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Unger P, Schmidt J, Dorow M, Möller S, Palm HW. Reaching the steady state: 30 years of Anguillicola crassus infection of European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., in Northern Germany. Parasitology 2024; 151:300-308. [PMID: 38212980 PMCID: PMC11007276 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000039] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
A 30 years long data series on the infection dynamics of European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) with the non-native invasive nematode Anguillicola crassus Kuwahara, Niimi & Hagaki, 1974 is presented. Parasite burden was evaluated for 30 years in inland and coastal waters in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania from 1991 to 2020. The total prevalence, mean intensity and damage status of the swim bladders were very high during the first decade (1991–2000), and significantly decreased in both marine and freshwater eel populations in the following decades (2001–2010, 2011–2020). The parasite intensity of eels in coastal waters was significantly lower compared with the freshwater systems (61.3% vs 79.5% in the first decade), indicating the vulnerability of the parasites to brackish water conditions and the fact that the life cycle of A. crassus cannot be completed under high saline conditions. Eel caught in the western part of the Baltic Sea (west of Darss sill) had the lowest mean infection (51.8% in first decade) compared to the eastern part with 63.8%. Thus, besides different infection patterns caused by the environmental conditions, a temporal trend towards a reduced parasite intensity and a more balanced parasite–host relationship developed in the 30 years of interaction after the first invasion. Possible reasons and mechanisms for the observed trends in parasite–host interactions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Unger
- Aquaculture and Sea-Ranching, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Johanna Schmidt
- General and Specific Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Universitätsplatz 2, 18055 Rostock, Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Wilhelmsplatz 1, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Malte Dorow
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Research Centre for Agriculture and Fisheries (LFA-MV), Fischerweg 408, Rostock 18069, Germany
| | - Sören Möller
- General and Specific Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Universitätsplatz 2, 18055 Rostock, Germany
| | - Harry Wilhelm Palm
- Aquaculture and Sea-Ranching, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18059 Rostock, Germany
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Ferreira B, Lourenço Á, Sousa MDC. Protozoa-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Intercellular Communication with Special Emphasis on Giardia lamblia. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122422. [PMID: 36557675 PMCID: PMC9788250 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122422] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are an important worldwide problem threatening human health and affect millions of people. Acute diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, malabsorption of nutrients and nutritional deficiency are some of the issues related to intestinal parasitic infections. Parasites are experts in subvert the host immune system through different kinds of mechanisms. There are evidences that extracellular vesicles (EVs) have an important role in dissemination of the disease and in modulating the host immune system. Released by almost all types of cells, these nanovesicles are a natural secretory product containing multiple components of interest. The EVs are classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, exosomes, ectosomes, and microparticles, according to their physical characteristics, biochemical composition and cell of origin. Interestingly, EVs play an important role in intercellular communication between parasites as well as with the host cells. Concerning Giardia lamblia, it is known that this parasite release EVs during it life cycle that modulate the parasite growth and adherence as well the immune system of the host. Here we review the recently updates on protozoa EVs, with particular emphasis on the role of EVs released by the flagellate protozoa G. lamblia in cellular communication and its potential for future applications as vaccine, therapeutic agent, drug delivery system and as diagnostic or prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIVG-Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG-Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ágata Lourenço
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria do Céu Sousa
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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de Angeli Dutra D, Poulin R, Ferreira FC. Evolutionary consequences of vector-borne transmission: how using vectors shapes host, vector and pathogen evolution. Parasitology 2022; 149:1667-78. [PMID: 36200511 DOI: 10.1017/S0031182022001378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transmission mode is a key factor that influences host–parasite coevolution. Vector-borne pathogens are among the most important disease agents for humans and wildlife due to their broad distribution, high diversity, prevalence and lethality. They comprise some of the most important and widespread human pathogens, such as yellow fever, leishmania and malaria. Vector-borne parasites (in this review, those transmitted by blood-feeding Diptera) follow unique transmission routes towards their vertebrate hosts. Consequently, each part of this tri-partite (i.e. parasite, vector and host) interaction can influence co- and counter-evolutionary pressures among antagonists. This mode of transmission may favour the evolution of greater virulence to the vertebrate host; however, pathogen–vector interactions can also have a broad spectrum of fitness costs to the insect vector. To complete their life cycle, vector-borne pathogens must overcome immune responses from 2 unrelated organisms, since they can activate responses in both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, possibly creating a trade-off between investments against both types of immunity. Here, we assess how dipteran vector-borne transmission shapes the evolution of hosts, vectors and the pathogens themselves. Hosts, vectors and pathogens co-evolve together in a constant antagonistic arms race with each participant's primary goal being to maximize its performance and fitness.
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Yang Z, Shi M, Zhang X, Yao D. Genome-Wide Screening for Pathogenic Proteins and microRNAs Associated with Parasite-Host Interactions in Trypanosoma brucei. Insects 2022; 13:968. [PMID: 36354791 PMCID: PMC9695099 DOI: 10.3390/insects13110968] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tsetse flies are a type of blood-sucking insect living in diverse locations in sub-Saharan Africa. These insects can transmit the unicellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) which causes African trypanosomiasis in mammals. There remain huge unmet needs for prevention, early detection, and effective treatments for this disease. Currently, few studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms of parasite-host interactions underlying African trypanosomiasis, mainly due to a lack of understanding of the T. brucei genome. In this study, we dissected the genomic and transcriptomic profiles of T. brucei by annotating the genome and analyzing the gene expression. We found about 5% of T. brucei proteins in the human proteome, while more than 80% of T. brucei protein in other trypanosomes. Sequence alignment analysis showed that 142 protein homologs were shared among T. brucei and mammalian genomes. We identified several novel proteins with pathogenic potential supported by their molecular functions in T. brucei, including 24 RNA-binding proteins and six variant surface glycoproteins. In addition, 26 novel microRNAs were characterized, among which five miRNAs were not found in the mammalian genomes. Topology analysis of the miRNA-gene network revealed three genes (RPS27A, UBA52 and GAPDH) involved in the regulation of critical pathways related to the development of African trypanosomiasis. In conclusion, our work opens a new door to understanding the parasite-host interaction mechanisms by resolving the genome and transcriptome of T. brucei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Mai Shi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- School of Physics and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Danyu Yao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
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Mylo MD, Hofmann M, Balle F, Beisel S, Speck T, Speck O. Biomechanics of the parasite-host interaction of the European mistletoe. J Exp Bot 2022; 73:1204-1221. [PMID: 34849736 PMCID: PMC8866656 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The European mistletoe (Viscum album) is an epiphytic hemiparasite that attaches to its host by an endophytic system. Two aspects are essential for its survival: the structural integrity of the host-parasite interface must be maintained during host growth and the functional integrity of the interface must be maintained during ontogeny and under mechanical stress. We investigated the mechanical properties of the mistletoe-host interaction. Intact and sliced mistletoe-host samples, with host wood as reference, were subjected to tensile tests up to failure. We quantified the rough fractured surface by digital microscopy and analysed local surface strains by digital image correlation. Tensile strength and deformation energy were independent of mistletoe age but exhibited markedly lower values than host wood samples. Cracks initiated at sites with a major strain of about 30%, especially along the mistletoe-host interface. The risk of sudden failure was counteracted by various sinkers and a lignification gradient that smooths the differences in the mechanical properties between the two species. Our results improve the understanding of the key mechanical characteristics of the host-mistletoe interface and show that the mechanical connection between the mistletoe and its host is age-independent. Thus, functional and structural integrity is ensured over the lifetime of the mistletoe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max D Mylo
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Mara Hofmann
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Balle
- Department of Sustainable Systems Engineering—INATECH, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Beisel
- Department of Sustainable Systems Engineering—INATECH, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olga Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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6
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Wititkornkul B, Hulme BJ, Tomes JJ, Allen NR, Davis CN, Davey SD, Cookson AR, Phillips HC, Hegarty MJ, Swain MT, Brophy PM, Wonfor RE, Morphew RM. Evidence of Immune Modulators in the Secretome of the Equine Tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070912. [PMID: 34358062 PMCID: PMC8308605 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anoplocephala perfoliata is a neglected gastro-intestinal tapeworm, commonly infecting horses worldwide. Molecular investigation of A. perfoliata is hampered by a lack of tools to better understand the host-parasite interface. This interface is likely influenced by parasite derived immune modulators released in the secretome as free proteins or components of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Therefore, adult RNA was sequenced and de novo assembled to generate the first A. perfoliata transcriptome. In addition, excretory secretory products (ESP) from adult A. perfoliata were collected and EVs isolated using size exclusion chromatography, prior to proteomic analysis of the EVs, the EV surface and EV depleted ESP. Transcriptome analysis revealed 454 sequences homologous to known helminth immune modulators including two novel Sigma class GSTs, five α-HSP90s, and three α-enolases with isoforms of all three observed within the proteomic analysis of the secretome. Furthermore, secretome proteomics identified common helminth proteins across each sample with known EV markers, such as annexins and tetraspanins, observed in EV fractions. Importantly, 49 of the 454 putative immune modulators were identified across the secretome proteomics contained within and on the surface of EVs in addition to those identified in free ESP. This work provides the molecular tools for A. perfoliata to reveal key players in the host-parasite interaction within the horse host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boontarikaan Wititkornkul
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80240, Thailand
| | - Benjamin J. Hulme
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - John J. Tomes
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Nathan R. Allen
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Chelsea N. Davis
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Sarah D. Davey
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Alan R. Cookson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Helen C. Phillips
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Matthew J. Hegarty
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Martin T. Swain
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Peter M. Brophy
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
| | - Ruth E. Wonfor
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
- Correspondence: (R.E.W.); (R.M.M.)
| | - Russell M. Morphew
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (B.W.); (B.J.H.); (J.J.T.); (N.R.A.); (C.N.D.); (S.D.D.); (A.R.C.); (H.C.P.); (M.J.H.); (M.T.S.); (P.M.B.)
- Correspondence: (R.E.W.); (R.M.M.)
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7
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Razzauti M, Castel G, Cosson JF. Impact of Landscape on Host-Parasite Genetic Diversity and Distribution Using the Puumala orthohantavirus-Bank Vole System. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071516. [PMID: 34361952 PMCID: PMC8306195 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071516] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, host specificity has a strong impact on the parasite's distribution, prevalence, and genetic diversity. The host's population dynamics is expected to shape the distribution of host-specific parasites. In turn, the parasite's genetic structure is predicted to mirror that of the host. Here, we study the tandem Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV)-bank vole system. The genetic diversity of 310 bank voles and 33 PUUV isolates from 10 characterized localities of Northeast France was assessed. Our findings show that the genetic diversity of both PUUV and voles, was positively correlated with forest coverage and contiguity of habitats. While the genetic diversity of voles was weakly structured in space, that of PUUV was found to be strongly structured, suggesting that the dispersion of voles was not sufficient to ensure a broad PUUV dissemination. Genetic diversity of PUUV was mainly shaped by purifying selection. Genetic drift and extinction events were better reflected than local adaptation of PUUV. These contrasting patterns of microevolution have important consequences for the understanding of PUUV distribution and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Razzauti
- CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, Université Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France;
- Correspondence:
| | - Guillaume Castel
- CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, Université Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Jean-François Cosson
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France;
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Li Z, Zhang W, Luo F, Li J, Yang W, Zhu B, Wu Q, Wang X, Sun C, Xie Y, Xu B, Wang Z, Qian F, Chen J, Wan Y, Hu W. Allergen-Specific Treg Cells Upregulated by Lung-Stage S. japonicum Infection Alleviates Allergic Airway Inflammation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:678377. [PMID: 34169075 PMCID: PMC8217774 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.678377] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum infection showed protective effects against allergic airway inflammation (AAI). However, controversial findings exist especially regarding the timing of the helminth infection and the underlying mechanisms. Most previous studies focused on understanding the preventive effect of S. japonicum infection on asthma (infection before allergen sensitization), whereas the protective effects of S. japonicum infection (allergen sensitization before infection) on asthma were rarely investigated. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of S. japonicum infection on AAI using a mouse model of OVA-induced asthma. To explore how the timing of S. japonicum infection influences its protective effect, the mice were percutaneously infected with cercaria of S. japonicum at either 1 day (infection at lung-stage during AAI) or 14 days before ovalbumin (OVA) challenge (infection at post–lung-stage during AAI). We found that lung-stage S. japonicum infection significantly ameliorated OVA-induced AAI, whereas post–lung-stage infection did not. Mechanistically, lung-stage S. japonicum infection significantly upregulated the frequency of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), especially OVA-specific Treg cells, in lung tissue, which negatively correlated with the level of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Depletion of Treg cells in vivo partially counteracted the protective effect of lung-stage S. japonicum infection on asthma. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis of lung tissue showed that lung-stage S. japonicum infection during AAI shaped the microenvironment to favor Treg induction. In conclusion, our data showed that lung-stage S. japonicum infection could relieve OVA-induced asthma in a mouse model. The protective effect was mediated by the upregulated OVA-specific Treg cells, which suppressed IgE production. Our results may facilitate the discovery of a novel therapy for AAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology (National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention), Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingkuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology (National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention), Shanghai, China
| | - Chengsong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology (National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention), Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology (National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention), Shanghai, China
| | - Yanmin Wan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Radiology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology (National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention), Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Nganso BT, Mani K, Altman Y, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. How Crucial is the Functional Pit Organ for the Varroa Mite? Insects 2020; 11:insects11060395. [PMID: 32604887 PMCID: PMC7349574 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction as well as gustation, are essential for animal survival, allowing behavioral modulation according to environmental input. We focused our study on an obligate ecto-parasitic mite of honey bees, the Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Parasitiformes, Mesostigmata, Varroidae). By mechanically blocking the main olfactory organ on Varroa forelegs by varnishing with nail polish, we were able to show that other sensory organs cannot significantly compensate chemosensory abilities required for mite’s host selection, identification as well as reproduction. In fact, we found that mites with blocked forelegs had a significantly lower ability to reach a host bee than those with varnished idiosoma and unvarnished control. Furthermore, fewer foreleg blocked mites were feeding on the nurse bees and their reproduction in the brood cells was significantly impaired. The inhibition of reproduction was also reflected in altered expression levels of vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor genes in foreleg-blocked mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice T. Nganso
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Kannan Mani
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Yam Altman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
- Mina and Aberhard Gudman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Müller J, Braga S, Uldry AC, Heller M, Müller N. Comparative proteomics of three Giardia lamblia strains: investigation of antigenic variation in the post-genomic era. Parasitology 2020; 147:1008-18. [PMID: 32338227 DOI: 10.1017/S0031182020000657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a causative agent of persistent diarrhoea widespread in regions with low hygienic standards. Laboratory research is based on cloned lines issuing from various patient isolates typed in the late 1980s and 90s using restriction analysis and serology. In the present study, we compared the well-characterized strain WBC6 with another clone of the parent WB isolate termed WBA1 and with a clone from another isolate, GS/M-83-H7, using shotgun mass spectrometry proteomics. We identified 398 proteins differentially expressed between the GS and both WB isolates and 97 proteins differentially expressed between the two WB isolates. We investigated the expression levels of the predominant variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) in each clone and matched the previously described major VSPs of each strain to the corresponding open reading frame sequences identified by whole-genome sequencing efforts. Furthermore, since the original WB isolate comes from a patient treated with metronidazole, we compared the susceptibilities of the strains to nitro compounds, as well the expression levels of enzymes involved in nitro reduction and on the corresponding enzyme activities and found distinct differences between the three strains.
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11
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Horváth G, Pereszlényi Á, Tóth T, Polgár S, Jánosi IM. Attractiveness of thermally different, uniformly black targets to horseflies: Tabanus tergestinus prefers sunlit warm shiny dark targets. R Soc Open Sci 2019; 6:191119. [PMID: 31824718 PMCID: PMC6837212 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
From a large distance tabanid flies may find their host animal by means of its shape, size, motion, odour, radiance and degree of polarization of host-reflected light. After alighting on the host, tabanids may use their mechano-, thermo-, hygro- and chemoreceptors to sense the substrate characteristics. Female tabanids prefer to attack sunlit against shady dark host animals, or dark against bright hosts for a blood meal, the exact reasons for which are unknown. Since sunlit darker surfaces are warmer than shady ones or sunlit/shady brighter surfaces, the differences in surface temperatures of dark and bright as well as sunlit and shady hosts may partly explain their different attractiveness to tabanids. We tested this observed warmth preference in field experiments, where we compared the attractiveness to tabanids (Tabanus tergestinus) of a warm and a cold shiny black barrel imitating dark hosts with the same optical characteristics. Using imaging polarimetry, thermography and Schlieren imaging, we measured the optical and thermal characteristics of both barrels and their small-scale models. We recorded the number of landings on these targets and measured the time periods spent on them. Our study revealed that T. tergestinus tabanid flies prefer sunlit warm shiny black targets against sunlit or shady cold ones with the same optical characteristics. These results support our new hypothesis that a blood-seeking female tabanid prefers elevated temperatures, partly because her wing muscles are more rapid and her nervous system functions better (due to faster conduction velocities and synaptic transmission of signals) in a warmer microclimate, and thus, she can avoid the parasite-repelling reactions of host animals by a prompt take-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Horváth
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány sétány 1, Hungary
| | - Ádám Pereszlényi
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány sétány 1, Hungary
- Hungarian Natural History Museum, Department of Zoology, Bird Collection, 1083 Budapest, Ludovika tér 2-6, Hungary
| | - Tímea Tóth
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány sétány 1, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Polgár
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány sétány 1, Hungary
| | - Imre M. Jánosi
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány sétány 1, Hungary
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187 Dresden, Germany
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12
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Camargo-Ayala PA, Garzón-Ospina D, Moreno-Pérez DA, Ricaurte-Contreras LA, Noya O, Patarroyo MA. On the Evolution and Function of Plasmodium vivax Reticulocyte Binding Surface Antigen ( pvrbsa). Front Genet 2018; 9:372. [PMID: 30250483 PMCID: PMC6139305 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The RBSA protein is encoded by a gene described in Plasmodium species having tropism for reticulocytes. Since this protein is antigenic in natural infections and can bind to target cells, it has been proposed as a potential candidate for an anti-Plasmodium vivax vaccine. However, genetic diversity (a challenge which must be overcome for ensuring fully effective vaccine design) has not been described at this locus. Likewise, the minimum regions mediating specific parasite-host interaction have not been determined. This is why the rbsa gene’s evolutionary history is being here described, as well as the P. vivax rbsa (pvrbsa) genetic diversity and the specific regions mediating parasite adhesion to reticulocytes. Unlike what has previously been reported, rbsa was also present in several parasite species belonging to the monkey-malaria clade; paralogs were also found in Plasmodium parasites invading reticulocytes. The pvrbsa locus had less diversity than other merozoite surface proteins where natural selection and recombination were the main evolutionary forces involved in causing the observed polymorphism. The N-terminal end (PvRBSA-A) was conserved and under functional constraint; consequently, it was expressed as recombinant protein for binding assays. This protein fragment bound to reticulocytes whilst the C-terminus, included in recombinant PvRBSA-B (which was not under functional constraint), did not. Interestingly, two PvRBSA-A-derived peptides were able to inhibit protein binding to reticulocytes. Specific conserved and functionally important peptides within PvRBSA-A could thus be considered when designing a fully-effective vaccine against P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Andrea Camargo-Ayala
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.,Microbiology Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego Garzón-Ospina
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.,PhD Programme in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Darwin Andrés Moreno-Pérez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.,Livestock Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Oscar Noya
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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13
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Eichenberger RM, Ryan S, Jones L, Buitrago G, Polster R, Montes de Oca M, Zuvelek J, Giacomin PR, Dent LA, Engwerda CR, Field MA, Sotillo J, Loukas A. Hookworm Secreted Extracellular Vesicles Interact With Host Cells and Prevent Inducible Colitis in Mice. Front Immunol 2018; 9:850. [PMID: 29760697 PMCID: PMC5936971 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, hookworms in particular, have evolved to cause minimal harm to their hosts, allowing them to establish chronic infections. This is mediated by creating an immunoregulatory environment. Indeed, hookworms are such potent suppressors of inflammation that they have been used in clinical trials to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and celiac disease. Since the recent description of helminths (worms) secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosome-like EVs from different helminths have been characterized and their salient roles in parasite–host interactions have been highlighted. Here, we analyze EVs from the rodent parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, which has been used as a model for human hookworm infection. N. brasiliensis EVs (Nb-EVs) are actively internalized by mouse gut organoids, indicating a role in driving parasitism. We used proteomics and RNA-Seq to profile the molecular composition of Nb-EVs. We identified 81 proteins, including proteins frequently present in exosomes (like tetraspanin, enolase, 14-3-3 protein, and heat shock proteins), and 27 sperm-coating protein-like extracellular proteins. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 52 miRNA species, many of which putatively map to mouse genes involved in regulation of inflammation. To determine whether GI nematode EVs had immunomodulatory properties, we assessed their potential to suppress GI inflammation in a mouse model of inducible chemical colitis. EVs from N. brasiliensis but not those from the whipworm Trichuris muris or control vesicles from grapes protected against colitic inflammation in the gut of mice that received a single intraperitoneal injection of EVs. Key cytokines associated with colitic pathology (IL-6, IL-1β, IFNγ, and IL-17a) were significantly suppressed in colon tissues from EV-treated mice. By contrast, high levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were detected in Nb-EV-treated mice. Proteins and miRNAs contained within helminth EVs hold great potential application in development of drugs to treat helminth infections as well as chronic non-infectious diseases resulting from a dysregulated immune system, such as IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon M Eichenberger
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephanie Ryan
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Linda Jones
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Geraldine Buitrago
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Ramona Polster
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Marcela Montes de Oca
- Immunology and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer Zuvelek
- Pathology Queensland Cairns Laboratory, Queensland Health, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul R Giacomin
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Lindsay A Dent
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Christian R Engwerda
- Immunology and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew A Field
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.,Department of Immunology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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14
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Horváth G, Szörényi T, Pereszlényi Á, Gerics B, Hegedüs R, Barta A, Åkesson S. Why do horseflies need polarization vision for host detection? Polarization helps tabanid flies to select sunlit dark host animals from the dark patches of the visual environment. R Soc Open Sci 2017; 4:170735. [PMID: 29291065 PMCID: PMC5717639 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Horseflies (Tabanidae) are polarotactic, being attracted to linearly polarized light when searching for water or host animals. Although it is well known that horseflies prefer sunlit dark and strongly polarizing hosts, the reason for this preference is unknown. According to our hypothesis, horseflies use their polarization sensitivity to look for targets with higher degrees of polarization in their optical environment, which as a result facilitates detection of sunlit dark host animals. In this work, we tested this hypothesis. Using imaging polarimetry, we measured the reflection-polarization patterns of a dark host model and a living black cow under various illumination conditions and with different vegetation backgrounds. We focused on the intensity and degree of polarization of light originating from dark patches of vegetation and the dark model/cow. We compared the chances of successful host selection based on either intensity or degree of polarization of the target and the combination of these two parameters. We show that the use of polarization information considerably increases the effectiveness of visual detection of dark host animals even in front of sunny-shady-patchy vegetation. Differentiation between a weakly polarizing, shady (dark) vegetation region and a sunlit, highly polarizing dark host animal increases the efficiency of host search by horseflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Horváth
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Author for correspondence: Gábor Horváth e-mail:
| | - Tamás Szörényi
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Ádám Pereszlényi
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Bird Collection, Ludovika tér 2-6, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gerics
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest 1078, Hungary
| | - Ramón Hegedüs
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department of Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, Tübingen 72071, Germany
| | - András Barta
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Estrato Research and Development Ltd., Mártonlak utca 13, Budapest 1121, Hungary
| | - Susanne Åkesson
- Department of Biology, Centre for Animal Movement Research, Lund University, Ecology Building, Lund 223 62, Sweden
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15
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Cancela M, Corvo I, DA Silva E, Teichmann A, Roche L, Díaz A, Tort JF, Ferreira HB, Zaha A. Functional characterization of single-domain cystatin-like cysteine proteinase inhibitors expressed by the trematode Fasciola hepatica. Parasitology 2017; 144:1695-707. [PMID: 28697819 DOI: 10.1017/S0031182017001093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cystatins are small, phylogenetically conserved proteins that are tight-binding inhibitors of cysteine proteinases. The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica uses a diverse set of cysteine proteinases of the papain superfamily for host invasion, immune evasion and nutrition, but little is known about the regulation of these enzymes. The aim of this work is to characterize the cystatin repertoire of F. hepatica. For this purpose, we first surveyed the available sequence databases, identifying three different F. hepatica single-domain cystatins. In agreement with the in silico predictions, at least three small proteins with cysteine proteinase binding activity were identified. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the three cystatins (named FhStf-1, -2 and -3) are members of the I25A subfamily (stefins). Whereas FhStf-1 grouped with classical stefins, FhStf-2 and 3 fell in a divergent stefin subgroup unusually featuring signal peptides. Recombinant rFhStf-1, -2 and -3 had potent inhibitory activity against F. hepatica cathepsin L cysteine proteinases but differed in their capacity to inhibit mammalian cathepsin B, L and C. FhStf-1 was localized in the F. hepatica reproductive organs (testes and ovary), and at the surface lamella of the adult gut, where it may regulate cysteine proteinases related with reproduction and digestion, respectively. FhStf-1 was also detected among F. hepatica excretion-secretion (E/S) products of adult flukes. This suggests that it is secreted by non-classical secretory pathway and that it may interact with host lysosomal cysteine proteinases.
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16
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Temeyer KB, Tuckow AP. Tick Salivary Cholinesterase: A Probable Immunomodulator of Host-parasite Interactions. J Med Entomol 2016; 53:500-504. [PMID: 26794231 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini), is the most economically important cattle ectoparasite in the world. Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus annulatus (Say) continue to threaten U.S. cattle producers despite eradication and an importation barrier based on inspection, dipping of imported cattle in organophosphate (OP) acaricide, and quarantine of infested premises. OP acaricides inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), essential to tick central nervous system function. Unlike vertebrates, ticks possess at least three genes encoding AChEs, differing in amino acid sequence and biochemical properties. Genomic analyses of R. microplus and the related tick, Ixodes scapularis, suggest that ticks contain many genes encoding different AChEs. This work is the first report of a salivary cholinesterase (ChE) activity in R. microplus, and discusses complexity of the cholinergic system in ticks and significance of tick salivary ChE at the tick-host interface. It further provides three hypotheses that the salivary ChE plausibly functions 1) to reduce presence of potentially toxic acetylcholine present in the large bloodmeal imbibed during rapid engorgement, 2) to modulate the immune response (innate and/or acquired) of the host to tick antigens, and 3) to influence transmission and establishment of pathogens within the host animal. Ticks are vectors for a greater number and variety of pathogens than any other parasite, and are second only to mosquitoes (owing to malaria) as vectors of serious human disease. Saliva-assisted transmission (SAT) of pathogens is well-known; however, the salivary components participating in the SAT process remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Temeyer
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, Texas 78028 (; ) and
| | - Alexander P Tuckow
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, Texas 78028 (; ) and
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17
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Abstract
Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium sp., and Entamoeba histolytica are important pathogenic intestinal parasites and are amongst the leading causes worldwide of diarrheal illness in humans. Diseases caused by these organisms, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and amoebiasis, respectively, are characterized by self-limited diarrhea but can evolve to long-term complications. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diarrhea associated with these three pathogens are being unraveled, with knowledge of both the strategies explored by the parasites to establish infection and the methods evolved by hosts to avoid it. Special attention is being given to molecules participating in parasite–host interaction and in the mechanisms implicated in the diseases’ pathophysiologic processes. This review focuses on cell mechanisms that are modulated during infection, including gene transcription, cytoskeleton rearrangements, signal transduction pathways, and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno M Di Genova
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata R Tonelli
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São PauloDiadema, Brazil
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18
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Lüder CGK, Sumpf K, Nast R. Releasing the Brake on IFN-γ Signaling on Infection. Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:456-459. [PMID: 26422772 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.08.006] [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: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii effectively inhibits the responsiveness of its host cell to interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Using a genome-wide genetic screen, Beiting and colleagues have recently identified coactivators of the transcription factor STAT1 that can diminish this inhibitory effect. One of these coactivators, TLX, enhances type 1 helper (Th1) immune responses and restricts parasite replication during chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten G K Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Kristina Sumpf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Roswitha Nast
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
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19
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Burkett-Cadena ND, Bingham AM, Unnasch TR. Sex-biased avian host use by arbovirus vectors. R Soc Open Sci 2014; 1:140262. [PMID: 26064562 PMCID: PMC4448840 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.140262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Prevalence of arthropod-borne parasites often differs drastically between host sexes. This sex-related disparity may be related to physiological (primarily hormonal) differences that facilitate or suppress replication of the pathogen in host tissues. Alternately, differences in pathogen prevalence between host sexes may be owing to differential exposure to infected vectors. Here, we report on the use of PCR-based assays recognizing bird sex chromosomes to investigate sex-related patterns of avian host use from field-collected female mosquitoes from Florida, USA. Mosquitoes took more bloodmeals from male birds (64.0% of 308 sexed samples) than female birds (36.0%), deviating significantly from a hypothetical 1:1 sex ratio. In addition, male-biased host use was consistent across mosquito species (Culex erraticus (64.4%); Culex nigripalpus (61.0%) and Culiseta melanura (64.9%)). Our findings support the hypothesis that sex-biased exposure to vector-borne pathogens contributes to disparities in parasite/pathogen prevalence between the sexes. While few studies have yet to investigate sex-biased host use by mosquitoes, the methods used here could be applied to a variety of mosquito-borne disease systems, including those that affect health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Understanding the mechanisms that drive sex-based disparities in host use may lead to novel strategies for interrupting pathogen/parasite transmission.
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20
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Zhang HH, Feschotte C, Han MJ, Zhang Z. Recurrent horizontal transfers of Chapaev transposons in diverse invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:1375-86. [PMID: 24868016 PMCID: PMC4079192 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Horizontal transfer (HT) of a transposable element (TE) into a new genome is regarded as an important force to drive genome variation and biological innovation. In addition, HT also plays an important role in the persistence of TEs in eukaryotic genomes. Here, we provide the first documented example for the repeated HT of three families of Chapaev transposons in a wide range of animal species, including mammals, reptiles, jawed fishes, lampreys, insects, and in an insect bracovirus. Multiple alignments of the Chapaev transposons identified in these species revealed extremely high levels of nucleotide sequence identity (79-99%), which are inconsistent with vertical evolution given the deep divergence time separating these host species. Rather, the discontinuous distribution amongst species and lack of purifying selection acting on these transposons strongly suggest that they were independently and horizontally transferred into these species lineages. The detection of Chapaev transposons in an insect bracovirus indicated that these viruses might act as a possible vector for the horizontal spread of Chapaev transposons. One of the Chapaev families was also shared by lampreys and some of their common hosts (such as sturgeon and paddlefish), which suggested that parasite-host interaction might facilitate HTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Hao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, ChinaCollege of Pharmacy and Life Science, Jiujiang University, China
| | - Cédric Feschotte
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Min-Jin Han
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, China
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