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Damena D, Barry A, Morrison R, Gaoussou S, Mahamar A, Attaher O, Issiaka D, Dicko Y, Dicko A, Duffy P, Fried M. A novel locus in CSMD1 gene is associated with increased susceptibility to severe malaria in Malian children. Front Genet 2024; 15:1390786. [PMID: 38854427 PMCID: PMC11157005 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1390786] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum malaria is still a leading cause of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The clinical manifestations of malaria range from asymptomatic infection to severe disease. The variation in clinical presentation is partly attributed to host genetic factors with estimated narrow-sense heritability of 23%. Here, we investigate the associations between candidate gene polymorphisms and the likelihood of severe malaria (SM) in a cohort of Malian children. Methods Based on our previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis, candidate genes were selected for in-depth analysis using several criteria including gene-level GWAS scores, functional overlap with malaria pathogenesis, and evidence of association with protection or susceptibility to other infectious or inflammatory diseases. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) residing within these genes were selected mainly based on p-values from previous severe malaria susceptibility GWAS studies and minor allele frequency (MAF) in West African populations. Results Of 182 candidate genes reported in our previous study, 11 genes and 22 SNPs residing in these genes were selected. The selected SNPs were genotyped using KASP technology in 477 DNA samples (87 SM and 390 controls). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a common intron variant, rs13340578 in CUB and Sushi Multi Domain (CSMD1) gene, is associated with increased odds of SM in recessive mode of inheritance (MAF = 0.42, OR = 1.8, 95% CI = [1.78, 1.84], p = 0.029). The SNP is in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with multiple variants with regulatory features. Conclusion Taken together, the current study showed that an intron variant rs13340578, residing in CSMD1 gene, is associated with increased susceptibility to malaria. This finding suggests that modified regulation of complement may contribute to malaria disease severity. Further studies are needed to identify the causal variants and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delesa Damena
- Molecular Pathogenesis and Biomarkers Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Amadou Barry
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Robert Morrison
- Pathogenesis and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Santara Gaoussou
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Almahamoudou Mahamar
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumar Attaher
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Djibrilla Issiaka
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yahia Dicko
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Alassane Dicko
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Patrick Duffy
- Pathogenesis and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michal Fried
- Molecular Pathogenesis and Biomarkers Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Walker IS, Rogerson SJ. Pathogenicity and virulence of malaria: Sticky problems and tricky solutions. Virulence 2023; 14:2150456. [PMID: 36419237 PMCID: PMC9815252 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cause over 600,000 deaths each year, concentrated in Africa and in young children, but much of the world's population remain at risk of infection. In this article, we review the latest developments in the immunogenicity and pathogenesis of malaria, with a particular focus on P. falciparum, the leading malaria killer. Pathogenic factors include parasite-derived toxins and variant surface antigens on infected erythrocytes that mediate sequestration in the deep vasculature. Host response to parasite toxins and to variant antigens is an important determinant of disease severity. Understanding how parasites sequester, and how antibody to variant antigens could prevent sequestration, may lead to new approaches to treat and prevent disease. Difficulties in malaria diagnosis, drug resistance, and specific challenges of treating P. vivax pose challenges to malaria elimination, but vaccines and other preventive strategies may offer improved disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel S Walker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Hashmi F, Aqeel S, Zuberi UF, Khan W. A systematic review and meta-analysis of inflammatory biomarkers associated with malaria infection and disease severity. Cytokine 2023; 169:156305. [PMID: 37482049 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156305] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory biomarkers; C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) play a very crucial role in disease pathogenesis. Studies conducted earlier showed the associativity of these biomarkers with malaria severity. Meta-analysis of individual biomarkers was done in many studies, while in a few others, all these candidates were estimated, but the findings were inconclusive. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analyses were performed to evaluate differences in biomarkers mentioned above in complicated and uncomplicated malaria patients. Studies focussed on CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α with quantitative data on complicated and uncomplicated malaria patients were searched on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The quality of the studies selected for this review was checked following Newcastle-Ottawa Scale guidelines. The standard mean difference and confidence interval of biomarkers in the targeted groups were calculated using the random effects model. Egger's test and funnel plot asymmetry were performed to assess the publication bias. Thirteen studies that qualified the inclusion criteria were considered for this meta-analysis. CRP levels were higher in complicated malaria patients than uncomplicated ones (P < 0.00001, pooled SMD: 0.90 mg/L, 95 % CI: 0.51 to 1.30 mg/L, I2: 80 %, six studies). IL-6 levels were elevated in complicated cases (P < 0.00001, pooled SMD: 0.89 pg/ml, 95 % CI: 0.66 to 1.12, I2: 99 %, four studies) and TNF-α also showed an increase in severe complicated patients (P < 0.00001, pooled SMD: 1.18 pg/ml, 95 % CI: 1 to 1.36, I2: 99 %, six studies). In most of the included studies, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were higher in complicated malaria patients. Nevertheless, the results of a few studies were not convincing. Due to the lack of specificity in all individual biomarkers, none had adequate diagnostic accuracy. Considering the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the CRP activation pathway in malaria progression, the combination of these biomarkers should be used in monitoring the disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizeaab Hashmi
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Sana Aqeel
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
| | - Umra Fatima Zuberi
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Wajihullah Khan
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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Rashidi S, Mansouri R, Ali-Hassanzadeh M, Muro A, Nguewa P, Manzano-Román R. The Defensive Interactions of Prominent Infectious Protozoan Parasites: The Host's Complement System. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1564. [PMID: 36358913 PMCID: PMC9687244 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system exerts crucial functions both in innate immune responses and adaptive humoral immunity. This pivotal system plays a major role dealing with pathogen invasions including protozoan parasites. Different pathogens including parasites have developed sophisticated strategies to defend themselves against complement killing. Some of these strategies include the employment, mimicking or inhibition of host's complement regulatory proteins, leading to complement evasion. Therefore, parasites are proven to use the manipulation of the complement system to assist them during infection and persistence. Herein, we attempt to study the interaction´s mechanisms of some prominent infectious protozoan parasites including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania dealing with the complement system. Moreover, several crucial proteins that are expressed, recruited or hijacked by parasites and are involved in the modulation of the host´s complement system are selected and their role for efficient complement killing or lysis evasion is discussed. In addition, parasite's complement regulatory proteins appear as plausible therapeutic and vaccine targets in protozoan parasitic infections. Accordingly, we also suggest some perspectives and insights useful in guiding future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein 38811, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein 38811, Iran
| | - Reza Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd 8915173143, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft 7861615765, Iran
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Paul Nguewa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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Rotich AK, Takashima E, Yanow SK, Gitaka J, Kanoi BN. Towards identification and development of alternative vaccines against pregnancy-associated malaria based on naturally acquired immunity. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.988284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum malaria, leading to substantial maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. While highly effective malaria vaccines are considered an essential component towards malaria elimination, strides towards development of vaccines for pregnant women have been minimal. The leading malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, has modest efficacy in children suggesting that it needs to be strengthened and optimized if it is to be beneficial for pregnant women. Clinical trials against pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) focused on the classical VAR2CSA antigen are ongoing. However, additional antigens have not been identified to supplement these initiatives despite the new evidence that VAR2CSA is not the only molecule involved in pregnancy-associated naturally acquired immunity. This is mainly due to a lack of understanding of the immune complexities in pregnancy coupled with difficulties associated with expression of malaria recombinant proteins, low antigen immunogenicity in humans, and the anticipated complications in conducting and implementing a vaccine to protect pregnant women. With the accelerated evolution of molecular technologies catapulted by the global pandemic, identification of novel alternative vaccine antigens is timely and feasible. In this review, we discuss approaches towards novel antigen discovery to support PAM vaccine studies.
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The impact of human complement on the clinical outcome of malaria infection. Mol Immunol 2022; 151:19-28. [PMID: 36063583 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.08.017] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The tropical disease malaria remains a major cause of global morbidity. Once transmitted to the human by a blood-feeding mosquito, the unicellular malaria parasite comes into contact with the complement system and continues to interact with human complement during its intraerythrocytic replication cycles. In the course of infection, both the classical and the alternative pathway of complement are activated, leading to parasite opsonization and lysis as well as the induction of complement-binding antibodies. While complement activity can be linked to the severity of malaria, it remains to date unclear, whether human complement is beneficial for protective immunity or if extensive complement reactions may rather enhance pathogenesis. In addition, the parasite has evolved molecular strategies to circumvent attack by human complement and has even developed means to utilize complement factors as mediators of host cell infection. In this review, we highlight current knowledge on the role of human complement for the progression of malaria infection. We discuss the various types of interactions between malaria parasites and complement factors with regard to immunity and infection outcome and set a special emphasis on the dual role of complement in the context of parasite fitness.
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Addy JW, Bediako Y, Ndungu FM, Valetta JJ, Reid AJ, Mwacharo J, Ngoi JM, Wambua J, Otieno E, Musyoki J, Said K, Berriman M, Marsh K, Bejon P, Recker M, Langhorne J. 10-year longitudinal study of malaria in children: Insights into acquisition and maintenance of naturally acquired immunity. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:79. [PMID: 35141425 PMCID: PMC8822141 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16562.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies of long-term malaria cohorts have provided essential insights into how Plasmodium falciparum interacts with humans, and influences the development of antimalarial immunity. Immunity to malaria is acquired gradually after multiple infections, some of which present with clinical symptoms. However, there is considerable variation in the number of clinical episodes experienced by children of the same age within the same cohort. Understanding this variation in clinical symptoms and how it relates to the development of naturally acquired immunity is crucial in identifying how and when some children stop experiencing further malaria episodes. Where variability in clinical episodes may result from different rates of acquisition of immunity, or from variable exposure to the parasite. Methods: Using data from a longitudinal cohort of children residing in an area of moderate P. falciparum transmission in Kilifi district, Kenya, we fitted cumulative episode curves as monotonic-increasing splines, to 56 children under surveillance for malaria from the age of 5 to 15. Results: There was large variability in the accumulation of numbers of clinical malaria episodes experienced by the children, despite being of similar age and living in the same general location. One group of children from a particular sub-region of the cohort stopped accumulating clinical malaria episodes earlier than other children in the study. Despite lack of further clinical episodes of malaria, these children had higher asymptomatic parasite densities and higher antibody titres to a panel of P. falciparum blood-stage antigens. Conclusions: This suggests development of clinical immunity rather than lack of exposure to the parasite, and supports the view that this immunity to malaria disease is maintained by a greater exposure to P. falciparum, and thus higher parasite burdens. Our study illustrates the complexity of anti-malaria immunity and underscores the need for analyses which can sufficiently reflect the heterogeneity within endemic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W.G. Addy
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Yaw Bediako
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - John Joseph Valetta
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Adam J. Reid
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hixton, UK
| | | | | | - Joshua Wambua
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Edward Otieno
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Khadija Said
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mario Recker
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Jean Langhorne
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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Addy JW, Bediako Y, Ndungu FM, Valetta JJ, Reid AJ, Mwacharo J, Ngoi JM, Wambua J, Otieno E, Musyoki J, Said K, Berriman M, Marsh K, Bejon P, Recker M, Langhorne J. 10-year longitudinal study of malaria in children: Insights into acquisition and maintenance of naturally acquired immunity. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:79. [PMID: 35141425 PMCID: PMC8822141 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16562.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies of long-term malaria cohorts have provided essential insights into how Plasmodium falciparum interacts with humans, and influences the development of antimalarial immunity. Immunity to malaria is acquired gradually after multiple infections, some of which present with clinical symptoms. However, there is considerable variation in the number of clinical episodes experienced by children of the same age within the same cohort. Understanding this variation in clinical symptoms and how it relates to the development of naturally acquired immunity is crucial in identifying how and when some children stop experiencing further malaria episodes. Where variability in clinical episodes may result from different rates of acquisition of immunity, or from variable exposure to the parasite. Methods: Using data from a longitudinal cohort of children residing in an area of moderate P. falciparum transmission in Kilifi district, Kenya, we fitted cumulative episode curves as monotonic-increasing splines, to 56 children under surveillance for malaria from the age of 5 to 15. Results: There was large variability in the accumulation of numbers of clinical malaria episodes experienced by the children, despite being of similar age and living in the same general location. One group of children from a particular sub-region of the cohort stopped accumulating clinical malaria episodes earlier than other children in the study. Despite lack of further clinical episodes of malaria, these children had higher asymptomatic parasite densities and higher antibody titres to a panel of P. falciparum blood-stage antigens. Conclusions: This suggests development of clinical immunity rather than lack of exposure to the parasite, and supports the view that this immunity to malaria disease is maintained by a greater exposure to P. falciparum, and thus higher parasite burdens. Our study illustrates the complexity of anti-malaria immunity and underscores the need for analyses which can sufficiently reflect the heterogeneity within endemic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W.G. Addy
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Yaw Bediako
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - John Joseph Valetta
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Adam J. Reid
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hixton, UK
| | | | | | - Joshua Wambua
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Edward Otieno
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Khadija Said
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mario Recker
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Jean Langhorne
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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