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Freitas de Lima Hercos G, Gabriela Faleiro de Moura Lodi Cruz M, Clara Cassiano Martinho A, de Melo Resende D, Farago Nascimento D, Derksen Macruz P, Jorge Pilau E, Maria Fonseca Murta S, de Oliveira Rezende Júnior C. Optimization of benzenesulfonyl derivatives as anti-Trypanosomatidae agents: Structural design, synthesis, and pharmacological assessment against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 105:117736. [PMID: 38677111 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117736] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are neglected tropical diseases caused by Trypanosomatidae parasites. Given the numerous limitations associated with current treatments, such as extended treatment duration, variable efficacy, and severe side effects, there is an urgent imperative to explore novel therapeutic options. This study details the early stages of hit-to-lead optimization for a benzenesulfonyl derivative, denoted as initial hit, against Trypanossoma cruzi (T. cruzi), Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) and Leishmania braziliensis (L. braziliensis). We investigated structure - activity relationships using a series of 26 newly designed derivatives, ultimately yielding potential lead candidates with potent low-micromolar and sub-micromolar activities against T. cruzi and Leishmania spp, respectively, and low in vitro cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. These discoveries emphasize the significant promise of this chemical class in the fight against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Freitas de Lima Hercos
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos (LaSFar), Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Clara Cassiano Martinho
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos (LaSFar), Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ Minas), Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Danilo Farago Nascimento
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos (LaSFar), Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Paula Derksen Macruz
- Laboratório de Biomoléculas e Espectrometria de Massas (LaBioMass), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR 807020-900, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Jorge Pilau
- Laboratório de Biomoléculas e Espectrometria de Massas (LaBioMass), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR 807020-900, Brazil
| | - Silvane Maria Fonseca Murta
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ Minas), Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Celso de Oliveira Rezende Júnior
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos (LaSFar), Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil.
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Fernández-Rubio C, Rubio-Hernández M, Alcolea V, Burguete-Mikeo A, Nguewa PA, Pérez-Silanes S. Promising aryl selenoate derivatives as antileishmanial agents and their effects on gene expression. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0155923. [PMID: 38497616 PMCID: PMC10994822 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01559-23] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis remains one of the main public health problems worldwide, with special incidence in the poorest populations. Selenium and its derivatives can be potent therapeutic options against protozoan parasites. In this work, 17 aryl selenoates were synthesized and screened against three species of Leishmania (Leishmania major, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania infantum). Initial screening in promastigotes showed L. infantum species was more sensitive to selenoderivatives than the others. The lead Se-(2-selenocyanatoethyl) thiophene-2-carboselenoate (16) showed a half-maximal effective concentration of 3.07 µM and a selectivity index > 32.57 against L. infantum promastigotes. It was also the most effective of all 17 compounds, decreasing the infection ratio by 90% in L. infantum-infected macrophages with amastigotes at 10 µM. This aryl selenoate did not produce a hemolytic effect on human red blood cells at the studied doses (10-100 µM). Furthermore, the gene expression of infected murine macrophages related to cell death, the cell cycle, and the selenoprotein synthesis pathway in amastigotes was altered, while no changes were observed in their murine homologs, supporting the specificity of Compound 16 against the parasite. Therefore, this work reveals the possible benefits of selenoate derivatives for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Fernández-Rubio
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Navarra, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rubio-Hernández
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Verónica Alcolea
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aroia Burguete-Mikeo
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Navarra, Spain
| | - Paul A. Nguewa
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Navarra, Spain
| | - Silvia Pérez-Silanes
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Pamplona, Spain
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3
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Albalawi AE, Shater AF, Alanazi AD, Almohammed HI. Unveiling of the antileishmanial activities of Linalool loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite through its potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107155. [PMID: 38373527 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107155] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to produce linalool loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite (LZNPs) and assess its in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial effects against Leishmania major. LZNPs was produced through the synthesis of an ethanolic solution containing polyvinyl alcohol. The average size of LZNPs was determined to be 105 nm. The findings indicated that LZNPs displayed significant (p < 0.01) antileishmanial effects on promastigotes and amastigotes. Following exposure of promastigotes to LZNPs, there was a notable rise in the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells from 9.0 to 57.2 %. The gene expression levels of iNOS, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in macrophages were upregulated in a dose-dependent approach following exposure to LZNPs. LZNPs alone and in conjunction with glucantime (Glu) resulted in a reduction in the diameter and parasite load of CL lesions in infected mice. Treatment of the CL-infected mice with LZNPs at 25 and 50 mg/kg mainly in combination with Glu-reduced the tissue level of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased both gene and protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes as well as raised the expression level of IFN-γ and IL-12 cytokines, whereas caused a significant reduction in the expression level of IL-4. The present study shows that LZNPs has potent antileishmanial effects and controls CL in a mice model through its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Further investigation, especially in clinical trials, could explore the potential use of this nanocomposite in managing and treating CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishah E Albalawi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47912, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Shater
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi 11911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan I Almohammed
- General Science Department, Deanship of Supportive Studies, Alasala University, P. O. Box 12666, Dammam 31483, Saudi Arabia.
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Kelly PA, McHugo GP, Scaife C, Peters S, Stevenson ML, McKay JS, MacHugh DE, Saez IL, Breathnach R. Unveiling the Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathways in Canine Demodicosis. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13033. [PMID: 38607285 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13033] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Canine demodicosis is a prevalent skin disease caused by overpopulation of a commensal species of Demodex mite, yet its precise cause remains unknown. Research suggests that T-cell exhaustion, increased immunosuppressive cytokines, induction of regulatory T cells and increased expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors may contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular changes occurring in canine demodicosis using mass spectrometry and pathway enrichment analysis. The results indicate that endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes canine demodicosis through regulation of three linked signalling pathways: eIF2, mTOR, and eIF4 and p70S6K. These pathways are involved in the modulation of Toll-like receptors, most notably TLR2, and have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of skin diseases in both dogs and humans. Moreover, these pathways are also implicated in the promotion of immunosuppressive M2 phenotype macrophages. Immunohistochemical analysis, utilising common markers of dendritic cells and macrophages, verified the presence of M2 macrophages in canine demodicosis. The proteomic analysis also identified immunological disease, organismal injury and abnormalities and inflammatory response as the most significant underlying diseases and disorders associated with canine demodicosis. This study demonstrates that Demodex mites, through ER stress, unfolded protein response and M2 macrophages contribute to an immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby assisting in their proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A Kelly
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Gillian P McHugo
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Scaife
- Proteomics Core, Mass Spectrometry Resource, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Susan Peters
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - M Lynn Stevenson
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Bearsden, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - David E MacHugh
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Irene Lara Saez
- UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Rory Breathnach
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland
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Benaim G, Paniz-Mondolfi A. Unmasking the Mechanism behind Miltefosine: Revealing the Disruption of Intracellular Ca 2+ Homeostasis as a Rational Therapeutic Target in Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:406. [PMID: 38672424 PMCID: PMC11047903 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040406] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally developed as a chemotherapeutic agent, miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine) is an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine synthesis with proven antiparasitic effects. It is the only oral drug approved for the treatment of Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). Although its precise mechanisms are not yet fully understood, miltefosine exhibits broad-spectrum anti-parasitic effects primarily by disrupting the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis of the parasites while sparing the human hosts. In addition to its inhibitory effects on phosphatidylcholine synthesis and cytochrome c oxidase, miltefosine has been found to affect the unique giant mitochondria and the acidocalcisomes of parasites. Both of these crucial organelles are involved in Ca2+ regulation. Furthermore, miltefosine has the ability to activate a specific parasite Ca2+ channel that responds to sphingosine, which is different to its L-type VGCC human ortholog. Here, we aimed to provide an overview of recent advancements of the anti-parasitic mechanisms of miltefosine. We also explored its multiple molecular targets and investigated how its pleiotropic effects translate into a rational therapeutic approach for patients afflicted by Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis. Notably, miltefosine's therapeutic effect extends beyond its impact on the parasite to also positively affect the host's immune system. These findings enhance our understanding on its multi-targeted mechanism of action. Overall, this review sheds light on the intricate molecular actions of miltefosine, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic option against these debilitating parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Benaim
- Unidad de Señalización Celular y Bioquímica de Parásitos, Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (IDEA), Caracas 1080, Venezuela
- Laboratorio de Biofísica, Instituto de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Division of Microbiology, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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Ewald S, Nasuhidehnavi A, Feng TY, Lesani M, McCall LI. The intersection of host in vivo metabolism and immune responses to infection with kinetoplastid and apicomplexan parasites. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0016422. [PMID: 38299836 PMCID: PMC10966954 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00164-22] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYProtozoan parasite infection dramatically alters host metabolism, driven by immunological demand and parasite manipulation strategies. Immunometabolic checkpoints are often exploited by kinetoplastid and protozoan parasites to establish chronic infection, which can significantly impair host metabolic homeostasis. The recent growth of tools to analyze metabolism is expanding our understanding of these questions. Here, we review and contrast host metabolic alterations that occur in vivo during infection with Leishmania, trypanosomes, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, and Cryptosporidium. Although genetically divergent, there are commonalities among these pathogens in terms of metabolic needs, induction of the type I immune responses required for clearance, and the potential for sustained host metabolic dysbiosis. Comparing these pathogens provides an opportunity to explore how transmission strategy, nutritional demand, and host cell and tissue tropism drive similarities and unique aspects in host response and infection outcome and to design new strategies to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Azadeh Nasuhidehnavi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tzu-Yu Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mahbobeh Lesani
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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Morsing NV, Andreasen CM, Rasmussen TA, Moll LT. Cutaneous leishmaniasis in a patient with psoriatic arthritis treated with tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor. Scand J Rheumatol 2024; 53:158-159. [PMID: 38275137 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2023.2295627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- N V Morsing
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital Gødstrup, Herning, Denmark
| | - C M Andreasen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital Gødstrup, Herning, Denmark
| | - T A Rasmussen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - L T Moll
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital Gødstrup, Herning, Denmark
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Carneiro FM, da Cruz AB, Maia MM, Taniwaki NN, Pereira IDS, Namiyama GM, Gava R, Hiramoto RM, Vicente B, Midlej V, Mariante RM, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Extracellular Vesicles from Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum Contribute in Stimulating Immune Response and Immunosuppression in Hosts with Visceral Leishmaniasis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:270. [PMID: 38399674 PMCID: PMC10892469 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020270] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic systemic disease. In Brazil this infection is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by Leishmania species have different functions like the modulation of host immune systems and inflammatory responses, among others. This study evaluated the participation of EVs from L. (L.) infantum (Leish-EVs) in recognition of the humoral and cellular immune response of hosts with VL. Promastigotes were cultivated in 199 medium and, in the log phase of growth, they were centrifuged, washed, resus-pended in RPMI medium, and incubated for 2 to 24 h, at 25 °C or 37 °C to release Leish-EVs. This dynamic was evaluated using transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopies, as well as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The results suggested that parasite penetration in mammal macrophages requires more Leish-EVs than those living in insect vectors, since promastigotes incubated at 37 °C released more Leish-EVs than those incubated at 25 °C. Infected THP-1 cells produced high EV concentration (THP-1 cells-EVs) when compared with those from the control group. The same results were obtained when THP-1 cells were treated with Leish-EVs or a crude Leishmania antigen. These data indicated that host-EV concentrations could be used to distinguish infected from uninfected hosts. THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs expressed more IL-12 than control THP-1 cells, but were unable to express IFN-γ. These same cells highly expressed IL-10, which inhibited TNF-α and IL-6. Equally, THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs up-expressed miR-21-5p and miR-146a-5p. In conclusion, THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs highly expressed miR-21-5p and miR-146a-5p and caused the dysregulation of IL-10. Indirectly, these results suggest that high expression of these miRNAs species is caused by Leish-EVs. Consequently, this molecular via can contribute to immunosuppression causing enhanced immunopathology in infected hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francieli Marinho Carneiro
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Allecineia Bispo da Cruz
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Marta Marques Maia
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Noemi Nosomi Taniwaki
- Núcleo de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (N.N.T.); (G.M.N.)
| | - Ingrid de Siqueira Pereira
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
- Núcleo de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (N.N.T.); (G.M.N.)
| | - Gislene Mitsue Namiyama
- Núcleo de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (N.N.T.); (G.M.N.)
| | - Ricardo Gava
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Roberto Mitsuyoshi Hiramoto
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Bruno Vicente
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (B.V.); (V.M.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Victor Midlej
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (B.V.); (V.M.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Rafael Meyer Mariante
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (B.V.); (V.M.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (F.M.C.); (A.B.d.C.); (M.M.M.); (I.d.S.P.); (R.G.); (R.M.H.)
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Muhammed Hassan G, Zuhair Ali H, Muhammed Hussein W. Evaluation of IL-8, nitric oxide and macrophage inhibitory factor as clinical circulatory markers in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, before and during sodium stibogluconate treatment. Cytokine 2024; 173:156450. [PMID: 37988922 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156450] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The clinical spectrum of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), an intracellular parasitic pathogen, ranges from a single sore healing to chronic crusty lesions with a manifestation of treatment resistance. The complicated interaction between Leishmania bodies and the early immune response, including innate and adaptive mechanisms, determines the evolution of nodules. This study examined the levels of the chemoattractant interleukin 8 (IL-8), pro-inflammatory nitric oxide (NO), and immunoregulatory macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF) in the serum of subjects recently diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis, in parallel with patients being monitored during consecutive sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam) treatment. A total of 161 serum samples of newly diagnosed individuals and patients undergoing pentostam injections were collected form an endemic area of Diyala, east central of Iraq. Sandwich ELISA was used to measure the level of IL-8, NO and MIF in the studied groups. Results of circulatory markers levels showed a considerable difference in all groups, with IL-8 being exceptionally higher in the first two groups of pretreated and dose-1 (191.5, 273.64) pg/ml respectively, while NO was found to be lower than in control subjects, particularly in the pretreated group (12.08 µmol/L) and MIF level was significantly higher in the pretreated group, which was (7.18 pg/ml). These findings can provide insights for distinction of disease phase and monitoring treatment efficacy along consecutive dosages, particularly in populations where CL is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghuffran Muhammed Hassan
- Deptartment of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Al-Jaderiya Campus, Baghdad 10071, Iraq
| | - Hayder Zuhair Ali
- Deptartment of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Al-Jaderiya Campus, Baghdad 10071, Iraq.
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Zauli RC, de Souza Perez IC, de Morais ACC, Ciaccio AC, Vidal AS, Soares RP, Torrecilhas AC, Batista WL, Xander P. Extracellular Vesicles Released by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis Promastigotes with Distinct Virulence Profile Differently Modulate the Macrophage Functions. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2973. [PMID: 38138117 PMCID: PMC10746037 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122973] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania spp. is the aetiologic agent of leishmaniasis, a disease endemic in several developing countries. The parasite expresses and secretes several virulence factors that subvert the macrophage function and immune response. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can carry molecules of the parasites that show immunomodulatory effects on macrophage activation and disease progression. In the present work, we detected a significantly higher expression of lpg3 and gp63 genes in Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes recovered after successive experimental infections (IVD-P) compared to those cultured for a long period (LT-P). In addition, we observed a significantly higher percentage of infection and internalized parasites in groups of macrophages infected with IVD-P. Macrophages previously treated with EVs from LT-P showed higher percentages of infection and production of inflammatory cytokines after the parasite challenge compared to the untreated ones. However, macrophages infected with parasites and treated with EVs did not reduce the parasite load. In addition, no synergistic effects were observed in the infected macrophages treated with EVs and reference drugs. In conclusion, parasites cultured for a long period in vitro and recovered from animals' infections, differently affected the macrophage response. Furthermore, EVs produced by these parasites affected the macrophage response in the early infection of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogéria Cristina Zauli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Biologia-Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil; (R.C.Z.)
| | - Isabelle Carlos de Souza Perez
- Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Correia Costa de Morais
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Biologia-Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil; (R.C.Z.)
| | - Ana Carolina Ciaccio
- Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrey Sladkevicius Vidal
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Biologia-Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil; (R.C.Z.)
| | - Rodrigo Pedro Soares
- Biotecnologia Aplicada a Patógenos (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte 30190-002, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil (W.L.B.)
| | - Wagner Luiz Batista
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil (W.L.B.)
| | - Patricia Xander
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Biologia-Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil; (R.C.Z.)
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 04021-001, SP, Brazil (W.L.B.)
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Unidade José Alencar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo campus Diadema, 4° andar, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Centro, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
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11
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Ivănescu L, Andronic BL, Grigore-Hristodorescu S, Martinescu GV, Mîndru R, Miron L. The immune response in canine and human leishmaniasis and how this influences the diagnosis- a review and assessment of recent research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1326521. [PMID: 38149009 PMCID: PMC10749942 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1326521] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a widespread but still underdiagnosed parasitic disease that affects both humans and animals. There are at least 20 pathogenic species of Leishmania, most of them being zoonotic. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis remains a major challenge, with an important role being played by the species of parasites involved, the genetic background, the immunocompetence of the host. This paper brings to the fore the sensitivity of the balance in canine and human leishmaniasis and addresses the importance of the host's immune response in establishing a correct diagnosis, especially in certain cases of asymptomatic leishmaniasis, or in the situation the host is immunosuppressed or acquired leishmaniasis through vertical transmission. The methods considered as a reference in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis no longer present certainty, the diagnosis being influenced mostly by the immune response of the host, which differs according to the presence of other associated diseases or even according to the breed in dogs. Consequently, the diagnosis and surveillance of leishmaniasis cases remains an open topic, requiring new diagnostic methods adapted to the immunological state of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ivănescu
- Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Bianca Lavinia Andronic
- Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iaşi, Romania
| | | | | | - Raluca Mîndru
- Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Liviu Miron
- Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iaşi, Romania
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12
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de Moraes LS, Galué-Parra AJ, Hage AAP, Moura HA, Garcia MSA, Macêdo CG, Rodrigues APD, Guilhon GMSP, da Silva EO. In Vitro Leishmanicidal Activity of Copaiba Oil and Kojic Acid Combination on the Protozoan Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Host Cell. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2925. [PMID: 38138069 PMCID: PMC10745933 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122925] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Leishmaniasis refers to a group of anthropozoonotic diseases caused by Leishmania. The major chemotherapeutic agent used for its treatment is Glucantime®®, but the search continues for new compounds that are economically viable and act on the protozoan without causing damage to the host cell. As an alternative approach, this study used a combination of copaiba oil (CO) and kojic acid (KA) to determine their in vitro action on host cells, on the Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis protozoan and its interaction with macrophages. (2) Methods: In vitro culture, analysis of cytokine release and microscopy assays were performed. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA (GraphPad Prism). (3) Results: The combination did not induce cytotoxic effects on macrophages after treatment but promoted morphological changes in the protozoan, such as nuclear alterations (apoptotic characteristics), alterations in the cellular body and an increase in the number of electrodense structures and acidocalcisomes, observed mainly at the concentrations of CO20KA50 and CO30KA50 μg/mL. We observed reductions in the intracellular amastigote number and in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, after treatment with CO30KA at 50 µg/mL. (4) Conclusions: We report here, for the first time, that the combination of CO and KA may be a promising approach against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lienne Silveira de Moraes
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Post Graduation Program, Health and Biological Sciences Department, Federal University of Amapa (UNIFAP), Macapa 68903-419, AP, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.J.G.-P.); (A.A.P.H.); (H.A.M.); (M.S.A.G.); (C.G.M.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Adan Jesús Galué-Parra
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.J.G.-P.); (A.A.P.H.); (H.A.M.); (M.S.A.G.); (C.G.M.)
| | - Amanda Anastácia Pinto Hage
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.J.G.-P.); (A.A.P.H.); (H.A.M.); (M.S.A.G.); (C.G.M.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Hévila Aragão Moura
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.J.G.-P.); (A.A.P.H.); (H.A.M.); (M.S.A.G.); (C.G.M.)
| | - Marcus Savio Araujo Garcia
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.J.G.-P.); (A.A.P.H.); (H.A.M.); (M.S.A.G.); (C.G.M.)
| | - Caroline Gomes Macêdo
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.J.G.-P.); (A.A.P.H.); (H.A.M.); (M.S.A.G.); (C.G.M.)
| | - Ana Paula Drummond Rodrigues
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Evandro Chagas’s Institute, Department of Health Surveillance, Ministry of Health, Belém 70723-040, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Edilene Oliveira da Silva
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (A.J.G.-P.); (A.A.P.H.); (H.A.M.); (M.S.A.G.); (C.G.M.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
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13
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Divenuto F, Marascio N, Quirino A, Giancotti A, Filice S, Gigliotti S, Campolo MP, Campolo M, Barreca GS, Lamberti AG, Castelli G, Bruno F, Matera G. Cellular mediators in human leishmaniasis: Critical determinants in parasite killing or disease progression. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107037. [PMID: 37805040 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107037] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Data on cellular immunity mediators in the early phase of human leishmaniasis are still limited and controversial. In order to mimic the changes of humoral mediators during the early phase of human natural infection, some Th1, Th2, Treg, and Breg cytokines, MCP-1, and the nitric oxide (NO) from human PBMC, stimulated by Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major, Leishmania donovani and Leishmania tropica infective metacyclic promastigotes, were determined. After 4 h of L. major, L. donovani, and L. tropica challenge, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 levels were significantly higher than negative control cultures with saline (SF) instead of Leishmania promastigotes, unlike L. infantum-stimulated TNFα and L. major-stimulated IL-1β. We obtained higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines after stimulation of human PBMCs by L. infantum and L. donovani, compared to those observed after the challenge of PBMCs by L. major and L. tropica. Regarding IL-35, such cytokine levels were significantly increased following infection with L. infantum and L. donovani, in contrast to L. major and L. tropica. Up to our knowledge, we are the first to study the effect of four different species of Leishmania on IL-35 levels in human cells. Our study highlights how several Leishmania species can up-regulate different groups of cytokines (Th1, Th2, Treg and Breg) and modulate NO release in a different way. This original aspect can be explained by different Leishmania cell products, such as LPG, obtained from different strains/species of live parasites. Our findings would contribute to the development of new therapeutics or vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Divenuto
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - N Marascio
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A Quirino
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - A Giancotti
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S Filice
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S Gigliotti
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M P Campolo
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M Campolo
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - G S Barreca
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A G Lamberti
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - G Castelli
- National Reference Center for Leishmaniasis (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - F Bruno
- National Reference Center for Leishmaniasis (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - G Matera
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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14
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Naouar I, Kammoun Rebai W, Ben Salah A, Bouguerra H, Toumi A, Hamida NB, Louzir H, Meddeb-Garnaoui A. A Prospective cohort study of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in tunisia: Clinical and Immunological features and immune correlates of protection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011784. [PMID: 38064516 PMCID: PMC10732404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011784] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to define immunological markers of exposure to L. major parasites and identify correlates of protection against infection. METHODS We analyzed a cohort of 790 individuals at risk of developing ZCL living in endemic areas with varying L. major infection prevalence. One area had a high infection prevalence indicated by high proportions of leishmanin skin test (LST) positive subjects, while the other areas were recent foci with lower infection prevalence. Blood samples were collected before the transmission season to measure Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), and Granzyme B (GrB) levels in response to parasite stimulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A one-year follow-up period involved active detection of new ZCL cases to estimate disease incidence after a transmission season and identify immune correlates of protection. RESULTS The study population showed heterogeneity in parasite contact, evident from specific scars and/or positive LST results, significantly higher in the old focus compared to recent foci. IFN-γ and GrB were markers of parasite exposure and reliable indicators of immunity to L. major. Positive correlations were observed between IFN-γ/IL-10 and GrB/IL-10 ratios and LST results. Unexpectedly, only 29 new ZCL cases (4%) appeared after a transmission season, with 27 cases reported in recent foci and 2 in the oldest focus. Our findings indicate that individuals in L. major endemic areas are likely to develop ZCL regardless of their LST status. We showed that high pre-transmission season levels of IFN-γ and GrB produced by PBMC, along with a high IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, were associated with protection. CONCLUSION This study on a large cohort at risk of ZCL confirmed IFN-γ and GrB as protective factors against the disease. A high IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, but not GrB/IL-10 ratio was associated with resistance. These results are valuable for developing and evaluating of a vaccine against human leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikbel Naouar
- Laboratory of Transmission Control and Immunobiology of Infection, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wafa Kammoun Rebai
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology and Biomolecular, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Afif Ben Salah
- Laboratory of Transmission Control and Immunobiology of Infection, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Hind Bouguerra
- National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amine Toumi
- Health Information and Intelligence Section, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nabil Belhadj Hamida
- Laboratory of Transmission Control and Immunobiology of Infection, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hechmi Louzir
- Laboratory of Transmission Control and Immunobiology of Infection, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Meddeb-Garnaoui
- Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology and Biomolecular, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
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15
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Chauhan R, Tiwari M, Chaudhary A, Sharan Thakur R, Pande V, Das J. Chemokines: A key driver for inflammation in protozoan infection. Int Rev Immunol 2023; 43:211-228. [PMID: 37980574 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2023.2281566] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines belong to the group of small proteins within the cytokine family having strong chemo-attractant properties. In most cases, the strong immuno-modulatory role of chemokines is crucial for generating the immune response against pathogens in various protozoan diseases. In this review, we have given a brief update on the classification, characterization, homeostasis, transcellular migration, and immuno-modulatory role of chemokines. Here we will evaluate the potential role of chemokines and their regulation in various protozoan diseases. There is a significant direct relationship between parasitic infection and the recruitment of effector cells of the immune response. Chemokines play an indispensable role in mediating several defense mechanisms against infection, such as leukocyte recruitment and the generation of innate and cell-mediated immunity that aids in controlling/eliminating the pathogen. This process is controlled by the chemotactic movement of chemokines induced as a primary host immune response. We have also addressed that chemokine expressions during infection are time-dependent and orchestrated in a systematic pattern that ultimately assists in generating a protective immune response. Taken together, this review provides a systematic understanding of the complexity of chemokines profiles during protozoan disease conditions and the rationale of targeting chemokines for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubika Chauhan
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Mrinalini Tiwari
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Amrendra Chaudhary
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Reva Sharan Thakur
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Biotechnology Department, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Jyoti Das
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
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16
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Sengupta R, Roy M, Dey NS, Kaye PM, Chatterjee M. Immune dysregulation and inflammation causing hypopigmentation in post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: partners in crime? Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:822-836. [PMID: 37586987 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.07.005] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), a heterogeneous dermal sequela of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is challenging in terms of its etiopathogenesis. Hypopigmentation is a consistent clinical feature in PKDL, but mechanisms contributing to the loss of melanocytes remains poorly defined. Like other hypopigmentary dermatoses - for example, vitiligo, psoriasis, and leprosy - the destruction of melanocytes is likely a multifactorial phenomenon, key players being immune dysregulation and inflammation. This review focuses on immunological mechanisms responsible for the 'murder' of melanocytes, prime suspects at the lesional sites being CD8+ T cells and keratinocytes and their criminal tools being proinflammatory cytokines, for example, IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α. Collectively, these may cause decreased secretion of melanocyte growth factors, loss/attenuation of cell adhesion molecules and inflammasome activation, culminating in melanocyte death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Sengupta
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, 244B AJC Bose Road, Kolkata 700020, India
| | - Madhurima Roy
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, 244B AJC Bose Road, Kolkata 700020, India
| | - Nidhi S Dey
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Paul M Kaye
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, 244B AJC Bose Road, Kolkata 700020, India.
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17
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Dos Santos ALS. Tropical Infectious Diseases of Global Significance: Insights and Perspectives. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:462. [PMID: 37888590 PMCID: PMC10611159 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are indeed a group of illnesses (Table 1) affecting hundreds of millions of individuals living in tropical and sub-tropical geographical regions of the globe, particularly in socioeconomic vulnerability areas where access to adequate sanitation, a clean water supply, and healthcare is limited [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
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18
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Pabon-Rodriguez FM, Brown GD, Scorza BM, Petersen CA. Within-Host Bayesian Joint Modeling of Longitudinal and Time-to-Event Data of Leishmania Infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.11.557114. [PMID: 37745423 PMCID: PMC10515798 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.11.557114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The host immune system plays a significant role in managing and clearing pathogen material during an infection, but this complex process presents numerous challenges from a modeling perspective. There are many mathematical and statistical models for these kinds of processes that take into account a wide range of events that happen within the host. In this work, we present a Bayesian joint model of longitudinal and time-to-event data of Leishmania infection that considers the interplay between key drivers of the disease process: pathogen load, antibody level, and disease. The longitudinal model also considers approximate inflammatory and regulatory immune factors. In addition to measuring antibody levels produced by the immune system, we adapt data from CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation, and expression of interleukin 10, interferon-gamma, and programmed cell death 1 as inflammatory or regulatory factors mediating the disease process. The model is developed using data collected from a cohort of dogs naturally exposed to Leishmania infantum. The cohort was chosen to start with healthy infected animals, and this is the majority of the data. The model also characterizes the relationship features of the longitudinal outcomes and time of death due to progressive Leishmania infection. In addition to describing the mechanisms causing disease progression and impacting the risk of death, we also present the model's ability to predict individual trajectories of Canine Leishmaniosis (CanL) progression. The within-host model structure we present here provides a way forward to address vital research questions regarding the understanding progression of complex chronic diseases such as Visceral Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease causing significant morbidity worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix M. Pabon-Rodriguez
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Grant D. Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Breanna M. Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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19
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Tiberti N, Longoni SS, Combes V, Piubelli C. Host-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Blood and Tissue Human Protozoan Infections. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2318. [PMID: 37764162 PMCID: PMC10536481 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092318] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood and tissue protozoan infections are responsible for an enormous burden in tropical and subtropical regions, even though they can also affect people living in high-income countries, mainly as a consequence of migration and travel. These pathologies are responsible for heavy socio-economic issues in endemic countries, where the lack of proper therapeutic interventions and effective vaccine strategies is still hampering their control. Moreover, the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the establishment, progression and outcome of these infectious diseases are yet to be fully described. Among all the players, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have raised significant interest during the last decades due to their capacity to modulate inter-parasite and host-parasite interactions. In the present manuscript, we will review the state of the art of circulating host-derived EVs in clinical samples or in experimental models of human blood and tissue protozoan diseases (i.e., malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis and toxoplasmosis) to gain novel insights into the mechanisms of pathology underlying these conditions and to identify novel potential diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Tiberti
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy; (S.S.L.); (C.P.)
| | - Silvia Stefania Longoni
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy; (S.S.L.); (C.P.)
| | - Valéry Combes
- Microvesicles and Malaria Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy; (S.S.L.); (C.P.)
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20
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Liao X, He J, Wang R, Zhang J, Wei S, Xiao Y, Zhou Q, Zheng X, Zhu Z, Zheng Z, Li J, Zeng Z, Chen D, Chen J. TLR-2 agonist Pam3CSK4 has no therapeutic effect on visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice and may enhance the pathogenesis of the disease. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152725. [PMID: 37562277 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Most of the existing Leishmania-related research about TLR-2 agonists was focusing on their role as adjuvants in the vaccine, few studied its therapeutic effect. This paper aims to explore the therapeutic effect of TLR-2 agonist Pam3CSK4 on Leishmania-infected mice and the underlying immune molecular mechanisms. In L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice, one group was treated with Pam3CSK4 after infection and the other group was not treated. Normal uninfected mice treated with Pam3CSK4 or untreated were used as controls. Parasite load, hepatic pathology and serum antibodies were detected to assess the severity of the infection. The expression of immune-related genes, spleen lymphocyte subsets and liver RNA-seq were employed to reveal possible molecular mechanisms. The results showed that the liver and spleen parasite load of infected mice in Pam3CSK4 treated and untreated groups had no statistical difference, indicating Pam3CSK4 might have no therapeutic effect on visceral leishmaniasis. Infected mice treated with Pam3CSK4 possessed more hepatic inflammation focus, lower IgG and IgG2a antibody titers, and a lower proportion of spleen CD3+CD4+ T cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Th1/Th2 differentiation, NK cells, Th17 cell, complement system and calcium signaling pathways were down-regulated post-treatment of Pam3CSK4. In this study, TLR-2 agonist Pam3CSK4 showed no therapeutic effect on visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice and might enhance the pathogenesis of the disease possibly due to the down-regulation of several immune-related pathways, which can improve our understanding of the role of TLR-2 in both treatment and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechun Liao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlei He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruanyan Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianhui Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shulan Wei
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuying Xiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwan Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Sichuan-Chongqing jointly-established Research Platform of Zoonosis, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Sichuan-Chongqing jointly-established Research Platform of Zoonosis, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Sichuan-Chongqing jointly-established Research Platform of Zoonosis, Chengdu, China; Chong Qing Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Dali Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Sichuan-Chongqing jointly-established Research Platform of Zoonosis, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Sichuan-Chongqing jointly-established Research Platform of Zoonosis, Chengdu, China.
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21
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Almeida FS, Vanderley SER, Comberlang FC, Andrade AGD, Cavalcante-Silva LHA, Silva EDS, Palmeira PHDS, Amaral IPGD, Keesen TSL. Leishmaniasis: Immune Cells Crosstalk in Macrophage Polarization. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050276. [PMID: 37235324 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a complex infectious parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, belonging to a group of neglected tropical diseases. It establishes significant global health challenges, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged regions. Macrophages, as innate immune cells, play a crucial role in initiating the inflammatory response against the pathogens responsible for this disease. Macrophage polarization, the process of differentiating macrophages into pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes, is essential for the immune response in leishmaniasis. The M1 phenotype is associated with resistance to Leishmania infection, while the M2 phenotype is predominant in susceptible environments. Notably, various immune cells, including T cells, play a significant role in modulating macrophage polarization by releasing cytokines that influence macrophage maturation and function. Furthermore, other immune cells can also impact macrophage polarization in a T-cell-independent manner. Therefore, this review comprehensively examines macrophage polarization's role in leishmaniasis and other immune cells' potential involvement in this intricate process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Silva Almeida
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Shayenne Eduarda Ramos Vanderley
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Fernando Cézar Comberlang
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Arthur Gomes de Andrade
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Agra Cavalcante-Silva
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Edson Dos Santos Silva
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique de Sousa Palmeira
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Ian P G do Amaral
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Tatjana S L Keesen
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
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22
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Moreira POL, Nogueira PM, Monte-Neto RL. Next-Generation Leishmanization: Revisiting Molecular Targets for Selecting Genetically Engineered Live-Attenuated Leishmania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041043. [PMID: 37110466 PMCID: PMC10145799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041043] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research devoted to finding a vaccine against leishmaniasis, we are still lacking a safe and effective vaccine for humans. Given this scenario, the search for a new prophylaxis alternative for controlling leishmaniasis should be a global priority. Inspired by leishmanization-a first generation vaccine strategy where live L. major parasites are inoculated in the skin to protect against reinfection-live-attenuated Leishmania vaccine candidates are promising alternatives due to their robust elicited protective immune response. In addition, they do not cause disease and could provide long-term protection upon challenge with a virulent strain. The discovery of a precise and easy way to perform CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing allowed the selection of safer null mutant live-attenuated Leishmania parasites obtained by gene disruption. Here, we revisited molecular targets associated with the selection of live-attenuated vaccinal strains, discussing their function, their limiting factors and the ideal candidate for the next generation of genetically engineered live-attenuated Leishmania vaccines to control leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo O L Moreira
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Paula M Nogueira
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Rubens L Monte-Neto
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
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23
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Divenuto F, Pavia G, Marascio N, Barreca GS, Quirino A, Matera G. Role of Treg, Breg and other cytokine sets in host protection and immunopathology during human leishmaniasis: Are they potential valuable markers in clinical settings and vaccine evaluation? Acta Trop 2023; 240:106849. [PMID: 36731621 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106849] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that can infect humans and other mammals. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are important regulators of innate and specific responses in Leishmania infection. Resistance to leishmaniasis is related to T helper 1 (Th1) response with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-12, IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 leading to activation of macrophages and parasite killing. Instead, a more intense Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), Treg (IL-10 and TGF-β) and Breg response (IL-10 and IL-35) are related to parasite persistence through the inhibition of macrophage activation, which promotes the escape from host immune system. Interestingly, a cytokine involved in the parasite killing in one form of leishmaniasis may be "pathogen friendly" in another form of the disease. To date, few studies are focusing on the role of Treg and Breg cytokines in human models of leishmaniasis; therefore, further investigations are needed to clarify their potential role in the diagnosis and prognosis of such protozoan infections, as well as in the development of vaccines against leishmaniasis. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of cytokines produced by Th1, Th2, Treg, and Breg cells involved in Leishmania disease progression and host protection. Some cytokines might play a role as diagnostic and prognostic clinical markers, or they could represent a novel approach leading to new anti-leishmaniasis therapies. Overall, advances in knowledge of the complex network of cytokines secreted by immune cells could help to better understand signaling pathways and host immune responses during Leishmania infection. This approach would allow these mediators to be used as therapeutic strategies against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Divenuto
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Grazia Pavia
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nadia Marascio
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Angela Quirino
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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24
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Recent Advances in the Development of Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccines for Parasitic Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030334. [PMID: 36986434 PMCID: PMC10058461 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines against parasites have lagged centuries behind those against viral and bacterial infections, despite the devastating morbidity and widespread effects of parasitic diseases across the globe. One of the greatest hurdles to parasite vaccine development has been the lack of vaccine strategies able to elicit the complex and multifaceted immune responses needed to abrogate parasitic persistence. Viral vectors, especially adenovirus (AdV) vectors, have emerged as a potential solution for complex disease targets, including HIV, tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases, to name a few. AdVs are highly immunogenic and are uniquely able to drive CD8+ T cell responses, which are known to be correlates of immunity in infections with most protozoan and some helminthic parasites. This review presents recent developments in AdV-vectored vaccines targeting five major human parasitic diseases: malaria, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis. Many AdV-vectored vaccines have been developed for these diseases, utilizing a wide variety of vectors, antigens, and modes of delivery. AdV-vectored vaccines are a promising approach for the historically challenging target of human parasitic diseases.
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25
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Sengupta R, Mitra S, Dighal A, Moulik S, Chaudhuri SJ, Das NK, Chatterjee U, Chatterjee M. Does immune dysregulation contribute towards development of hypopigmentation in Indian post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis? Exp Dermatol 2023. [PMID: 36760064 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14760] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), a sequel of apparently cured visceral leishmaniasis (VL) presents with papulonodular (polymorphic) or hypopigmented lesions (macular) and is the proposed disease reservoir. As hypopigmentation appears consistently in PKDL, especially the macular form, this study aimed to delineate immune factors that singly or in combination could contribute towards this hypopigmentation. At lesional sites, the presence of melanocytes and CD8+ T-cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression of melanogenic markers (tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 and MITF) by droplet digital PCR, while plasma levels of cytokines and chemokines were measured by a multiplex assay. In comparison with skin from healthy individuals, macular PKDL demonstrated a near total absence of Melan-A+ cells at dermal sites, while the polymorphic cases demonstrated a 3.2-fold decrease, along with a dramatic reduction in the expression of key enzymes related to the melanogenesis signalling pathway in both forms. The levels of circulating IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ-inducible chemokines (CXCL9/10/11) were elevated and was accompanied by an increased lesional infiltration of CD8+ T-cells. The proportion of CD8+ T-cells correlated strongly with plasma levels of IFN-γ (r = 0.8), IL-6 (r = 0.9, p < 0.05), IL-2 (r = 0.7), TNF-α (r = 0.9, p < 0.05) and IL-1β (r = 0.7), as also with CXCL9 (r = 0.5) and CXCL10 (r = 0.6). Taken together, the absence/reduction in Melan-A suggested hypopigmentation in PKDL was associated with the destruction of melanocytes, following the impairment of the melanogenesis pathway. Furthermore, the presence of CD8+ T-cells and an enhanced IFN-γ-associated immune milieu suggested the generation of a pro-inflammatory landscape that facilitated melanocyte dysfunction/destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Sengupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Sneha Mitra
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Aishwarya Dighal
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Srija Moulik
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Nilay Kanti Das
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Uttara Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
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26
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Amni F, Maleki-Ravasan N, Nateghi-Rostami M, Hadighi R, Karimian F, Meamar AR, Badirzadeh A, Parvizi P. Co-infection of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) gut bacteria with Leishmania major exacerbates the pathological responses of BALB/c mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1115542. [PMID: 36779192 PMCID: PMC9909354 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1115542] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical features and severity of the leishmaniasis is extremely intricate and depend on several factors, especially sand fly-derived products. Bacteria in the sand fly's gut are a perpetual companion of Leishmania parasites. However, consequences of the concomitance of these bacteria and Leishmania parasite outside the midgut environment have not been investigated in the infection process. Herein, a needle infection model was designed to mimic transmission by sand flies, to examine differences in the onset and progression of L. major infection initiated by inoculation with "low" or "high" doses of Enterobacter cloacae and Bacillus subtilis bacteria. The results showed an alteration in the local expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in mice receiving different inoculations of bacteria. Simultaneous injection of two bacteria with Leishmania parasites in the low-dose group caused greater thickness of ear pinna and enhanced tissue chronic inflammatory cells, as well as resulted in multifold increase in the expression of IL-4 and IL-1β and a decrease in the iNOS expression, without changing the L. major burden. Despite advances in scientific breakthroughs, scant survey has investigated the interaction between micro and macro levels of organization of leishmaniasis that ranges from the cellular to macro ecosystem levels, giving rise to the spread and persistence of the disease in a region. Our findings provide new insight into using the potential of the vector-derived microbiota in modulating the vertebrate immune system for the benefit of the host or recommend the use of appropriate antibiotics along with antileishmanial medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Amni
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naseh Maleki-Ravasan
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Naseh Maleki-Ravasan, ; Mahmoud Nateghi-Rostami, ; Ramtin Hadighi, ; Parviz Parvizi,
| | - Mahmoud Nateghi-Rostami
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Naseh Maleki-Ravasan, ; Mahmoud Nateghi-Rostami, ; Ramtin Hadighi, ; Parviz Parvizi,
| | - Ramtin Hadighi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Naseh Maleki-Ravasan, ; Mahmoud Nateghi-Rostami, ; Ramtin Hadighi, ; Parviz Parvizi,
| | - Fateh Karimian
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Meamar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Badirzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Parvizi
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Naseh Maleki-Ravasan, ; Mahmoud Nateghi-Rostami, ; Ramtin Hadighi, ; Parviz Parvizi,
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Saraei S, Soozangar N, Miran M, Ghaffarifar F, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Molaei S, Asfaram S. In vitro Evaluation of the Potent Antileishmanial Activity of Ferula tabasensis Alone or in Combination with Shark Cartilage Extract Against the Standard Iranian Strain of Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER). IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2023; 22:e136173. [PMID: 38116562 PMCID: PMC10728847 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-136173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background The available drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis are highly toxic and extremely expensive, with low efficiency; therefore, the development of effective therapeutic compounds is essential. Objectives The present study aimed to explore the antileishmanial effects of ethyl acetate extract, methanol extract, and fractions 1-4 (F1-F4) of Ferula tabasensis, alone or in combination with shark cartilage extract (ShCE), on L. major in vitro. Methods In this study, ethyl acetate, methanol, and n-hexane extracts were extracted from the aerial roots of F. tabasensis by the maceration method. The silica gel column chromatography was used to separate n-hexane extracts at varying polarities (F1-F4 fractions). Subsequently, the effects of extracts and fractions against promastigotes were assessed by the parasite counting method microscopic inhibition test and MTT assay. Besides, their effects on the infected macrophage cells and the number of amastigotes were investigated. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in non-infected J774A.1 macrophage cells. Finally, apoptosis induction of promastigotes, including infected and non-infected macrophages, was evaluated. Results The results indicated the highly potent activity of F. tabasensis extracts and F1-F4 fractions, alone or in combination with ShCE, against L. major promastigotes and amastigotes in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The F1 fraction and methanol extract showed markedly higher toxicity compared to the other extracts and fractions, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50/72h) of 2.4 ± 0.29 and 2.9 ± 0.55 µg/mL against promastigotes and 1.79 ± 0.27 µg/mL and 1.39 ± 0.27 µg/mL against amastigotes (P < 0.001). Moreover, they had a high selectivity index (SI) due to the low toxicity of macrophages (P < 0.0001). The results of flow cytometry indicated that the percentages of apoptotic promastigote cells in contact with IC50 concentrations of F1 and methanol extract alone after 72 h were 43.83 and 43.93%, as well as 78.4%, and 65.45% for their combination with ShCE, respectively.Also, apoptosis of infected macrophages induced by F1 and methanol extracts was estimated at 68.5% and 83.7%, respectively. Conclusions In this study, the F1 fraction and methanol extract of F. tabasensis showed potent efficacy against L. major, associated with low toxicity and apoptosis induction. Therefore, they can be promising therapeutic candidates in future animal and even human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaylin Saraei
- Students Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Narges Soozangar
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Mansour Miran
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Soheila Molaei
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Shabnam Asfaram
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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Cytokine and phenotypic cell profiles in human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0270722. [PMID: 36602989 PMCID: PMC9815652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The innate immune mediators are likely to influence the clinical phenotype of leishmaniasis by primary responses which limit or facilitate the spread of the parasite, as well as by modulating adaptive immunity. This study investigated the response of key innate immune cells in a focus which regularly reports localised cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) caused by Leishmania donovani, a species which typically causes visceral disease. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) derived macrophages and dendritic cells from patients with LCL and healthy controls from endemic and non-endemic areas, were stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA). Inflammatory mediators produced by macrophages (TNF-α/TGF-β/IL-10, ELISA; NO, Griess method) and dendritic cells (IL-12p70, IL-10, flowcytometry) and macrophage expression of surface markers of polarization, activation and maturation (flowcytometry) were determined at 24h, 48h and 72h and compared. Study was conducted prospectively from 2015-2019. RESULTS Patient derived macrophages and dendritic cells produced higher levels of both pro and anti-inflammatory mediators compared to controls (p<0.05) with the best discrimination for active disease observed at 72h. Data demonstrated an early activation of macrophages and a subsequent pro-inflammatory bias, as indicated by temporal profiles of TNF-α/TGF-β and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios and higher proportions of classical (M1) macrophages. Higher TGF-β levels were observed in cells from patients with ulcerated or persistent lesions. Immune responses by cells derived from controls in endemic and non-endemic regions did not differ significantly from each other. CONCLUSIONS The overall immunophenotypic profile suggests that LCL observed in the country is the result of a balancing immune response between pro-inflammatory and regulatory mediators. The mediators which showed distinct profiles in patients warrant further investigation as potential candidates for immunotherapeutic approaches. A comparison with visceral leishmaniasis caused by the same species, would provide further evidence on the differential role of these mediators in the resulting clinical phenotype.
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29
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El-Dirany R, Fernández-Rubio C, Peña-Guerrero J, Moreno E, Larrea E, Espuelas S, Abdel-Sater F, Brandenburg K, Martínez-de-Tejada G, Nguewa P. Repurposing the Antibacterial Agents Peptide 19-4LF and Peptide 19-2.5 for Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112528. [PMID: 36432719 PMCID: PMC9697117 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112528] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of safe and cost-effective treatments against leishmaniasis highlights the urgent need to develop improved leishmanicidal agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an emerging category of therapeutics exerting a wide range of biological activities such as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-tumoral. In the present study, the approach of repurposing AMPs as antileishmanial drugs was applied. The leishmanicidal activity of two synthetic anti-lipopolysaccharide peptides (SALPs), so-called 19-2.5 and 19-4LF was characterized in Leishmania major. In vitro, both peptides were highly active against intracellular Leishmania major in mouse macrophages without exerting toxicity in host cells. Then, q-PCR-based gene profiling, revealed that this activity was related to the downregulation of several genes involved in drug resistance (yip1), virulence (gp63) and parasite proliferation (Cyclin 1 and Cyclin 6). Importantly, the treatment of BALB/c mice with any of the two AMPs caused a significant reduction in L. major infective burden. This effect was associated with an increase in Th1 cytokine levels (IL-12p35, TNF-α, and iNOS) in the skin lesion and spleen of the L. major infected mice while the Th2-associated genes were downregulated (IL-4 and IL-6). Lastly, we investigated the effect of both peptides in the gene expression profile of the P2X7 purinergic receptor, which has been reported as a therapeutic target in several diseases. The results showed significant repression of P2X7R by both peptides in the skin lesion of L. major infected mice to an extent comparable to that of a common anti-leishmanial drug, Paromomycin. Our in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the synthetic AMPs 19-2.5 and 19-4LF are promising candidates for leishmaniasis treatment and present P2X7R as a potential therapeutic target in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima El-Dirany
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath 1003, Lebanon
| | - Celia Fernández-Rubio
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - José Peña-Guerrero
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Esther Moreno
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Esther Larrea
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Socorro Espuelas
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Fadi Abdel-Sater
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath 1003, Lebanon
| | - Klaus Brandenburg
- Brandenburg Antiinfektiva GmbH, c/o Forschungszentrum Borstel, Leibniz Lungenzentrum, 23845 Borstel, Germany
| | - Guillermo Martínez-de-Tejada
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Paul Nguewa
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Hemogram Findings in Cats from an Area Endemic for Leishmania infantum and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infections. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090508. [PMID: 36136724 PMCID: PMC9504703 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Some cats positive for Leishmania infantum (Li) show clinical signs and clinicopathological changes, including hemogram abnormalities. However, co-infections or co-morbidities are often detected in cats with leishmaniosis, and they can have a role in the clinical abnormalities observed. In feline Leishmania infantum infections and in clinical cases of feline leishmaniosis, a significant association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been detected, but the role of this co-infection is controversial. The aims of this study were to retrospectively evaluate hemogram changes in cats from areas endemic for Leishmania infantum and feline immunodeficiency virus infections (Sicily and Calabria regions, Southern Italy) and to analyze the role of both pathogens in the abnormalities detected. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 496 cats. Hematological changes in cats positive for Leishmania infantum were found, particularly abnormalities compatible with chronic inflammation including moderate anemia, monocytosis, and morphologically activated monocytes. Moreover, some abnormalities, such as thrombocytosis, seem to arise when cats are co-infected with FIV. Feline leishmaniosis should be considered when some hemogram abnormalities compatible with chronic inflammation are detected. Abstract In feline Leishmania infantum (Li) infection and in clinical cases of feline leishmaniosis, co-infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been reported. However, the role of the retroviral co-infection in the impairment of feline clinical health is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate hemogram changes in cats from regions endemic for both Li and FIV infection. Four hundred and ninety-six cats tested for Li (EDTA blood polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence antibody test) and for FIV infection (enzyme-linked immune assay) were retrospectively evaluated. Hemogram results including blood smear morphological evaluation were statistically compared considering four infection patterns: Li+FIV+, Li+FIV−, Li−FIV+, and Li−FIV−. Significantly lower values of erythrocytes (Li+FIV−: p = 0.0248; Li−FIV+: p = 0.0392) and hemoglobin (Li+FIV: p = 0.0086; Li−FIV+: p = 0.0249) were found in both infections when compared to Li−FIV− cats, and severity of anemia was more frequently moderate in Li-positive cats (p = 0.0206) and severe in FIV infection (p = 0.024). Li infection was associated with monocytosis (p = 0.0013) and morphologically activated monocytes (p = 0.0209). Moreover, FIV infection was associated with the presence of inflammatory leukogram (p = 0.023), and an association between thrombocytosis and the co-infection was found (p = 0.0347). Li infection in cats induces hematological changes compatible with chronic inflammation, some of which are due to co-infection with FIV.
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Mazire PH, Saha B, Roy A. Immunotherapy for visceral leishmaniasis: A trapeze of balancing counteractive forces. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108969. [PMID: 35738089 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani, residing and replicating within the cells of the monocyte-macrophage (mono-mac) lineage, causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in humans. While, Leishmania infantum, is the main causative agent for zoonotic VL, where dogs are the main reservoirs of the disease. The chemotherapy is a serious problem because of restricted repertoire of drugs, drug-resistant parasites, drug-toxicity and the requirement for parenteral administration, which is a problem in resource-starved countries. Moreover, immunocompromised individuals, particularly HIV-1 infected are at higher risk of VL due to impairment in T-helper cell and regulatory cell responses. Furthermore, HIV-VL co-infected patients report poor response to conventional chemotherapy. Recent efforts are therefore directed towards devising both prophylactic and therapeutic immunomodulation. As far as prophylaxis is concerned, although canine vaccines for the disease caused by Leishmania infantum or Leishmania chagasi are available, no vaccine is available for use in humans till date. Therefore, anti-leishmanial immunotherapy triggering or manipulating the host's immune response is gaining momentum during the last two decades. Immunomodulators comprised of small molecules, anti-leishmanial peptides, complex ligands for host receptors, cytokines or their agonists and antibodies have been given trials both in experimental models and in humans. However, the success of immunotherapy in humans remains a far-off target. We, therefore, propose that devising a successful immunotherapy is an act of balancing enhanced beneficial Leishmania-specific responses and deleterious immune activation/hyperinflammation just as the swings in a trapeze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka H Mazire
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411007, India
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411007, India
| | - Amit Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411007, India.
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