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Schwarzer E, Skorokhod O. Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins of Malaria Parasites during the Life Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6145. [PMID: 38892332 PMCID: PMC11173270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116145] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential for regulating protein functions, influencing various fundamental processes in eukaryotes. These include, but are not limited to, cell signaling, protein trafficking, the epigenetic control of gene expression, and control of the cell cycle, as well as cell proliferation, differentiation, and interactions between cells. In this review, we discuss protein PTMs that play a key role in the malaria parasite biology and its pathogenesis. Phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, lipidation and lipoxidation, glycosylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation, nitrosylation and glutathionylation, all of which occur in malarial parasites, are reviewed. We provide information regarding the biological significance of these modifications along all phases of the complex life cycle of Plasmodium spp. Importantly, not only the parasite, but also the host and vector protein PTMs are often crucial for parasite growth and development. In addition to metabolic regulations, protein PTMs can result in epitopes that are able to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses of the host or vector. We discuss some existing and prospective results from antimalarial drug discovery trials that target various PTM-related processes in the parasite or host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Schwarzer
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Oleksii Skorokhod
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina, 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
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Sato Y, Matsunaga R, Tasumi S, Mizuno N, Nakane M, Hosoya S, Yamamoto A, Nakamura O, Tsutsui S, Shiozaki K, Kikuchi K. l-fucoside localization in the gills of the genus Takifugu and its possible implication in the parasitism of Heterobothrium okamotoi (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae). Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130467. [PMID: 37777092 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The monogenean parasite Heterobothrium okamotoi only parasitizes the gills of Takifugu rubripes. In this study, we hypothesized that the carbohydrates contribute to high host specificity of H. okamotoi. METHODS T. rubripes, T. niphobles, T. snyderi, and T. pardalis were used for UEA I staining of the gills and an in vivo challenge test against H. okamotoi. To examine the effect of l-fucose, an in vitro detachment test was conducted using the host's gills. Additionally, fucosylated proteins were isolated from the membrane proteins of T. niphobles gills. RESULTS The location of l-fucoside and the infection dynamics in four species were correlated to some extent; H. okamotoi detached relatively quickly from T. niphobles possessing l-fucoside both on the surface of the gills and in certain types of cells, including mucus cells, but detached slowly from T. snyderi possessing l-fucoside in only certain types of cells, including mucus cells. Under the conditions examined, H. okamotoi exhibited minimal detachment from T. rubripes and T. pardalis, and l-fucoside was not detected. The significantly higher detachment rate of H. okamotoi from the host's gills incubated in l-fucose-containing medium compared with the controls suggests that l-fucose in the non-host gills induced detachment of H. okamotoi. Four fucosylated proteins, including mucin5AC-like, were identified as potential factors for the detachment of H. okamotoi. CONCLUSIONS Fucosylated proteins covering the surface of non-host gills might contribute to H. okamotoi detachment. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This research shows the possible involvement of oligosaccharides in the host specificity of monogenean parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Sato
- Fisheries Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life sciences, The University of Tokyo, 2971-4 Bentenjima, Maisaka, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-0214, Japan
| | - Ryohei Matsunaga
- Fisheries Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life sciences, The University of Tokyo, 2971-4 Bentenjima, Maisaka, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-0214, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tasumi
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
| | - Naoki Mizuno
- Fisheries Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life sciences, The University of Tokyo, 2971-4 Bentenjima, Maisaka, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-0214, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Nakane
- Kumamoto Prefectural Fisheries Research Center, 2450-2 Oyanomachinaka, Amakusa, Kumamoto 869-3603, Japan
| | - Sho Hosoya
- Fisheries Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life sciences, The University of Tokyo, 2971-4 Bentenjima, Maisaka, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-0214, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamamoto
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Osamu Nakamura
- School of Marine Biosciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Tsutsui
- School of Marine Biosciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shiozaki
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kikuchi
- Fisheries Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life sciences, The University of Tokyo, 2971-4 Bentenjima, Maisaka, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-0214, Japan
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Meira C, Silva J, Quadros H, Silva L, Barreto B, Rocha V, Bomfim L, Santos E, Soares M. Galectins in Protozoan Parasitic Diseases: Potential Applications in Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Cells 2023; 12:2671. [PMID: 38067100 PMCID: PMC10705098 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) constitute a group of diseases that generally develop in tropical or subtropical climatic conditions and are related to poverty. Within the spectrum of NTDs, diseases caused by protozoa such as malaria, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis exhibit elevated mortality rates, thereby constituting a substantial public health concern. Beyond their protozoan etiology, these NTDs share other similarities, such as the challenge of control and the lack of affordable, safe, and effective drugs. In view of the above, the need to explore novel diagnostic predictors and therapeutic targets for the treatment of these parasitic diseases is evident. In this context, galectins are attractive because they are a set of lectins bound to β-galactosides that play key roles in a variety of cellular processes, including host-parasite interaction such as adhesion and entry of parasites into the host cells, and participate in antiparasitic immunity in either a stimulatory or inhibitory manner, especially the galectins-1, -2, -3, and -9. These functions bestow upon galectins significant therapeutic prospects in the context of managing and diagnosing NTDs. Thus, the present review aims to elucidate the potential role of galectins in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cássio Meira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 21040-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.S.); (H.Q.); (L.S.); (B.B.); (V.R.); (L.B.)
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil;
| | - Jaqueline Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 21040-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.S.); (H.Q.); (L.S.); (B.B.); (V.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Helenita Quadros
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 21040-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.S.); (H.Q.); (L.S.); (B.B.); (V.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Laís Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 21040-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.S.); (H.Q.); (L.S.); (B.B.); (V.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Breno Barreto
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 21040-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.S.); (H.Q.); (L.S.); (B.B.); (V.R.); (L.B.)
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil;
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 21040-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.S.); (H.Q.); (L.S.); (B.B.); (V.R.); (L.B.)
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil;
| | - Larissa Bomfim
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 21040-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.S.); (H.Q.); (L.S.); (B.B.); (V.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Emanuelle Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil;
| | - Milena Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 21040-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.S.); (H.Q.); (L.S.); (B.B.); (V.R.); (L.B.)
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil;
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Izquierdo L. The glycobiology of plasmodium falciparum: New approaches and recent advances. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108178. [PMID: 37216996 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Like any other microorganism, pathogenic protozoan parasites rely heavily on glycoconjugates and glycan binding proteins to protect themselves from the environment and to interact with their diverse hosts. A thorough comprehension of how glycobiology contributes to the survival and virulence of these organisms may reveal unknown aspects of their biology and may open much needed avenues for the design of new strategies against them. In the case of Plasmodium falciparum, which causes the vast majority of malaria cases and deaths, the restricted variety and the simplicity of its glycans seemed to confer limited significance to the role played by glycoconjugates in the parasite. Nonetheless, the last 10 to 15 years of research are revealing a clearer and more defined picture. Thus, the use of new experimental techniques and the results obtained provide new avenues for understanding the biology of the parasite, as well as opportunities for the development of much required new tools against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Izquierdo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain.
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Bofill Verdaguer I, Sussmann RAC, Santiago VF, Palmisano G, Moura GC, Mesquita JT, Yamaguchi LF, Kato MJ, Katzin AM, Crispim M. Isoprenoid alcohols utilization by malaria parasites. Front Chem 2022; 10:1035548. [PMID: 36531309 PMCID: PMC9751614 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1035548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the etiological agent of human malaria, one of the most widespread diseases in tropical and subtropical regions. Drug resistance is one of the biggest problems in controlling the disease, which leads to the need to discover new antimalarial compounds. One of the most promissory drugs purposed is fosmidomycin, an inhibitor of the biosynthesis of isoprene units by the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, which in some cases failed in clinical studies. Once formed, isoprene units are condensed to form longer structures such as farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, which are necessary for Heme O and A formation, ubiquinone, and dolichyl phosphate biosynthesis as well as for protein isoprenylation. Even though the natural substrates of polyprenyl transferases and synthases are polyprenyl pyrophosphates, it was already demonstrated that isoprenoid alcohols (polyprenols) such as farnesol (FOH) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH) can rescue parasites from fosmidomycin. This study better investigated how this rescue phenomenon occurs by performing drug-rescue assays. Similarly, to FOH and GGOH, it was observed that phytol (POH), a 20-carbon plant isoprenoid, as well as unsaponifiable lipid extracts from foods rescue parasites from the antimalarial effect of fosmidomycin. Contrarily, neither dolichols nor nonaprenol rescue parasites from fosmidomycin. Considering this, here we characterized the transport of FOH, GGOH, and POH. Once incorporated, it was observed that these substances are phosphorylated, condensed into longer isoprenoid alcohols, and incorporated into proteins and dolichyl phosphates. Through proteomic and radiolabelling approaches, it was found that prenylated proteins are naturally attached to several isoprenoids, derived from GGOH, dolichol, and POH if exogenously added. Furthermore, the results suggest the presence of at least two promiscuous protein prenyltransferases in the parasite: one enzyme which can use FPP among other unidentified substrates and another enzyme that can use GGPP, phytyl pyrophosphate (PPP), and dolichols, among other substrates not identified here. Thus, further evidence was obtained for dolichols and other isoprenoid products attached to proteins. This study helps to better understand the apicoplast-targeting antimalarial mechanism of action and a novel post-translational modification of proteins in P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Bofill Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A C Sussmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Institute of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, Federal University of Southern Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Verônica Feijoli Santiago
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Cândido Moura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Tonini Mesquita
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lydia Fumiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Massuo Jorge Kato
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Miguel Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Satchwell TJ. Generation of red blood cells from stem cells: Achievements, opportunities and perspectives for malaria research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1039520. [PMID: 36452302 PMCID: PMC9702814 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1039520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Plasmodium that cause malaria survive within humans by invasion of, and proliferation within, the most abundant cell type in the body, the red blood cell. As obligate, intracellular parasites, interactions between parasite and host red blood cell components are crucial to multiple aspects of the blood stage malaria parasite lifecycle. The requirement for, and involvement of, an array of red blood cell proteins in parasite invasion and intracellular development is well established. Nevertheless, detailed mechanistic understanding of host cell protein contributions to these processes are hampered by the genetic intractability of the anucleate red blood cell. The advent of stem cell technology and more specifically development of methods that recapitulate in vitro the process of red blood cell development known as erythropoiesis has enabled the generation of erythroid cell stages previously inaccessible in large numbers for malaria studies. What is more, the capacity for genetic manipulation of nucleated erythroid precursors that can be differentiated to generate modified red blood cells has opened new horizons for malaria research. This review summarises current methodologies that harness in vitro erythroid differentiation of stem cells for generation of cells that are susceptible to malaria parasite invasion; discusses existing and emerging approaches to generate novel red blood cell phenotypes and explores the exciting potential of in vitro derived red blood cells for improved understanding the broad role of host red blood cell proteins in malaria pathogenesis.
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de Lederkremer RM, Giorgi ME, Marino C. The α-Galactosyl Carbohydrate Epitope in Pathogenic Protozoa. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:2207-2222. [PMID: 36083842 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00370] [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] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The α-gal epitope, which refers to the carbohydrate α-d-Galp-(1 → 3)-β-d-Galp-(1 → 4)-d-GlcNAc-R, was first described in the glycoconjugates of mammals other than humans. Evolution caused a mutation that resulted in the inactivation of the α-1,3-galactosyltransferase gene. For that reason, humans produce antibodies against α-d-Galp containing glycoproteins and glycolipids of other species. We summarize here the glycoconjugates with α-d-Galp structures in Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Plasmodium pathogenic protozoa. These were identified in infective stages of Trypanosoma cruzi and in Plasmodium sporozoites. In Leishmania, α-d-Galp is linked differently in the glycans of glycoinositolphospholipids (GIPLs). Chemically synthesized neoglycoconjugates have been proposed as diagnostic tools and as antigens for vaccines. Several syntheses reported for the α-gal trisaccharide, also called the Galili epitope, and the glycans of GIPLs found in Leishmania, the preparation of neoglycoconjugates, and the studies in which they were involved are also included in this Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M de Lederkremer
- CIHIDECAR, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Giorgi
- CIHIDECAR, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Marino
- CIHIDECAR, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428Buenos Aires, Argentina
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de Jong RM, Singh SK, Teelen K, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Stone WJR, Locke E, Plieskatt J, Theisen M, Bousema T, Jore MM. Heterologous Expression and Evaluation of Novel Plasmodium falciparum Transmission Blocking Vaccine Candidates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:909060. [PMID: 35812379 PMCID: PMC9259988 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.909060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria transmission blocking vaccines (TBV) aim to induce antibodies that can interrupt Plasmodium falciparum development in the mosquito midgut and thereby prevent onward malaria transmission. A limited number of TBV candidates have been identified and only three (Pfs25, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45) have entered clinical testing. While one of these candidates may emerge as a highly potent TBV candidate, it is premature to determine if they will generate sufficiently potent and sustained responses. It is therefore important to explore novel candidate antigens. We recently analyzed sera from naturally exposed individuals and found that the presence and/or intensity of antibodies against 12 novel putative surface expressed gametocyte antigens was associated with transmission reducing activity. In this study, protein fragments of these novel TBV candidates were designed and heterologously expressed in Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells and Lactococcus lactis. Eleven protein fragments, covering seven TBV candidates, were successfully produced. All tested antigens were recognized by antibodies from individuals living in malaria-endemic areas, indicating that native epitopes are present. All antigens induced antigen-specific antibody responses in mice. Two antigens induced antibodies that recognized a native protein in gametocyte extract, and antibodies elicited by four antigens recognized whole gametocytes. In particular, we found that antigen Pf3D7_0305300, a putative transporter, is abundantly expressed on the surface of gametocytes. However, none of the seven novel TBV candidates expressed here induced an antibody response that reduced parasite development in the mosquito midgut as assessed in the standard membrane feeding assay. Altogether, the antigen fragments used in this study did not prove to be promising transmission blocking vaccine constructs, but led to the identification of two gametocyte surface proteins that may provide new leads for studying gametocyte biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos M. de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Susheel K. Singh
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina Teelen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Will J. R. Stone
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Locke
- PATH‘s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- PATH‘s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michael Theisen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs M. Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Matthijs M. Jore,
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Prabhu SR, Ware AP, Saadi AV, Brand A, Ghosh SK, Kamath A, Satyamoorthy K. Malaria Epidemiology and COVID-19 Pandemic: Are They Interrelated? OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2022; 26:179-188. [PMID: 35404686 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease, impacting multiple organs in the human body. But COVID-19 also impacts other diseases of relevance to public and planetary health. To understand and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need an intersectional conceptual lens and systems thinking. For example, the strain on health care systems due to COVID-19 has adversely impacted global malaria elimination programs. With many epidemiological, clinical, and biological parallels documented, we examined in this study the scenario of malaria and COVID-19 syndemic in India. The disruptive influence of COVID-19 on the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), impact of unintended chemoprophylaxis, population genetic influences, and the shifting patterns of epidemiology are compared. Importantly, a time series analysis forecasted the burden of malaria increasing in the upcoming years. Although reported malaria cases showed a decline in 2020 compared to the previous years, an increase in cases was documented in 2021, with nine states reporting an increase up to July 2021. Pandemics often cause crosscutting disruptions in health care. Reshaping the priorities of the malaria elimination program and a diligent implementation of the priorities in the NFME would, therefore, be well-advised: (1) vector control, (2) antimalarial therapy recommendations, (3) monitoring drug resistance, (4) prevention of the spread of asymptomatic disease-causing low-density transmission, and (5) large-scale testing measures. In conclusion, the findings from the present study inform future comparative studies in other world regions to better understand the broader, systemic, temporal, and spatial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on existing and future diseases across public health systems and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya R Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Akshay P Ware
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Abdul Vahab Saadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Angela Brand
- United Nations University-Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Department of International Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Susanta K Ghosh
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Asha Kamath
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Fenollar À, Ros-Lucas A, Pía Alberione M, Martínez-Peinado N, Ramírez M, Ángel Rosales-Motos M, Y. Lee L, Alonso-Padilla J, Izquierdo L. Compounds targeting GPI biosynthesis or N-glycosylation are active against Plasmodium falciparum. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:850-863. [PMID: 35222844 PMCID: PMC8841962 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Compounds targeting key steps in GPI biosynthesis abrogate P. falciparum growth. N-glycosylation disruption halts parasite development and induces delayed death. Tunicamycin-induced delayed death is not linked with the synthesis of isoprenoids. In summary, two metabolic pathways are outlined for further drug target exploration.
The emergence of resistance to first-line antimalarials, including artemisinin, the last effective malaria therapy in some regions, stresses the urgent need to develop new effective treatments against this disease. The identification and validation of metabolic pathways that could be targeted for drug development may strongly contribute to accelerate this process. In this study, we use fully characterized specific inhibitors targeting glycan biosynthetic pathways as research tools to analyze their effects on the growth of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and to validate these metabolic routes as feasible chemotherapeutic targets. Through docking simulations using models predicted by AlphaFold, we also shed new light into the modes of action of some of these inhibitors. Molecules inhibiting N-acetylglucosaminyl-phosphatidylinositol de-N-acetylase (GlcNAc-PI de-N-acetylase, PIGL/GPI12) or the inositol acyltransferase (GWT1), central for glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis, halt the growth of intraerythrocytic asexual parasites during the trophozoite stages of the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC). Remarkably, the nucleoside antibiotic tunicamycin, which targets UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:dolichyl-phosphate N-acetylglucosaminephosphotransferase (ALG7) and N-glycosylation in other organisms, induces a delayed-death effect and inhibits parasite growth during the second IDC after treatment. Our data indicate that tunicamycin induces a specific inhibitory effect, hinting to a more substantial role of the N-glycosylation pathway in P. falciparum intraerythrocytic asexual stages than previously thought. To sum up, our results place GPI biosynthesis and N-glycosylation pathways as metabolic routes with potential to yield much-needed therapeutic targets against the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àngel Fenollar
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Pía Alberione
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nieves Martínez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Ramírez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Rosales-Motos
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ling Y. Lee
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- Corresponding author at: Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Ben Ami Pilo H, Khan Khilji S, Lühle J, Biskup K, Levy Gal B, Rosenhek Goldian I, Alfandari D, Revach O, Kiper E, Morandi MI, Rotkopf R, Porat Z, Blanchard V, Seeberger PH, Regev‐Rudzki N, Moscovitz O. Sialylated N-glycans mediate monocyte uptake of extracellular vesicles secreted from Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 1:e33. [PMID: 38938665 PMCID: PMC11080922 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Glycoconjugates on extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a vital role in internalization and mediate interaction as well as regulation of the host immune system by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. During their intraerythrocytic life-cycle stages, malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) mediate the secretion of EVs by infected red blood cells (RBCs) that carry a diverse range of parasitic and host-derived molecules. These molecules facilitate parasite-parasite and parasite-host interactions to ensure parasite survival. To date, the number of identified Pf genes associated with glycan synthesis and the repertoire of expressed glycoconjugates is relatively low. Moreover, the role of Pf glycans in pathogenesis is mostly unclear and poorly understood. As a result, the expression of glycoconjugates on Pf-derived EVs or their involvement in the parasite life-cycle has yet to be reported. Herein, we show that EVs secreted by Pf-infected RBCs carry significantly higher sialylated complex N-glycans than EVs derived from healthy RBCs. Furthermore, we reveal that EV uptake by host monocytes depends on N-glycoproteins and demonstrate that terminal sialic acid on the N-glycans is essential for uptake by human monocytes. Our results provide the first evidence that Pf exploits host sialylated N-glycans to mediate EV uptake by the human immune system cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Ben Ami Pilo
- Faculty of BiochemistryDepartment of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Sana Khan Khilji
- Department of Biomolecular SystemsMax‐Planck‐Institute of Colloids and InterfacesBerlinGermany
- Institute of Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Jost Lühle
- Department of Biomolecular SystemsMax‐Planck‐Institute of Colloids and InterfacesBerlinGermany
- Institute of Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Karina Biskup
- Institute of Laboratory MedicineClinical Chemistry and PathobiochemistryCharite University Medicine BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Bar Levy Gal
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core FacilitiesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Daniel Alfandari
- Faculty of BiochemistryDepartment of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Or‐Yam Revach
- Faculty of BiochemistryDepartment of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Edo Kiper
- Faculty of BiochemistryDepartment of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Mattia I. Morandi
- Faculty of BiochemistryDepartment of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Ron Rotkopf
- Bioinformatics Unit, Life Sciences Core FacilitiesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core FacilitiesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Véronique Blanchard
- Institute of Laboratory MedicineClinical Chemistry and PathobiochemistryCharite University Medicine BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Peter H. Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular SystemsMax‐Planck‐Institute of Colloids and InterfacesBerlinGermany
- Institute of Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Neta Regev‐Rudzki
- Faculty of BiochemistryDepartment of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Oren Moscovitz
- Department of Biomolecular SystemsMax‐Planck‐Institute of Colloids and InterfacesBerlinGermany
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12
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Besednova NN, Zaporozhets TS, Andryukov BG, Kryzhanovsky SP, Ermakova SP, Kuznetsova TA, Voronova AN, Shchelkanov MY. Antiparasitic Effects of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Marine Hydrobionts. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:637. [PMID: 34822508 PMCID: PMC8624348 DOI: 10.3390/md19110637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review presents materials characterizing sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) of marine hydrobionts (algae and invertebrates) as potential means for the prevention and treatment of protozoa and helminthiasis. The authors have summarized the literature on the pathogenetic targets of protozoa on the host cells and on the antiparasitic potential of polysaccharides from red, brown and green algae as well as certain marine invertebrates. Information about the mechanisms of action of these unique compounds in diseases caused by protozoa has also been summarized. SPS is distinguished by high antiparasitic activity, good solubility and an almost complete absence of toxicity. In the long term, this allows for the consideration of these compounds as effective and attractive candidates on which to base drugs, biologically active food additives and functional food products with antiparasitic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya N. Besednova
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Tatyana S. Zaporozhets
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Boris G. Andryukov
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 690091 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Sergey P. Kryzhanovsky
- Medical Association of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Svetlana P. Ermakova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Tatyana A. Kuznetsova
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Anastasia N. Voronova
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Mikhail Y. Shchelkanov
- G.P. Somov Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 690087 Vladivostok, Russia; (T.S.Z.); (B.G.A.); (T.A.K.); (A.N.V.); (M.Y.S.)
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), 690091 Vladivostok, Russia
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
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