1
|
Nakayama K, Haraguchi A, Hakozaki J, Nakamura S, Kusakisako K, Ikadai H. The C-terminal region of the Plasmodium berghei gamete surface 184-kDa protein Pb184 contributes to fertilization and male gamete binding to the residual body. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:304. [PMID: 39003498 PMCID: PMC11246575 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06374-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria, a global health concern, is caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, which undergo gametogenesis in the midgut of mosquitoes after ingestion of an infected blood meal. The resulting male and female gametes fuse to form a zygote, which differentiates into a motile ookinete. After traversing the midgut epithelium, the ookinete differentiates into an oocyst on the basal side of the epithelium. METHODS Membrane proteins with increased gene expression levels from the gamete to oocyst stages in P. berghei were investigated utilizing PlasmoDB, the functional genomic database for Plasmodium spp. Based on this analysis, we selected the 184-kDa membrane protein, Pb184, for further study. The expression of Pb184 was further confirmed through immunofluorescence staining, following which we examined whether Pb184 is involved in fertilization using antibodies targeting the C-terminal region of Pb184 and biotin-labeled C-terminal region peptides of Pb184. RESULTS Pb184 is expressed on the surface of male and female gametes. The antibody inhibited zygote and ookinete formation in vitro. When mosquitoes were fed on parasite-infected blood containing the antibody, oocyst formation decreased on the second day after feeding. Synthesized biotin-labeled peptides matching the C-terminal region of Pb184 bound to the female gamete and the residual body of male gametes, and inhibited differentiation into ookinetes in the in vitro culture system. CONCLUSIONS These results may be useful for the further studying the fertilization mechanism of Plasmodium protozoa. There is also the potential for their application as future tools to prevent malaria transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Nakayama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Towada, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Asako Haraguchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Towada, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Jun Hakozaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Towada, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Sakure Nakamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Towada, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Kodai Kusakisako
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Towada, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Hiromi Ikadai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Towada, 034-8628, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pang W, Bai J, Zhu L, Liu F, Wu Y, Yang F, Zheng L, Liu P, Zhang Y, Wang M, Li J, Zhu X, Cui L, Cao Y. Functional characterization of a conserved membrane protein, Pbs54, involved in gamete fertilization in Plasmodium berghei. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:99-107. [PMID: 37774810 PMCID: PMC11283859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The successful completion of gamete fertilization is essential for malaria parasite transmission, and this process can be targeted by intervention strategies. In this study, we identified a conserved gene (PBANKA_0813300) in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei, which encodes a protein of 54 kDa (designated as Pbs54). Localization studies indicated that Pbs54 is associated with the plasma membranes of gametes and ookinetes. Functional studies by gene disruption showed that the Δpbs54 parasites had no defect in asexual proliferation, gametocyte development, or gametogenesis. However, the interactions between male and female gametes were significantly decreased compared with wild-type parasites. The Δpbs54 lines did not show a further reduction in zygote and ookinete numbers during in vitro culture, indicating that the defects were probably restricted to gamete fertilization. Consistent with this finding, mosquitoes fed on Δpbs54-infected mice showed a 30.1% reduction in infection prevalence and a 74.7% reduction in oocyst intensity. Cross-fertilization assay indicated that both male and female gametes were impaired in the Δpbs54 parasites. To evaluate its transmission-blocking potential, we obtained polyclonal antibodies from mice immunized with the recombinant Pbs54 (rPbs54) protein. In vitro assays showed that anti-rPbs54 sera inhibited ookinete formation by 42.7%. Our experiments identified Pbs54 as a fertility factor required for mosquito transmission and a novel candidate for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Pang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liying Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yudi Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Zheng
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pengbo Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yaowen Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meilian Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van der Watt ME, Reader J, Birkholtz LM. Adapt or Die: Targeting Unique Transmission-Stage Biology for Malaria Elimination. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:901971. [PMID: 35755845 PMCID: PMC9218253 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.901971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites have a complex life cycle that includes development in the human host as well as the Anopheles vector. Successful transmission of the parasite between its host and vector therefore requires the parasite to balance its investments in asexual replication and sexual reproduction, varying the frequency of sexual commitment to persist within the human host and generate future opportunities for transmission. The transmission window is extended further by the ability of stage V gametocytes to circulate in peripheral blood for weeks, whereas immature stage I to IV gametocytes sequester in the bone marrow and spleen until final maturation. Due to the low gametocyte numbers in blood circulation and with the ease of targeting such life cycle bottlenecks, transmission represents an efficient target for therapeutic intervention. The biological process of Plasmodium transmission is a multistage, multifaceted process and the past decade has seen a much deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulators involved. Clearly, specific and divergent processes are used during transmission compared to asexual proliferation, which both poses challenges but also opportunities for discovery of transmission-blocking antimalarials. This review therefore presents an update of our molecular understanding of gametocyte and gamete biology as well as the status of transmission-blocking activities of current antimalarials and lead development compounds. By defining the biological components associated with transmission, considerations for the development of new transmission-blocking drugs to target such untapped but unique biology is suggested as an important, main driver for transmission-blocking drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariëtte E van der Watt
- Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Janette Reader
- Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lyn-Marié Birkholtz
- Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Plasmodium falciparum Cysteine Rich Secretory Protein uniquely localizes to one end of male gametes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 248:111447. [PMID: 34998927 PMCID: PMC8904303 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization is a central event during the life cycle of most eukaryotic organisms and involves gamete recognition and fusion, ultimately resulting in zygote formation. Gamete fertilization in the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites occurs inside the mosquito midgut and represents a major bottleneck in the life cycle. Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins (CRISPs) are key molecules involved in fertilization in vertebrates and the presence of a CRISP ortholog in human malaria infective Plasmodium falciparum suggested a possible role in fertilization. Strikingly, P. falciparum CRISP exhibited a unique terminal localization in the male microgamete. Parasites with a CRISP gene deletion (P. falciparum crisp-) proliferated asexually similar to wildtype NF54 parasites and differentiated into gametocytes. Further analysis showed that Plasmodium falciparum crisp- gametocytes underwent exflagellation to form male gametes and no apparent defect in transmission to the mosquito vector was observed. These data show that P. falciparum CRISP is a marker for the apical end of the microgamete and that it might only have an ancillary or redundant function in the male sexual stages.
Collapse
|
5
|
Turiel-Silva M, Wendt C, Silva EO, Rodrigues APD, de Souza W, Miranda K, Diniz J. Three-dimensional Architecture of Cyrilia lignieresi Gametocyte-stage Development Inside Red Blood Cells. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12894. [PMID: 35152525 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12894] [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: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Haemogregarinidae family (Apicomplexa: Adeleina) comprises hemoprotozoa that infect mammals, birds, amphibians, fish and reptiles. Some morphological characteristics of the Cyrilia lignieresi have been described previously, but the parasite-erythrocyte relationship is still poorly understood. In order to understand the structural architecture of Cyrilia lignieresi-infected red blood cells, electron microscopy-based three-dimensional reconstruction was carried out using TEM as well as FIB-SEM tomography. Results showed that development of the macrogametocyte-stage inside the red blood cell is related to an increase in cleft-like structures in the host cell cytoplasm. Furthermore, other aspects related to parasite intraerythrocytic development were explored by 3D visualization techniques. We observed the invagination of a large extension of the Inner Membrane Complex on the parasite body, which results from or induces a folding of the posterior end of the parasite. Small tubular structures were seen associated with areas related to Inner Membrane Complex folding. Taken together, results provide new information on the remodeling of erythrocytes induced by the protozoan C. lignieresi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Turiel-Silva
- Universidade do Estado do Pará, Centro de Ciëncias Biológicas e da Saúde, Marabá-PA, Brazil.,Instituto Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Belém-PA, Brazil
| | - Camila Wendt
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Edilene O Silva
- Universidade Federal do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Belém-PA, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Drummond Rodrigues
- Instituto Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Belém-PA, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Kildare Miranda
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - José Diniz
- Instituto Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Belém-PA, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Liu F, Zhao Y, Yang F, Bai J, Jia X, Roobsoong W, Sattabongkot J, Cui L, Cao Y, Luo E, Wang M. Evaluation of two Plasmodium vivax sexual stage antigens as transmission-blocking vaccine candidates. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:407. [PMID: 34399829 PMCID: PMC8366161 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04909-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) are receiving increasing attention. Based on excellent transmission-blocking activities of the PbPH (PBANKA_0417200) and PbSOP26 (PBANKA_1457700) antigens in Plasmodium berghei, their orthologs in P. vivax, PVX_098655 (PvPH) and PVX_101120 (PvSOP26), were selected for the evaluation of their potential as TBVs. METHODS Fragments of PvPH (amino acids 22-304) and PvSOP26 (amino acids 30-272) were expressed in the yeast expression system. The recombinant proteins were used to immunize mice to obtain antisera. The transmission-reducing activities of these antisera were evaluated using the direct membrane feeding assay (DMFA) using Anopheles dirus mosquitoes and P. vivax clinical isolates. RESULTS The recombinant proteins PvPH and PvSOP26 induced robust antibody responses in mice. The DMFA showed that the anti-PvSOP26 sera significantly reduced oocyst densities by 92.0 and 84.1% in two parasite isolates, respectively, whereas the anti-PvPH sera did not show evident transmission-reducing activity. The variation in the DMFA results was unlikely due to the genetic polymorphisms of the two genes since their respective sequences were identical in the clinical P. vivax isolates. CONCLUSION PvSOP26 could be a promising TBV candidate for P. vivax, which warrants further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhe Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xitong Jia
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Wanlapa Roobsoong
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Suite 304, Tampa, FL, 33612-9415, USA
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Enjie Luo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
| | - Meilian Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Plasmodium's journey through the Anopheles mosquito: A comprehensive review. Biochimie 2020; 181:176-190. [PMID: 33346039 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The malaria parasite has an extraordinary ability to evade the immune system due to which the development of a malaria vaccine is a challenging task. Extensive research on malarial infection in the human host particularly during the liver stage has resulted in the discovery of potential candidate vaccines including RTS,S/AS01 and R21. However, complete elimination of malaria would require a holistic multi-component approach. In line with this, under the World Health Organization's PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), the research focus has shifted towards the sexual stages of malaria in the mosquito host. Last two decades of scientific research obtained seminal information regarding the sexual/mosquito stages of the malaria. This updated and comprehensive review would provide the basis for consolidated understanding of cellular, biochemical, molecular and immunological aspects of parasite transmission right from the sexual stage commitment in the human host to the sporozoite delivery back into subsequent vertebrate host by the female Anopheles mosquito.
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu F, Yang F, Wang Y, Hong M, Zheng W, Min H, Li D, Jin Y, Tsuboi T, Cui L, Cao Y. A conserved malaria parasite antigen Pb22 plays a critical role in male gametogenesis in Plasmodium berghei. Cell Microbiol 2020; 23:e13294. [PMID: 33222390 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gametogenesis, the formation of gametes from gametocytes, an essential step for malaria parasite transmission, is targeted by transmission-blocking drugs and vaccines. We identified a conserved protein (PBANKA_0305900) in Plasmodium berghei, which encodes a protein of 22 kDa (thus named Pb22) and is expressed in both asexual stages and gametocytes. Its homologues are present in all Plasmodium species and its closely related, Hepatocystis, but not in other apicomplexans. Pb22 protein was localised in the cytosols of schizonts, as well as male and female gametocytes. During gamete-to-ookinete development, Pb22 became localised on the plasma membranes of gametes and ookinetes. Compared to the wild-type (WT) parasites, P. berghei with pb22 knockout (KO) showed a significant reduction in exflagellation (~89%) of male gametocytes and ookinete number (~97%) during in vitro ookinete culture. Mosquito feeding assays showed that ookinete and oocyst formation of the pb22-KO line in mosquito midguts was almost completely abolished. These defects were rescued in parasites where pb22 was restored. Cross-fertilisation experiments with parasite lines defective in either male or female gametes confirmed that the defects in the pb22-KO line were restricted to the male gametes, whereas female gametes in the pb22-KO line were fertile at the WT level. Detailed analysis of male gametogenesis showed that 30% of the male gametocytes in the pb22-KO line failed to assemble the axonemes, whereas ~48.9% of the male gametocytes formed flagella but failed to egress from the host erythrocyte. To explore its transmission-blocking potential, recombinant Pb22 (rPb22) was expressed and used to immunise mice. in vitro assays showed that the rPb22-antisera significantly inhibited exflagellation by ~64.8% and ookinete formation by ~93.4%. Mosquitoes after feeding on rPb22-immunised mice also showed significant decreases in infection prevalence (83.3-93.3%) and oocyst density (93.5-99.6%). Further studies of the Pb22 orthologues in human malaria parasites are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Minsheng Hong
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenqi Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Danni Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Division of Administration, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, Shenyang, China
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zheng W, Liu F, Du F, Yang F, Kou X, He Y, Feng H, Fan Q, Luo E, Min H, Miao J, Cui L, Cao Y. Characterization of a Sulfhydryl Oxidase From Plasmodium berghei as a Target for Blocking Parasite Transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:311. [PMID: 32670896 PMCID: PMC7332561 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX), present in a wide variety of eukaryotic species, catalyzes the insertion of disulfide bonds into unfolded, reduced proteins. Here we characterized the QSOX protein from the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei (PbQSOX), which is conserved in all sequenced malaria parasite species. The PbQSOX protein was not expressed in asexual erythrocytic stages, but was most abundantly expressed in ookinetes. Indirect immunofluorescence assays revealed PbQSOX was not only localized in cytoplasm of gametocytes, gametes and ookinetes, but also expressed on the surface of gametes and ookinetes. Western blot identified extracellular presence of PbQSOX in the culture medium of ookinetes suggestive of secretion. Pbqsox deletion (Δpbqsox) did not affect asexual intraerythrocytic development, but reduced exflagellation of male gametocytes as well as formation and maturation of ookinetes. Pbqsox deletion also led to a significant increase in the reduced thiol groups of ookinete surface proteins, suggesting that it may play a role in maintaining the integrity of disulfide bonds of surface proteins, which might be needed for ookinete development. Mosquitoes that fed on Δpbqsox-infected mice showed a significant reduction in ookinete and oocyst numbers compared to those fed on wild-type parasite-infected mice. Further, both polyclonal mouse antisera and a monoclonal antibody against the recombinant PbQSOX exhibited substantial transmission-blocking activities in in vitro and mosquito feeding assays, suggesting QSOX is a potential target for blocking parasite transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Zheng
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Du
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Kou
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Animal Quarantine, College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Yiwen He
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, China
| | - Enjie Luo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jun Miao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|