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Barrozo ER, Seferovic MD, Hamilton MP, Moorshead DN, Jochum MD, Do T, O'Neil DS, Suter MA, Aagaard KM. Zika virus co-opts microRNA networks to persist in placental niches detected by spatial transcriptomics. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:251.e1-251.e17. [PMID: 37598997 PMCID: PMC10840961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zika virus congenital infection evades double-stranded RNA detection and may persist in the placenta for the duration of pregnancy without accompanying overt histopathologic inflammation. Understanding how viruses can persist and replicate in the placenta without causing overt cellular or tissue damage is fundamental to deciphering mechanisms of maternal-fetal vertical transmission. OBJECTIVE Placenta-specific microRNAs are believed to be a tenet of viral resistance at the maternal-fetal interface. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the Zika virus functionally disrupts placental microRNAs, enabling viral persistence and fetal pathogenesis. STUDY DESIGN To test this hypothesis, we used orthogonal approaches in human and murine experimental models. In primary human trophoblast cultures (n=5 donor placentae), we performed Argonaute high-throughput sequencing ultraviolet-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation to identify any significant alterations in the functional loading of microRNAs and their targets onto the RNA-induced silencing complex. Trophoblasts from same-donors were split and infected with a contemporary first-passage Zika virus strain HN16 (multiplicity of infection=1 plaque forming unit per cell) or mock infected. To functionally cross-validate microRNA-messenger RNA interactions, we compared our Argonaute high-throughput sequencing ultraviolet-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation results with an independent analysis of published bulk RNA-sequencing data from human placental disk specimens (n=3 subjects; Zika virus positive in first, second, or third trimester, CD45- cells sorted by flow cytometry) and compared it with uninfected controls (n=2 subjects). To investigate the importance of these microRNA and RNA interference networks in Zika virus pathogenesis, we used a gnotobiotic mouse model uniquely susceptible to the Zika virus. We evaluated if small-molecule enhancement of microRNA and RNA interference pathways with enoxacin influenced Zika virus pathogenesis (n=20 dams total yielding 187 fetal specimens). Lastly, placentae (n=14 total) from this mouse model were analyzed with Visium spatial transcriptomics (9743 spatial transcriptomes) to identify potential Zika virus-associated alterations in immune microenvironments. RESULTS We found that Zika virus infection of primary human trophoblast cells led to an unexpected disruption of placental microRNA regulation networks. When compared with uninfected controls, Zika virus-infected placentae had significantly altered SLC12A8, SDK1, and VLDLR RNA-induced silencing complex loading and transcript levels (-22; adjusted P value <.05; Wald-test with false discovery rate correction q<0.05). In silico microRNA target analyses revealed that 26 of 119 transcripts (22%) in the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway were targeted by microRNAs that were found to be dysregulated following Zika virus infection in trophoblasts. In gnotobiotic mice, relative to mock controls, Zika virus-associated fetal pathogenesis included fetal growth restriction (P=.036) and viral persistence in placental tissue (P=.011). Moreover, spatial transcriptomics of murine placentae revealed that Zika virus-specific placental niches were defined by significant up-regulation of complement cascade components and coordinated changes in transforming growth factor-β gene expression. Finally, treatment of Zika virus-infected mice with enoxacin abolished placental Zika virus persistence, rescued the associated fetal growth restriction, and the Zika virus-associated transcriptional changes in placental immune microenvironments were no longer observed. CONCLUSION These results collectively suggest that (1) Zika virus infection and persistence is associated with functionally perturbed microRNA and RNA interference pathways specifically related to immune regulation in placental microenvironments and (2) enhancement of placental microRNA and RNA interference pathways in mice rescued Zika virus-associated pathogenesis, specifically persistence of viral transcripts in placental microenvironments and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico R Barrozo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Maxim D Seferovic
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Mark P Hamilton
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Hematology & Medical Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - David N Moorshead
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Michael D Jochum
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Trang Do
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Derek S O'Neil
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Melissa A Suter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
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Barrozo ER, Seferovic MD, Castro ECC, Major AM, Moorshead DN, Jochum MD, Rojas RF, Shope CD, Aagaard KM. SARS-CoV-2 niches in human placenta revealed by spatial transcriptomics. Med 2023; 4:612-634.e4. [PMID: 37423216 PMCID: PMC10527005 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.06.003] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional placental niches are presumed to spatially separate maternal-fetal antigens and restrict the vertical transmission of pathogens. We hypothesized a high-resolution map of placental transcription could provide direct evidence for niche microenvironments with unique functions and transcription profiles. METHODS We utilized Visium Spatial Transcriptomics paired with H&E staining to generate 17,927 spatial transcriptomes. By integrating these spatial transcriptomes with 273,944 placental single-cell and single-nuclei transcriptomes, we generated an atlas composed of at least 22 subpopulations in the maternal decidua, fetal chorionic villi, and chorioamniotic membranes. FINDINGS Comparisons of placentae from uninfected healthy controls (n = 4) with COVID-19 asymptomatic (n = 4) and symptomatic (n = 5) infected participants demonstrated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection in syncytiotrophoblasts occurred in both the presence and the absence of maternal clinical disease. With spatial transcriptomics, we found that the limit of detection for SARS-CoV-2 was 1/7,000 cells, and placental niches without detectable viral transcripts were unperturbed. In contrast, niches with high SARS-CoV-2 transcript levels were associated with significant upregulation in pro-inflammatory cytokines and interferon-stimulated genes, altered metallopeptidase signaling (TIMP1), with coordinated shifts in macrophage polarization, histiocytic intervillositis, and perivillous fibrin deposition. Fetal sex differences in gene expression responses to SARS-CoV-2 were limited, with confirmed mapping limited to the maternal decidua in males. CONCLUSIONS High-resolution placental transcriptomics with spatial resolution revealed dynamic responses to SARS-CoV-2 in coordinate microenvironments in the absence and presence of clinically evident disease. FUNDING This work was supported by the NIH (R01HD091731 and T32-HD098069), NSF (2208903), the Burroughs Welcome Fund and the March of Dimes Preterm Birth Research Initiatives, and a Career Development Award from the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico R Barrozo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maxim D Seferovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eumenia C C Castro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Angela M Major
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David N Moorshead
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Immunology and Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Jochum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Ferral Rojas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cynthia D Shope
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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Hua S, Wang S, Cai J, Wu L, Cao Y. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: Are they involved in gestational diabetes mellitus? Am J Reprod Immunol 2023:e13711. [PMID: 37157925 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is currently the most common metabolic complication during pregnancy, with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Maternal immune dysregulation might be partly responsible for the pathophysiology of GDM. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells, emerging as a new immune regulator with potent immunosuppressive capacity. Although the fate and function of these cells were primarily described in pathological conditions such as cancer and infection, accumulating evidences have spotlighted their beneficial roles in homeostasis and physiological conditions. Recently, several studies have explored the roles of MDSCs in the diabetic microenvironment. However, the fate and function of these cells in GDM are still unknown. The current review summarized the existing knowledges about MDSCs and their potential roles in diabetes during pregnancy in an attempt to highlight our current understanding of GDM-related immune dysregulation and identify areas where further study is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Hua
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lamei Wu
- Department of Perinatal Healthcare, Huai'an District Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Dallmann A, van den Anker JN. Editorial: Exploring Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology Through PBPK Modeling Approaches. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:880402. [PMID: 35664868 PMCID: PMC9159273 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.880402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- André Dallmann
- Pharmacometrics/Modeling and Simulation, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - John N van den Anker
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Liu XI, Green DJ, van den Anker JN, Rakhmanina NY, Ahmadzia HK, Momper JD, Park K, Burckart GJ, Dallmann A. Mechanistic Modeling of Placental Drug Transfer in Humans: How Do Differences in Maternal/Fetal Fraction of Unbound Drug and Placental Influx/Efflux Transfer Rates Affect Fetal Pharmacokinetics? Front Pediatr 2021; 9:723006. [PMID: 34733804 PMCID: PMC8559552 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.723006] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: While physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models generally predict pharmacokinetics in pregnant women successfully, the confidence in predicting fetal pharmacokinetics is limited because many parameters affecting placental drug transfer have not been mechanistically accounted for. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to implement different maternal and fetal unbound drug fractions in a PBPK framework; to predict fetal pharmacokinetics of eight drugs in the third trimester; and to quantitatively investigate how alterations in various model parameters affect predicted fetal pharmacokinetics. Methods: The ordinary differential equations of previously developed pregnancy PBPK models for eight drugs (acyclovir, cefuroxime, diazepam, dolutegravir, emtricitabine, metronidazole, ondansetron, and raltegravir) were amended to account for different unbound drug fractions in mother and fetus. Local sensitivity analyses were conducted for various parameters relevant to placental drug transfer, including influx/efflux transfer clearances across the apical and basolateral membrane of the trophoblasts. Results: For the highly-protein bound drugs diazepam, dolutegravir and ondansetron, the lower fraction unbound in the fetus vs. mother affected predicted pharmacokinetics in the umbilical vein by ≥10%. Metronidazole displayed blood flow-limited distribution across the placenta. For all drugs, umbilical vein concentrations were highly sensitive to changes in the apical influx/efflux transfer clearance ratio. Additionally, transfer clearance across the basolateral membrane was a critical parameter for cefuroxime and ondansetron. Conclusion: In healthy pregnancies, differential protein binding characteristics in mother and fetus give rise to minor differences in maternal-fetal drug exposure. Further studies are needed to differentiate passive and active transfer processes across the apical and basolateral trophoblast membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei I. Liu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dionna J. Green
- Office of Pediatric Therapeutics, Office of the Commissioner, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - John N. van den Anker
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Natella Y. Rakhmanina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
- Technical Strategies and Innovation, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Homa K. Ahmadzia
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jeremiah D. Momper
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kyunghun Park
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Gilbert J. Burckart
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - André Dallmann
- Pharmacometrics/Modeling and Simulation, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany
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Mian P, Nolan B, van den Anker JN, van Calsteren K, Allegaert K, Lakhi N, Dallmann A. Mechanistic Coupling of a Novel in silico Cotyledon Perfusion Model and a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Predict Fetal Acetaminophen Pharmacokinetics at Delivery. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:733520. [PMID: 34631628 PMCID: PMC8496351 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.733520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about placental drug transfer and fetal pharmacokinetics despite increasing drug use in pregnant women. While physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models can help in some cases to shed light on this knowledge gap, adequate parameterization of placental drug transfer remains challenging. A novel in silico model with seven compartments representing the ex vivo cotyledon perfusion assay was developed and used to describe placental transfer and fetal pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen. Unknown parameters were optimized using observed data. Thereafter, values of relevant model parameters were copied to a maternal-fetal PBPK model and acetaminophen pharmacokinetics were predicted at delivery after oral administration of 1,000 mg. Predictions in the umbilical vein were evaluated with data from two clinical studies. Simulations from the in silico cotyledon perfusion model indicated that acetaminophen accumulates in the trophoblasts; simulated steady state concentrations in the trophoblasts were 4.31-fold higher than those in the perfusate. The whole-body PBPK model predicted umbilical vein concentrations with a mean prediction error of 24.7%. Of the 62 concentration values reported in the clinical studies, 50 values (81%) were predicted within a 2-fold error range. In conclusion, this study presents a novel in silico cotyledon perfusion model that is structurally congruent with the placenta implemented in our maternal-fetal PBPK model. This allows transferring parameters from the former model into our PBPK model for mechanistically exploring whole-body pharmacokinetics and concentration-effect relationships in the placental tissue. Further studies should investigate acetaminophen accumulation and metabolism in the placenta as the former might potentially affect placental prostaglandin synthesis and subsequent fetal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Mian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Bridget Nolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - John N. van den Anker
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kristel van Calsteren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nisha Lakhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - André Dallmann
- Pharmacometrics/Modeling and Simulation, Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany
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Abstract
MDSCs (myeloid-derived suppressor cells) are a population of immature and heterogeneous bone marrow cells with immunosuppressive functions, and they are mainly divided into two subgroups: granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) and monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs). Immunosuppression is the main and most important function of MDSCs, and they mainly exert an inhibitory effect through endoplasmic reticulum stress and some enzymes related to inhibitors, as well as some cytokines and other factors. In addition, MDSCs also interact with other immune cells, especially NK cells, DCs and Tregs, to participate in immune regulation. A large number of MDSCs are found during normal pregnancy. Combined with their immunosuppressive effects, these results suggest that MDSCs are likely to be closely related to maternal-fetal immune tolerance. This review mainly shows the interaction of MDSCs with other immune cells and the important role of MDSCs in maternal-fetal tolerance. The current research shows that MDSCs are mainly mediated by STAT3, HLA-G, CXCR2, Arg-1 and HIF1-α in immune regulation during pregnancy. Interpreting maternal-fetal tolerance from the perspective of MDSCs provides a special perspective for research on immune regulation and maternal-fetal tolerance of MDSCs to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of immune regulation and immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rongchao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The first Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haiying Fu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Barros M, Teixeira D, Vilanova M, Correia A, Teixeira N, Borges M. Vaccines in Congenital Toxoplasmosis: Advances and Perspectives. Front Immunol 2021; 11:621997. [PMID: 33658997 PMCID: PMC7917294 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.621997] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis has a high impact on human disease worldwide, inducing serious consequences from fetus to adulthood. Despite this, there are currently no human vaccines available to prevent this infection. Most vaccination studies against Toxoplasma gondii infection used animal models in which the infection was established by exogenous inoculation. Here, we review recent research on potential T. gondii vaccines using animal models in which infection was congenitally established. Endeavors in this field have so far revealed that live or subunit vaccines previously found to confer protection against extrinsically established infections can also protect, at least partially, from vertically transmitted infection. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on the more adequate immune response to protect the host and the fetus in congenital infection. Most of the vaccination studies rely on the assessment of maternal systemic immune responses, quantification of parasitic loads in the fetuses, and survival indexes and/or brain parasitic burden in the neonates. More research must be carried out not only to explore new vaccines but also to further study the nature of the elicited immune protection at the maternal-fetal interface. Particularly, the cellular and molecular effector mechanisms at the maternal-fetal interface induced by immunization remain poorly characterized. Deeper knowledge on the immune response at this specific location will certainly help to refine the vaccine-induced immunity and, consequently, to provide the most effective and safest protection against T. gondii vertical infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Barros
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Teixeira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Vilanova
- Immunobiology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Imuno-Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Correia
- Immunobiology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Imuno-Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Natercia Teixeira
- Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit/Rede de Química e Tecnologia (UCIBIO/REQUIMTE), Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Borges
- Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit/Rede de Química e Tecnologia (UCIBIO/REQUIMTE), Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Mukhra R, Krishan K, Kanchan T. Possible modes of transmission of Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: a review. Acta Biomed 2020; 91:e2020036. [PMID: 32921730 PMCID: PMC7716952 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i3.10039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The widespread outbreak of the novel SARS-CoV-2 has raised numerous questions about the origin and transmission of the virus. Knowledge about the mode of transmission as well as assessing the effectiveness of the preventive measures would aid in containing the outbreak of the coronavirus. Presently, respiratory droplets, physical contact and aerosols/air-borne have been reported as the modes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission of the virus. Besides, some of the other possible modes of transmission are being explored by the researchers, with some studies suggesting the viral spread through fecal-oral, conjunctival secretions, flatulence (farts), sexual and vertical transmission from mother to the fetus, and through asymptomatic carriers, etc. Aim: The primary objective was to review the present understanding and knowledge about the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and also to suggest recommendations in containing and preventing the novel coronavirus. METHODS A review of possible modes of transmission of the novel SARS-CoV-2 was conducted based on the reports and articles available in PubMed and ScienceDirect.com that were searched using keywords, 'transmission', 'modes of transmission', 'SARS-CoV-2', 'novel coronavirus', and 'COVID-19'. Articles referring to air-borne, conjunctiva, fecal-oral, maternal-fetal, flatulence (farts), and breast milk transmission were included, while the remaining were excluded. RESULT AND CONCLUSION The modes of transmission linked to SARS-CoV-2 were identified and the available literature on each of these is described in detail in view of the possibilities of viral transmission through various modes of transmission. The review provides updated and necessary information on the possible modes of transmission for the health care workers and the lay public under one umbrella that can also be considered during framing guidelines in order to prevent and control the viral spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Mukhra
- Department of Anthropology (UGC Centre of Advanced Study), Panjab University, Sector-14, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Kewal Krishan
- Department of Anthropology (UGC Centre of Advanced Study), Panjab University, Sector-14, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, India.
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Parris KM, Amabebe E, Cohen MC, Anumba DO. Placental microbial-metabolite profiles and inflammatory mechanisms associated with preterm birth. J Clin Pathol 2020; 74:10-18. [PMID: 32796048 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-206536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There is growing emphasis on the potential significance of the placental microbiome and microbiome-metabolite interactions in immune responses and subsequent pregnancy outcome, especially in relation to preterm birth (PTB). This review discusses in detail the pathomechanisms of placental inflammatory responses and the resultant maternal-fetal allograft rejection in both microbial-induced and sterile conditions. It also highlights some potential placental-associated predictive markers of PTB for future investigation. The existence of a placental microbiome remains debatable. Therefore, an overview of our current understanding of the state and role of the placental microbiome (if it exists) and metabolome in human pregnancy is also provided. We critical evaluate the evidence for a placental microbiome, discuss its functional capacity through the elaborated metabolic products and also describe the consequent and more established fetomaternal inflammatory responses that stimulate the pathway to preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour and spontaneous PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry M Parris
- Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Marta C Cohen
- Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Histopathology, Sheffield Childrens Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Dilly O Anumba
- Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Teixeira FME, Pietrobon AJ, Oliveira LDM, Oliveira LMDS, Sato MN. Maternal-Fetal Interplay in Zika Virus Infection and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes. Front Immunol 2020; 11:175. [PMID: 32117303 PMCID: PMC7033814 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the organization of complex tolerance mechanisms occurs to assure non-rejection of the semiallogeneic fetus. Pregnancy is a period of vulnerability to some viral infections, mainly during the first and second trimesters, that may cause congenital damage to the fetus. Recently, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has gained great notoriety due to the occurrence of congenital ZIKV syndrome, characterized by fetal microcephaly, which results from the ability of ZIKV to infect placental cells and neural precursors in the fetus. Importantly, in addition to the congenital effects, studies have shown that perinatal ZIKV infection causes a number of disorders, including maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia. In this paper, we contextualize the immunological aspects involved in the maternal-fetal interface and vulnerability to ZIKV infection, especially the alterations resulting in perinatal outcomes. This highlights the need to develop protective maternal vaccine strategies or interventions that are capable of preventing fetal or even neonatal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciane Mouradian Emidio Teixeira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Julia Pietrobon
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de Mendonça Oliveira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luanda Mara da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Notomi Sato
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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