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Aleem MT, Wen Z, Yu Z, Chen C, Lu M, Xu L, Song X, Li X, Yan R. Inhibition of Trichinella spiralis Membrane-Associated Progesterone Receptor (MAPR) Results in a Reduction in Worm Burden. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1437. [PMID: 37766114 PMCID: PMC10535220 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091437] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis), a nematode parasite, is the major cause of Trichinellosis, a zoonotic disease. A key role of MAPR in the reproductive system is to maintain pregnancy. Previous studies found that antihormone drug design and vaccine therapy of recombinant protein (rTs-MAPRC2) control T. spiralis infection. The current study investigates the inhibitory effects of different ratios of antibodies against Ts-MAPRC2 on the development of muscle larvae (ML) and newborn larvae (NBL). First, we performed indirect immunofluorescence assays and examined the effects of rTs-MAPRC2-Ab on ML and NBL in vitro as well as in vivo. Afterward, siRNA-Ts-MAPRC2 was transfected into T. spiralis muscle larvae. Following that, Ts-MAPRC2 protein was detected by Western Blotting, and mRNA levels were determined by qPCR. We also assessed whether siRNA-treated NBLs were infective by analyzing muscle larvae burden (MLs). Our results showed that rTs-MAPRC2-Ab greatly inhibited the activity of the Ts-MAPRC2 in ML and NBL of T. spiralis and rTs-MAPRC2-Ab reduced larval infectivity and survival in the host in a dose-dependent manner (1:50, 1:200, 1:800 dilutions). Furthermore, siRNA-Ts-MAPRC2 effectively silenced the Ts-MAPRC2 gene in muscle larvae (ML) in vitro, as well as in newborn larvae (NBL) of T. spiralis in vivo. In addition, siRNA-Ts-MAPRC2 (siRNA180, siRNA419, siRNA559) reduced host larval survival and infectivity significantly. This study, therefore, suggests that Ts-MAPRC2 might be a novel molecular target useful in the development of vaccines against T. spiralis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.T.A.); (Z.W.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Zhaohai Wen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.T.A.); (Z.W.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Zhengqing Yu
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China;
| | - Cheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.T.A.); (Z.W.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Mingmin Lu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.T.A.); (Z.W.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Lixin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.T.A.); (Z.W.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaokai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.T.A.); (Z.W.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiangrui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.T.A.); (Z.W.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.T.A.); (Z.W.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (L.X.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
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Hildebrandt F, Mohammed M, Dziedziech A, Bhandage AK, Divne AM, Barrenäs F, Barragan A, Henriksson J, Ankarklev J. scDual-Seq of Toxoplasma gondii-infected mouse BMDCs reveals heterogeneity and differential infection dynamics. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1224591. [PMID: 37575232 PMCID: PMC10415529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1224591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells and macrophages are integral parts of the innate immune system and gatekeepers against infection. The protozoan pathogen, Toxoplasma gondii, is known to hijack host immune cells and modulate their immune response, making it a compelling model to study host-pathogen interactions. Here we utilize single cell Dual RNA-seq to parse out heterogeneous transcription of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) infected with two distinct genotypes of T. gondii parasites, over multiple time points post infection. We show that the BMDCs elicit differential responses towards T. gondii infection and that the two parasite lineages distinctly manipulate subpopulations of infected BMDCs. Co-expression networks define host and parasite genes, with implications for modulation of host immunity. Integrative analysis validates previously established immune pathways and additionally, suggests novel candidate genes involved in host-pathogen interactions. Altogether, this study provides a comprehensive resource for characterizing host-pathogen interplay at high-resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hildebrandt
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mubasher Mohammed
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexis Dziedziech
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Amol K. Bhandage
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Maria Divne
- Microbial Single Cell Genomics Facility, SciLifeLab, Biomedical Center (BMC) Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Barrenäs
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Henriksson
- Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Center for Microbial Research, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johan Ankarklev
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Microbial Single Cell Genomics Facility, SciLifeLab, Biomedical Center (BMC) Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Goodswen SJ, Kennedy PJ, Ellis JT. A state-of-the-art methodology for high-throughput in silico vaccine discovery against protozoan parasites and exemplified with discovered candidates for Toxoplasma gondii. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8243. [PMID: 37217589 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34863-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine discovery against eukaryotic parasites is not trivial as highlighted by the limited number of known vaccines compared to the number of protozoal diseases that need one. Only three of 17 priority diseases have commercial vaccines. Live and attenuated vaccines have proved to be more effective than subunit vaccines but adversely pose more unacceptable risks. One promising approach for subunit vaccines is in silico vaccine discovery, which predicts protein vaccine candidates given thousands of target organism protein sequences. This approach, nonetheless, is an overarching concept with no standardised guidebook on implementation. No known subunit vaccines against protozoan parasites exist as a result of this approach, and consequently none to emulate. The study goal was to combine current in silico discovery knowledge specific to protozoan parasites and develop a workflow representing a state-of-the-art approach. This approach reflectively integrates a parasite's biology, a host's immune system defences, and importantly, bioinformatics programs needed to predict vaccine candidates. To demonstrate the workflow effectiveness, every Toxoplasma gondii protein was ranked in its capacity to provide long-term protective immunity. Although testing in animal models is required to validate these predictions, most of the top ranked candidates are supported by publications reinforcing our confidence in the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Goodswen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Paul J Kennedy
- School of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - John T Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Omar M, Abdelal HO. Nitric oxide in parasitic infections: a friend or foe? J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:1147-1163. [PMID: 36457767 PMCID: PMC9606182 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01518-x] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex interaction between the host and the parasite remains a puzzling question. Control of parasitic infections requires an efficient immune response that must be balanced against destructive pathological consequences. Nitric oxide is a nitrogenous free radical which has many molecular targets and serves diverse functions. Apart from being a signaling messenger, nitric oxide is critical for controlling numerous infections. There is still controversy surrounding the exact role of nitric oxide in the immune response against different parasitic species. It proved protective against intracellular protozoa, as well as extracellular helminths. At the same time, it plays a pivotal role in stimulating detrimental pathological changes in the infected hosts. Several reports have discussed the anti-parasitic and immunoregulatory functions of nitric oxide, which could directly influence the control of the infection. Nevertheless, there is scarce literature addressing the harmful cytotoxic impacts of this mediator. Thus, this review provides insights into the most updated concepts and controversies regarding the dual nature and opposing sides of nitric oxide during the course of different parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Omar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Gameyet Almohafza St. 1, Menya Al-Kamh, City of Zagazig, 44511 Sharkia Governorate Egypt
| | - Heba O. Abdelal
- LIS: Cross-National Data Center, Maison des Sciences Humaines - 5e étage, 11- porte des Sciences, L-4366 Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
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Yu Z, He K, Cao W, Aleem MT, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. Nano vaccines for T. gondii Ribosomal P2 Protein With Nanomaterials as a Promising DNA Vaccine Against Toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:839489. [PMID: 35265084 PMCID: PMC8899214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.839489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Caused by Toxoplasma gondii, toxoplasmosis has aroused great threats to public health around the world. So far, no effective vaccine or drug is commercially available, and the demands for a safe and effective therapeutic strategy have become more and more urgent. In the current study, we constructed a DNA vaccine encoding T. gondii ribosomal P2 protein (TgP2) and denoted as TgP2-pVAX1 plasmid. To improve the immunoprotection, nanomaterial poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and chitosan were used as the delivery vehicle to construct TgP2-pVAX1/PLGA and TgP2-pVAX1/CS nanospheres. Before vaccinations in BALB/c mice, TgP2-pVAX1 plasmids were transiently transfected into Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293-T cells, and the expression of the eukaryotic plasmids was detected by laser confocal microscopy and Western blotting. Then the immunoprotection of naked DNA plasmids and their two nano-encapsulations were evaluated in the laboratory animal model. According to the investigations of antibody, cytokine, dendritic cell (DC) maturation, molecule expression, splenocyte proliferation, and T lymphocyte proportion, TgP2-pVAX1 plasmid delivered by two types of nanospheres could elicit a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response and Th1 immunity as the dominant. In addition, TgP2-pVAX1/PLGA and TgP2-pVAX1/CS nanospheres have great advantages in enhancing immunity against a lethal dose of T. gondii RH strain challenge. All these results suggested that TgP2-pVAX1 plasmids delivered by PLGA or chitosan nanomaterial could be promising vaccines in resisting toxoplasmosis and deserve further investigations and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhengQing Yu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke He
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - WanDi Cao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - RuoFeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - LiXin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - XiaoKai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - XiangRui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Characterization of Membrane-Associated Progesterone Receptor Component-2 (MAPRC2) from Trichinella spiralis and Its Interaction with Progesterone and Mifepristone. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9080934. [PMID: 34452060 PMCID: PMC8402905 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a foodborne zoonotic disease caused by Trichinella spp., including Trichinella spiralis. In the present study, T. spiralis membrane-associated progesterone receptor component-2 (Ts-MAPRC2) gene was cloned and characterized using protein sequencing analysis. Furthermore, the expression, purification, immunoblot assay, binding ability with progesterone antibody, and immunofluorescence assay were performed. A direct effect of progesterone (P4) and mifepristone (RU486) on the Ts-MAPRC2 gene was determined using in vitro cell culture that showed different expression levels at all developmental stages (muscle larvae (ML), female adult worm (F-AL), male adult worm (M-AL), and newborn larvae (NBL)). Subsequently, the in vitro phenotypic effects of P4, RU486, and rTs-MAPRC2-Ab on F-AL and ML stages were measured. Later, the in vivo phenotypic effect and relative mRNA expression of mifepristone on the F-AL stage were studied. Our results revealed that the Ts-MAPRC2 gene is critical to maintaining pregnancy in the female adult worm (F-AL) of T. spiralis. The 300 ng/mL of P4 and 100 ng/mL of RU486 showed downregulation of the Ts-MAPRC2 gene in F-AL (p ≤ 0.05). This plays an important role in abortion and possibly decreases the worm burden of T. spiralis in the host. Only 30 ng/mL P4 showed significant upregulation in F-AL (p ≤ 0.05). The current study provides new insights regarding the antihormone (P4 and RU486) drug design and vaccine therapy of recombinant (rTs-MAPRC2) protein as well as their combined effects to control T. spiralis infection.
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