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Batista DDGJ, de Almeida Fiuza LF, Klupsch F, da Costa KN, Batista MM, da Conceição K, Bouafia H, Vergoten G, Millet R, Thuru X, Bailly C, Soeiro MDNC. Activity of pyridyl-pyrazolone derivatives against Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108787. [PMID: 38759776 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108787] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
New affordable drugs are needed for the treatment of infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi responsible for the Chagas disease (CD). Only two old drugs are currently available, nifurtimox and benznidazole (Bz) but they exhibit unwanted side effects and display a weak activity in the late chronic phase of the disease. In this context, we evaluated the activity of a series of aryl-pyrazolone derivatives against T cruzi, using both bloodstream trypomastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of the parasite. The test compounds originate from a series of anticancer agents targeting the immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1 and bear an analogy with known anti-trypanosomal pyrazolones. A first group of 6 phenyl-pyrazolones was tested, revealing the activity of a single pyridyl-pyrazolone derivative. Then a second group of 8 compounds with a common pyridyl-pyrazolone core was evaluated. The in vitro testing process led to the identification of two non-cytotoxic and highly potent molecules against the intracellular form of T. cruzi, with an activity comparable to Bz. Moreover, one compound revealed an activity largely superior to that of Bz against bloodstream trypomastigotes, while being non-cytotoxic (selectivity index >1000). Unfortunately, the compound showed little activity in vivo, most likely due to its very limited plasma stability. However, the study opens novel perspectives for the design of new anti-trypanosomal products and the mechanism of action of the compounds is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise da Gama Jaen Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil
| | | | - Frédérique Klupsch
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Krislayne Nunes da Costa
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Ketlym da Conceição
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Hassiba Bouafia
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Régis Millet
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Xavier Thuru
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Christian Bailly
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000, Lille, France; University of Lille, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), 59000, Lille, France.
| | - Maria de Nazaré Correia Soeiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil.
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do Vale INPC, Almeida GG, Rimkute I, Liechti T, de Araújo FF, dos Santos LI, Henriques PM, Rocha MODC, Elói-Santos SM, Martins−Filho OA, Roederer M, Sher A, Jankovic D, Teixeira−Carvalho A, Antonelli LRDV. Signatures of CD4 + T and B cells are associated with distinct stages of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385850. [PMID: 38726014 PMCID: PMC11079136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chagas disease is a neglected parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. While most patients are asymptomatic, around 30% develop Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC). Methods Here, we employed high-dimensional flow cytometry to analyze CD4+ T and B cell compartments in patients during the chronic phase of Chagas disease, presenting the asymptomatic and mild or moderate/severe cardiac clinical forms. Results Effector CD27-CD4+ T cells were expanded in both CCC groups, and only mild CCC patients showed higher frequencies of effector memory and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells than healthy donors (CTL) and asymptomatic patients. Unsupervised analysis confirmed these findings and further revealed the expansion of a specific subpopulation composed of Tfh, transitional, and central memory CD4+ T cells bearing a phenotype associated with strong activation, differentiation, and exhaustion in patients with mild but not moderate/severe CCC. In contrast, patients with mild and moderate/severe CCC had lower frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing lower levels of activation markers, suggesting resting status, than CTL. Regarding the B cell compartment, no alterations were found in naïve CD21-, memory cells expressing IgM or IgD, marginal zone, and plasma cells in patients with Chagas disease. However, expansion of class-switched activated and atypical memory B cells was observed in all clinical forms, and more substantially in mild CCC patients. Discussion Taken together, our results showed that T. cruzi infection triggers changes in CD4+ T and B cell compartments that are more pronounced in the mild CCC clinical form, suggesting an orchestrated cellular communication during Chagas disease. Conclusion Overall, these findings reinforce the heterogeneity and complexity of the immune response in patients with chronic Chagas disease and may provide new insights into disease pathology and potential markers to guide clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Natália Pascoal Campos do Vale
- Biology and Immunology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Group, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Integrated Research Group in Biomarkers, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gregório Guilherme Almeida
- Biology and Immunology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Group, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Inga Rimkute
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Thomas Liechti
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fernanda Fortes de Araújo
- Integrated Research Group in Biomarkers, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luara Isabela dos Santos
- Biology and Immunology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Group, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departament of Basic Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Miranda Henriques
- Biology and Immunology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Group, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Manoel Otávio da Costa Rocha
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Silvana Maria Elói-Santos
- Integrated Research Group in Biomarkers, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Complementary Propedeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Olindo Assis Martins−Filho
- Integrated Research Group in Biomarkers, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mario Roederer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Alan Sher
- Immunobiology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dragana Jankovic
- Immunobiology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Andréa Teixeira−Carvalho
- Integrated Research Group in Biomarkers, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lis Ribeiro do Valle Antonelli
- Biology and Immunology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Group, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Uribe-Querol E, Rosales C. Neutrophils versus Protozoan Parasites: Plasmodium, Trichomonas, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Entameoba. Microorganisms 2024; 12:827. [PMID: 38674770 PMCID: PMC11051968 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant polymorphonuclear granular leukocytes in human blood and are an essential part of the innate immune system. Neutrophils are efficient cells that eliminate pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but their role in dealing with protozoan parasitic infections remains controversial. At sites of protozoan parasite infections, a large number of infiltrating neutrophils is observed, suggesting that neutrophils are important cells for controlling the infection. Yet, in most cases, there is also a strong inflammatory response that can provoke tissue damage. Diseases like malaria, trichomoniasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and amoebiasis affect millions of people globally. In this review, we summarize these protozoan diseases and describe the novel view on how neutrophils are involved in protection from these parasites. Also, we present recent evidence that neutrophils play a double role in these infections participating both in control of the parasite and in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Uribe-Querol
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Carlos Rosales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Ribeiro HG, Galdino OA, de Souza KSC, Rosa Neta AP, Lin-Wang HT, Cunha-Neto E, de Rezende AA, Silbiger VN. Unraveling the role of miRNAs as biomarkers in Chagas cardiomyopathy: Insights into molecular pathophysiology. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011865. [PMID: 38300899 PMCID: PMC10833550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChCM) is a severe form of Chagas disease and a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The dysregulation of the immune response leads to cardiac remodeling and functional disruptions, resulting in life-threatening complications. Conventional diagnostic methods have limitations, and therapeutic response evaluation is challenging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), important regulators of gene expression, show potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. AIM This review aims to summarize experimental findings on miRNA expression in ChCM and explore the potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers of Chagas disease. METHODS The search was conducted in the US National Library of Medicine MEDLINE/PubMed public database using the terms "Chagas cardiomyopathy" OR "Chagas disease" AND "microRNA" OR "miRNA" OR "miR." Additionally, bioinformatics analysis was performed to investigate miRNA-target interactions and explore enrichment pathways of gene ontology biological processes and molecular functions. RESULTS The miR-21, miR-146b, miR-146a, and miR-155 consistently exhibited up-regulation, whereas miR-145 was down-regulated in ChCM. These specific miRNAs have been linked to fibrosis, immune response, and inflammatory processes in heart tissue. Moreover, the findings from various studies indicate that these miRNAs have the potential as biomarkers for the disease and could be targeted in therapeutic strategies for ChCM. CONCLUSION In this review, we point out miR-21, miR-146b, miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-145-5p role in the complex mechanisms of ChCM. These miRNAs have been shown as potential biomarkers for precise diagnosis, reliable prognostic evaluation, and effective treatment strategies in the ChCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriks Gomes Ribeiro
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ony Araújo Galdino
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Antonia Pereira Rosa Neta
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Hui Tzu Lin-Wang
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edecio Cunha-Neto
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology (iii), INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Augusto de Rezende
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Vivian Nogueira Silbiger
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Shelton WJ, Gonzalez JM. Outcomes of patients in Chagas disease of the central nervous system: a systematic review. Parasitology 2024; 151:15-23. [PMID: 37987164 PMCID: PMC10941035 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001117] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. One of the complications of the disease is the infection of the central nervous system (CNS), as it can result from either the acute phase or by reactivation during the chronic phase, exhibiting high mortality in immunocompromised patients. This systematic review aimed to determine clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with Chagas disease in the CNS. Articles were searched from PubMed, Scopus and LILACS until January 2023. From 2325 articles, 59 case reports and 13 case series of patients with Chagas in the CNS were retrieved from which 138 patients were identified. In this population, 77% of the patients were male, with a median age of 35 years old, from which most of them came from Argentina and Brazil. Most of the individuals were immunocompromised from which 89% were HIV-positive, and 54 patients had an average of 48 cells per mm3 CD4+ T cells. Motor deficits and seizures were the most common manifestation of CNS compromise. Furthermore, 90 patients had a documented CNS lesion by imaging from which 89% were supratentorial and 86% were in the anterior/middle cranial fossa. The overall mortality was of 74%. Among patients who were empirically treated with anti-toxoplasma drugs, 70% died. This review shows how Chagas disease in the CNS is a devastating complication requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve patients’ outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Shelton
- Grupo de Ciencias Básicas Medicas, School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - John M. Gonzalez
- Grupo de Ciencias Básicas Medicas, School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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Kaufman CD, Farré C, Biscari L, Pérez AR, Alloatti A. Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas disease and cancer: putting together the pieces of a complex puzzle. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1260423. [PMID: 38188016 PMCID: PMC10768204 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1260423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the extensive and widespread impact on individuals, cancer can presently be categorized as a pandemic. In many instances, the development of tumors has been linked to endemic microbe infections. Among parasitic infections, Trypanosoma cruzi stands out as one of the most extensively discussed protozoans in the literature that explores the association between diseases of parasite origin and cancer. However, the effective association remains an unsolved paradox. Both the parasite, along with protozoan-derived molecules, and the associated antiparasitic immune response can induce alterations in various host cell pathways, leading to modifications in cell cycle, metabolism, glycosylation, DNA mutations, or changes in neuronal signaling. Furthermore, the presence of the parasite can trigger cell death or a senescent phenotype and modulate the immune system, the metastatic cascade, and the formation of new blood vessels. The interaction among the parasite (and its molecules), the host, and cancer undoubtedly encompasses various mechanisms that operate differentially depending on the context. Remarkably, contrary to expectations, the evidence tilts the balance toward inhibiting tumor growth or resisting tumor development. This effect is primarily observed in malignant cells, rather than normal cells, indicating a selective or specific component. Nevertheless, nonspecific bystander mechanisms, such as T. cruzi's adjuvancy or the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, may also play a significant role in this phenomenon. This work aims to elucidate this complex scenario by synthesizing the main findings presented in the literature and by proposing new questions and answers, thereby adding pieces to this challenging puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Daniela Kaufman
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Farré
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación y Producción de Reactivos Biológicos, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Lucía Biscari
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andrés Alloatti
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
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Amaral MP, Cardoso FD, de Farias IS, de Souza RQ, Matteucci KC, Torrecilhas AC, Bortoluci KR. NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome participates in macrophage responses to Trypanosoma cruzi by a mechanism that relies on cathepsin-dependent caspase-1 cleavage. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1282856. [PMID: 38124741 PMCID: PMC10731265 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1282856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes are large protein complexes that, once activated, initiate inflammatory responses by activating the caspase-1 protease. They play pivotal roles in host defense against pathogens. The well-established role of NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome in bacterial infections involves NAIP proteins functioning as sensors for their ligands. However, recent reports have indicated the involvement of NLRC4 in non-bacterial infections and sterile inflammation, even though the role of NAIP proteins and the exact molecular mechanisms underlying inflammasome activation in these contexts remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the activation of the NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome in response to Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite responsible for causing Chagas disease. This parasite has been previously demonstrated to activate NLRP3 inflammasomes. Here we found that NAIP and NLRC4 proteins are also required for IL-1β and Nitric Oxide (NO) release in response to T. cruzi infection, with their absence rendering macrophages permissive to parasite replication. Moreover, Nlrc4 -/- and Nlrp3 -/- macrophages presented similar impaired responses to T. cruzi, underscoring the non-redundant roles played by these inflammasomes during infection. Notably, it was the live trypomastigotes rather than soluble antigens or extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by them, that activated inflammasomes in a cathepsins-dependent manner. The inhibition of cathepsins effectively abrogated caspase-1 cleavage, IL-1β and NO release, mirroring the phenotype observed in Nlrc4 -/-/Nlrp3 -/- double knockout macrophages. Collectively, our findings shed light on the pivotal role of the NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome in macrophage responses to T. cruzi infection, providing new insights into its broader functions that extend beyond bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Pires Amaral
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Daniel Cardoso
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Sancho de Farias
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Queiroz de Souza
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kely Catarine Matteucci
- Plataforma de Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Karina Ramalho Bortoluci
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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de Souza G, Teixeira SC, Fajardo Martínez AF, Silva RJ, Luz LC, de Lima Júnior JP, Rosini AM, dos Santos NCL, de Oliveira RM, Paschoalino M, Barbosa MC, Alves RN, Gomes AO, da Silva CV, Ferro EAV, Barbosa BF. Trypanosoma cruzi P21 recombinant protein modulates Toxoplasma gondii infection in different experimental models of the human maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243480. [PMID: 37915581 PMCID: PMC10617204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243480] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease that affects about one-third of the human population. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but severe cases can occur such as in congenital transmission, which can be aggravated in individuals infected with other pathogens, such as HIV-positive pregnant women. However, it is unknown whether infection by other pathogens, such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, as well as one of its proteins, P21, could aggravate T. gondii infection. Methods In this sense, we aimed to investigate the impact of T. cruzi and recombinant P21 (rP21) on T. gondii infection in BeWo cells and human placental explants. Results Our results showed that T. cruzi infection, as well as rP21, increases invasion and decreases intracellular proliferation of T. gondii in BeWo cells. The increase in invasion promoted by rP21 is dependent on its binding to CXCR4 and the actin cytoskeleton polymerization, while the decrease in proliferation is due to an arrest in the S/M phase in the parasite cell cycle, as well as interleukin (IL)-6 upregulation and IL-8 downmodulation. On the other hand, in human placental villi, rP21 can either increase or decrease T. gondii proliferation, whereas T. cruzi infection increases T. gondii proliferation. This increase can be explained by the induction of an anti-inflammatory environment through an increase in IL-4 and a decrease in IL-6, IL-8, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. Discussion In conclusion, in situations of coinfection, the presence of T. cruzi may favor the congenital transmission of T. gondii, highlighting the importance of neonatal screening for both diseases, as well as the importance of studies with P21 as a future therapeutic target for the treatment of Chagas disease, since it can also favor T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Aryani Felixa Fajardo Martínez
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Luana Carvalho Luz
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Joed Pires de Lima Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Natália Carine Lima dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael Martins de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Paschoalino
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Matheus Carvalho Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Nascimento Alves
- Department of Agricultural and Natural Science, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Ituiutaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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Silberstein E, Chung CC, Debrabant A. The transcriptome landscape of 3D-cultured placental trophoblasts reveals activation of TLR2 and TLR3/7 in response to low Trypanosoma cruzi parasite exposure. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1256385. [PMID: 37799608 PMCID: PMC10548471 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1256385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) become a globalized health problem accounting for 22% of new cases of Chagas disease (CD). Congenital infection is now considered the main route of CD spread in non-endemic countries where no routine disease testing of pregnant women is implemented. The main mechanisms that lead to fetal infection by T. cruzi remain poorly understood. Mother-to-child transmission may occur when bloodstream trypomastigotes interact with the syncytiotrophoblasts (SYNs) that cover the placenta chorionic villi. These highly specialized cells function as a physical barrier and modulate immune responses against pathogen infections. To model the human placenta environment, we have previously used a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system of SYNs that exhibits differentiation characteristics comparable to placental trophoblasts. Further, we have shown that 3D-grown SYNs are highly resistant to T. cruzi infection. In this work, we used RNA sequencing and whole transcriptome analysis to explore the immunological signatures that drive SYNs' infection control. We found that the largest category of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are associated with inflammation and innate immunity functions. Quantitative RT-PCR evaluation of selected DEGs, together with detection of cytokines and chemokines in SYNs culture supernatants, confirmed the transcriptome data. Several genes implicated in the Toll-like receptors signaling pathways were upregulated in 3D-grown SYNs. In fact, TLR2 blockade and TLR3/7 knockdown stimulated T. cruzi growth, suggesting that these molecules play a significant role in the host cell response to infection. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of DEGs predicted the activation of canonical pathways such as S100 protein family, pathogen induced cytokine storm, wound healing, HIF1α signaling and phagosome formation after T. cruzi exposure. Our findings indicate that SYNs resist infection by eliciting a constitutive pro-inflammatory response and modulating multiple defense mechanisms that interfere with the parasite's intracellular life cycle, contributing to parasite killing and infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silberstein
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Charles C. Chung
- High-performance Integrated Virtual Environment Team, Office of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Alain Debrabant
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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Vellozo NS, Matos-Silva TC, Lopes MF. Immunopathogenesis in Trypanosoma cruzi infection: a role for suppressed macrophages and apoptotic cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1244071. [PMID: 37662946 PMCID: PMC10469960 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1244071] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During Trypanosoma cruzi infection, macrophages phagocytose parasites and remove apoptotic cells through efferocytosis. While macrophage 1 (M1) produces proinflammatory cytokines and NO and fights infection, M2 macrophages are permissive host cells that express arginase 1 and play a role in tissue repair. The regulation of M1 and M2 phenotypes might either induce or impair macrophage-mediated immunity towards parasite control or persistence in chronic Chagas disease. Here, we highlight a key role of macrophage activation in early immune responses to T. cruzi that prevent escalating parasitemia, heart parasitism, and mortality during acute infection. We will discuss the mechanisms of macrophage activation and deactivation, such as T cell cytokines and efferocytosis, and how to improve macrophage-mediated immunity to prevent parasite persistence, inflammation, and the development of chagasic cardiomyopathy. Potential vaccines or therapy must enhance early T cell-macrophage crosstalk and parasite control to restrain the pathogenic outcomes of parasite-induced inflammation in the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcela F. Lopes
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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11
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Santinelli-Pestana DV, Aikawa E, Singh SA, Aikawa M. PARPs and ADP-Ribosylation in Chronic Inflammation: A Focus on Macrophages. Pathogens 2023; 12:964. [PMID: 37513811 PMCID: PMC10386340 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant adenosine diphosphate-ribose (ADP)-ribosylation of proteins and nucleic acids is associated with multiple disease processes such as infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)/ADP-ribosyltransferase (ART) family members promote mono- or poly-ADP-ribosylation. Although evidence has linked PARPs/ARTs and macrophages in the context of chronic inflammation, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This review provides an overview of literature focusing on the roles of PARP1/ARTD1, PARP7/ARTD14, PARP9/ARTD9, and PARP14/ARTD8 in macrophages. PARPs/ARTs regulate changes in macrophages during chronic inflammatory processes not only via catalytic modifications but also via non-catalytic mechanisms. Untangling complex mechanisms, by which PARPs/ARTs modulate macrophage phenotype, and providing molecular bases for the development of new therapeutics require the development and implementation of innovative technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego V. Santinelli-Pestana
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.V.S.-P.); (E.A.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.V.S.-P.); (E.A.); (S.A.S.)
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sasha A. Singh
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.V.S.-P.); (E.A.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Masanori Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.V.S.-P.); (E.A.); (S.A.S.)
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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12
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Khan S, Lang M. A Comprehensive Review on the Roles of Metals Mediating Insect-Microbial Pathogen Interactions. Metabolites 2023; 13:839. [PMID: 37512546 PMCID: PMC10384549 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects and microbial pathogens are ubiquitous and play significant roles in various biological processes, while microbial pathogens are microscopic organisms that can cause diseases in multiple hosts. Insects and microbial pathogens engage in diverse interactions, leveraging each other's presence. Metals are crucial in shaping these interactions between insects and microbial pathogens. However, metals such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, and Ni are integral to various physiological processes in insects, including immune function and resistance against pathogens. Insects have evolved multiple mechanisms to take up, transport, and regulate metal concentrations to fight against pathogenic microbes and act as a vector to transport microbial pathogens to plants and cause various plant diseases. Hence, it is paramount to inhibit insect-microbe interaction to control pathogen transfer from one plant to another or carry pathogens from other sources. This review aims to succinate the role of metals in the interactions between insects and microbial pathogens. It summarizes the significance of metals in the physiology, immune response, and competition for metals between insects, microbial pathogens, and plants. The scope of this review covers these imperative metals and their acquisition, storage, and regulation mechanisms in insect and microbial pathogens. The paper will discuss various scientific studies and sources, including molecular and biochemical studies and genetic and genomic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhanullah Khan
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Minglin Lang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding 071000, China
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Castelli G, Oliveri E, Valenza V, Giardina S, Facciponte F, La Russa F, Vitale F, Bruno F. Cultivation of Protozoa Parasites In Vitro: Growth Potential in Conventional Culture Media versus RPMI-PY Medium. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10040252. [PMID: 37104407 PMCID: PMC10143000 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10040252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The in vitro cultivation of Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of parasitic diseases. Although Evans’s modified Tobie and Novy–MacNeal–Nicolle media, for Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, respectively, are the two commonly used media for both isolation and maintenance of strains in vitro, their preparation is expensive and laborious and requires fresh rabbit blood from housed animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro growth of both parasites with an alternative monophasic, blood-free, easy, and affordable medium called RPMI-PY, which was previously demonstrated suitable for the in vitro growth of Leishmania infantum. The potential growth of different Leishmania species and Trypanosoma cruzi was evaluated in traditional culture media versus RPMI-PY medium, and we recorded the protozoa parasites’ morphology via orange acridine–ethidium bromide staining. The results of our study show that RPMI-PY medium can be used for Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania major, and Leishmania tropica species since in all the species except Leishmania braziliensis, the exponential growth of the parasite was observed, in many cases higher than conventional media. The staining confirmed not only their growth during the 72 h investigation but also the optimal morphology and viability of the protozoa in the RPMI-PY medium.
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