1
|
Biney C, Graham GE, Asiedu E, Sakyi SA, Kwarteng A. Wolbachia Ferrochelatase as a potential drug target against filarial infections. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 122:108490. [PMID: 37121168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Filarial infections are among the world's most disturbing diseases caused by 3 major parasitic worms; Onchocerca volvulus, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Brugia malayi, affecting more than 500 million people worldwide. Currently used drugs for mass drug administration (MDA) have been met with several challenges including the development of complications in individuals with filaria co-infections and parasitic drug resistance. The filarial endosymbiont, Wolbachia, has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for filariasis elimination, due to the dependence of the filaria on this endosymbiont for survival. Here, we target an important enzyme in the Wolbachia heme biosynthetic pathway (ferrochelatase), using high-throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics with MM-PBSA calculations. We identified four drug candidates; Nilotinib, Ledipasvir, 3-benzhydryloxy-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, and 2-(4-Amino-piperidin-1-yl)-ethanol as potential small molecules inhibitors as they could compete with the enzyme's natural substrate (Protoporphyrin IX) for active pocket binding. This prevents the worm from receiving the heme molecule from Wolbachia for their growth and survival, resulting in their death. This study which involved targeting enzymes in biosynthetic pathways of the parasitic worms' endosymbiont (Wolbachia), has proven to be an alternative therapeutic option leading to the discovery of new drugs, which will help facilitate the elimination of parasitic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cephas Biney
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Grazia Edumaba Graham
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
| | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kini P, Wireko S, Osei‐Poku P, Asiedu SO, Amewu EKA, Asiedu E, Amanor E, Mensah C, Wilson MB, Larbi A, Boahen KG, Sylverken AA, Amato KR, Kwarteng A. Antibiotic resistance and mecA characterization of Staphylococcus hominis from filarial lymphedema patients in the Ahanta West District, Ghana: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1104. [PMID: 36778776 PMCID: PMC9904197 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Filarial infections affect over 150 million people in the tropics. One of the major forms of filarial pathologies is lymphedema; a condition where the immune response is significantly altered, resulting in changes in the normal flora. Staphylococcus hominis, a human skin commensal, can also be pathogenic in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, there is the possibility that S. hominis could assume a different behavior in filarial lymphedema patients. To this end, we investigated the levels of antibiotic resistance and extent of mecA gene carriage in S. hominis among individuals presenting with filarial lymphedema in rural Ghana. Method We recruited 160 individuals with stages I-VII lymphedema, in a cross-sectional study in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region of Ghana. Swabs from lymphedematous limb ulcers, pus, and cutaneous surfaces were cultured using standard culture-based techniques. The culture isolates were subjected to Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry for bacterial identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the Kirby-Bauer method. mecA genes were targeted by polymerase chain reaction for strains that were cefoxitin resistant. Results In all, 112 S. hominis were isolated. The AST results showed resistance to chloramphenicol (87.5%), tetracycline (83.3%), penicillin (79.2%), and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (45.8%). Of the 112 strains of S. hominis, 51 (45.5%) were resistant to cefoxitin, and 37 (72.5%) of the cefoxitin-resistant S. hominis haboured the mecA gene. Conclusion This study indicates a heightened level of methicillin-resistant S. hominis isolated among filarial lymphedema patients. As a result, opportunistic infections of S. hominis among the already burdened filarial lymphedema patients in rural Ghana may have reduced treatment success with antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Kini
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Solomon Wireko
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana,Department of Laboratory TechnologyKumasi Technical UniversityKumasiGhana
| | - Priscilla Osei‐Poku
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Samuel O. Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Emmanuel K. A. Amewu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Ernest Amanor
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Caleb Mensah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Mary B. Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana,Department of Biomedical EngineeringKoforidua Technical UniversityKoforiduaGhana
| | - Amma Larbi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Kennedy G. Boahen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical SciencesKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Augustina A. Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | | | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Asiedu E, Larbi A, Adankwah E, Yambah JK, Sakyi SA, Kwarteng EVS, Obiri-Yeboah D, Kwarteng A. Transcriptomic profiling identifies host-derived biomarker panels for assessing cerebral malaria. Gene Reports 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
4
|
Asiedu SO, Kini P, Aglomasa BC, Amewu EKA, Asiedu E, Wireko S, Boahen KG, Berbudi A, Sylverken AA, Kwarteng A. Bacterial diversity significantly reduces toward the late stages among filarial lymphedema patients in the Ahanta West District of Ghana: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e724. [PMID: 35873398 PMCID: PMC9297296 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease, has been speculated to be complicated by secondary bacteria, yet a systematic documentation of these bacterial populations is lacking. Thus, the primary focus of this study was to profile bacteria diversity in the progression of filarial lymphedema among LF individuals with or without wounds. Methods A cross-sectional study design recruited 132 LF individuals presenting with lymphedema with or without wounds from eight communities in the Ahanta West District in the Western Region, Ghana. Swabs from the lymphedematous limbs, ulcers, pus, and cutaneous surfaces were cultured using standard culture-based techniques. The culture isolates were subsequently profiled using Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. Results Of the 132 LF participants recruited, 65% (85) had filarial lymphedema with no wounds. In total, 84% (235) of the bacterial isolates were identified. The remaining 16% (46) could not be identified with the method employed. Additionally, 129(55%) of the strains belonged to the phylum Firmicutes, while 61 (26%) and 45 (19%) represented Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, respectively. Generally, irrespective of the samples type (i.e., wound sample and non-wound samples), there was a sharp increase of bacteria diversity from Stages 1 to 3 and a drastic decrease in these numbers by Stage 4, followed by another surge and a gradual decline in the advanced stages of the disease. The Shannon Diversity Index and Equitability for participants with and without wounds were (3.482, 0.94) and (3.023, 0.75), respectively. Further, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Escherichia coli showed resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and penicillin. Conclusion The present study reveals a sharp decline in bacterial load at the late stages of filarial lymphedema patients. In addition, we report an emerging antimicrobial resistance trend of S. haemolyticus and E. coli against commonly used antibiotics such as tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and penicillin in communities endemic for LF in the Ahanta West District, Ghana. This could pose a huge challenge to the management of the disease; particularly as current treatments are not quite effective against the infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel O. Asiedu
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Priscilla Kini
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Bill C. Aglomasa
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Emmanuel K. A. Amewu
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Solomon Wireko
- Department of Laboratory TechnologyKumasi Technical UniversityKumasiGhana
| | - Kennedy G. Boahen
- Department of Microbiology School of Medical SciencesKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Afiat Berbudi
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas PadjadjaranBandungIndonesia
| | - Augustina A. Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Department of Biochemistry and BiotechnologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kwarteng A, Wireko S, Asiedu SO, Kini P, Aglomasa BC, Amewu EKA, Asiedu E, Boahen KG, Amato KR, Obiri-Yeboah D. Shift in the skin microbiome among individuals presenting with filarial lymphedema compared to non-filarial healthy individuals in Ghana. Scientific African 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
6
|
Wireko S, Asiedu SO, Kini P, Aglomasa BC, Amewu EKA, Asiedu E, Osei-Akoto F, Boahen KG, Obiri-Yeboah D, Amato KR, Kwarteng A. Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Species Among Filarial Lymphedema Patients in Ahanta West District of Ghana. Front Trop Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.786378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundFilarial pathologies such as lymphedema may be associated with complications such as chronic non-healing wounds. Nonetheless, the role of bacterial population colonizing the lymphedematous legs has been posited to worsen the conditions of those living with the infection. These bacteria are usually composed of staphylococcal species partly because they are commensals. Thus, this present study sought to type the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence among individuals presenting with filarial lymphedema, particularly as MRSA tends to affect treatments options.MethodsWe recruited individuals (n = 321) with stages I–VII of lymphedema in a cross-sectional study in the Ahanta West district of the Western Region of Ghana. Swabs from lymphedematous limb ulcers, pus, and cutaneous surfaces were cultured using standard culture-based techniques. The culture isolates were later identified using Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.ResultsA total of 192 Staphylococci species were isolated, with an overall prevalence of 39.7% (95% CI: 35%–44%; N = 483). S. hominis was the most prevalent species (23.95%), followed by S. haemolyticus (20.83%), S. epidermidis (15.10%), S. aureus (10.41%), and S. saprophyticus (9.32%). The remaining 20.34% were distributed among S. wanneri, S. sciuri, S. pasteuri, S. xylosus, S. simulans, S. cohnii, S. caprae, S. lugdunensis, and S. capitis. MRSA, containing mecA gene, was detected in 21 out of 31 Staphylococci isolates tested, with an overall prevalence of 68% (95% CI: 51%–84%). In addition, a virulent gene, Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL), which is usually associated with S. aureus, was detected in 20/31 (64.5%) S. aureus in the study.ConclusionThese results suggest that MRSA species may pose a challenge to the treatment of filarial lymphedema with antibiotics particularly, as doxycycline is currently being piloted in some endemic areas to treat the infection. Thus, intensive antimicrobial resistance surveillance should be conducted in endemic areas by health authorities to forestall the dilemma of multidrug resistance not only against lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection but other diseases.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
The T cell immune responses in filarial infections are primarily mediated by CD4+ T cells and type 2-associated cytokines. Emerging evidence indicates that CD8+ T cell responses are important for anti-filarial immunity, however, could be suppressed in co-infections. This review summarizes what we know so far about the activities of CD8+ T cell responses in filarial infections, co-infections, and the associations with the development of filarial pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kelvin Kwaku Koranteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Opoku Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kwarteng A, Asiedu E, Sylverken A, Larbi A, Mubarik Y, Apprey C. In silico drug repurposing for filarial infection predicts nilotinib and paritaprevir as potential inhibitors of the Wolbachia 5'-aminolevulinic acid synthase. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8455. [PMID: 33875732 PMCID: PMC8055890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87976-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Filarial infections affect millions of individuals and are responsible for some notorious disabilities. Current treatment options involve repeated mass drug administrations, which have been met with several challenges despite some successes. Administration of doxycycline, an anti-Wolbachia agent, has shown clinical effectiveness but has several limitations, including long treatment durations and contraindications. We describe the use of an in silico drug repurposing approach to screening a library of over 3200 FDA-approved medications against the filarial endosymbiont, Wolbachia. We target the enzyme which catalyzes the first step of heme biosynthesis in the Wolbachia. This presents an opportunity to inhibit heme synthesis, which leads to depriving the filarial worm of heme, resulting in a subsequent macrofilaricidal effect. High throughput virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular simulations with binding energy calculations led to the identification of paritaprevir and nilotinib as potential anti-Wolbachia agents. Having higher binding affinities to the catalytic pocket than the natural substrate, these drugs have the structural potential to bind and engage active site residues of the wolbachia 5'-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthase. We hereby propose paritaprevir and nilotinib for experimental validations as anti-Wolbachia agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. .,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Amma Larbi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yusif Mubarik
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Charles Apprey
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kwarteng A, Asiedu E, Sylverken AA, Larbi A, Sakyi SA, Asiedu SO. Molecular characterization of interactions between the D614G variant of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and neutralizing antibodies: A computational approach. Infect Genet Evol 2021; 91:104815. [PMID: 33774178 PMCID: PMC7987576 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The D614G variant of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein emerged in early 2020 and quickly became the dominant circulating strain in Europe and its environs. The variant was characterized by the higher viral load, which is not associated with disease severity, higher incorporation into the virion, and high cell entry via ACE-2 and TMPRSS2. Previous strains of the coronavirus and the current SARS-CoV-2 have demonstrated the selection of mutations as a mechanism of escaping immune responses. In this study, we used molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA binding energy analysis to provide insights into the behaviour of the D614G S-protein at the molecular level and describe the neutralization mechanism of this variant. Our results show that the D614G S-protein adopts distinct conformational dynamics which is skewed towards the open-state conformation more than the closed-state conformation of the wild-type S-protein. Residue-specific variation of amino acid flexibility and domain-specific RMSD suggest that the mutation causes an allosteric conformational change in the RBD. Evaluation of the interaction energies between the S-protein and neutralizing antibodies show that the mutation may enhance, reduce or not affect the neutralizing interactions depending on the neutralizing antibody, especially if it targets the RBD. The results of this study have shed insights into the behaviour of the D614G S-protein at the molecular level and provided a glimpse of the neutralization mechanism of this variant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Amma Larbi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Opoku Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fordjour FA, Asiedu E, Larbi A, Kwarteng A. The role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in filarial pathology. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:185-193. [PMID: 33630268 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00607-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor NF-κB promotes immunity by controlling the expression of genes involved in inflammation. Cytokines and pathogen-associated molecular patterns stimulate cell surface receptors, including toll-like receptors, to initiate a signalling cascade resulting in the activation of NF-κB. NF-κB drives the expression of target genes that mediate cell proliferation and release antimicrobial molecules and cytokines to activate an immune response. Filariasis is one of the most complex infections of humans. The actual causes of the heterogeneity in infection are not well understood. However, they have been attributed to differences in inflammatory processes that are immune-mediated, secondary bacterial infections, and host immune-genetics. Elevated production of angiogenic molecules (VEGFs, CEACAM and MMPs) in filarial pathology has been shown to be dependent on phosphorylation and intracellular activation of NF-κB. This review examines the role of NF-κB in filarial pathology and its potential therapeutic options for individuals with the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Amponsah Fordjour
- Department of Microbiology, University for Development Studies, UDS, Tamale, Ghana. .,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Amma Larbi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kwarteng A, Sylverken A, Asiedu E, Ahuno ST. Genome editing as control tool for filarial infections. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111292. [PMID: 33581654 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human filarial infections are vector-borne nematode infections, which include lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, loiasis, and mansonella filariasis. With a high prevalence in developing countries, filarial infections are responsible for some of the most debilitating morbidities and a vicious cycle of poverty and disease. Global initiatives set to eradicate these infections include community mass treatments, vector control, provision of care for morbidity, and search for vaccines. However, there are growing challenges associated with mass treatments, vector control, and antifilarial vaccine development. With the emergence of genome editing tools and successful applications in other infectious diseases, the integration of genetic editing techniques in future control strategies for filarial infections would offer the best option for eliminating filarial infections. In this review, we briefly discuss the mechanisms of the three main genetic editing techniques and explore the potential applications of these powerful tools to control filarial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Augustina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Terkper Ahuno
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kwarteng A, Asiedu E, Sakyi SA, Asiedu SO. Targeting the SARS-CoV2 nucleocapsid protein for potential therapeutics using immuno-informatics and structure-based drug discovery techniques. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110914. [PMID: 33254432 PMCID: PMC7574726 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of the SARS-CoV2 infection has become a worldwide threat and the urgent need to discover therapeutic interventions remains paramount. The primary roles of the coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein are to interact with the viral genome and pack them into ribonucleoprotein complex. It also plays critical roles at many stages of the viral life cycle. Herein, we explore the N protein of SARS-CoV2 to identify promising epitope-based vaccine candidates and target the N-terminal domain of SARS-CoV2 N-protein for potential inhibitors using an integrative bioinformatics approach. We identified B-cell epitopes and T-cell epitopes that are non-toxic, non-allergenic, capable of inducing IFN-γ and structurally stable with high global population coverage of response. The 404SKQLQQSMSSADS416 and 92RRIRGGDGKMKDL104 sequences of N-protein were identified to induce B-cell immunity. We also identified 79SSPDDQIGY87 and 305AQFAPSASAFFGMSR319 as potential T-cell epitopes that form stable structures with human leucocyte antigens. We have also identified zidovudine triphosphate, an anti-HIV agent, as a potential inhibitor of the N-terminal domain of SARS-CoV2 N-protein based on docking and simulation analysis and should be considered for experimental validations. The findings of this study can help fast-track the discovery of therapeutic options to combat COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Amoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Opoku Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|