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Stark KA, Rinaldi G, Costain A, Clare S, Tolley C, Almeida A, McCarthy C, Harcourt K, Brandt C, Lawley TD, Berriman M, MacDonald AS, Forde-Thomas JE, Hulme BJ, Hoffmann KF, Cantacessi C, Cortés A. Gut microbiota and immune profiling of microbiota-humanised versus wildtype mouse models of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:36. [PMID: 38918824 PMCID: PMC11201864 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00318-3] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence of the occurrence of direct and indirect interactions between the human blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni, and the gut microbiota of rodent models raises questions on the potential role(s) of the latter in the pathophysiology of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. However, substantial differences in both the composition and function between the gut microbiota of laboratory rodents and that of humans hinders an in-depth understanding of the significance of such interactions for human schistosomiasis. Taking advantage of the availability of a human microbiota-associated mouse model (HMA), we have previously highlighted differences in infection-associated changes in gut microbiota composition between HMA and wildtype (WT) mice. To further explore the dynamics of schistosome-microbiota relationships in HMA mice, in this study we (i) characterize qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbiota composition of a distinct line of HMA mice (D2 HMA) infected with S. mansoni prior to and following the onset of parasite egg production; (ii) profile local and systemic immune responses against the parasite in HMA as well as WT mice and (iii) assess levels of faecal inflammatory markers and occult blood as indirect measures of gut tissue damage. We show that patent S. mansoni infection is associated with reduced bacterial alpha diversity in the gut of D2 HMA mice, alongside expansion of hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. Similar systemic humoral responses against S. mansoni in WT and D2 HMA mice, as well as levels of faecal lipocalin and markers of alternatively activated macrophages, suggest that these are independent of baseline gut microbiota composition. Qualitative comparative analyses between faecal microbial profiles of S. mansoni-infected WT and distinct lines of HMA mice reveal that, while infection-induced alterations of the gut microbiota composition are highly dependent on the baseline flora, bile acid composition and metabolism may represent key elements of schistosome-microbiota interactions through the gut-liver axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Stark
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - G Rinaldi
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - A Costain
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - S Clare
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Tolley
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C McCarthy
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - K Harcourt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - C Brandt
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - T D Lawley
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - M Berriman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A S MacDonald
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - J E Forde-Thomas
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - B J Hulme
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - K F Hoffmann
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - C Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - A Cortés
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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Tallima H, Mahmoud SS. Mechanisms of Arachidonic Acid In Vitro Schistosomicidal Potential. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:23316-23328. [PMID: 38854551 PMCID: PMC11154912 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Arachidonic acid (ARA) was shown to possess safe and effective schistosomicidal impact on larval and adult Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma hematobium in vitro and in vivo in laboratory rodents and in children residing in low and high endemicity regions. We herein examine mechanisms underlying ARA schistosomicidal potential over two experiments, using in each pool a minimum of 50 adult male, female, or mixed-sex freshly recovered, ex vivo S. mansoni. Worms incubated in fetal calf serum-free medium were exposed to 0 or 10 mM ARA for 1 h at 37 °C and immediately processed for preparation of surface membrane and whole worm body homogenate extracts. Mixed-sex worms were additionally used for evaluating the impact of ARA exposure on the visualization of outer membrane cholesterol, sphingomyelin (SM), and ceramide in immunofluorescence assays. Following assessment of protein content, extracts of intact and ARA-treated worms were examined and compared for SM content, neutral sphingomyelinase activity, reactive oxygen species levels, and caspase 3/7 activity. Arachidonic acid principally led to perturbation of the organization, integrity, and SM content of the outer membrane of male and female worms and additionally impacted female parasites via stimulating neutral sphingomyelinase activity and oxidative stress. Arachidonic powerful action on female worms combined with its previously documented ovocidal activities supports its use as safe and effective therapy against schistosomiasis, provided implementation of the sorely needed and long waited-for chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatem Tallima
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Soheir S. Mahmoud
- Department
of Parasitology, Theodore Bilharz Research
Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba,Giza 12411, Egypt
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Stark KA, Rinaldi G, Cortés A, Costain A, MacDonald AS, Cantacessi C. The role of the host gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of schistosomiasis. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12970. [PMID: 36655799 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12970] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of schistosomiasis is linked to the formation of fibrous granulomas around eggs that become trapped in host tissues, particularly the intestines and liver, during their migration to reach the lumen of the vertebrate gut. While the development of Schistosoma egg-induced granulomas is the result of finely regulated crosstalk between egg-secreted antigens and host immunity, evidence has started to emerge of the likely contribution of an additional player-the host gut microbiota-to pathological processes that culminate with the formation of these tissue lesions. Uncovering the role(s) of schistosome-mediated changes in gut microbiome composition and function in granuloma formation and, more broadly, in the pathophysiology of schistosomiasis, will shed light on the mechanisms underlying this three-way parasite-host-microbiome interplay. Such knowledge may, in turn, pave the way towards the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara A Stark
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Life Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Alba Cortés
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Alice Costain
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew S MacDonald
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Tallima H, El Ridi R. Increased hepatic interleukin-1, arachidonic acid, and reactive oxygen species mediate the protective potential of peptides shared by gut cysteine peptidases against Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011164. [PMID: 36920999 PMCID: PMC10042345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011164] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple antigen peptide (MAP) construct of peptide with high homology to Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin B1, MAP-1, and to cathepsins of the L family, MAP-2, consistently induced significant (P < 0.05) reduction in challenge S. mansoni worm burden. It was, however, necessary to modify the vaccine formula to counteract the MAP impact on the parasite egg counts and vitality, and discover the mechanisms underlying the vaccine protective potential. METHODOLOGY Outbred mice were immunized with MAP-2 in combination with alum and/or MAP-1. Challenge infection was performed three weeks (wks) after the second injection. Blood and liver pieces were obtained on an individual mouse basis, 23 days post-infection (PI), a time of S. mansoni development and feeding in the liver before mating. Serum samples were examined for the levels of circulating antibodies and cytokines. Liver homogenates were used for assessment of liver cytokines, uric acid, arachidonic acid (ARA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Parasitological parameters were evaluated 7 wks PI. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Immunization of outbred mice with MAP-2 in combination with alum and/or MAP-1 elicited highly significant (P < 0.005) reduction of around 60% in challenge S. mansoni worm burden and no increase in worm eggs' loads or vitality, compared to unimmunized or alum pre-treated control mice. Host memory responses to the immunogens are expected to be expressed in the liver stage when worm feeding and cysteine peptidases release start to be active. Serum antibody and cytokine levels were not significantly different between control and vaccinated mouse groups. Highly significant (P < 0.05 - <0.0001) increase in liver interleukin-1, ARA, and ROS content was recorded in MAP-immunized compared to control mice. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE The findings provided an explanation for the gut cysteine peptidases vaccine-mediated reduction in challenge worm burden and increase in egg counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatem Tallima
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- * E-mail: (HT); (RER)
| | - Rashika El Ridi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- * E-mail: (HT); (RER)
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Al-Naseri A, Al-Absi S, Mahana N, Tallima H, El Ridi R. Protective immune potential of multiple antigenic peptide (MAP) constructs comprising peptides that are shared by several cysteine peptidases against Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 248:111459. [PMID: 35041897 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In vaccine trials, Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1), helminth cathepsins of the L family (e.g., SmCL3), and papain consistently induce highly significant reductions in challenge worm burden and egg viability, but generated no additive protective effects when used in combination. The protective capacity of the cysteine peptidases is associated with modest (SmCB1) and poor (cathepsins L) production of cytokines and antibodies, essentially of the type 2 axis, and is only marginally reduced upon use of proteolytically inactive enzymes. In this work, peptides shared by SmCB1, cathepsins of the L family, papain and other allergens were selected, synthesized as tetrabranched multiple antigen peptide constructs (MAP-1 and MAP-2), and used in two independent experiments to immunize outbred mice, in parallel with papain. The two peptides elicited significant (P < 0.05) reduction in challenge worm burden when compared to unimmunized mice, albeit lower than that achieved by papain. Protection was associated with modest serum type 2 cytokines and antibody levels in MAP-, and papain-immunized mice. Immunization with papain also elicited a reduction in parasite egg load, viability, and granuloma numbers in liver and intestine. MAP-1 and MAP-2 immunogens displayed some opposite effects- MAP-1 leading to higher egg numbers with poor vitality, whereas MAP-2 immunization yielded fewer eggs. Cysteine peptidase thus appear to carry peptides that elicit opposing outcomes, highlighting the difficulty of reaching fully fledged protection, unless a vaccine is based on carefully selected peptides and combined with an effective adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Al-Naseri
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Samar Al-Absi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Noha Mahana
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Hatem Tallima
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rashika El Ridi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
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Al-Naseri A, Al-Absi S, El Ridi R, Mahana N. A comprehensive and critical overview of schistosomiasis vaccine candidates. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:557-580. [PMID: 33935395 PMCID: PMC8068781 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01387-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A digenetic platyhelminth Schistosoma is the causative agent of schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases that affect humans and animals in numerous countries in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, South America and China. Several control methods were used for prevention of infection or treatment of acute and chronic disease. Mass drug administration led to reduction in heavy-intensity infections and morbidity, but failed to decrease schistosomiasis prevalence and eliminate transmission, indicating the need to develop anti-schistosome vaccine to prevent infection and parasite transmission. This review summarizes the efficacy and protective capacity of available schistosomiasis vaccine candidates with some insights and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Al-Naseri
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo Univesity, Giza, 12613 Egypt
| | - Samar Al-Absi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo Univesity, Giza, 12613 Egypt
| | - Rashika El Ridi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo Univesity, Giza, 12613 Egypt
| | - Noha Mahana
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo Univesity, Giza, 12613 Egypt
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