphy A, Glasgow A, Breen C, Malfait Z, Harold D, O'Neill SM. RNA-seq analysis of murine peyer's patches at 6 and 18 h post infection with Fasciola hepatica metacecariae. Vet Parasitol 2022; 302:109643. [PMID: 35066425 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109643] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic parasite that not only economically burdens the agribusiness sector, but also infects up to 1 million people worldwide, with no commercial vaccine yet available. An ideal vaccine would induce protection in the gut, curtailing the extensive tissue damage associated with parasite's migration from the gut to the bile ducts. The design of such a vaccine requires greater knowledge of gut mucosal responses during the early stage of infection. We examined total mRNA expression of the peyer's patches at 6 and 18 h post F. hepatica infection using RNA sequencing. Differential expression analysis revealed 1341 genes upregulated and 61 genes downregulated at 6 h post infection, while 1562 genes were upregulated and 10 genes downregulated after 18 h. Gene-set enrichment analysis demonstrated that immune specific biological processes were amongst the most downregulated. The Toll-like receptor pathway in particular was significantly affected, the suppression of which is a well-documented immune evasive strategy employed by F. hepatica. In general, the genes identified were associated with suppression of inflammatory responses, helminth induced immune responses and tissue repair/homeostasis. This study provides a rich catalogue of the genes expressed in the early stages of F. hepatica infection, adding to the understanding of early host-parasite interactions and assisting in the design of future studies that look to advance the development of a novel F. hepatica vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Connick
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - R Lalor
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - A Murphy
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - A Glasgow
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - C Breen
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Z Malfait
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - D Harold
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - S M O'Neill
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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13
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Abraham D, Graham-Brown J, Carter D, Gray SA, Hess JA, Makepeace BL, Lustigman S. Development of a recombinant vaccine against human onchocerciasis. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1459-1470. [PMID: 34488533 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1977125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human onchocerciasis caused by the filarial nematode parasite Onchocerca volvulus remains a major cause of debilitating disease infecting millions primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. The development of a prophylactic vaccine, along with mass drug administration, would facilitate meeting the goal of onchocerciasis elimination by 2030. AREAS COVERED Models used to study immunity to Onchocerca include natural infection of cattle with Onchocerca ochengi and O. volvulus infective third-stage larvae implanted within diffusion chambers in mice. A vaccine, comprised of two adjuvanted recombinant antigens, induced protective immunity in genetically diverse mice suggesting that it will function similarly in diverse human populations. These antigens were recognized by immune humans and also induced protective immunity against Brugia malayi. We describe the development of a fusion protein composed of the two vaccine antigens with the plan to test the vaccine in cows and non-human primates as a prelude to the initiation of phase 1 clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION The adjuvanted O. volvulus vaccine composed of two antigens Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2 was shown to be consistently effective at inducing protective immunity using multiple immune mechanisms. The vaccine is ready for further evaluation in other animal models before moving to clinical trials in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Abraham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Graham-Brown
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Jessica A Hess
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sara Lustigman
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Lalor R, Cwiklinski K, Calvani NED, Dorey A, Hamon S, Corrales JL, Dalton JP, De Marco Verissimo C. Pathogenicity and virulence of the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola Gigantica that cause the zoonosis Fasciolosis. Virulence 2021; 12:2839-2867. [PMID: 34696693 PMCID: PMC8632118 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1996520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciolosis caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica is one of the most important neglected parasitic diseases of humans and animals. The ability of the parasites to infect and multiply in their intermediate snail hosts, and their adaptation to a wide variety of mammalian definitive hosts contribute to their high transmissibility and distribution. Within the mammalian host, the trauma caused by the immature flukes burrowing through the liver parenchyma is associated with most of the pathogenesis. Similarly, the feeding activity and the physical presence of large flukes in the bile ducts can lead to anemia, inflammation, obstruction and cholangitis. The high frequency of non-synonymous polymorphisms found in Fasciola spp. genes allows for adaptation and invasion of a broad range of hosts. This is also facilitated by parasite’s excretory-secretory (ES) molecules that mediate physiological changes that allows their establishment within the host. ES contains cathepsin peptidases that aid parasite invasion by degrading collagen and fibronectin. In the bile ducts, cathepsin-L is critical to hemoglobin digestion during feeding activities. Other molecules (peroxiredoxin, cathepsin-L and Kunitz-type inhibitor) stimulate a strong immune response polarized toward a Treg/Th2 phenotype that favors fluke’s survival. Helminth defense molecule, fatty acid binding proteins, Fasciola-specific glycans and miRNAs modulate host pro-inflammatory responses, while antioxidant scavenger enzymes work in an orchestrated way to deter host oxidant-mediated damage. Combining these strategies Fasciola spp. survive for decades within their mammalian host, where they reproduce and spread to become one of the most widespread zoonotic worm parasites in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lalor
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Amber Dorey
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siobhán Hamon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jesús López Corrales
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - John Pius Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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15
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Niedziela DA, Naranjo-Lucena A, Molina-Hernández V, Browne JA, Martínez-Moreno Á, Pérez J, MacHugh DE, Mulcahy G. Timing of Transcriptomic Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Responses of Sheep to Fasciola hepatica Infection Differs From Those of Cattle, Reflecting Different Disease Phenotypes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729217. [PMID: 34616397 PMCID: PMC8488161 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with the zoonotic trematode Fasciola hepatica, common in many regions with a temperate climate, leads to delayed growth and loss of productivity in cattle, while infection in sheep can have more severe effects, potentially leading to death. Previous transcriptomic analyses revealed upregulation of TGFB1, cell death and Toll-like receptor signalling, T-cell activation, and inhibition of nitric oxide production in macrophages in response to infection. However, the differences between ovine and bovine responses have not yet been explored. The objective of this study was to further investigate the transcriptomic response of ovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to F. hepatica infection, and to elucidate the differences between ovine and bovine PBMC responses. Sixteen male Merino sheep were randomly assigned to infected or control groups (n = 8 per group) and orally infected with 120 F. hepatica metacercariae. Transcriptomic data was generated from PBMC at 0, 2 and 16 weeks post-infection (wpi), and analysed for differentially expressed (DE) genes between infected and control animals at each time point (analysis 1), and for each group relative to time 0 (analysis 2). Analysis 2 was then compared to a similar study performed previously on bovine PBMC. A total of 453 DE genes were found at 2 wpi, and 2 DE genes at 16 wpi (FDR < 0.1, analysis 1). Significantly overrepresented biological pathways at 2 wpi included role of PKR in interferon induction and anti-viral response, death receptor signalling and RIG-I-like receptor signalling, which suggested that an activation of innate response to intracellular nucleic acids and inhibition of cellular apoptosis were taking place. Comparison of analysis 2 with the previous bovine transcriptomic study revealed that anti-inflammatory response pathways which were significantly overrepresented in the acute phase in cattle, including IL-10 signalling, Th2 pathway, and Th1 and Th2 activation were upregulated only in the chronic phase in sheep. We propose that the earlier activation of anti-inflammatory responses in cattle, as compared with sheep, may be related to the general absence of acute clinical signs in cattle. These findings offer scope for "smart vaccination" strategies for this important livestock parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - John A. Browne
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Parasitología), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - David E. MacHugh
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Naranjo-Lucena A, Correia CN, Molina-Hernández V, Martínez-Moreno Á, Browne JA, Pérez J, MacHugh DE, Mulcahy G. Transcriptomic Analysis of Ovine Hepatic Lymph Node Following Fasciola hepatica Infection - Inhibition of NK Cell and IgE-Mediated Signaling. Front Immunol 2021; 12:687579. [PMID: 34122452 PMCID: PMC8194261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.687579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite responsible for major economic losses in livestock production, and is also a food-borne zoonotic agent in developing rural regions. For years, the immunoregulatory mechanisms employed by the parasite have hampered efforts to develop a successful vaccine candidate. Given that a comprehensive understanding of the immune response to infection is needed, we investigated the gene expression changes in ovine hepatic lymph nodes after experimental infection with F. hepatica. Lymph nodes from uninfected and infected animals were processed for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) at 16 weeks post-infection. Comparison of groups revealed 5,132 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs). An inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways, which has previously been described during fasciolosis, was evident in our data. However, other signals previously identified in ruminant peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or liver tissue, such as activation of TGF-β or apoptosis-related pathways were not detected. We found inhibition of some key immunological pathways, including natural killer (NK) cell activity and IgE-mediated signaling. These may point to additional some as yet unrecognized mechanisms employed by the parasite to evade the host immune response. Understanding these, and leveraging information from this and other omics studies, will be important for the development of future vaccine prototypes against this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina N Correia
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Parasitología), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - John A Browne
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - José Pérez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - David E MacHugh
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Jiménez M, Hidalgo C, Stoore C, Corrêa F, Pereira I, Hernández M, Sáenz L, Benavides J, Ferreras MC, Royo M, Paredes R. Fasciola hepatica co-infection enhances Th1 immune response in the adventitial layer of non-fertile Echinococcus granulosus cysts. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109343. [PMID: 33422750 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. In intermediary hosts, two types of echinococcal cysts can be found: fertile, which produce protoscoleces, the infective form of the parasite to dogs; and infertile, that do not present protoscoleces and therefore are not able to continue with the parasite life cycle. The adventitial layer, the local immune response against the cyst, plays an important role in cyst fertility. Grazing cattle can often feature Fasciola hepatica co-infection, a parasite known to modulate the host systemic immune response. In this work the cellular Th1/Th2 immune profiles were evaluated in the adventitial layer of fertile and non-fertile cysts with and without co-infection with Fasciola hepatica. Measuring with immunohistochemistry and qPCR in adventitial layer, we report that non-fertile cysts present higher levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ (P < 0.0001) and TNF-α (P < 0.05)), and fertile cysts have higher levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 (P < 0.001)). Co-infection with Fasciola hepatica is associated with a decrease in the expression of IL-4 (P < 0.05) and an increase in the expression of IFN-γ (P < 0.0001) in the adventitial layer of fertile cysts. Non-fertile cysts were associated with higher levels of Th1 cytokines in the adventitial layer, with IFN-γ expression enhanced by F. hepatica co-infection (P < 0.0001), confirming that polyparasitism should be considered in the treatment and control of naturally infected cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Veterinaria, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Laboratorio de Biotecnología, LIMOR de Colombia S.A.S, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Christian Hidalgo
- Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales (ICA3), Universidad de O'Higgins, San Fernando, Chile
| | - Caroll Stoore
- Laboratorio de Medicina Veterinaria, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Corrêa
- Laboratorio de Medicina Veterinaria, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ismael Pereira
- Laboratorio de Medicina Veterinaria, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biología Periodontal y Departamento de Patología y Medicina Oral, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonardo Sáenz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Vaccines, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio Benavides
- Dpto de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Vegazana s/n, León, Spain
| | - M Carmen Ferreras
- Dpto de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Vegazana s/n, León, Spain
| | - Marcos Royo
- Dpto de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Vegazana s/n, León, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Paredes
- Laboratorio de Medicina Veterinaria, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.
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González-Miguel J, Becerro-Recio D, Siles-Lucas M. Insights into Fasciola hepatica Juveniles: Crossing the Fasciolosis Rubicon. Trends Parasitol 2020; 37:35-47. [PMID: 33067132 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Unraveling the molecular interactions governing the first contact between parasite and host tissues is of paramount importance to the development of effective control strategies against parasites. In fasciolosis, a foodborne trematodiasis caused mainly by Fasciola hepatica, these early interactions occur between the juvenile worm and the host intestinal wall a few hours after ingestion of metacercariae, the infectious stage of the parasite. However, research on these early events is still scarce and the majority of studies have focused on the adult worm. Here, we review current knowledge on the biology and biochemistry of F. hepatica juveniles and their molecular relationships with the host tissues and identify the research needs and gaps to be covered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier González-Miguel
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - David Becerro-Recio
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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Naranjo-Lucena A, García-Campos A, Garza-Cuartero L, Britton L, Blanco A, Zintl A, Mulcahy G. Fasciola hepatica products can alter the response of bovine immune cells to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12779. [PMID: 32725900 PMCID: PMC8365740 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fasciola hepatica causes economically important disease in livestock worldwide. The relevance of this parasitic infection extends beyond its direct consequences due to its immunoregulatory properties. OBJECTIVES Given the importance of the T helper 1 (Th1) immune response in controlling infections with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in cattle, we aimed to establish the immunological consequences that co-infection with F. hepatica might have on the course of Johne's disease (JD). METHODS This study compared the in vitro response of bovine immune cells to infection with MAP or exposure to MAP antigens following F. hepatica infection or stimulation with F. hepatica products. RESULTS We found a decreased proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after infection with F. hepatica. This reduction was inversely correlated with fluke burden. Pre-stimulation with F. hepatica molecules produced a significant reduction of ileocaecal lymph node leucocyte proliferation in response to MAP antigens. Additionally,F. hepatica products reduced expression of the CD14 receptor by macrophages and increased levels of apoptosis and bacterial (MAP) uptake. CONCLUSIONS Overall, F. hepatica infection had little impact on the in vitro response of immune cells to MAP, whereas in vitro co-stimulation with F. hepatica molecules had a measurable effect. Whether this is likely to affect JD progression during in vivo chronic conditions remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Naranjo-Lucena
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Andrés García-Campos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Laura Garza-Cuartero
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Louise Britton
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Alfonso Blanco
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Annetta Zintl
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Buffoni L, Garza-Cuartero L, Pérez-Caballero R, Zafra R, Javier Martínez-Moreno F, Molina-Hernández V, Pérez J, Martínez-Moreno Á, Mulcahy G. Identification of protective peptides of Fasciola hepatica-derived cathepsin L1 (FhCL1) in vaccinated sheep by a linear B-cell epitope mapping approach. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:390. [PMID: 32736582 PMCID: PMC7393625 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fasciolosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of livestock. The need for better control strategies gave rise to the identification of various vaccine candidates. The recombinant form of a member of the cysteine
protease family, cathepsin L1 of Fasciola hepatica (FhCL1) has been a vaccine target for the past few decades since it has been shown to behave as an immunodominant antigen. However, when FhCL1 was used as vaccine, it has been observed to elicit significant protection in some trials, whereas no protection was provided in others. Methods In order to improve vaccine development strategy, we conducted a linear B-cell epitope mapping of FhCL1 in sheep vaccinated with FhCL1, FhHDM, FhLAP and FhPrx plus Montanide and with significant reduction of the fluke burden, sheep vaccinated with FhCL1, FhHDM, FhLAP and FhPrx plus aluminium hydroxide and with non-significant reduction of the fluke burden, and in unvaccinated-infected sheep. Results Our study showed that the pattern and dynamic of peptide recognition varied noticeably between both vaccinated groups, and that the regions 55–63 and 77–84, which are within the propeptide, and regions 102–114 and 265–273 of FhCL1 were specifically recognised only by vaccinated sheep with significant reduction of the fluke burden. In addition, these animals also showed significant production of specific IgG2, whereas none was observed in vaccinated-Aluminium hydroxide and in infected control animals. Conclusions We have identified 42 residues of FhCL1 that contributed to protective immunity against infection with F. hepatica in sheep. Our results provide indications in relation to key aspects of the immune response. Given the variable outcomes of vaccination trials conducted in ruminants to date, this study adds new insights to improve strategies of vaccine development.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Buffoni
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Laura Garza-Cuartero
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Raúl Pérez-Caballero
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.,Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rafael Zafra
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - F Javier Martínez-Moreno
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Animal Health Department (Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Longitudinal blood transcriptomic analysis to identify molecular regulatory patterns of bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle. Genomics 2020; 112:3968-3977. [PMID: 32650099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common disease in beef cattle and leads to considerable economic losses in both beef and dairy cattle. It is important to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying BRD and to identify biomarkers for early identification of BRD cattle in order to address its impact on production and welfare. In this study, a longitudinal transcriptomic analysis was conducted using blood samples collected from 24 beef cattle at three production stages in the feedlot: 1) arrival (Entry group); 2) when identified as sick (diagnosed as BRD) and separated for treatment (Pulled); 3) prior to marketing (Close-out, representing healthy animals). Expressed genes were significantly different in the same animal among Entry, Pulled and Close-out stages (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.01 & |Fold Change| > 2). Beef steers at both Entry and Pulled stages presented obvious difference in GO terms (FDR < 0.05) and affected biological functions (FDR < 0.05 & |Z-score| > 2) when compared with animals at Close-out. However, no significant functional difference was observed between Entry and Pulled animals. The interferon signaling pathway showed the most significant difference between animals at Entry/Pulled and Close-out stages (P < .001 & |Z-score| > 2), suggesting the animals initiated antiviral responses at an early stage of infection. Six key genes including IFI6, IFIT3, ISG15, MX1, and OAS2 were identified as biomarkers to predict and recognize sick cattle at Entry. A gene module with 169 co-expressed genes obtained from WGCNA analysis was most positively correlated (R = 0.59, P = 6E-08) with sickness, which was regulated by 11 transcription factors. Our findings provide an initial understanding of the BRD infection process in the field and suggests a subset of novel marker genes for identifying BRD in cattle at an early stage of infection.
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