1
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Stijlemans B, De Baetselier P, Van Molle I, Lecordier L, Hendrickx E, Romão E, Vincke C, Baetens W, Schoonooghe S, Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh G, Korf H, Wallays M, Pinto Torres JE, Perez-Morga D, Brys L, Campetella O, Leguizamón MS, Claes M, Hendrickx S, Mabille D, Caljon G, Remaut H, Roelants K, Magez S, Van Ginderachter JA, De Trez C. Q586B2 is a crucial virulence factor during the early stages of Trypanosoma brucei infection that is conserved amongst trypanosomatids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1779. [PMID: 38413606 PMCID: PMC10899635 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46067-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, is characterized by the manipulation of the host's immune response to ensure parasite invasion and persistence. Uncovering key molecules that support parasite establishment is a prerequisite to interfere with this process. We identified Q586B2 as a T. brucei protein that induces IL-10 in myeloid cells, which promotes parasite infection invasiveness. Q586B2 is expressed during all T. brucei life stages and is conserved in all Trypanosomatidae. Deleting the Q586B2-encoding Tb927.6.4140 gene in T. brucei results in a decreased peak parasitemia and prolonged survival, without affecting parasite fitness in vitro, yet promoting short stumpy differentiation in vivo. Accordingly, neutralization of Q586B2 with newly generated nanobodies could hamper myeloid-derived IL-10 production and reduce parasitemia. In addition, immunization with Q586B2 delays mortality upon a challenge with various trypanosomes, including Trypanosoma cruzi. Collectively, we uncovered a conserved protein playing an important regulatory role in Trypanosomatid infection establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Stijlemans
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Patrick De Baetselier
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Van Molle
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Lecordier
- Biology of Membrane Transport Laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Erika Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Ema Romão
- VIB Nanobody Core, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cécile Vincke
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wendy Baetens
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Hannelie Korf
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Wallays
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joar E Pinto Torres
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Perez-Morga
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Lea Brys
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Oscar Campetella
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María S Leguizamón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mathieu Claes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Han Remaut
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Roelants
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefan Magez
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carl De Trez
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Setshedi KJ, Beteck RM, Jesumoroti OJ, Ilbeigi K, Mabille D, Caljon G, Van der Kooy F, Legoabe LJ. 2-Aroyl quinazolinone: Synthesis and in vitro anti-parasitic activity. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:763-772. [PMID: 37353860 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14284] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomes and Leishmania are parasitic protozoans that affect millions of people globally. Herein we report the synthesis of 2-aroyl quinazolinones and their antiprotozoal efficacy against Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania infantum. These compounds were counter-screened against a human cell line for cytotoxicity. Thirteen of the twenty target compounds in this study inhibited the growth of these parasites, with compounds KJ1, and KJ10 exhibiting IC50 values of 4.7 μM (T. b. brucei) and 1.1 μM (T. b. rhodesiense), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koketso J Setshedi
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Richard M Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Omobolanle J Jesumoroti
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Kayhan Ilbeigi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Frank Van der Kooy
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lesetja J Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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3
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Mabille D, Dirkx L, Thys S, Vermeersch M, Montenye D, Govaerts M, Hendrickx S, Takac P, Van Weyenbergh J, Pintelon I, Delputte P, Maes L, Pérez-Morga D, Timmermans JP, Caljon G. Impact of pulmonary African trypanosomes on the immunology and function of the lung. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7083. [PMID: 36400767 PMCID: PMC9674601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34757-w] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 20% of sleeping sickness patients exhibit respiratory complications, however, with a largely unknown role of the parasite. Here we show that tsetse fly-transmitted Trypanosoma brucei parasites rapidly and permanently colonize the lungs and occupy the extravascular spaces surrounding the blood vessels of the alveoli and bronchi. They are present as nests of multiplying parasites exhibiting close interactions with collagen and active secretion of extracellular vesicles. The local immune response shows a substantial increase of monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and γδ and activated αβ T cells and a later influx of neutrophils. Interestingly, parasite presence results in a significant reduction of B cells, eosinophils and natural killer cells. T. brucei infected mice show no infection-associated pulmonary dysfunction, mirroring the limited pulmonary clinical complications during sleeping sickness. However, the substantial reduction of the various immune cells may render individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections, as evident by a co-infection experiment with respiratory syncytial virus. Collectively, these observations provide insights into a largely overlooked target organ, and may trigger new diagnostic and supportive therapeutic approaches for sleeping sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Mabille
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Laura Dirkx
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sofie Thys
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marjorie Vermeersch
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium ,grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Daniel Montenye
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium ,grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Matthias Govaerts
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Takac
- grid.419303.c0000 0001 2180 9405Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia ,grid.455086.aScientica, Ltd., 83106 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Johan Van Weyenbergh
- grid.415751.3Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute of Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - David Pérez-Morga
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium ,grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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4
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Mabille D, Ilbeigi K, Hendrickx S, Ungogo MA, Hulpia F, Lin C, Maes L, de Koning HP, Van Calenbergh S, Caljon G. Nucleoside analogues for the treatment of animal trypanosomiasis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 19:21-30. [PMID: 35567803 PMCID: PMC9111543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal trypanosomiasis (AT) is a parasitic disease with high socio-economic impact. Given the limited therapeutic options and problems of toxicity and drug resistance, this study assessed redirecting our previously identified antitrypanosomal nucleosides for the treatment of AT. Promising hits were identified with excellent in vitro activity across all important animal trypanosome species. Compound 7, an inosine analogue, and our previously described lead compound, 3'-deoxytubercidin (8), showed broad spectrum anti-AT activity, metabolic stability in the target host species and absence of toxicity, but with variable efficacy ranging from limited activity to full cure in mouse models of Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax infection. Several compounds show promise against T. evansi (surra) and T. equiperdum (dourine). Given the preferred target product profile for a broad-spectrum compound against AT, this study emphasizes the need to include T. vivax in the screening cascade given its divergent susceptibility profile and provides a basis for lead optimization towards such broad spectrum anti-AT compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Kayhan Ilbeigi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Marzuq A Ungogo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Cai Lin
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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5
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Van den Kerkhof M, Leprohon P, Mabille D, Hendrickx S, Tulloch LB, Wall RJ, Wyllie S, Chatelain E, Mowbray CE, Braillard S, Ouellette M, Maes L, Caljon G. Identification of Resistance Determinants for a Promising Antileishmanial Oxaborole Series. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071408. [PMID: 34210040 PMCID: PMC8305145 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment options for visceral leishmaniasis have several drawbacks, and clinicians are confronted with an increasing number of treatment failures. To overcome this, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) has invested in the development of novel antileishmanial leads, including a very promising class of oxaboroles. The mode of action/resistance of this series to Leishmania is still unknown and may be important for its further development and implementation. Repeated in vivo drug exposure and an in vitro selection procedure on both extracellular promastigote and intracellular amastigote stages were both unable to select for resistance. The use of specific inhibitors for ABC-transporters could not demonstrate the putative involvement of efflux pumps. Selection experiments and inhibitor studies, therefore, suggest that resistance to oxaboroles may not emerge readily in the field. The selection of a genome-wide cosmid library coupled to next-generation sequencing (Cos-seq) was used to identify resistance determinants and putative targets. This resulted in the identification of a highly enriched cosmid, harboring genes of chromosome 2 that confer a subtly increased resistance to the oxaboroles tested. Moderately enriched cosmids encompassing a region of chromosome 34 contained the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (cpsf) gene, encoding the molecular target of several related benzoxaboroles in other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (D.M.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (P.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (D.M.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (D.M.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Lindsay B. Tulloch
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK; (L.B.T.); (R.J.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Richard J. Wall
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK; (L.B.T.); (R.J.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Susan Wyllie
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK; (L.B.T.); (R.J.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (E.C.); (C.E.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Charles E. Mowbray
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (E.C.); (C.E.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Stéphanie Braillard
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (E.C.); (C.E.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (P.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (D.M.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (M.V.d.K.); (D.M.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-32652610
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6
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Mabille D, Cardoso Santos C, Hendrickx R, Claes M, Takac P, Clayton C, Hendrickx S, Hulpia F, Maes L, Van Calenbergh S, Caljon G. 4E Interacting Protein as a Potential Novel Drug Target for Nucleoside Analogues in Trypanosoma brucei. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040826. [PMID: 33924674 PMCID: PMC8069773 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected parasitic disease for which the current treatment options are quite limited. Trypanosomes are not able to synthesize purines de novo and thus solely depend on purine salvage from the host environment. This characteristic makes players of the purine salvage pathway putative drug targets. The activity of known nucleoside analogues such as tubercidin and cordycepin led to the development of a series of C7-substituted nucleoside analogues. Here, we use RNA interference (RNAi) libraries to gain insight into the mode-of-action of these novel nucleoside analogues. Whole-genome RNAi screening revealed the involvement of adenosine kinase and 4E interacting protein into the mode-of-action of certain antitrypanosomal nucleoside analogues. Using RNAi lines and gene-deficient parasites, 4E interacting protein was found to be essential for parasite growth and infectivity in the vertebrate host. The essential nature of this gene product and involvement in the activity of certain nucleoside analogues indicates that it represents a potential novel drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (D.M.); (C.C.S.); (R.H.); (M.C.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Camila Cardoso Santos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (D.M.); (C.C.S.); (R.H.); (M.C.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular (LBC), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Rik Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (D.M.); (C.C.S.); (R.H.); (M.C.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Mathieu Claes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (D.M.); (C.C.S.); (R.H.); (M.C.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Peter Takac
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Scientica, Ltd., 83106 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Christine Clayton
- DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (D.M.); (C.C.S.); (R.H.); (M.C.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Campus Heymans, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (F.H.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (D.M.); (C.C.S.); (R.H.); (M.C.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Campus Heymans, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (F.H.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (D.M.); (C.C.S.); (R.H.); (M.C.); (S.H.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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de Heuvel E, Kooistra AJ, Edink E, van Klaveren S, Stuijt J, van der Meer T, Sadek P, Mabille D, Caljon G, Maes L, Siderius M, de Esch IJP, Sterk GJ, Leurs R. Discovery of Diaryl Ether Substituted Tetrahydrophthalazinones as TbrPDEB1 Inhibitors Following Structure-Based Virtual Screening. Front Chem 2021; 8:608030. [PMID: 33553105 PMCID: PMC7859335 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.608030] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Several members of the 3′,5′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) family play an essential role in cellular processes, which has labeled them as interesting targets for various diseases. The parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei, causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis, contains several cyclic AMP specific PDEs from which TbrPDEB1 is validated as a drug target. The recent discovery of selective TbrPDEB1 inhibitors has increased their potential for a novel treatment for this disease. Compounds characterized by a rigid biphenyl tetrahydrophthalazinone core structure were used as starting point for the exploration of novel TbrPDEB1 inhibitors. Using a virtual screening campaign and structure-guided design, diaryl ether substituted phthalazinones were identified as novel TbrPDEB1 inhibitors with IC50 values around 1 μM against T. brucei. This study provides important structure-activity relationship (SAR) information for the future design of effective parasite-specific PDE inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik de Heuvel
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Albert J Kooistra
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ewald Edink
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sjors van Klaveren
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey Stuijt
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tiffany van der Meer
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Payman Sadek
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Hulpia F, Campagnaro GD, Alzahrani KJ, Alfayez IA, Ungogo MA, Mabille D, Maes L, de Koning HP, Caljon G, Van Calenbergh S. Structure-Activity Relationship Exploration of 3'-Deoxy-7-deazapurine Nucleoside Analogues as Anti- Trypanosoma brucei Agents. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2045-2056. [PMID: 32568511 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei parasites. These protists are unable to produce the purine ring, making them vulnerable to the effects of purine nucleoside analogues. Starting from 3'-deoxytubercidin (5), a lead compound with activity against central-nervous-stage human African trypanosomiasis, we investigate the structure-activity relationships of the purine and ribofuranose rings. The purine ring tolerated only modifications at C7, while from the many alterations of the 3'-deoxyribofuranosyl moiety only the arabino analogue 48 showed pronounced antitrypanosomal activity. Profiling of the most potent analogues against resistant T. brucei strains (resistant to pentamidine, diminazene, and isometamidium) showed reduced dependence on uptake mediated by the P2 aminopurine transporter relative to 5. The introduction of a 7-substituent confers up to 10-fold increased affinity for the P1 nucleoside transporter while generally retaining high affinity for P2. Four of the most promising analogues were found to be metabolically stable, earmarking them as suitable backup analogues for lead 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Gustavo D. Campagnaro
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Khalid J. Alzahrani
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim A. Alfayez
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Marzuq A. Ungogo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ahmadu Bello University, 810211 Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (S7), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (S7), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (S7), B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
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Van Bockstal L, Bulté D, Van den Kerkhof M, Dirkx L, Mabille D, Hendrickx S, Delputte P, Maes L, Caljon G. Interferon Alpha Favors Macrophage Infection by Visceral Leishmania Species Through Upregulation of Sialoadhesin Expression. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1113. [PMID: 32582193 PMCID: PMC7296180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) induced by an endogenous Leishmania RNA virus or exogenous viral infections have been shown to exacerbate infections with New World Cutaneous Leishmania parasites, however, the impact of type I IFNs in visceral Leishmania infections and implicated mechanisms remain to be unraveled. This study assessed the impact of type I IFN on macrophage infection with L. infantum and L. donovani and the implication of sialoadhesin (Siglec-1/CD169, Sn) as an IFN-inducible surface receptor. Stimulation of bone marrow-derived macrophages with type I IFN (IFN-α) significantly enhanced susceptibility to infection of reference laboratory strains and a set of recent clinical isolates. IFN-α particularly enhanced promastigote uptake. Enhanced macrophage susceptibility was linked to upregulated Sn surface expression as a major contributing factor to the infection exacerbating effect of IFN-α. Stimulation experiments in Sn-deficient macrophages, macrophage pretreatment with a monoclonal anti-Sn antibody or a novel bivalent anti-Sn nanobody and blocking of parasites with soluble Sn restored normal susceptibility levels. Infection of Sn-deficient mice with bioluminescent L. infantum promastigotes revealed a moderate, strain-dependent role for Sn during visceral infection under the used experimental conditions. These data indicate that IFN-responsive Sn expression can enhance the susceptibility of macrophages to infection with visceral Leishmania promastigotes and that targeting of Sn may have some protective effects in early infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Bulté
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Laura Dirkx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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10
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Hulpia F, Bouton J, Campagnaro GD, Alfayez IA, Mabille D, Maes L, de Koning HP, Caljon G, Van Calenbergh S. C6-O-alkylated 7-deazainosine nucleoside analogues: Discovery of potent and selective anti-sleeping sickness agents. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 188:112018. [PMID: 31931339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.112018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [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: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis, a deadly infectious disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei spp., is spread to new hosts by bites of infected tsetse flies. Currently approved therapies all have their specific drawbacks, prompting a search for novel therapeutic agents. T. brucei lacks the enzymes necessary to forge the purine ring from amino acid precursors, rendering them dependent on the uptake and interconversion of host purines. This dependency renders analogues of purines and corresponding nucleosides an interesting source of potential anti-T. brucei agents. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated a series of 7-substituted 7-deazainosine derivatives and found that 6-O-alkylated analogues in particular showed highly promising in vitro activity with EC50 values in the mid-nanomolar range. SAR investigation of the O-alkyl chain showed that antitrypanosomal activity increased, and also cytotoxicity, with alkyl chain length, at least in the linear alkyl chain series. However, this could be attenuated by introducing a terminal branch point, resulting in the highly potent and selective analogues, 36, 37 and 38. No resistance related to transporter-mediated uptake could be identified, earmarking several of these analogues for further in vivo follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jakob Bouton
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Gustavo D Campagnaro
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim A Alfayez
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (S7), B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (S7), B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (S7), B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Gent, Belgium.
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11
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Hulpia F, Mabille D, Campagnaro GD, Schumann G, Maes L, Roditi I, Hofer A, de Koning HP, Caljon G, Van Calenbergh S. Combining tubercidin and cordycepin scaffolds results in highly active candidates to treat late-stage sleeping sickness. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5564. [PMID: 31804484 PMCID: PMC6895180 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13522-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [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: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei parasites with limited treatment options. Trypanosoma is unable to synthesize purines de novo and relies solely on their uptake and interconversion from the host, constituting purine nucleoside analogues a potential source of antitrypanosomal agents. Here we combine structural elements from known trypanocidal nucleoside analogues to develop a series of 3’-deoxy-7-deazaadenosine nucleosides, and investigate their effects against African trypanosomes. 3’-Deoxytubercidin is a highly potent trypanocide in vitro and displays curative activity in animal models of acute and CNS-stage disease, even at low doses and oral administration. Whole-genome RNAi screening reveals that the P2 nucleoside transporter and adenosine kinase are involved in the uptake and activation, respectively, of this analogue. This is confirmed by P1 and P2 transporter assays and nucleotide pool analysis. 3’-Deoxytubercidin is a promising lead to treat late-stage sleeping sickness. Trypanosoma brucei relies on uptake and conversion of purines from the host, which constitutes a potential drug target. Here, Hulpia et al. combine structural elements from known trypanocidal nucleoside analogues and develop a potent trypanocide with curative activity in animal models of acute and late stage sleeping sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Gustavo D Campagnaro
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Gabriela Schumann
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Isabel Roditi
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anders Hofer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Harry P de Koning
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Gent, Belgium.
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12
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Caljon G, Mabille D, Stijlemans B, De Trez C, Mazzone M, Tacchini-Cottier F, Malissen M, Van Ginderachter JA, Magez S, De Baetselier P, Van Den Abbeele J. Neutrophils enhance early Trypanosoma brucei infection onset. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11203. [PMID: 30046157 PMCID: PMC6060092 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29527-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, Trypanosoma brucei was naturally transmitted to mice through the bites of infected Glossina morsitans tsetse flies. Neutrophils were recruited rapidly to the bite site, whereas monocytes were attracted more gradually. Expression of inflammatory cytokines (il1b, il6), il10 and neutrophil chemokines (cxcl1, cxcl5) was transiently up-regulated at the site of parasite inoculation. Then, a second influx of neutrophils occurred that coincided with the previously described parasite retention and expansion in the ear dermis. Congenital and experimental neutropenia models, combined with bioluminescent imaging, indicate that neutrophils do not significantly contribute to dermal parasite control and elicit higher systemic parasitemia levels during the infection onset. Engulfment of parasites by neutrophils in the skin was rarely observed and was restricted to parasites with reduced motility/viability, whereas live parasites escaped phagocytosis. To our knowledge, this study represents the first description of a trypanosome infection promoting role of early innate immunological reactions following an infective tsetse fly bite. Our data indicate that the trypanosome is not hindered in its early development and benefits from the host innate responses with the neutrophils being important regulators of the early infection, as already demonstrated for the sand fly transmitted Leishmania parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Benoît Stijlemans
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carl De Trez
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Tacchini-Cottier
- Department of Biochemistry, WHO-Immunology Research and Training Center, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Marie Malissen
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm U1104, CNRS UMR7280, F-13288, Marseille, France
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefan Magez
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Patrick De Baetselier
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium.
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13
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Eberhardt E, Van den Kerkhof M, Bulté D, Mabille D, Van Bockstal L, Monnerat S, Alves F, Mbui J, Delputte P, Cos P, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. Evaluation of a Pan-Leishmania Spliced-Leader RNA Detection Method in Human Blood and Experimentally Infected Syrian Golden Hamsters. J Mol Diagn 2018; 20:253-263. [PMID: 29355825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several methods have been developed for the detection of Leishmania, mostly targeting the minicircle kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). A new RNA real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed targeting the conserved and highly expressed spliced-leader (SL) mini-exon sequence. This study compared the limits of detection of various real-time PCR assays in hamsters infected with Leishmania infantum, in spiked human blood, and in clinical blood samples from visceral leishmaniasis patients. The SL-RNA assay showed an excellent analytical sensitivity in tissues (0.005 and 0.002 parasites per mg liver and spleen, respectively) and was not prone to false-positive reactions. Evaluation of the SL-RNA assay on clinical samples demonstrated lower threshold cycle values than the kDNA qPCR, an excellent interrun stability of 97%, a 93% agreement with the kDNA assay, and an estimated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 93.2%, 94.3%, and 93.8%, respectively. The SL-RNA qPCR assay was equally efficient for detecting Leishmania major, Leishmania tropica, Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania guayensis, Leishmania panamensis, Leishmania braziliensis, L. infantum, and Leishmania donovani and revealed similar SL-RNA levels in the different species and the occurrence of polycistronic SL-containing transcripts in Viannia species. Collectively, this single SL-RNA qPCR assay enables universal Leishmania detection and represents a particularly useful addition to the widely used kDNA assay in clinical studies in which the detection of viable parasites is pivotal to assess parasitological cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Eberhardt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Bulté
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jane Mbui
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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14
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Van den Kerkhof M, Mabille D, Chatelain E, Mowbray CE, Braillard S, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. In vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamics of three novel antileishmanial lead series. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2018; 8:81-86. [PMID: 29425734 PMCID: PMC6114106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Three new chemical series (bicyclic nitroimidazoles, aminopyrazoles and oxaboroles) were selected by Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative as potential new drug leads for leishmaniasis. Pharmacodynamics studies included both in vitro and in vivo efficacy, cross-resistance profiling against the current antileishmanial reference drugs and evaluation of their cidal activity potential. Methods Efficacy against the reference laboratory strains of Leishmania infantum (MHOM/MA(BE)/67/ITMAP263) and L. donovani (MHOM/ET/67/L82) was evaluated in vitro on intracellular amastigotes and in vivo in the early curative hamster model. Cidal activity was assessed over a period of 15 days in an in vitro ‘time-to-kill’ assay. Cross-resistance was assessed in vitro on a panel of L. infantum strains with different degrees of resistance to either antimony, miltefosine or paromomycin. Results All lead compounds showed potent and selective in vitro activity against the Leishmania strains tested and no cross-resistance could be demonstrated against any of the current antileishmanial drugs. Cidal activity was obtained in vitro for all series within 15 days of exposure with some differences noted between L. donovani and L. infantum. When evaluated in vivo, all lead compounds showed high efficacy and no adverse effects were observed. Conclusions The new lead series were shown to have cidal pharmacodynamic activity. The absence of cross-resistance with any of the current antileishmanial drugs opens possibilities for combination treatment to reduce the likelihood of treatment failures and drug resistance. Good efficacy was evaluated for all series in vitro and in vivo. No cross-resistance towards current anti-leishmanial drugs was observed. Cidal activity was obtained in vitro for all series within 15 days of exposure. Some differences were observed between L. infantum and L. donovani.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - D Mabille
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - E Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C E Mowbray
- Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Braillard
- Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Hendrickx
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - G Caljon
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Belgium.
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