Overexpression of cysteine proteinase 2 in Entamoeba histolytica or Entamoeba dispar increases amoeba-induced monolayer destruction in vitro but does not augment amoebic liver abscess formation in gerbils

To study the role of cysteine proteinases in the pathogenicity of Entamoeba histolytica, we have attempted to overexpress the three main cysteine proteinases (EhCP1, EhCP2, EhCP5) of this parasite in trophozoites of E. histolytica as well as in non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar by episomal transfection. Although each of the corresponding coding sequences were cloned in identical expression plasmids, we were unable to overexpress EhCP1 and EhCP5, respectively, but could substantially induce expression of EhCP2 in both amoeba species by sevenfold, leading to a threefold increase in total cysteine proteinase activity. Overexpression of EhCP2 did not influence expression of other cysteine proteinases and could be attributed to an increase of a single 35 kDa activity band in substrate gel electrophoresis. In contrast to previous findings, which indicated that amoeba cysteine proteinases are involved in erythrophagocytosis and liver abscess formation, cells overexpressing EhCP2 showed no difference in erythrophagocytosis or liver abscess formation compared with respective controls. However, overexpression of EhCP2 in both amoeba species resulted in a marked increase of in vitro monolayer destruction.

Natural killer T cells activated by a lipopeptidophosphoglycan from Entamoeba histolytica are critically important to control amebic liver abscess

The innate immune response is supposed to play an essential role in the control of amebic liver abscess (ALA), a severe form of invasive amoebiasis due to infection with the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. In a mouse model for the disease, we previously demonstrated that Jalpha18(-/-) mice, lacking invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, suffer from more severe abscess development. Here we show that the specific activation of iNKT cells using alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) induces a significant reduction in the sizes of ALA lesions, whereas CD1d(-/-) mice develop more severe abscesses. We identified a lipopeptidophosphoglycan from E. histolytica membranes (EhLPPG) as a possible natural NKT cell ligand and show that the purified phosphoinositol (PI) moiety of this molecule induces protective IFN-gamma but not IL-4 production in NKT cells. The main component of EhLPPG responsible for NKT cell activation is a diacylated PI, (1-O-[(28:0)-lyso-glycero-3-phosphatidyl-]2-O-(C16:0)-Ins). IFN-gamma production by NKT cells requires the presence of CD1d and simultaneously TLR receptor signalling through MyD88 and secretion of IL-12. Similar to alpha-GalCer application, EhLPPG treatment significantly reduces the severity of ALA in ameba-infected mice. Our results suggest that EhLPPG is an amebic molecule that is important for the limitation of ALA development and may explain why the majority of E. histolytica-infected individuals do not develop amebic liver abscess.

Testosterone increases susceptibility to amebic liver abscess in mice and mediates inhibition of IFNγ secretion in natural killer T cells

Amebic liver abscess (ALA), a parasitic disease due to infection with the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, occurs age and gender dependent with strong preferences for adult males. Using a mouse model for ALA with a similar male bias for the disease, we have investigated the role of female and male sexual hormones and provide evidence for a strong contribution of testosterone. Removal of testosterone by orchiectomy significantly reduced sizes of abscesses in male mice, while substitution of testosterone increased development of ALA in female mice. Activation of natural killer T (NKT) cells, which are known to be important for the control of ALA, is influenced by testosterone. Specifically activated NKT cells isolated from female mice produce more IFNγ compared to NKT cells derived from male mice. This high level production of IFNγ in female derived NKT cells was inhibited by testosterone substitution, while the IFNγ production in male derived NKT cells was increased by orchiectomy. Gender dependent differences were not a result of differences in the total number of NKT cells, but a result of a higher activation potential for the CD4(-) NKT cell subpopulation in female mice. Taken together, we conclude that the hormone status of the host, in particular the testosterone level, determines susceptibility to ALA at least in a mouse model of the disease.

Identification of an epitope on the Entamoeba histolytica 170-kD lectin conferring antibody-mediated protection against invasive amebiasis

The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms and the failure to eradicate infection by a number of important pathogens has led to increased efforts to develop vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. However, the nature of the immune response to vaccination with a given antigen can be complex and unpredictable. An example is the galactose- and N-acetylgalactosamine-inhibitable lectin, a surface antigen of Entamoeba histolytica that has been identified as a major candidate in a vaccine to prevent amebiasis. Vaccination with the lectin can induce protective immunity to amebic liver abscess in some animals, but others of the same species exhibit exacerbations of disease after vaccination. To better understand this phenomenon, we used recombinant proteins corresponding to four distinct domains of the molecule, and synthetic peptides to localize both protective and exacerbative epitopes of the heavy chain subunit of the lectin. We show that protective immunity after vaccination can be correlated with the development of an antibody response to a region of 25 amino acid residues of the lectin, and have confirmed the importance of the antibody response to this region by passive immunization studies. In addition, we show that exacerbation of disease can be linked to the development of antibodies that bind to an NH2-terminal domain of the lectin. These findings are clinically relevant, as individuals who are colonized with E. histolytica but are resistant to invasive disease have a high prevalence of antibodies to the protective epitope(s), compared to individuals with a history of invasive amebiasis. These studies should enable us to develop an improved vaccine for amebiasis, and provide a model for the identification of protective and exacerbative epitopes of complex antigens.

Sexual dimorphism in the control of amebic liver abscess in a mouse model of disease

Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of human infection by the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. In contrast to intestinal infection, ALA greatly predominates in males but is rare in females. Since humans are the only relevant host for E. histolytica, experimental studies concerning this sexual dimorphism have been hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model. By serial liver passage of cultured E. histolytica trophozoites in gerbils and mice, we generated amebae which reproducibly induce ALA in C57BL/6 mice. Interestingly, all animals developed ALA, but the time courses of abscess formation differed significantly between the genders. Female mice were able to clear the infection within 3 days, whereas in male mice the parasite could be recovered for at least 14 days. Accordingly, male mice showed a prolonged time of recovery from ALA. Immunohistology of abscesses revealed that polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages were the dominant infiltrates, but in addition, gamma,delta-T cells, NK cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cells were also present at early times during abscess development, whereas conventional alpha,beta-T cells appeared later, when female mice had already cleared the parasite. Interestingly, male and female mice differed in early cytokine production in response to ameba infection. Enzyme-linked immunospot assays performed with spleen cells of infected animals revealed significantly higher numbers of interleukin-4-producing cells in male mice but significantly higher numbers of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-producing cells in female mice. Early IFN-gamma production and the presence of functional NKT cells were found to be important for the control of hepatic amebiasis as application of an IFN-gamma-neutralizing monoclonal antibody or the use of NKT knockout mice (Valpha14iNKT, Jalpha 18(-/-)) dramatically increased the size of ALA in female mice. In addition, E. histolytica trophozoites could be reisolated from liver abscesses of Jalpha18(-/-) mice on day 7 postinfection, when wild-type mice had already cleared the parasite. These data suggest that the sexual dimorphism in the control of ALA is due to gender-specific differences in early cytokine production mediated at least in part by NKT cells in response to E. histolytica infection of the liver.

Diversionary role of hoofed game in the transmission of Lyme disease spirochetes

To determine whether the presence of ungulates may inhibit transmission of the agent of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) while promoting the abundance of its European vector tick (Ixodes ricinus), we compared the feeding density of subadult ticks on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), and wild sheep (Ovis ammon) near Berlin and in Brandenburg State, Germany. The prevalence of spirochetal infection in these ticks was compared with that in ticks swept from nearby vegetation. Spirochetes are present in nearly one-fifth of nonfed, questing nymphal and adult wood ticks in the region. Many ungulates in this intensely enzootic region fail to mount a detectable humoral response against the agent of Lyme disease, even when exposed to numerous infected ticks. During the height of the summer, each ungulate may support the feeding of hundreds of subadult ticks. Larvae feed lower on the bodies of hoofed game than do nymphs. Few ticks retain infection by the Lyme disease spirochete after feeding on hoofed game animals. We conclude that numerous I. ricinus ticks feed on ungulates, but that such host-contact fails to infect these ticks while eliminating pre-existing spirochetal infection.

Increased expression of the major cysteine proteinases by stable episomal transfection underlines the important role of EhCP5 for the pathogenicity of Entamoeba histolytica

The protozoan Entamoeba histolytica causes intestinal inflammation and liver abscess. Cysteine proteinases (CPs) have been proposed as important virulence factors for amoebiasis. To test the role of the various CPs for amoeba induced pathology, the three major enzymes of the parasite, namely EhCP1, EhCP2 and EhCP5 accounting for about 90% of total proteinase activity, were overexpressed by stable episomal transfection. Total CP activity of recombinant amoebae increased by three- to six-fold depending on the gene transfected. Interestingly, overexpression of the genes for EhCP1 or EhCP2 increased the activity of the corresponding enzyme only, whereas overexpression of the gene for EhCP5 increased the activity of all three enzymes, which is consistent with enzyme-converting activity of EhCP5. Cytopathic activity, measured by in vitro monolayer disruption, was dramatically increased in ehcp5-transfectants (five-fold) but showed only a modest increase in ehcp1- or ehcp2-transfectants (1.5-2-fold). In addition, overexpression of ehcp5 but not of ehcp1 or ehcp2 significantly increased amoebic liver abscess formation in laboratory animals. Moreover, transfection and overexpression of ehcp5 was able to compensate the reduction of in vivo pathogenicity in parasites, which have been silenced for the gene encoding the pore-forming protein amoebapore A. In summary, these results further support the important role of EhCP5 in E. histolytica pathogenicity.

TNFα-mediated liver destruction by Kupffer cells and Ly6Chi monocytes during Entamoeba histolytica infection

Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is a focal destruction of liver tissue due to infection by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica). Host tissue damage is attributed mainly to parasite pathogenicity factors, but massive early accumulation of mononuclear cells, including neutrophils, inflammatory monocytes and macrophages, at the site of infection raises the question of whether these cells also contribute to tissue damage. Using highly selective depletion strategies and cell-specific knockout mice, the relative contribution of innate immune cell populations to liver destruction during amebic infection was investigated. Neutrophils were not required for amebic infection nor did they appear to be substantially involved in tissue damage. In contrast, Kupffer cells and inflammatory monocytes contributed substantially to liver destruction during ALA, and tissue damage was mediated primarily by TNFα. These data indicate that besides direct antiparasitic drugs, modulating innate immune responses may potentially be beneficial in limiting ALA pathogenesis.

Amebic liver abscess (ALA), an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is characterized by severe focal liver damages. According to its name giving activity, destruction of liver tissue by E. histolytica has been attributed to parasite-specific effector molecules. However, abscess lesions contain considerable numbers of innate immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, raising the question whether these host cells might contribute to the disease as well. We have investigated the role of the host immune response during ALA development using a mouse model for the disease. The results indicated that despite the presence of considerable numbers of neutrophils within the abscess lesions, these cells were dispensable for both the control of the disease and the tissue damage. On the other hand, two subsets of immune cells, the liver resident Kupffer cells and the inflammatory Ly6C-expressing monocytes were identified as the main effector cells responsible for liver tissue destruction. Furthermore, TNFα produced by the Ly6C-expressing monocytes, was found to be a cytokine that is critically involved in abscess development. Thus, our finding that host immune mechanisms are indeed responsible for liver tissue destruction during ALA development may change the view on the pathological mechanism of amebic disease.

The cell surface proteome of Entamoeba histolytica

Surface molecules are of major importance for host-parasite interactions. During Entamoeba histolytica infections, these interactions are predicted to be of prime importance for tissue invasion, induction of colitis and liver abscess formation. To date, however, little is known about the molecules involved in these processes, with only about 20 proteins or protein families found exposed on the E. histolytica surface. We have therefore analyzed the complete surface proteome of E. histolytica. Using cell surface biotinylation and mass spectrometry, 693 putative surface-associated proteins were identified. In silico analysis predicted that ∼26% of these proteins are membrane-associated, as they contain transmembrane domains and/or signal sequences, as well as sites of palmitoylation, myristoylation, or prenylation. An additional 25% of the identified proteins likely represent nonclassical secreted proteins. Surprisingly, no membrane-association sites could be predicted for the remaining 49% of the identified proteins. To verify surface localization, 23 proteins were randomly selected and analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Of these 23 proteins, 20 (87%) showed definite surface localization. These findings indicate that a far greater number of E. histolytica proteins than previously supposed are surface-associated, a phenomenon that may be based on the high membrane turnover of E. histolytica.

Differential gene expression in Entamoeba histolytica isolated from amoebic liver abscess

The majority of human infections with the intestinal protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica remain asymptomatic. In a small proportion of infections, however, E. histolytica trophozoites penetrate the intestinal mucosa and disseminate to other organs, most commonly to the liver, where they induce abscess formation. It is believed that the ability of E. histolytica trophozoites to destroy host tissues and to survive within the liver is accomplished by a strong adaptive response, which requires the specific regulation of a number of amoeba proteins. Using differential display polymerase chain reaction (DD-PCR), we compared RNA expression between E. histolytica trophozoites isolated from liver abscesses of infected gerbils and those grown under normal culture conditions. A total of 3000 cDNA-derived amplicons were compared between the two groups of amoebae, which were calculated to represent about one-third of all E. histolytica mRNA species (transcriptome). Among these, 55 were found to be specifically present or absent in abscess-derived amoebae, of which 42 were successfully cloned and sequenced. Database searches and Northern blot analyses revealed that the 42 amplicons correspond to 29 independent E. histolytica genes, of which at least seven are specifically upregulated and five are downregulated in abscess-derived amoebae. Specific expression of most of these genes was not simply the result of a heat shock response, which might be expected during abscess formation, as only five of the genes revealed an expression profile similar to that found in amoebae cultured under elevated temperatures. The two genes specifically downregulated in abscess-derived amoebae encode members of a family of so far unknown proteins, which contain repetitive stretches of sequences that are rich in lysine and glutamic acid residues. In contrast, a diverse set of genes is specifically upregulated, encoding ribosomal proteins (S30, L37A), cyclophilin, ferredoxin 2 and GTP-binding protein RAB7D, supporting the notion that liver abscess formation requires the regulation and concerted action of a variety of amoeba proteins. These proteins are associated with stress response, signal transduction, regulation of transcription and vesicular trafficking. However, transcriptome analysis will not be sufficient to identify all proteins specifically upregulated during abscess formation, as at least an increase in the expression of actin was found to be regulated at the post-transcriptional level.

Differences in the transcriptome signatures of two genetically related Entamoeba histolytica cell lines derived from the same isolate with different pathogenic properties

Background

The availability of two genetically very similar cell lines (A and B) derived from the laboratory isolate Entamoeba histolytica HM-1:IMSS, which differ in their virulence properties, provides a powerful tool for identifying pathogenicity factors of the causative agent of human amoebiasis. Cell line A is incapable inducing liver abscesses in gerbils, whereas interaction with cell line B leads to considerable abscess formation. Phenotypic characterization of both cell lines revealed that trophozoites from the pathogenic cell line B have a larger cell size, an increased growth rate in vitro, an increased cysteine peptidase activity and higher resistance to nitric oxide stress. To find proteins that may serve as virulence factors, the proteomes of both cell lines were previously studied, resulting in the identification of a limited number of differentially synthesized proteins. This study aims to identify additional genes, serving as virulence factors, or virulence markers.

Results

To obtain a comprehensive picture of the differences between the cell lines, we compared their transcriptomes using an oligonucleotide-based microarray and confirmed findings with quantitative real-time PCR. Out of 6242 genes represented on the array, 87 are differentially transcribed (≥two-fold) in the two cell lines. Approximately 50% code for hypothetical proteins. Interestingly, only 19 genes show a five-fold or higher differential expression. These include three rab7 GTPases, which were found with a higher abundance in the non-pathogenic cell line A. The aig1-like GTPasesare of special interest because the majority of them show higher levels of transcription in the pathogenic cell line B. Only two molecules were found to be differentially expressed between the two cell lines in both this study and our previous proteomic approach.

Conclusions

In this study we have identified a defined set of genes that are differentially transcribed between the non-pathogenic cell line A and the pathogenic cell line B of E. histolytica. The identification of transcription profiles unique for amoebic cell lines with pathogenic phenotypes may help to elucidate the transcriptional framework of E. histolytica pathogenicity and serve as a basis for identifying transcriptional markers and virulence factors.

Comparison of two genetically related Entamoeba histolytica cell lines derived from the same isolate with different pathogenic properties

Entamoeba histolytica is known for its extraordinary capacity to destroy human tissues, leading to invasive diseases such as ulcerative colitis or extra-intestinal abscesses. In order to identify the virulence factors of this parasite phenotypes and proteomes of two recently identified genetically related cell lines (A and B), derived from the laboratory E. histolytica isolate HM-1:IMSS, were compared. Both cell lines are indistinguishable on the basis of highly polymorphic tandem repeat DNA sequences. However, cell line A is incapable to induce liver abscesses in experimentally infected rodents, whereas cell line B provokes considerable abscesses. Phenotypic analyses revealed increased hemolytic activity, lower growth rate, smaller cell size, reduced cysteine peptidase activity and lower resistance to nitric oxide stress for cell line A. In contrast, no differences between the two cell lines were found for cytopathic activity, erythrophagocytosis, digestion of erythrocytes or resistance to complement, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical anions. Proteomic comparison by 2-D DIGE followed by MS, identified a total of 21 proteins with higher abundance in cell line A and ten proteins with higher abundance in cell line B. Remarkably, three differentially up-regulated antioxidants were exclusively found in the pathogenic cell line B. Notably, only for two differentially regulated proteins, namely a Fe-hydrogenase and a C2 domain protein, a similar type was found at the level of transcription. Summarized, a defined set of different proteins could be identified between cell lines A and B. These molecules may have an important role in amoeba pathogenicity.

A Protective Function of IL-22BP in Ischemia Reperfusion and Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury

Acute liver injury can be secondary to a variety of causes, including infections, intoxication, and ischemia. All of these insults induce hepatocyte death and subsequent inflammation, which can make acute liver injury a life-threatening event. IL-22 is a dual natured cytokine which has context-dependent protective and pathogenic properties during tissue damage. Accordingly, IL-22 was shown to promote liver regeneration upon acute liver damage. However, other studies suggest pathogenic properties of IL-22 during chronic liver injury. IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP, IL-22Ra2) is a soluble inhibitor of IL-22 that regulates IL-22 activity. However, the significance of endogenous IL-22BP in acute liver injury is unknown. We hypothesized that IL-22BP may play a role in acute liver injury. To test this hypothesis, we used Il22bp-deficient mice and murine models of acute liver damage induced by ischemia reperfusion and N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (acetaminophen) administration. We found that Il22bp-deficient mice were more susceptible to acute liver damage in both models. We used Il22 × Il22bp double-deficient mice to show that this effect is indeed due to uncontrolled IL-22 activity. We could demonstrate mechanistically increased expression of Cxcl10 by hepatocytes, and consequently increased infiltration of inflammatory CD11b+Ly6C+ monocytes into the liver in Il22bp-deficient mice upon liver damage. Accordingly, neutralization of CXCL10 reversed the increased disease susceptibility of Il22bp-deficient mice. In conclusion, our data indicate that IL-22BP plays a protective role in acute liver damage, via controlling IL-22-induced Cxcl10 expression.

Androgens predispose males to monocyte-mediated immunopathology by inducing the expression of leukocyte recruitment factor CXCL1

Hepatic amebiasis, predominantly occurring in men, is a focal destruction of the liver due to the invading protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Classical monocytes as well as testosterone are identified to have important functions for the development of hepatic amebiasis in mice, but a link between testosterone and monocytes has not been identified. Here we show that testosterone treatment induces proinflammatory responses in human and mouse classical monocytes. When treated with 5α-dihydrotestosterone, a strong androgen receptor ligand, human classical monocytes increase CXCL1 production in the presence of Entamoeba histolytica antigens. Moreover, plasma testosterone levels of individuals undergoing transgender procedure correlate positively with the TNF and CXCL1 secretion from their cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells following lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Finally, testosterone substitution of castrated male mice increases the frequency of TNF/CXCL1-producing classical monocytes during hepatic amebiasis, supporting the hypothesis that the effects of androgens may contribute to an increased risk of developing monocyte-mediated pathologies.

Sex differences in H7N9 influenza A virus pathogenesis

Sex, gender and age have an impact on incidence and severity of several infectious diseases. Here, we analyzed reported human cases of avian H7N9 influenza A virus infections for potential sex-dependent incidence and mortality. We report that females in their reproductive years display an increased tendency to die of H7N9 influenza than males (female-to-male ratio=1.2). Next, we challenged this potential sex-dependent difference in influenza disease outcome using a mouse infection model. In general, female mice underwent more severe disease than male mice upon infection with various influenza A virus subtypes, such as H7N9, 2009 pH1N1 and H3N2. However, morbidity and mortality were most significantly affected in H7N9 influenza virus infected female mice associated with an increased inflammatory host response. Thus, our mouse infection model described here might assist future investigations on the underlying mechanisms of sex-dependent disease outcome upon zoonotic H7N9 influenza virus infection. Moreover, our findings might help to guide patient management strategies and current vaccine recommendations.

Nucleotide sequence of the ospAB operon of a Borrelia burgdorferi strain expressing OspA but not OspB

The nucleotide sequence of a 1.6-kb clone containing the gene for outer surface protein A (OspA) of a German strain (GO2) of Borrelia burgdorferi was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a homology of 82% to the OspA molecules from three other B. burgdorferi strains. The best-conserved region was recognized at the 36-amino-terminal amino acids of OspA. OspB could not be identified in the strain investigated, probably because the nucleotide sequence of the ospAB operon prevented expression of the OspB gene.

Oral vaccination with recombinant Yersinia enterocolitica expressing hybrid type III proteins protects gerbils from amebic liver abscess

Protection against invasive amebiasis was achieved in the gerbil model for amebic liver abscess by oral immunization with live attenuated Yersinia enterocolitica expressing the Entamoeba histolytica galactose-inhibitable lectin that has been fused to the Yersinia outer protein E (YopE). Protection was dependent on the presence of the YopE translocation domain but was independent from the antibody response to the ameba lectin.

Overexpression of Differentially Expressed Genes Identified in Non-pathogenic and Pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica Clones Allow Identification of New Pathogenicity Factors Involved in Amoebic Liver Abscess Formation

We here compared pathogenic (p) and non-pathogenic (np) isolates of Entamoeba histolytica to identify molecules involved in the ability of this parasite to induce amoebic liver abscess (ALA)-like lesions in two rodent models for the disease. We performed a comprehensive analysis of 12 clones (A1–A12) derived from a non-pathogenic isolate HM-1:IMSS-A and 12 clones (B1–B12) derived from a pathogenic isolate HM-1:IMSS-B. “Non-pathogenicity” included the induction of small and quickly resolved lesions while “pathogenicity” comprised larger abscess development that overstayed day 7 post infection. All A-clones were designated as non-pathogenic, whereas 4 out of 12 B-clones lost their ability to induce ALAs in gerbils. No correlation between ALA formation and cysteine peptidase (CP) activity, haemolytic activity, erythrophagocytosis, motility or cytopathic activity was found. To identify the molecular framework underlying different pathogenic phenotypes, three clones were selected for in-depth transcriptome analyses. Comparison of a non-pathogenic clone A1^np with pathogenic clone B2^p revealed 76 differentially expressed genes, whereas comparison of a non-pathogenic clone B8^np with B2^p revealed only 19 differentially expressed genes. Only six genes were found to be similarly regulated in the two non-pathogenic clones A1^np and B8^np in comparison with the pathogenic clone B2^p. Based on these analyses, we chose 20 candidate genes and evaluated their roles in ALA formation using the respective gene-overexpressing transfectants. We conclude that different mechanisms lead to loss of pathogenicity. In total, we identified eight proteins, comprising a metallopeptidase, C2 domain proteins, alcohol dehydrogenases and hypothetical proteins, that affect the pathogenicity of E. histolytica.

The pathogen Entamoeba histolytica can live asymptomatically in the human gut, or it can disrupt the intestinal barrier and induce life-threatening abscesses in different organs, most often in the liver. The molecular framework that enables this invasive, highly pathogenic phenotype is still not well understood. In order to identify factors that are positively or negatively correlated for invasion and destruction of the liver, we used a unique tool, E. histolytica clones that differ dramatically in their pathogenicity, while sharing almost identical genetic background. Based on comprehensive transcriptome studies of these clones, we identified a set of candidate genes that are potentially involved in pathogenicity. Using ectopic overexpression of the most promising candidates, either in pathogenic or in non-pathogenic Entamoeba clones, we identified genes where high expression reduced pathogenicity and only one gene that increased pathogenicity to a certain extend.

Taken together, the current study identifies novel pathogenicity factors of E. histolytica and highlights the observation that various different genes contribute to pathogenicity.

Identification of an immunoreactive non-proteinaleous component in Borrelia burgdorferi

Investigations of immunoblots using Borrelia burgdorferi antigen demonstrated that a band, migrating faster than the bromophenol blue front in sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis, reacted strongly with sera containing anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies preferentially of the IgG class. Extraction of this antigenic component and chemical analyses showed that the substance was composed mainly of fatty acids and carbohydrates. Typical structures of classical lipooolysaccharides such as 3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid, hydroxy fatty acids or lipid A could not be detected.

Protection of gerbils from amebic liver abscess by vaccination with a 25-mer peptide derived from the cysteine-rich region of Entamoeba histolytica galactose-specific adherence lectin

The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica causes extensive morbidity and mortality through intestinal infection and amebic liver abscess. Here we show that immunization of gerbils with a single keyhole limpet hemocyanin-coupled 25-mer peptide derived from the 170-kDa subunit of the E. histolytica galactose-binding adhesin is sufficient to confer substantial protection against experimentally induced amebic liver abscesses. Vaccination provided total protection in 5 of 15 immunized gerbils, and abscesses were significantly smaller (P < 0.01) in the remaining vaccinated animals. The degree of protection correlated with the titer of antibodies to the peptide, and results of passive transfer experiments performed with SCID mice were consistent with a role for antibodies in protection. In addition, parenteral or oral vaccination of gerbils with 13-amino-acid subfragments of the peptide N-terminally fused to the B subunit of cholera toxin also significantly inhibited liver abscess formation (P < 0.05). These data indicate that small peptides derived from the galactose-binding adhesin administered by the parenteral or oral route can provide protection against amebic liver abscess and should be considered as components of a subunit vaccine against invasive amoebiasis.

Sensitive and specific serodiagnosis of invasive amebiasis by using a recombinant surface protein of pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica

A recombinantly expressed protein, recEh-P1, representing part of an immunodominant surface antigen of pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica, was used for serodiagnosis of invasive amebiasis. Expression was performed under the control of a T7-RNA promoter by using a modified procaryotic expression vector, designated pHisT7. This vector allowed high-yield expression of recEh-P1 fused to a stretch of sequence containing eight histidine residues, which facilitated purification by metal chelate affinity chromatography on Ni2+ columns under highly denatured conditions. Purified recEh-P1 was found to be water soluble after prolonged dialysis and was used as the antigen for the detection of antiamebic serum antibodies by immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In both tests all sera of patients with invasive amebiasis reacted to recEh-P1 whereas none of those collected from healthy controls, including individuals with noninvasive amebiasis, or from patients suffering from bacterial or protozoan infections unrelated to E. histolytica did so.

Resistance of Entamoeba histolytica to the cysteine proteinase inhibitor E64 is associated with secretion of pro-enzymes and reduced pathogenicity

Cysteine proteinases (CPs) have been considered suitable targets for the development of antiparasitic drugs. To assess the importance of CPs for the growth and pathogenicity of the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica we have cultured amoebae in the presence of various cysteine proteinase inhibitors (CPIs). It was found that broad range CPIs, which are membrane permeable and rapidly enter the cell, are highly toxic at micromolar concentrations, and all attempts to generate E. histolytica mutants resistant to these CPIs were unsuccessful. In contrast, the broad range CPI E64, which does not permeate membranes as well, was deleterious at much higher concentrations, and amoebae rapidly developed resistance to this inhibitor. Compared with sensitive wild-type cells, E64-resistant E. histolytica were substantially reduced in the expression of various CP genes and were able to secrete unprocessed enzyme into the culture medium. Moreover, E64 resistance was associated with a significant reduction in virulence, because these cells were greatly impaired in the ability to generate liver abscesses in experimentally infected gerbils.

Immune markers characteristic for asymptomatically infected and diseased Entamoeba histolytica individuals and their relation to sex

BACKGROUND

The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) usually asymptomatically colonizes the human intestine. In the minority of the cases, the parasite evades from the gut and can induce severe symptoms like colitis or amebic liver abscess (ALA). Interestingly, ALA predominates in adult men despite a higher prevalence of the parasite in women. The present study aimed to identify characteristic serum markers in a unique cohort of clearly defined asymptomatically infected E. histolytica individuals in comparison to patients with an E. histolytica liver manifestation of both sex.

METHODS

The following study groups were investigated: ALA patients (n = 38), healthy asymptomatic E. histolytica carriers (AC) (n = 44), and healthy E. dispar-infected controls (n = 24) out of an amebiasis endemic area. E. histolytica-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the IgG subclasses against proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous amebic antigens were measured by ELISA. Serum cytokine and chemokine levels were investigated using a flow cytometry bead-based multiplex immunoassay.

RESULTS

The IgG results revealed that not only ALA patients, but also AC, developed high E. histolytica-specific titers of IgG and all IgG subclasses as well as IgA. IgG and IgG2 titers against the glycolipid E. histolytica lipophosphoglycan were highest in ALA patients. As in ALA patients, high cytokine levels of interleukin (IL-) 4 were detected in AC compared to E. dispar infected individuals, while IL-6 was exclusively elevated in ALA patients. IL-10 was lower in AC compared to ALA patients. Equal serum levels of CCL2 were found in all study groups but ALA patients showed decreased levels of CCL3. Sex dependent analysis of the data indicated significantly higher IgG and IgG1 titers in female AC compared to male AC. CCL2, the chemokine involved in immunopathology in the mouse model for the disease, was higher in male AC compared to female AC.

CONCLUSION

In this study we characterize for the first time an asymptomatic carrier stage in amebiasis that is associated with a significant immune reaction and provide immunological markers that might give first hints towards an understanding of immune mechanisms underlying the control or development of invasive amebiasis.

Antigenic structure of the cyanogen bromide peptide F-CB3 from fibrinogen alpha-chain

The antigenic properties of the cyanogen bromide peptide F-CB3 from bovine fibrinogen alpha-chain were studied in radioimmune assays with rabbit antibodies to fibrinogen or to peptide F-CB3. Both fibrinogen and peptide F-CB3 were indistinguishable in inhibition and dissociation tests. Modification of the single disulfide bridge in peptide F-CB3 either by reduction or by cleavage with cyanide was not accompanied by loss of serologic activity. Inhibition studies with three individual fragments obtained after cyanide cleavage (molecular weight range 7000 to 23000) indicated the presence of at least three distinct antigenic determinants in peptide F-CB3. After trypsin digestion of peptide F-CB3 still 75% of its maximal inhibiting capacity was retained. Lack of change in antigenic activity of peptide F-CB3 after release from the fibrinogen molecule by cyanogen bromide and upon further fragmentation is presumably due to the presence of several sequential antigenic determinants but the presence of conformational determinants could not be entirely excluded. Since no cross-reaction was observed between bovine and human peptides F-B3 one may expect considerable variation in their amino acid sequence.

Crystal structure of artemisinic acid: a possible biogenetic precursor of antimalarial artemisinin from Artemisia annua

Artemisinic acid [1], a possible biogenetic precursor of the antimalarial artemisinin [2], was isolated from the hexane extract of Artemisia annua. X-ray crystallography of the dimer of artemisinic acid shows that the cyclization during intermolecular hydrogen bonding occurs by the opposite orientation of the alpha, beta-methylene group in each molecule. Complete spectroscopic data of 1 are also given.