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Guan J, Tang L, Wang Y, Fu M, Xia T, Zheng K, Sabi MM, Cong H, Wang J, Zhou C, Zhou H, Weiss LM, Qu H, Han B. Microsporidian EnP1 alters host cell H2B monoubiquitination and prevents ferroptosis facilitating microsporidia survival. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400657121. [PMID: 39141344 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400657121] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are intracellular eukaryotic pathogens that pose a substantial threat to immunocompromised hosts. The way these pathogens manipulate host cells during infection remains poorly understood. Using a proximity biotinylation strategy we established that microsporidian EnP1 is a nucleus-targeted effector that modifies the host cell environment. EnP1's translocation to the host nucleus is meditated by nuclear localization signals (NLSs). In the nucleus, EnP1 interacts with host histone H2B. This interaction disrupts H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub), subsequently impacting p53 expression. Crucially, this inhibition of p53 weakens its control over the downstream target gene SLC7A11, enhancing the host cell's resilience against ferroptosis during microsporidian infection. This favorable condition promotes the proliferation of microsporidia within the host cell. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which microsporidia modify their host cells to facilitate their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Guan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Liyuan Tang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yongliang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ming Fu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Musa Makongoro Sabi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Juncheng Wang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chunxue Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Louis M Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461
| | - Hongnan Qu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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Mohamadnejad Sangdehi F, Jamsandekar MS, Enbody ED, Pettersson ME, Andersson L. Copy number variation and elevated genetic diversity at immune trait loci in Atlantic and Pacific herring. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:459. [PMID: 38730342 PMCID: PMC11088111 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10380-5] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide comparisons of populations are widely used to explore the patterns of nucleotide diversity and sequence divergence to provide knowledge on how natural selection and genetic drift affect the genome. In this study we have compared whole-genome sequencing data from Atlantic and Pacific herring, two sister species that diverged about 2 million years ago, to explore the pattern of genetic differentiation between the two species. RESULTS The genome comparison of the two species revealed high genome-wide differentiation but with islands of remarkably low genetic differentiation, as measured by an FST analysis. However, the low FST observed in these islands is not caused by low interspecies sequence divergence (dxy) but rather by exceptionally high estimated intraspecies nucleotide diversity (π). These regions of low differentiation and elevated nucleotide diversity, termed high-diversity regions in this study, are not enriched for repeats but are highly enriched for immune-related genes. This enrichment includes genes from both the adaptive immune system, such as immunoglobulin, T-cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex genes, as well as a substantial number of genes with a role in the innate immune system, e.g. novel immune-type receptor, tripartite motif and tumor necrosis factor receptor genes. Analysis of long-read based assemblies from two Atlantic herring individuals revealed extensive copy number variation in these genomic regions, indicating that the elevated intraspecies nucleotide diversities were partially due to the cross-mapping of short reads. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that copy number variation is a characteristic feature of immune trait loci in herring. Another important implication is that these loci are blind spots in classical genome-wide screens for genetic differentiation using short-read data, not only in herring, likely also in other species harboring qualitatively similar variation at immune trait loci. These loci stood out in this study because of the relatively high genome-wide baseline for FST values between Atlantic and Pacific herring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Minal S Jamsandekar
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erik D Enbody
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Mats E Pettersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Leif Andersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
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Webster VL, Hemmings S, Pérez M, Fisher MC, Brown MJF, Farrer RA. Revealing the genome of the microsporidian Vairimorpha bombi, a potential driver of bumble bee declines in North America. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae029. [PMID: 38334143 PMCID: PMC10989860 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Pollinators are vital for food security and the maintenance of terrestrial ecosystems. Bumblebees are important pollinators across northern temperate, arctic, and alpine ecosystems, yet are in decline across the globe. Vairimorpha bombi is a parasite belonging to the fungal class Microsporidia that has been implicated in the rapid decline of bumblebees in North America, where it may be an emerging infectious disease. To investigate the evolutionary basis of pathogenicity of V. bombi, we sequenced and assembled its genome using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina technologies and performed phylogenetic and genomic evolutionary analyses. The genome assembly for V. bombi is 4.73 Mb, from which we predicted 1,870 protein-coding genes and 179 tRNA genes. The genome assembly has low repetitive content and low GC content. V. bombi's genome assembly is the smallest of the Vairimorpha and closely related Nosema genera, but larger than those found in the Encephalitozoon and Ordospora sister clades. Orthology and phylogenetic analysis revealed 18 core conserved single-copy microsporidian genes including the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) GCN5. Surprisingly, V. bombi was unique to the microsporidia in not encoding the second predicted HAT ESA1. The V. bombi genome assembly annotation included 265 unique genes (i.e. not predicted in other microsporidia genome assemblies), 20% of which encode a secretion signal, which is a significant enrichment. Intriguingly, of the 36 microsporidian genomes we analyzed, 26 also had a significant enrichment of secreted signals encoded by unique genes, ranging from 6 to 71% of those predicted genes. These results suggest that microsporidia are under selection to generate and purge diverse and unique genes encoding secreted proteins, potentially contributing to or facilitating infection of their diverse hosts. Furthermore, V. bombi has 5/7 conserved spore wall proteins (SWPs) with its closest relative V. ceranae (that primarily infects honeybees), while also uniquely encoding four additional SWPs. This gene class is thought to be essential for infection, providing both environmental protection and recognition and uptake into the host cell. Together, our results show that SWPs and unique genes encoding a secretion signal are rapidly evolving in the microsporidia, suggesting that they underpin key pathobiological traits including host specificity and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Webster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, London TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Samuel Hemmings
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Marta Pérez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, London TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, London TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Rhys A Farrer
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Sangklai N, Supungul P, Jaroenlak P, Tassanakajon A. Immune signaling of Litopenaeus vannamei c-type lysozyme and its role during microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) infection. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012199. [PMID: 38683868 PMCID: PMC11081493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a fungi-related, spore-forming parasite. EHP infection causes growth retardation and size variation in shrimp, resulting in severe economic losses. Studies on shrimp immune response have shown that several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were upregulated upon EHP infection. Among those highly upregulated AMPs is c-type lysozyme (LvLyz-c). However, the immune signaling pathway responsible for LvLyz-c production in shrimp as well as its function against the EHP infection are still poorly understood. Here, we characterized major shrimp immune signaling pathways and found that Toll and JAK/STAT pathways were up-regulated upon EHP infection. Knocking down of a Domeless (DOME) receptor in the JAK/STAT pathways resulted in a significant reduction of the LvLyz-c and the elevation of EHP copy number. We further elucidated the function of LvLyz-c by heterologously expressing a recombinant LvLyz-c (rLvLyz-c) in an Escherichia coli. rLvLyz-c exhibited antibacterial activity against several bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Interestingly, we found an antifungal activity of rLvLyz-c against Candida albican, which led us to further investigate the effects of rLvLyz-c on EHP spores. Incubation of the EHP spores with rLvLyz-c followed by a chitin staining showed that the signals were dramatically decreased in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that rLvLyz-c possibly digest a chitin coat on the EHP spores. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that an endospore layer, which is composed mainly of chitin, was digested by rLvLyz-c. Lastly, we observed that EHP spores that were treated with rLvLyz-c showed a significant reduction of the spore germination rate. We hypothesize that thinning of the endospore of EHP would result in altered permeability, hence affecting spore germination. This work provides insights into shrimp immune signaling pathways responsible for LvLyz-c production and its anti-EHP property. This knowledge will serve as important foundations for developing EHP control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutthapon Sangklai
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Premruethai Supungul
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Pattana Jaroenlak
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Tassanakajon
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Pretorius A, Nefefe T, Thema N, Liebenberg J, Steyn H, van Kleef M. Screening for immune biomarkers associated with infection or protection against Ehrlichia ruminantium by RNA-sequencing analysis. Microb Pathog 2024; 189:106588. [PMID: 38369169 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106588] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Heartwater is one of the most economically important tick-borne fatal diseases of livestock. The disease is caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia ruminantium transmitted by Amblyomma ticks. Although there is evidence that interferon-gamma controls E. ruminantium growth and that cellular immune responses are protective, an effective recombinant vaccine for this disease is lacking. Analyses of markers associated with infection as well as protection will lead to a better understanding of the E. ruminantium immune response and corresponding pathways induced in sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) will assist in development of such a vaccine. In this study, Biomarkers of infection (BMI) were identified as uniquely expressed genes during primary infection and biomarkers of protection (BMP) associated with immune to heartwater were identified post challenge. Sheep were experimentally infected and challenged with E. ruminantium infected ticks. The immune phenotypic and transcriptome profile of their PBMC were compared to their own naïve PBMC collected before infection. The study revealed 305 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as BMI, of these 17 were upregulated at all three time-points investigated. These DEGs, form part of the bacterial invasion of epithelial cells Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and others detected from day 1 post infection and are considered predictive markers for early heartwater infection in ruminants. Similarly, a total of 332 DEGs were identified as BMP, of these 100 were upregulated and 75 were downregulated at all three time-points investigated. However, at D1PC most DEGs were downregulated (n = 1312) that correlated with a reduction in the % CD4 and CD8 T cells detected with flow cytometry. KEGG pathway analyses showed complete down regulation of T cell specific pathways possibly due to homing of immune cells to the site of infection after acquired immunity developed. At D4PC, expression levels of most of these downregulated genes increased and by D6PC they were upregulated. This indicates that the sampling time-point for biomarker analyses is important when results for acquired immune responses are inferred. This data identified DEGs that could be considered as biomarkers of protective immunity that can be used for identification of vaccine antigens and provides a strong foundation to further development of heartwater recombinant vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pretorius
- Agricultural Research Council -Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - T Nefefe
- Agricultural Research Council -Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - N Thema
- Agricultural Research Council -Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - J Liebenberg
- Agricultural Research Council -Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - H Steyn
- Agricultural Research Council -Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - M van Kleef
- Agricultural Research Council -Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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Chen M, Wang H, Li X, Guo Y, Lu Y, Zheng L, Liang G, Sui Y, Wang B, Dai H, Dong H, Zhang L. Molecular epidemiology of Enterocytozoon bieneusi from foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei provinces in China. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:53. [PMID: 38341563 PMCID: PMC10858577 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03883-6] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen widely distributed in animals and humans. It can cause diarrhea and even death in immunocompromised hosts. Approximately 800 internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes have been identified in E. bieneusi. Farmed foxes and raccoon dogs are closely associated to humans and might be the reservoir of E. bieneusi which is known to have zoonotic potential. However, there are only a few studies about E. bieneusi genotype identification and epidemiological survey in foxes and raccoon dogs in Henan and Hebei province. Thus, the present study investigated the infection rates and genotypes of E. bieneusi in farmed foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei provinces. RESULT A total of 704 and 884 fecal specimens were collected from foxes and raccoon dogs, respectively. Nested PCR was conducted based on ITS of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and then multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was conducted to analyze the genotypes. The result showed that infection rates of E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs were 18.32% and 5.54%, respectively. Ten E. bieneusi genotypes with zoonotic potential (NCF2, NCF3, D, EbpC, CHN-DC1, SCF2, CHN-F1, Type IV, BEB4, and BEB6) were identified in foxes and raccoon dogs. Totally 178 ITS-positive DNA specimens were identified from foxes and raccoon dogs and these specimens were then subjected to MLST analysis. In the MLST analysis, 12, 2, 7 and 8 genotypes were identified in at the mini-/ micro-satellite loci MS1, MS3, MS4 and MS7, respectively. A total of 14 multilocus genotypes were generated using ClustalX 2.1 software. Overall, the present study evaluated the infection of E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei province, and investigated the zoonotic potential of the E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs. CONCLUSIONS These findings expand the geographic distribution information of E. bieneusi' host in China and was helpful in preventing against the infection of E. bieneusi with zoonotic potential in foxes and raccoon dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Haidong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Yunan Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Ying Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Liping Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Guoqing Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Yuzhen Sui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Bukang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Hongyu Dai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China.
| | - Haiju Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China.
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China.
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Hidifira AM, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Perez EC, Spadacci-Morena DD, de Araujo RS, Lallo MA. Increased susceptibility to encephalitozoonosis associated with mixed Th1/Th2 profile and M1/M2 profile in mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide. Exp Parasitol 2023; 254:108606. [PMID: 37666408 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108606] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a unicellular, spore-forming, obligate intracellular eukaryote belonging to the phylum Microsporidia. It is known to infect mainly immunocompromised and immunocompetent mammals, including humans. The parasite-host relationship has been evaluated using both in vitro cell culturing and animal models. For example, Balb/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains have been used interchangeably, although the latter has been considered more susceptible due to the higher fungal load observed after infection. In the present study, we identified the characteristics of the immune response of C57BL/6 mice treated or not with the immunosuppressant cyclophosphamide (Cy) and challenged with E. cuniculi by intraperitoneal route. After 14 days of infection, serum was collected to analyze Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine levels. In addition, peritoneal washes were performed, and the spleen sample was collected for immune cell phenotyping, whereas liver, spleen, kidney, lung, intestine, and central nervous system (CNS) samples were collected for histopathological analysis. Although infected mice displayed a reduced absolute number of macrophages, they showed an M1 profile, an elevated number of CD4+T, CD8+T, B-1, and B-2 lymphocytes, with a predominance of Th1 inflammatory cytokines (interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and interleukin [IL]-2) and Th17. Furthermore, Cy-Infected mice showed a reduced absolute number of macrophages with an M1 profile but a reduced number of CD4+T, CD8+T, B-1, and B-2 lymphocytes, with a predominance of Th1 inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4). This group displayed a higher fungal burden as well and developed more severe encephalitozoonosis, which was associated with a reduced number of T and B lymphocytes and a mixed profile of Th1 and Th2 cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Miyuki Hidifira
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Akossi RF, Delbac F, El Alaoui H, Wawrzyniak I, Peyretaillade E. The intracellular parasite Anncaliia algerae induces a massive miRNA down-regulation in human cells. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:363-375. [PMID: 37275245 PMCID: PMC10238475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anncaliia algerae belongs to microsporidia, a group of obligate intracellular parasites related to fungi. These parasites are largely spread in water and food-webs and can infect a wide variety of hosts ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates including humans. In humans, microsporidian infections are mainly opportunistic as immunocompetent hosts can clear parasites naturally. Recent studies however have reported persistent microsporidian infections and have highlighted them as a risk factor in colon cancer. This may be a direct result of cell infection or may be an indirect effect of the infectious microenvironment and the host's response. In both cases, this raises the question of the effects of microsporidian infection at the host and host-cell levels. We aimed to address the question of human host intracellular response to microsporidian infection through a transcriptomic kinetic study of human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) infected with A.algerae, a human infecting microsporidia with an exceptionally wide host range. We focused solely on host response studying both coding and small non-coding miRNA expression. Our study revealed a generalized down-regulation of cell miRNAs throughout infection with up to 547 different miRNAs downregulated at some timepoints and also transcriptomic dysregulations that could facilitate parasite development with immune and lipid metabolism genes modulation. We also hypothesize possible small nucleic acid expropriation explaining the miRNA downregulation. This work contributes to a better understanding of the dialogue that can occur between an intracellular parasite and its host at the cellular level, and can guide future studies on microsporidian infection biology to unravel the mode of action of these minimalist parasites at the tissue or host levels.We have also generated a kinetic and comprehensive transcriptomic data set of an infectious process that can help support comparative studies in the broader field of parasitology. Lastly, these results may warrant for caution regarding microsporidian exposure and persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald Florian Akossi
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fréderic Delbac
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ivan Wawrzyniak
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Peyretaillade
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Mohanty A, Sahu SK, Sharma S, Mittal R, Behera HS, Das S, Lakhmipathy M. Past, present, and prospects in microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis- A review. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:364-377. [PMID: 34419638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.08.008] [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: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ocular microsporidiosis comprises two entirely different spectra of disease as keratoconjunctivitis and stromal keratitis. Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) has been increasingly reported in the past two decades, probably due to raised awareness, simpler diagnostic procedures, and a better understanding of the clinical presentation. It is characterized by the presence of raised, coarse, punctate, multifocal, round to oval, greyish-white corneal epithelial lesions which usually evolve into nummular scars before resolution. Conjunctivitis seen is non-purulent and of mild-moderate intensity, with mixed papillary-follicular reaction. The mode of transmission and pathogenesis is poorly understood. Despite lack of inflammatory response, uncommon associations reported were- endotheliitis, corneal edema, limbitis, uveitis, and sub-epithelial infiltrates. There has been no consensus on the management of MKC. It varies from the use of multiple antimicrobial agents to simple lubricants. The majority of the disease goes underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed and treated as adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, with topical steroids or anti-virals empirically. Changing trends have been noticed in the pattern of infection, possibly with increasing evidence of Vittaforma corneae as causative organisms, previously reported to cause stromal keratitis. An elaborate review of the past and present literature on MKC is provided in this review article, along with gaps in knowledge, and future directions of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Mohanty
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Srikant K Sahu
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
| | - Savitri Sharma
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ruchi Mittal
- Kanupriya Dalmia Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; Department of Pathology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Himansu Sekhar Behera
- Ocular Microbiology Service, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sujata Das
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Meena Lakhmipathy
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
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10
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Codeceira JF, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Hurtado ECP, Spadacci-Morena DD, Coutinho SDA, Lallo MA. Heat-killed Malassezia pachydermatis suspension modulates the activity of macrophages challenged with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101338. [PMID: 36306561 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101338] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Phagocytic responses are critical for effective host defense against opportunistic fungal pathogens, such as Encephalitozoon cuniculi, an obligate intracellular fungus that causes emerging encephalitozoonosis in humans and other animals. Malassezia has immunomodulatory effects and can modulate the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines via keratinocytes and human monocytes. In this study, we evaluated the modulatory effects of heat-killed Malassezia pachydermatis suspension on macrophages challenged with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Macrophages were treated with heat-killed M. pachydermatis suspension before being infected with spores of E. cuniculi. The cultures were stained with calcofluor, and the spores, internalized or not, were counted to determine their phagocytic capacity and index (PC and PI, respectively). Microbicidal and phagocytic activities were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The untreated macrophages had higher PC and PI and number of phagocytosed spores than treated macrophages. However, TEM revealed that treated macrophages had higher microbicidal activity because there were few spores in different degrees of degeneration and amorphous materials in the phagocytic vacuoles. Macrophages treated with heat-killed M. pachydermatis suspension had lower PC and PI and incipient presence of E. cuniculi in phagosomes. Treated macrophages had a mixed pattern of cytokine release with Th1, Th2, and Th17 profiles, with emphasis on interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, IL-17, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ secretion, and particularly high production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Our results suggest that treatment with heat-killed M. pachydermatis suspension increases the release of cytokines and decreases the phagocytic activity of macrophages challenged with E. cuniculi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Feliciana Codeceira
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil
| | - Anuska Marcelino Alvares-Saraiva
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Cristina Perez Hurtado
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil
| | | | - Selene Dall Acqua Coutinho
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil
| | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista-Unip, Rua Dr. Bacelar 902, São Paulo, SP CEP 05622-001, Brazil.
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11
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Carriere E, Abdul Hamid AI, Feki I, Dubuffet A, Delbac F, Gueirard P. A mouse ear skin model to study the dynamics of innate immune responses against the microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1168970. [PMID: 37125152 PMCID: PMC10136781 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1168970] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites related to fungi that cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian species capable of infecting mammals, including human and rodents. In response to microsporidian infection, innate immune system serves as the first line of defense and allows a partial clearance of the parasite via the innate immune cells, namely macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and Natural Killer cells. According to the literature, microsporidia bypass this response in vitro by modulating the response of macrophages. In order to study host-parasites interactions in vivo, we developed a model using the mouse ear pinna in combination with an intravital imaging approach. Fluorescent E. cuniculi spores were inoculated into the skin tissue to follow for the first time in real time in an in vivo model the recruitment dynamics of EGFP + phagocytic cells in response to the parasite. The results show that parasites induce an important inflammatory recruitment of phagocytes, with alterations of their motility properties (speed, displacement length, straightness). This cellular response persists in the injection zone, with spores detected inside the phagocytes up to 72 h post-infection. Immunostainings performed on ear tissue cryosections evoke the presence of developing infectious foci from 5 days post-infection, in favor of parasite proliferation in this tissue. Overall, the newly set up mice ear pinna model will increase our understanding of the immunobiology of microsporidia and in particular, to know how they can bypass and hijack the host immune system of an immunocompetent or immunosuppressed host.
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12
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Characterizing the Proliferation Patterns of Representative Microsporidian Species Enlightens Future Studies of Infection Mechanisms. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111352. [DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Microsporidia are a group of pathogens that infect all kinds of animals, such as humans, silkworms, honeybees, and shrimp; they, therefore, pose a severe threat to public health and the economy. There are over 1500 species of microsporidia that have been reported, among which Encephalitozoon hellem and Nosema bombycis are the representative zoonotic and insect-infecting species, respectively. Investigating their cell infection patterns is of great significance for understanding their infection mechanisms. Methods: Specific probes were designed for the ribosomal RNA sequences of microsporidia. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to trace the proliferation cycle of the pathogens in different cells. Results: Here, two rRNA large subunit gene (LSUrRNA) probes specifically labeling N. bombycis were obtained. The life cycle of N. bombycis in silkworm cells and E. hellem in three kinds of host cells was graphically drawn. N. bombycis meronts were first observed at 30 hours post-infection (hpi), and they began merogony. Sporonts were observed at 42 hpi, and the first entire proliferation cycle was completed at 48 hpi. The proliferation cycle of E. hellem in RK13 and HEK293 epithelial cells was almost the same, completing the first life cycle after 24 hpi, but it was significantly delayed to 32 hpi in RAW264.7. Conclusions: Specific FISH probes were established for labeling microsporidia in multiple host cells. The proliferation characteristics of representative zoonotic and insect-infecting microsporidian species were clarified. This study provides an experimental pattern for future analyses of microsporidian infection mechanisms.
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13
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Chou TY, Bansal J, Seidman R, Rahman A, Montalto D. Bilateral microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in a clinically healthy female receiving intravitreal steroid injections: Associations and potential risk factors. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 27:101659. [PMID: 35865661 PMCID: PMC9294491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To present a unique case of bilateral microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in a clinically healthy female receiving intravitreal steroid injections, and explore several associations and potential risk factors. Observations A 75-year-old woman with chronic idiopathic anterior uveitis was receiving regular intravitreal steroid in both eyes for secondary cystoid macular edema. Flare-ups of iritis were usually treated with topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops, but in the left eye the patient also received a few limited courses of topical corticosteroid. The patient regularly instilled topical cyclosporine 0.05% for dry eyes. She was otherwise clinically healthy but had low serum Immunoglobulin (Ig) M levels. There was no history of trauma or exposure to contamination. In her course of treatment, she developed a bilateral punctate keratitis. Corneal scrapings were diagnostic of Microsporidia. Topical voriconazole and moxifloxacin, as well as corneal debridement, were effective in resolving the infection. Conclusions and importance We propose that the factors and associations described in this case--intravitreal steroid, topical steroid, topical cyclosporine, and IgM deficiency--contributed variably to create relative, local, immunologic suppression in our patient. Among these potential risk factors, we believe that intravitreal steroid exposure may be prominent. In aggregate, they facilitated development of her opportunistic microsporidial corneal infection. Eye care specialists should have a high index of suspicion for microsporidial keratitis, if they observe an atypical chronic punctate keratitis in patients with similar clinical associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Y. Chou
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 101 Nichols Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Jahnvi Bansal
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 101 Nichols Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Roberta Seidman
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Afra Rahman
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 101 Nichols Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Delia Montalto
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 101 Nichols Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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14
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Lu Y, An G, Wang X, Tang Y, Jin J, Bao J, Zhou Z. Encephalitozoon hellem Infection Promotes Monocytes Extravasation. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080914. [PMID: 36015036 PMCID: PMC9412707 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Microsporidia are a group of obligated intracellular fungus pathogens. Monocytes and the derivative macrophages are among the most important players in host immunity. The invasion of microsporidia may significantly affect the monocytes maturation and extravasation processes. Methods: We utilized a previously established microsporidia infection murine model to investigate the influences of microsporidia Encephalitozoon hellem (E. hellem) infection on monocyte maturation, releasing into the circulation and extravasation to the inflammation site. Flow cytometry and qPCR analysis were used to compare the monocytes and derivative macrophages isolated from bone marrow, peripheral blood and tissues of E. hellem-infected and control mice. Results: The results showed that the pro-inflammatory group of CD11b+Ly-6C+ monocytes are promoted in E. hellem-infected mice. Interestingly, the percentage of Ly-6C+ monocytes from E. hellem-infected mice are significantly lower in peripheral blood while significantly higher in the inflamed small intestine, together with up-regulated ratio of F4/80 macrophage in small intestine as well. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that E. hellem infection leads to promoted monocytes maturation in bone marrow, up-regulation of extravasation from peripheral blood to inflammation site and maturation into macrophages. Our study is the first systematic analysis of monocytes maturation and trafficking during microsporidia infection, and will provide better understanding of the pathogen–host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishan Lu
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guozhen An
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yunlin Tang
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiangyan Jin
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jialing Bao
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400038, China
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15
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Luo J, Xu J, Xie C, Zhao Z, Guo J, Wen Y, Li T, Zhou Z. Microsporidia Promote Host Mitochondrial Fragmentation by Modulating DRP1 Phosphorylation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147746. [PMID: 35887094 PMCID: PMC9321008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that infect a wide variety of hosts ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates. These parasites have evolved strategies to directly hijack host mitochondria for manipulating host metabolism and immunity. However, the mechanism of microsporidia interacting with host mitochondria is unclear. In the present study, we show that microsporidian Encephalitozoon greatly induce host mitochondrial fragmentation (HMF) in multiple cells. We then reveal that the parasites promote the phosphorylation of dynamin 1-like protein (DRP1) at the 616th serine (Ser616), and dephosphorylation of the 637th serine (Ser637) by highly activating mitochondrial phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5). These phosphorylation modifications result in the translocation of DRP1 from cytosol to the mitochondrial outer membrane, and finally lead to HMF. Furthermore, treatment with mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi1) significantly reduced microsporidian proliferation, indicating that the HMF are crucial for microsporidian replication. In summary, our findings reveal the mechanism that microsporidia manipulate HMF and provide references for further understanding the interactions between these ubiquitous pathogens with host mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.L.); (J.X.); (C.X.); (Z.Z.); (J.G.); (Y.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jinzhi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.L.); (J.X.); (C.X.); (Z.Z.); (J.G.); (Y.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chaolu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.L.); (J.X.); (C.X.); (Z.Z.); (J.G.); (Y.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zuoming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.L.); (J.X.); (C.X.); (Z.Z.); (J.G.); (Y.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Junrui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.L.); (J.X.); (C.X.); (Z.Z.); (J.G.); (Y.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuan Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.L.); (J.X.); (C.X.); (Z.Z.); (J.G.); (Y.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.L.); (J.X.); (C.X.); (Z.Z.); (J.G.); (Y.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.L.); (J.X.); (C.X.); (Z.Z.); (J.G.); (Y.W.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (Z.Z.)
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16
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Caravello G, Franchet A, Niehus S, Ferrandon D. Phagocytosis Is the Sole Arm of Drosophila melanogaster Known Host Defenses That Provides Some Protection Against Microsporidia Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:858360. [PMID: 35493511 PMCID: PMC9043853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.858360] [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: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites able to infest specifically a large range of species, including insects. The knowledge about the biology of microsporidial infections remains confined to mostly descriptive studies, including molecular approaches such as transcriptomics or proteomics. Thus, functional data to understand insect host defenses are currently lacking. Here, we have undertaken a genetic analysis of known host defenses of the Drosophila melanogaster using an infection model whereby Tubulinosema ratisbonensis spores are directly injected in this insect. We find that phagocytosis does confer some protection in this infection model. In contrast, the systemic immune response, extracellular reactive oxygen species, thioester proteins, xenophagy, and intracellular antiviral response pathways do not appear to be involved in the resistance against this parasite. Unexpectedly, several genes such as PGRP-LE seem to promote this infection. The prophenol oxidases that mediate melanization have different functions; PPO1 presents a phenotype similar to that of PGRP-LE whereas that of PPO2 suggests a function in the resilience to infection. Similarly, eiger and Unpaired3, which encode two cytokines secreted by hemocytes display a resilience phenotype with a strong susceptibility to T. ratisbonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dominique Ferrandon
- UPR9022, University of Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), Modèles Insectes D’Immunité Innée (M3I) Unité Propre Recherche (UPR) 9022 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Strasbourg, France
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17
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Ahmad HI, Afzal G, Iqbal MN, Iqbal MA, Shokrollahi B, Mansoor MK, Chen J. Positive Selection Drives the Adaptive Evolution of Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling (MAVS) Proteins-Mediating Innate Immunity in Mammals. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:814765. [PMID: 35174241 PMCID: PMC8841730 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.814765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulated production of filamentous protein complexes is essential in many biological processes and provides a new paradigm in signal transmission. The mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is a critical signaling hub in innate immunity that is activated when a receptor induces a shift in the globular caspase activation and recruitment domain of MAVS into helical superstructures (filaments). It is of interest whether adaptive evolution affects the proteins involved in innate immunity. Here, we explore and confer the role of selection and diversification on mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein in mammalian species. We obtined the MAVS proteins of mammalian species and examined their differences in evolutionary patterns. We discovered evidence for these proteins being subjected to substantial positive selection. We demonstrate that immune system proteins, particularly those encoding recognition proteins, develop under positive selection using codon-based probability methods. Positively chosen regions within recognition proteins cluster in domains involved in microorganism recognition, implying that molecular interactions between hosts and pathogens may promote adaptive evolution in the mammalian immune systems. These significant variations in MAVS development in mammalian species highlights the involvement of MAVS in innate immunity. Our findings highlight the significance of accounting for how non-synonymous alterations affect structure and function when employing sequence-level studies to determine and quantify positive selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Gulnaz Afzal
- Department of Zoology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Borhan Shokrollahi
- Department of Animal Science, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Muhammad Khalid Mansoor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Jinping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jinping Chen
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18
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Mülayim S, Dalkılıç S, Akbulut HH, Aksoy A, Kaplan M. Investigation of the relationship between lymphocyte subsets and intestinal parasites. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106221. [PMID: 34757042 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of cancer patients infected with intestinal parasites, with an aim to find out the relationship between the levels of different types of lymphocytes with the prognosis of patients. 201 cancer patients aged 18 and over were included. Stool samples of the patients were examined using native-lugol, trichrome, modified trichrome (Weber's Trichrome stain), and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium parvum were investigated at the genus and species levels using PCR. Lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry in blood samples. One or more parasite species were detected in 115 (56.7%) patients. The most common parasite species were Microsporidia, Blastocystis and Entamoeba coli, respectively. The frequency of parasites was high in patients with low lymphocyte percentage, CD3+ T cell and CD3+ CD4+ T (Th) cell levels in blood samples studied by flow cytometry. Microsporidia infection was significantly higher in patients with low lymphocyte percentage and Th cell levels. Similarly, C. parvum infection was found to be significantly higher in patients with low T lymphocyte percentage and Th cell level. Finally, Blastocystis infection was significantly higher in patients with low lymphocyte percentage and CD4/CD8 ratio higher than 1. The decrease in lymphocyte percentage, CD3+ T cell and Th cell count, and low CD4/CD8 ratio in cancer patients increase the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections. Based on these results, lymphocyte subsets may help identify cancer patients at high risk of opportunistic parasites. We suggest that opportunistic parasitic infections affecting the clinical course of the disease should be considered by clinicians during the follow-up and treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefa Mülayim
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Fırat University, 23000, Elazığ, Turkey.
| | - Semih Dalkılıç
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Firat University, 23000, Elazığ, Turkey
| | - H Handan Akbulut
- Department of Immunology, Firat University Faculty of Medicine, 23000, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Asude Aksoy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Fırat University, 23000, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kaplan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Fırat University, 23000, Elazığ, Turkey
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19
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Tong C, Wang W, Xia Y, He C. A potential novel biomarker in predicting lymph node metastasis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma: A derived monocyte to lymphocyte ratio. Am J Surg 2021; 223:1144-1150. [PMID: 34702491 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study is designed to evaluate the predictive value of derived monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (dMLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and eosinophil to lymphocyte ratio (ELR) for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) patients. METHODS We carried out a retrospective analysis for 203 eligible patients who underwent radical gastrectomy between January 2011 and September 2020. RESULTS The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for dMLR were 60.3% and 72.2%, respectively; while for NLR and ELR were 64.1% and 66.6%, and 91.6% and 23.6%, respectively. The dMLR and NLR were identified as independent predictors of LNM, but ELR was not. A nomogram was developed incorporating dMLR and clinical characteristics with AUC of 0.868, and the outcome of DCA supported good clinical benefit. CONCLUSIONS dMLR is a promising novel preoperative biomarker to predict LNM of gastric SRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Tong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chiyi He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
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Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:95-96. [PMID: 34474945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Li T, Fang Z, He Q, Wang C, Meng X, Yu B, Zhou Z. Characterizing the Xenoma of Vairimorpha necatrix Provides Insights Into the Most Efficient Mode of Microsporidian Proliferation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:699239. [PMID: 34222053 PMCID: PMC8242933 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.699239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of obligated intracellular parasites that can infect nearly all vertebrates and invertebrates, including humans and economic animals. Microsporidian Vairimorpha necatrix is a natural pathogen of multiple insects and can massively proliferate by making tumor-like xenoma in host tissue. However, little is known about the subcellular structures of this xenoma and the proliferation features of the pathogens inside. Here, we characterized the V. necatrix xenoma produced in muscle cells of silkworm midgut. In result, the whitish xenoma was initially observed on the 12th day post infection on the outer surface of the midgut and later became larger and numerous. The observation by scanning electronic microscopy showed that the xenoma is mostly elliptical and spindle with dense pathogen-containing protrusions and spores on the surface, which were likely shedding off the xenoma through exocytosis and could be an infection source of other tissues. Demonstrated with transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent staining, the xenoma was enveloped by a monolayer membrane, and full of vesicle structures, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum around parasites in development, suggesting that high level of energy and nutrients were produced to support the massive proliferation of the parasites. Multiple hypertrophic nuclei were found in one single xenoma, indicating that the cyst was probably formed by fusion of multiple muscle cells. Observed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, pathogens in the xenoma were in merongony, sporogony, and octosporogony, and mature stages. And mature spores were pushed to the center while vegetative pathogens were in the surface layer of the xenoma. The V. necatrix meront usually contained two to three nuclei, and sporont contained two nuclei and was wrapped by a thick membrane with high electron density. The V. necatrix sporogony produces two types of spores, the ordinary dikaryotic spore and unicellular octospores, the latter of which were smaller in size and packed in a sporophorous vesicle. In summary, V. necatrix xenoma is a specialized cyst likely formed by fusion of multiple muscle cells and provides high concentration of energy and nutrients with increased number of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum for the massive proliferation of pathogens inside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuoya Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang He
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianzhi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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22
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Messaoud M, Abbes S, Gnaien M, Rebai Y, Kallel A, Jemel S, Cherif G, Skhairia MA, Marouen S, Fakhfekh N, Mardassi H, Belhadj S, Znaidi S, Kallel K. High Frequency of Enterocytozoon bieneusi Genotype WL12 Occurrence among Immunocompromised Patients with Intestinal Microsporidiosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030161. [PMID: 33668221 PMCID: PMC7996336 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidiosis is an emerging opportunistic infection causing severe digestive disorders in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal microsporidia carriage among immunocompromised patients hospitalized at a major hospital complex in the Tunis capital area, Tunisia (North Africa), and perform molecular epidemiology and population structure analyses of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, which is an emerging fungal pathogen. We screened 250 stool samples for the presence of intestinal microsporidia from 171 patients, including 81 organ transplant recipients, 73 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive patients, and 17 patients with unspecified immunodeficiency. Using a nested PCR-based diagnostic approach for the detection of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., we identified 18 microsporidia-positive patients out of 171 (10.5%), among which 17 were infected with E. bieneusi. Microsporidia-positive cases displayed chronic diarrhea (17 out of 18), which was associated more with HIV rather than with immunosuppression other than HIV (12 out of 73 versus 6 out of 98, respectively, p = 0.02) and correlated with extended hospital stays compared to microsporidia-negative cases (60 versus 19 days on average, respectively; p = 0.001). Strikingly, internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based genotyping of E. bieneusi strains revealed high-frequency occurrence of ITS sequences that were identical (n = 10) or similar (with one single polymorphic site, n = 3) to rare genotype WL12. Minimum-spanning tree analyses segregated the 17 E. bieneusi infection cases into four distinct genotypic clusters and confirmed the high prevalence of genotype WL12 in our patient population. Phylogenetic analyses allowed the mapping of all 17 E. bieneusi strains to zoonotic group 1 (subgroups 1a and 1b/1c), indicating loose host specificity and raising public health concern. Our study suggests a probable common source of E. bieneusi genotype WL12 transmission and prompts the implementation of a wider epidemiological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem Messaoud
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Salma Abbes
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Mayssa Gnaien
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Yasmine Rebai
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Aicha Kallel
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Sana Jemel
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Ghaya Cherif
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Mohamed Amine Skhairia
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Sonia Marouen
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Najla Fakhfekh
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Helmi Mardassi
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Slaheddine Belhadj
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Département Mycologie, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Kalthoum Kallel
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (K.K.)
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Tamim El Jarkass H, Reinke AW. The ins and outs of host-microsporidia interactions during invasion, proliferation and exit. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13247. [PMID: 32748538 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large group of fungal-related obligate intracellular parasites. They are responsible for infections in humans as well as in agriculturally and environmentally important animals. Although microsporidia are abundant in nature, many of the molecular mechanisms employed during infection have remained enigmatic. In this review, we highlight recent work showing how microsporidia invade, proliferate and exit from host cells. During invasion, microsporidia use spore wall and polar tube proteins to interact with host receptors and adhere to the host cell surface. In turn, the host has multiple defence mechanisms to prevent and eliminate these infections. Microsporidia encode numerous transporters and steal host nutrients to facilitate proliferation within host cells. They also encode many secreted proteins which may modulate host metabolism and inhibit host cell defence mechanisms. Spores exit the host in a non-lytic manner that is dependent on host actin and endocytic recycling proteins. Together, this work provides a fuller picture of the mechanisms that these fascinating organisms use to infect their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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