1
|
Orchanian SB, Still K, Harris TH, Lodoen MB. Deficiency in astrocyte CCL2 production reduces neuroimmune control of Toxoplasma gondii infection. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011710. [PMID: 38206985 PMCID: PMC10807779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects one-third of the world's human population and establishes infection in the brain. Cerebral immune cell infiltration is critical for controlling the parasite, but little is known about the molecular cues guiding immune cells to the brain during infection. Activated astrocytes produce CCL2, a chemokine that mediates inflammatory monocyte recruitment to tissues by binding to the CCR2 receptor. We detected elevated CCL2 production in the brains of C57BL/6J mice by 15 days after T. gondii infection. Utilizing confocal microscopy and intracellular flow cytometry, we identified microglia and brain-infiltrating myeloid cells as the main producers of CCL2 during acute infection, and CCL2 was specifically produced in regions of parasite infection in the brain. In contrast, astrocytes became the dominant CCL2 producer during chronic T. gondii infection. To determine the role of astrocyte-derived CCL2 in mobilizing immune cells to the brain and controlling T. gondii infection, we generated GFAP-Cre x CCL2fl/fl mice, in which astrocytes are deficient in CCL2 production. We observed significantly decreased immune cell recruitment and increased parasite burden in the brain during chronic, but not acute, infection of mice deficient in astrocyte CCL2 production, without an effect on peripheral immune responses. To investigate potential mechanisms explaining the reduced control of T. gondii infection, we analyzed key antimicrobial and immune players in host defense against T. gondii and detected a reduction in iNOS+ myeloid cells, and T. gondii-specific CD4+ T cells in the knockout mice. These data uncover a critical role for astrocyte-derived CCL2 in immune cell recruitment and parasite control in the brain during chronic, but not acute, T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Orchanian
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Katherine Still
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tajie H. Harris
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Melissa B. Lodoen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suzuki Y, Lutshumba J, Chen KC, Abdelaziz MH, Sa Q, Ochiai E. IFN-γ production by brain-resident cells activates cerebral mRNA expression of a wide spectrum of molecules critical for both innate and T cell-mediated protective immunity to control reactivation of chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1110508. [PMID: 36875520 PMCID: PMC9975934 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1110508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that brain-resident cells produce IFN-γ in response to reactivation of cerebral infection with Toxoplasma gondii. To obtain an overall landscape view of the effects of IFN-γ from brain-resident cells on the cerebral protective immunity, in the present study we employed NanoString nCounter assay and quantified mRNA levels for 734 genes in myeloid immunity in the brains of T and B cell-deficient, bone marrow chimeric mice with and without IFN-γ production by brain-resident cells in response to reactivation of cerebral T. gondii infection. Our study revealed that IFN-γ produced by brain-resident cells amplified mRNA expression for the molecules to activate the protective innate immunity including 1) chemokines for recruitment of microglia and macrophages (CCL8 and CXCL12) and 2) the molecules for activating those phagocytes (IL-18, TLRs, NOD1, and CD40) for killing tachyzoites. Importantly, IFN-γ produced by brain-resident cells also upregulated cerebral expression of molecules for facilitating the protective T cell immunity, which include the molecules for 1) recruiting effector T cells (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11), 2) antigen processing (PA28αβ, LMP2, and LMP7), transporting the processed peptides (TAP1 and TAP2), assembling the transported peptides to the MHC class I molecules (Tapasin), and the MHC class I (H2-K1 and H2-D1) and Ib molecules (H2-Q1, H-2Q2, and H2-M3) for presenting antigens to activate the recruited CD8+ T cells, 3) MHC class II molecules (H2-Aa, H2-Ab1, H2-Eb1, H2-Ea-ps, H2-DMa, H2-Ob, and CD74) to present antigens for CD4+ T cell activation, 4) co-stimulatory molecules (ICOSL) for T cell activation, and 5) cytokines (IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18) facilitating IFN-γ production by NK and T cells. Notably, the present study also revealed that IFN-γ production by brain-resident cells also upregulates cerebral expressions of mRNA for the downregulatory molecules (IL-10, STAT3, SOCS1, CD274 [PD-L1], IL-27, and CD36), which can prevent overly stimulated IFN-γ-mediated pro-inflammatory responses and tissue damages. Thus, the present study uncovered the previously unrecognized the capability of IFN-γ production by brain-resident cells to upregulate expressions of a wide spectrum of molecules for coordinating both innate and T cell-mediated protective immunity with a fine-tuning regulation system to effectively control cerebral infection with T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Yasuhiro Suzuki,
| | - Jenny Lutshumba
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Kuey Chu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
- Genomics Core Laboratory, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Mohamed H. Abdelaziz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Qila Sa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Eri Ochiai
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cowan MN, Kovacs MA, Sethi I, Babcock IW, Still K, Batista SJ, O’Brien CA, Thompson JA, Sibley LA, Labuzan SA, Harris TH. Microglial STAT1-sufficiency is required for resistance to toxoplasmic encephalitis. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010637. [PMID: 36067217 PMCID: PMC9481170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous intracellular protozoan parasite that establishes a life-long chronic infection largely restricted to the central nervous system (CNS). Constant immune pressure, notably IFN-γ-STAT1 signaling, is required for preventing fatal pathology during T. gondii infection. Here, we report that abrogation of STAT1 signaling in microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, is sufficient to induce a loss of parasite control in the CNS and susceptibility to toxoplasmic encephalitis during the early stages of chronic infection. Using a microglia-specific genetic labeling and targeting system that discriminates microglia from blood-derived myeloid cells that infiltrate the brain during infection, we find that, contrary to previous in vitro reports, microglia do not express inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) during T. gondii infection in vivo. Instead, transcriptomic analyses of microglia reveal that STAT1 regulates both (i) a transcriptional shift from homeostatic to “disease-associated microglia” (DAM) phenotype conserved across several neuroinflammatory models, including T. gondii infection, and (ii) the expression of anti-parasitic cytosolic molecules that are required for eliminating T. gondii in a cell-intrinsic manner. Further, genetic deletion of Stat1 from microglia during T. gondii challenge leads to fatal pathology despite largely equivalent or enhanced immune effector functions displayed by brain-infiltrating immune populations. Finally, we show that microglial STAT1-deficiency results in the overrepresentation of the highly replicative, lytic tachyzoite form of T. gondii, relative to its quiescent, semi-dormant bradyzoite form typical of chronic CNS infection. Our data suggest an overall protective role of CNS-resident microglia against T. gondii infection, illuminating (i) general mechanisms of CNS-specific immunity to infection (ii) and a clear role for IFN-STAT1 signaling in regulating a microglial activation phenotype observed across diverse neuroinflammatory disease states. The brain, an immune-privileged organ, can be invaded and colonized by pathogens such as the opportunistic parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. How microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, provide resistance to infection is an active area of investigation. In this study, we used a genetic approach to generate and study mice with microglia that lack STAT1, a critical transcription factor that confers protection against intracellular pathogens in both humans and mice. We find that despite robust activation and recruitment of immune cells from the blood to the brain during infection, STAT1 deficiency in microglia leads to increased brain parasite burden and uniform lethality in mice when challenged with T. gondii. Our bioinformatic analyses also indicate that STAT1 in microglia regulates (i) the expression of large families of genes associated with parasite killing and (ii) a microglial activation state that has been classically seen in neurodegeneration. Our findings identify mechanisms by which microglia contribute to parasite control and contribute to a greater understanding of their cellular physiology during neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen N. Cowan
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Kovacs
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ish Sethi
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Isaac W. Babcock
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Katherine Still
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Samantha J. Batista
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carleigh A. O’Brien
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jeremy A. Thompson
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Lydia A. Sibley
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sydney A. Labuzan
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tajie H. Harris
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rauf A, Badoni H, Abu-Izneid T, Olatunde A, Rahman MM, Painuli S, Semwal P, Wilairatana P, Mubarak MS. Neuroinflammatory Markers: Key Indicators in the Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103194. [PMID: 35630670 PMCID: PMC9146652 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, a protective response of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The CNS is composed of neurons and glial cells consisting of microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Entry of any foreign pathogen activates the glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and overactivation of these cells triggers the release of various neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1β (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), among others. Various studies have shown the role of neuroinflammatory markers in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These markers also trigger the formation of various other factors responsible for causing several neuronal diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemia, and several others. This comprehensive review aims to reveal the mechanism of neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), which could cause different neurodegenerative disorders. Important NMs may represent pathophysiologic processes leading to the generation of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, various molecular alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. Identifying these NMs may assist in the early diagnosis and detection of therapeutic targets for treating various neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Himani Badoni
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Premnagar, Dehradun 248006, India;
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University for Science and Technology, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ahmed Olatunde
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi 740272, Nigeria;
| | - Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Sakshi Painuli
- Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology (UCB), Premnagar, Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Prabhakar Semwal
- Department of Life Sciences, Graphic Era (Deemed To Be University), Dehradun 248002, India;
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Mohammad S. Mubarak
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Idro R, Ogwang R, Barragan A, Raimondo JV, Masocha W. Neuroimmunology of Common Parasitic Infections in Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 13:791488. [PMID: 35222377 PMCID: PMC8866860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.791488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections of the central nervous system are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric sequelae of these infections result from a complex interplay between the parasites and the host inflammatory response. Here we review some of the diseases caused by selected parasitic organisms known to infect the nervous system including Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei spp., and Taenia solium species. For each parasite, we describe the geographical distribution, prevalence, life cycle, and typical clinical symptoms of infection and pathogenesis. We pay particular attention to how the parasites infect the brain and the interaction between each organism and the host immune system. We describe how an understanding of these processes may guide optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders. Finally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of disease pathophysiology and call for increased interrogation of these often-neglected disorders of the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang Z, Wei F, Zhang B, Luo Y, Xing X, Wang M, Chen R, Sun G, Sun X. Cellular Immune Signal Exchange From Ischemic Stroke to Intestinal Lesions Through Brain-Gut Axis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:688619. [PMID: 35432368 PMCID: PMC9010780 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.688619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As a vital pivot for the human circulatory system, the brain-gut axis is now being considered as an important channel for many of the small immune molecules’ transductions, including interleukins, interferons, neurotransmitters, peptides, and the chemokines penetrating the mesentery and blood brain barrier (BBB) during the development of an ischemic stroke (IS). Hypoxia-ischemia contributes to pituitary and neurofunctional disorders by interfering with the molecular signal release and communication then providing feedback to the gut. Suffering from such a disease on a long-term basis may cause the peripheral system’s homeostasis to become imbalanced, and it can also lead to multiple intestinal complications such as gut microbiota dysbiosis (GMD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and even the tumorigenesis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Correspondingly, these complications will deteriorate the cerebral infarctions and, in patients suffering with IS, it can even ruin the brain’s immune system. This review summarized recent studies on abnormal immunological signal exchange mediated polarization subtype changes, in both macrophages and microglial cells as well as T-lymphocytes. How gut complications modulate the immune signal transduction from the brain are also elucidated and analyzed. The conclusions drawn in this review could provide guidance and novel strategies to benefit remedies for both IS and relative gut lesions from immune-prophylaxis and immunotherapy aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zizhao Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fei Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xing
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Min Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rongchang Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guibo Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Guibo Sun, ; Xiaobo Sun,
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Guibo Sun, ; Xiaobo Sun,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cowan MN, Sethi I, Harris TH. Microglia in CNS infections: insights from Toxoplasma gondii and other pathogens. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:217-229. [PMID: 35039238 PMCID: PMC8852251 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are poised to respond to neuropathology. Microglia play multiple roles in maintaining homeostasis and promoting inflammation in numerous disease states. The study of microglial innate immune programs has largely focused on exploring neurodegenerative disease states with the use of genetic targeting approaches. Our understanding of how microglia participate in immune responses against pathogens is just beginning to take shape. Here, we review existing animal models of CNS infection, with a focus on how microglial physiology and inflammatory processes control protozoan and viral infections of the brain. We further discuss how microglial participation in over-exuberant immune responses can drive immunopathology that is detrimental to CNS health and homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen N. Cowan
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ish Sethi
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tajie H. Harris
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States,Correspondence: (T. H. Harris)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Castaño Barrios L, Da Silva Pinheiro AP, Gibaldi D, Silva AA, Machado Rodrigues e Silva P, Roffê E, da Costa Santiago H, Tostes Gazzinelli R, Mineo JR, Silva NM, Lannes-Vieira J. Behavioral alterations in long-term Toxoplasma gondii infection of C57BL/6 mice are associated with neuroinflammation and disruption of the blood brain barrier. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258199. [PMID: 34610039 PMCID: PMC8491889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Apicomplexa protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a mandatory intracellular parasite and the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This illness is of medical importance due to its high prevalence worldwide and may cause neurological alterations in immunocompromised persons. In chronically infected immunocompetent individuals, this parasite forms tissue cysts mainly in the brain. In addition, T. gondii infection has been related to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as mood, personality, and other behavioral changes. In the present study, we evaluated the kinetics of behavioral alterations in a model of chronic infection, assessing anxiety, depression and exploratory behavior, and their relationship with neuroinflammation and parasite cysts in brain tissue areas, blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity, and cytokine status in the brain and serum. Adult female C57BL/6 mice were infected by gavage with 5 cysts of the ME-49 type II T. gondii strain, and analyzed as independent groups at 30, 60 and 90 days postinfection (dpi). Anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyperactivity were detected in the early (30 dpi) and long-term (60 and 90 dpi) chronic T. gondii infection, in a direct association with the presence of parasite cysts and neuroinflammation, independently of the brain tissue areas, and linked to BBB disruption. These behavioral alterations paralleled the upregulation of expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and CC-chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β and CCL5/RANTES) in the brain tissue. In addition, increased levels of interferon-gamma (IFNγ), TNF and CCL2/MCP-1 were detected in the peripheral blood, at 30 and 60 dpi. Our data suggest that the persistence of parasite cysts induces sustained neuroinflammation, and BBB disruption, thus allowing leakage of cytokines of circulating plasma into the brain tissue. Therefore, all these factors may contribute to behavioral changes (anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyperactivity) in chronic T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leda Castaño Barrios
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Da Silva Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Gibaldi
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea Alice Silva
- Multiuser Laboratory for Research Support in Nephrology and Medical Sciences, Federal University Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ester Roffê
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Helton da Costa Santiago
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Tostes Gazzinelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Correa Leite PE, de Araujo Portes J, Pereira MR, Russo FB, Martins-Duarte ES, Almeida Dos Santos N, Attias M, Barrantes FJ, Baleeiro Beltrão-Braga PC, de Souza W. Morphological and biochemical repercussions of Toxoplasma gondii infection in a 3D human brain neurospheres model. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 11:100190. [PMID: 34589727 PMCID: PMC8474451 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii that can infect the central nervous system (CNS), promoting neuroinflammation, neuronal loss, neurotransmitter imbalance and behavioral alterations. T. gondii infection is also related to neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. The pathogenicity and inflammatory response in rodents are different to the case of humans, compromising the correlation between the behavioral alterations and physiological modifications observed in the disease. In the present work we used BrainSpheres, a 3D CNS model derived from human pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), to investigate the morphological and biochemical repercussions of T. gondii infection in human neural cells. Methods We evaluated T. gondii ME49 strain proliferation and cyst formation in both 2D cultured human neural cells and BrainSpheres. Aspects of cell morphology, ultrastructure, viability, gene expression of neural phenotype markers, as well as secretion of inflammatory mediators were evaluated for 2 and 4 weeks post infection in BrainSpheres. Results T. gondii can infect BrainSpheres, proliferating and inducing cysts formation, neural cell death, alteration in neural gene expression and triggering the release of several inflammatory mediators. Conclusions BrainSpheres reproduce many aspects of T. gondii infection in human CNS, constituting a useful model to study the neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation mediated by the parasite. In addition, these data could be important for future studies aiming at better understanding possible correlations between psychiatric disorders and human CNS infection with T. gondii. T. gondii infects, proliferates and induce cysts formation in neurospheres. T. gondii infection induces neural cell death in neurospheres. T. gondii infection promotes alteration in neural gene expression in neurospheres. T. gondii infection promotes release of inflammatory mediators in neurospheres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Emilio Correa Leite
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Directory of Metrology Applied to Life Sciences (Dimav), National Institute of Metrology Quality and Technology (INMETRO), Duque de Caxias, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Araujo Portes
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiele Baldino Russo
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erica S Martins-Duarte
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Almeida Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marcia Attias
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), UCA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Cristina Baleeiro Beltrão-Braga
- Laboratory of Disease Modeling, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Scientific Platform Pasteur-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Du S, Jin F, Maneix L, Gedam M, Xu Y, Catic A, Wang MC, Zheng H. FoxO3 deficiency in cortical astrocytes leads to impaired lipid metabolism and aggravated amyloid pathology. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13432. [PMID: 34247441 PMCID: PMC8373366 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise of life expectancy of the human population is accompanied by the drastic increases of age‐associated diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), and underscores the need to understand how aging influences AD development. The Forkhead box O transcription factor 3 (FoxO3) is known to mediate aging and longevity downstream of insulin/insulin‐like growth factor signaling across species. However, its function in the adult brain under physiological and pathological conditions is less understood. Here, we report a region and cell‐type‐specific regulation of FoxO3 in the central nervous system (CNS). We found that FoxO3 protein levels were reduced in the cortex, but not hippocampus, of aged mice. FoxO3 was responsive to insulin/AKT signaling in astrocytes, but not neurons. Using CNS Foxo3‐deficient mice, we reveal that loss of FoxO3 led to cortical astrogliosis and altered lipid metabolism. This is associated with impaired metabolic homoeostasis and β‐amyloid (Aβ) uptake in primary astrocyte cultures. These phenotypes can be reversed by expressing a constitutively active FOXO3 but not a FOXO3 mutant lacking the transactivation domain. Loss of FoxO3 in 5xFAD mice led to exacerbated Aβ pathology and synapse loss and altered local response of astrocytes and microglia in the vicinity of Aβ plaques. Astrocyte‐specific overexpression of FOXO3 displayed opposite effects, suggesting that FoxO3 functions cell autonomously to mediate astrocyte activity and also interacts with microglia to address Aβ pathology. Our studies support a protective role of astroglial FoxO3 against brain aging and AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuqi Du
- Huffington Center on Aging Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
| | - Feng Jin
- Huffington Center on Aging Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
| | - Laure Maneix
- Huffington Center on Aging Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
| | - Manasee Gedam
- Huffington Center on Aging Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
| | - Yin Xu
- Huffington Center on Aging Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
| | - Andre Catic
- Huffington Center on Aging Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
| | - Meng C. Wang
- Huffington Center on Aging Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
| | - Hui Zheng
- Huffington Center on Aging Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McGovern KE, Nance JP, David CN, Harrison RES, Noor S, Worth D, Landrith TA, Obenaus A, Carson MJ, Morikis D, Wilson EH. SPARC coordinates extracellular matrix remodeling and efficient recruitment to and migration of antigen-specific T cells in the brain following infection. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4549. [PMID: 33633185 PMCID: PMC7907143 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) injury and infection can result in profound tissue remodeling in the brain, the mechanism and purpose of which is poorly understood. Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes chronic infection and inflammation in the brain parenchyma. Control of parasite replication requires the continuous presence of IFNγ-producing T cells to keep T. gondii in its slowly replicating cyst form. During infection, a network of extracellular matrix fibers, revealed using multiphoton microscopy, forms in the brain. The origin and composition of these structures are unknown but the fibers have been observed to act as a substrate for migrating T cells. In this study, we show a critical regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, Secreted Protein, Acidic, Rich in Cysteine (SPARC), is upregulated in the brain during the early phases of infection in the frontal cortex. In the absence of SPARC, a reduced and disordered fibrous network, increased parasite burden, and reduced antigen-specific T cell entry into the brain points to a role for SPARC in T cell recruitment to and migration within the brain. We also report SPARC can directly bind to CCR7 ligands CCL19 and CCL21 but not CXCL10, and enhance migration toward a chemokine gradient. Measurement of T cell behavior points to tissue remodeling being important for access of immune cells to the brain and facilitating cellular locomotion. Together, these data identify SPARC as an important regulatory component of immune cell trafficking and access to the inflamed CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E McGovern
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- BIO5 Institute, Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - J Philip Nance
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Clément N David
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Nanostring Technologies, Inc, 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Reed E S Harrison
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521-0129, USA
- UCSD Bioengineering and the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shahani Noor
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- School of Medicine, MSC08, University of New Mexico, Albequerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Danielle Worth
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Tyler A Landrith
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Ambrey Genetics, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656, USA
| | - Andre Obenaus
- School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Monica J Carson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Dimitrios Morikis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521-0129, USA
| | - Emma H Wilson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shinjyo N, Hikosaka K, Kido Y, Yoshida H, Norose K. Toxoplasma Infection Induces Sustained Up-Regulation of Complement Factor B and C5a Receptor in the Mouse Brain via Microglial Activation: Implication for the Alternative Complement Pathway Activation and Anaphylatoxin Signaling in Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2021; 11:603924. [PMID: 33613523 PMCID: PMC7892429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.603924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic protozoan parasite, which is linked to neurological manifestations in immunocompromised individuals as well as severe neurodevelopmental sequelae in congenital toxoplasmosis. While the complement system is the first line of host defense that plays a significant role in the prevention of parasite dissemination, Toxoplasma artfully evades complement-mediated clearance via recruiting complement regulatory proteins to their surface. On the other hand, the details of Toxoplasma and the complement system interaction in the brain parenchyma remain elusive. In this study, infection-induced changes in the mRNA levels of complement components were analyzed by quantitative PCR using a murine Toxoplasma infection model in vivo and primary glial cells in vitro. In addition to the core components C3 and C1q, anaphylatoxin C3a and C5a receptors (C3aR and C5aR1), as well as alternative complement pathway components properdin (CFP) and factor B (CFB), were significantly upregulated 2 weeks after inoculation. Two months post-infection, CFB, C3, C3aR, and C5aR1 expression remained higher than in controls, while CFP upregulation was transient. Furthermore, Toxoplasma infection induced significant increase in CFP, CFB, C3, and C5aR1 in mixed glial culture, which was abrogated when microglial activation was inhibited by pre-treatment with minocycline. This study sheds new light on the roles for the complement system in the brain parenchyma during Toxoplasma infection, which may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to Toxoplasma infection-induced neurological disorders.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Brain/immunology
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/parasitology
- Cells, Cultured
- Complement Factor B/genetics
- Complement Factor B/metabolism
- Complement Pathway, Alternative
- Disease Models, Animal
- Host-Parasite Interactions
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Microglia/immunology
- Microglia/metabolism
- Microglia/parasitology
- Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a/genetics
- Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Time Factors
- Toxoplasma/immunology
- Toxoplasma/pathogenicity
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/genetics
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/metabolism
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology
- Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/genetics
- Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/metabolism
- Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/parasitology
- Up-Regulation
- Mice
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shinjyo
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Parasitology & Research Center for Infectious Disease Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasutoshi Kido
- Department of Parasitology & Research Center for Infectious Disease Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunoscience, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Kazumi Norose
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mukhopadhyay D, Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. Influence of the Host and Parasite Strain on the Immune Response During Toxoplasma Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:580425. [PMID: 33178630 PMCID: PMC7593385 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.580425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an exceptionally successful parasite that infects a very broad host range, including humans, across the globe. The outcome of infection differs remarkably between hosts, ranging from acute death to sterile infection. These differential disease patterns are strongly influenced by both host- and parasite-specific genetic factors. In this review, we discuss how the clinical outcome of toxoplasmosis varies between hosts and the role of different immune genes and parasite virulence factors, with a special emphasis on Toxoplasma-induced ileitis and encephalitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - David Arranz-Solís
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Still KM, Batista SJ, O’Brien CA, Oyesola OO, Früh SP, Webb LM, Smirnov I, Kovacs MA, Cowan MN, Hayes NW, Thompson JA, Tait Wojno ED, Harris TH. Astrocytes promote a protective immune response to brain Toxoplasma gondii infection via IL-33-ST2 signaling. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009027. [PMID: 33108405 PMCID: PMC7647122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
It is of great interest to understand how invading pathogens are sensed within the brain, a tissue with unique challenges to mounting an immune response. The eukaryotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii colonizes the brain of its hosts, and initiates robust immune cell recruitment, but little is known about pattern recognition of T. gondii within brain tissue. The host damage signal IL-33 is one protein that has been implicated in control of chronic T. gondii infection, but, like many other pattern recognition pathways, IL-33 can signal peripherally, and the specific impact of IL-33 signaling within the brain is unclear. Here, we show that IL-33 is expressed by oligodendrocytes and astrocytes during T. gondii infection, is released locally into the cerebrospinal fluid of T. gondii-infected animals, and is required for control of infection. IL-33 signaling promotes chemokine expression within brain tissue and is required for the recruitment and/or maintenance of blood-derived anti-parasitic immune cells, including proliferating, IFN-γ-expressing T cells and iNOS-expressing monocytes. Importantly, we find that the beneficial effects of IL-33 during chronic infection are not a result of signaling on infiltrating immune cells, but rather on radio-resistant responders, and specifically, astrocytes. Mice with IL-33 receptor-deficient astrocytes fail to mount an adequate adaptive immune response in the CNS to control parasite burden-demonstrating, genetically, that astrocytes can directly respond to IL-33 in vivo. Together, these results indicate a brain-specific mechanism by which IL-33 is released locally, and sensed locally, to engage the peripheral immune system in controlling a pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Still
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Samantha J. Batista
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carleigh A. O’Brien
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Oyebola O. Oyesola
- Baker Institute for Animal Health and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Simon P. Früh
- Baker Institute for Animal Health and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Lauren M. Webb
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Igor Smirnov
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Kovacs
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Maureen N. Cowan
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nikolas W. Hayes
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jeremy A. Thompson
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Elia D. Tait Wojno
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Tajie H. Harris
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu F, Cheng X, Zhong S, Liu C, Jolkkonen J, Zhang X, Liang Y, Liu Z, Zhao C. Communications Between Peripheral and the Brain-Resident Immune System in Neuronal Regeneration After Stroke. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1931. [PMID: 33042113 PMCID: PMC7530165 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia may cause irreversible neural network damage and result in functional deficits. Targeting neuronal repair after stroke potentiates the formation of new connections, which can be translated into a better functional outcome. Innate and adaptive immune responses in the brain and the periphery triggered by ischemic damage participate in regulating neural repair after a stroke. Immune cells in the blood circulation and gut lymphatic tissues that have been shaped by immune components including gut microbiota and metabolites can infiltrate the ischemic brain and, once there, influence neuronal regeneration either directly or by modulating the properties of brain-resident immune cells. Immune-related signalings and metabolites from the gut microbiota can also directly alter the phenotypes of resident immune cells to promote neuronal regeneration. In this review, we discuss several potential mechanisms through which peripheral and brain-resident immune components can cooperate to promote first the resolution of neuroinflammation and subsequently to improved neural regeneration and a better functional recovery. We propose that new insights into discovery of regulators targeting pro-regenerative process in this complex neuro-immune network may lead to novel strategies for neuronal regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangxi Liu
- Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shanshan Zhong
- Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jukka Jolkkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute and Institute of Clinical Medicine/Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Xiuchun Zhang
- Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yifan Liang
- Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhouyang Liu
- Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chuansheng Zhao
- Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Stroke Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Oschwald A, Petry P, Kierdorf K, Erny D. CNS Macrophages and Infant Infections. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2123. [PMID: 33072074 PMCID: PMC7531029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) harbors its own immune system composed of microglia in the parenchyma and CNS-associated macrophages (CAMs) in the perivascular space, leptomeninges, dura mater, and choroid plexus. Recent advances in understanding the CNS resident immune cells gave new insights into development, maturation and function of its immune guard. Microglia and CAMs undergo essential steps of differentiation and maturation triggered by environmental factors as well as intrinsic transcriptional programs throughout embryonic and postnatal development. These shaping steps allow the macrophages to adapt to their specific physiological function as first line of defense of the CNS and its interfaces. During infancy, the CNS might be targeted by a plethora of different pathogens which can cause severe tissue damage with potentially long reaching defects. Therefore, an efficient immune response of infant CNS macrophages is required even at these early stages to clear the infections but may also lead to detrimental consequences for the developing CNS. Here, we highlight the recent knowledge of the infant CNS immune system during embryonic and postnatal infections and the consequences for the developing CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Oschwald
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Petry
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,CIBBS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Erny
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Age-related changes in cerebral congenital toxoplasmosis: Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 348:577384. [PMID: 32919146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis is a widespread worldwide disease producing varying degrees of damage to the fetus including ocular and neurological impairment. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the progress of congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected offspring animal model at different age groups till become adults. To fulfill this aim, the offspring of Me49 T. gondii infected pregnant mice were divided into groups; embryo, infant, young and adult phases. Blood and brain samples were collected for further hormonal and histopathological studies and immunohistochemical staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and synaptophysin (SYN). Our results showed several encephalitic changes in the infected groups ranging from gliosis to reduced cortical cell number and fibrinoid degeneration of the brain. We showed increased expression of GFAP and SYN indicating activation of astrocytes and modification of the synaptic function, respectively. These changes started intrauterine following congenital infection and increased progressively afterward. Moreover, infected mice had elevated corticosterone levels. In conclusion, the current study provided new evidences for the cellular changes especially in the infected embryo and highlighted the role of GFAP and SYN that may be used as indicators for T. gondii-related neuropathy.
Collapse
|
18
|
Baggiani M, Dell’Anno MT, Pistello M, Conti L, Onorati M. Human Neural Stem Cell Systems to Explore Pathogen-Related Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2020; 9:E1893. [PMID: 32806773 PMCID: PMC7464299 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Building and functioning of the human brain requires the precise orchestration and execution of myriad molecular and cellular processes, across a multitude of cell types and over an extended period of time. Dysregulation of these processes affects structure and function of the brain and can lead to neurodevelopmental, neurological, or psychiatric disorders. Multiple environmental stimuli affect neural stem cells (NSCs) at several levels, thus impairing the normal human neurodevelopmental program. In this review article, we will delineate the main mechanisms of infection adopted by several neurotropic pathogens, and the selective NSC vulnerability. In particular, TORCH agents, i.e., Toxoplasma gondii, others (including Zika virus and Coxsackie virus), Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus, will be considered for their devastating effects on NSC self-renewal with the consequent neural progenitor depletion, the cellular substrate of microcephaly. Moreover, new evidence suggests that some of these agents may also affect the NSC progeny, producing long-term effects in the neuronal lineage. This is evident in the paradigmatic example of the neurodegeneration occurring in Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Baggiani
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Dell’Anno
- Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza ONLUS, 56017 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa and Virology Division, Pisa University Hospital, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Luciano Conti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy;
| | - Marco Onorati
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Batista SJ, Still KM, Johanson D, Thompson JA, OʼBrien CA, Lukens JR, Harris TH. Gasdermin-D-dependent IL-1α release from microglia promotes protective immunity during chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3687. [PMID: 32703941 PMCID: PMC7378823 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17491-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, resident immune cells of the CNS, are thought to defend against infections. Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic infection that can cause severe neurological disease. Here we report that during T. gondii infection a strong NF-κB and inflammatory cytokine transcriptional signature is overrepresented in blood-derived macrophages versus microglia. Interestingly, IL-1α is enriched in microglia and IL-1β in macrophages. We find that mice lacking IL-1R1 or IL-1α, but not IL-1β, have impaired parasite control and immune cell infiltration within the brain. Further, we show that microglia, not peripheral myeloid cells, release IL-1α ex vivo. Finally, we show that ex vivo IL-1α release is gasdermin-D dependent, and that gasdermin-D and caspase-1/11 deficient mice show deficits in brain inflammation and parasite control. These results demonstrate that microglia and macrophages are differently equipped to propagate inflammation, and that in chronic T. gondii infection, microglia can release the alarmin IL-1α, promoting neuroinflammation and parasite control. Control over T. gondii infection in the brain involves microglial cells, but how these cells execute this control is not clear. Here the authors show that unlike IL-1β dominant macrophages, microglia are primed for gasdermin-D-dependent IL-1α production that is critical for protection against T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Batista
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Katherine M Still
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - David Johanson
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Jeremy A Thompson
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Carleigh A OʼBrien
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - John R Lukens
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Tajie H Harris
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chiarini A, Armato U, Hu P, Dal Prà I. CaSR Antagonist (Calcilytic) NPS 2143 Hinders the Release of Neuroinflammatory IL-6, Soluble ICAM-1, RANTES, and MCP-2 from Aβ-Exposed Human Cortical Astrocytes. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061386. [PMID: 32498476 PMCID: PMC7349863 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Available evidence shows that human cortical neurons’ and astrocytes’ calcium-sensing receptors (CaSRs) bind Amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers triggering the overproduction/oversecretion of several Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neurotoxins—effects calcilytics suppress. We asked whether Aβ•CaSR signaling might also play a direct pro-neuroinflammatory role in AD. Cortical nontumorigenic adult human astrocytes (NAHAs) in vitro were untreated (controls) or treated with Aβ25–35 ± NPS 2143 (a calcilytic) and any proinflammatory agent in their protein lysates and growth media assayed via antibody arrays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and immunoblots. Results show Aβ•CaSR signaling upregulated the synthesis and release/shedding of proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (holoprotein and soluble [s] fragment), Regulated upon Activation, normal T cell Expressed and presumably Secreted (RANTES), and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-2. Adding NPS 2143 (i) totally suppressed IL-6′s oversecretion while remarkably reducing the other agents’ over-release; and (ii) more effectively than Aβ alone increased over controls the four agents’ distinctive intracellular accumulation. Conversely, NPS 2143 did not alter Aβ-induced surges in IL-1β, IL-3, IL-8, and IL-16 secretion, consequently revealing their Aβ•CaSR signaling-independence. Finally, Aβ25–35 ± NPS 2143 treatments left unchanged MCP-1′s and TIMP-2′s basal expression. Thus, NAHAs Aβ•CaSR signaling drove four proinflammatory agents’ over-release that NPS 2143 curtailed. Therefore, calcilytics would also abate NAHAs’ Aβ•CaSR signaling direct impact on AD’s neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiarini
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Verona, Veneto, 37134 Verona, Italy; (U.A.); (P.H.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (I.D.P.); Tel.: +39-045-802-7646 (A.C.); +39-045-802-7161 (I.D.P)
| | - Ubaldo Armato
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Verona, Veneto, 37134 Verona, Italy; (U.A.); (P.H.)
- Burns Department, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, University of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Verona, Veneto, 37134 Verona, Italy; (U.A.); (P.H.)
| | - Ilaria Dal Prà
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Verona, Veneto, 37134 Verona, Italy; (U.A.); (P.H.)
- Burns Department, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, University of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (I.D.P.); Tel.: +39-045-802-7646 (A.C.); +39-045-802-7161 (I.D.P)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aging with Toxoplasma gondii results in pathogen clearance, resolution of inflammation, and minimal consequences to learning and memory. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7979. [PMID: 32409672 PMCID: PMC7224383 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64823-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent inflammation has been identified as a contributor to aging-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Normal aging, in the absence of dementia, also results in gradual cognitive decline and is thought to arise, in part, because of a chronic pro-inflammatory state in the brain. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that establishes a persistent, asymptomatic infection of the central nervous system (CNS) accompanied by a pro-inflammatory immune response in many of its hosts, including humans and rodents. Several studies have suggested that the inflammation generated by certain strains of T. gondii infection can be neuroprotective in the context of a secondary insult like beta-amyloid accumulation or stroke. Given these neuroprotective studies, we hypothesized that a prolonged infection with T. gondii may protect against age-associated decline in cognition. To test this hypothesis, we infected young adult mice with either of two genetically distinct, persistent T. gondii strains (Prugniaud/type II/haplogroup 2 and CEP/type III/haplogroup 3) and monitored mouse weight, survival, and learning and memory over the ensuing 20 months. At the end of the study, we evaluated CNS inflammation and parasite burden in the surviving mice. We found that parasite infection had no impact on age-associated decline in learning and memory and that by 20 months post infection, in the surviving mice, we found no evidence of parasite DNA, cysts, or inflammation in the CNS. In addition, we found that mice infected with type III parasites, which are supposed to be less virulent than the type II parasites, had a lower rate of long-term survival. Collectively, these data indicate that T. gondii may not cause a life-long CNS infection. Rather, parasites are likely slowly cleared from the CNS and infection and parasite clearance neither positively nor negatively impacts learning and memory in aging.
Collapse
|
22
|
Li L, Ni L, Heary RF, Elkabes S. Astroglial TLR9 antagonism promotes chemotaxis and alternative activation of macrophages via modulation of astrocyte-derived signals: implications for spinal cord injury. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:73. [PMID: 32098620 PMCID: PMC7041103 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01748-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recruitment of immune system cells into the central nervous system (CNS) has a profound effect on the outcomes of injury and disease. Glia-derived chemoattractants, including chemokines, play a pivotal role in this process. In addition, cytokines and chemokines influence the phenotype of infiltrating immune cells. Depending on the stimuli present in the local milieu, infiltrating macrophages acquire the classically activated M1 or alternatively activated M2 phenotypes. The polarization of macrophages into detrimental M1 versus beneficial M2 phenotypes significantly influences CNS pathophysiology. Earlier studies indicated that a toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) antagonist modulates astrocyte-derived cytokine and chemokine release. However, it is not known whether these molecular changes affect astrocyte-induced chemotaxis and polarization of macrophages. The present studies were undertaken to address these issues. METHODS The chemotaxis and polarization of mouse peritoneal macrophages by spinal cord astrocytes were evaluated in a Transwell co-culture system. Arrays and ELISA were utilized to quantify chemokines in the conditioned medium (CM) of pure astrocyte cultures. Immunostaining for M1- and M2-specific markers characterized the macrophage phenotype. The percentage of M2 macrophages at the glial scar was determined by stereological approaches in mice sustaining a mid-thoracic spinal cord contusion injury (SCI) and intrathecally treated with oligodeoxynucleotide 2088 (ODN 2088), the TLR9 antagonist. Statistical analyses used two-tailed independent-sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test. A p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS ODN 2088-treated astrocytes significantly increased the chemotaxis of peritoneal macrophages via release of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 1 (CCL1). Vehicle-treated astrocytes polarized macrophages into the M2 phenotype and ODN 2088-treated astrocytes promoted further M2 polarization. Reduced CCL2 and CCL9 release by astrocytes in response to ODN 2088 facilitated the acquisition of the M2 phenotype, suggesting that CCL2 and CCL9 are negative regulators of M2 polarization. The percentage of M2 macrophages at the glial scar was higher in mice sustaining a SCI and receiving ODN 2088 treatment as compared to vehicle-treated injured controls. CONCLUSIONS TLR9 antagonism could create a favorable environment during SCI by supporting M2 macrophage polarization and chemotaxis via modulation of astrocyte-to-macrophage signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lun Li
- Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 205 South Orange Avenue, F-1204, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Li Ni
- Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 205 South Orange Avenue, F-1204, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Robert F. Heary
- Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 205 South Orange Avenue, F-1204, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Stella Elkabes
- Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 205 South Orange Avenue, F-1204, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Benevides L, Saltarelli VM, Pioto F, Sacramento LA, Dias MS, Rodríguez GR, Viola JPB, Carregaro V, Silva JS. NFAT1 Regulates Ly6C hi Monocyte Recruitment to the CNS and Plays an Essential Role in Resistance to Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2105. [PMID: 31555297 PMCID: PMC6742953 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocytes play key roles in the maintenance of homeostasis and in the control of the infection. Monocytes are recruited from the bone marrow to inflammatory sites and are essential for antimicrobial activity to limit tissue damage and promote adaptive T cell responses. Here, we investigated the role of Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells 1 (NFAT1) in the regulation of Ly6Chi inflammatory monocyte recruitment to the CNS upon T. gondii infection. We show that NFAT-1-deficient monocytes are unable to migrate to the CNS of T. gondii-infected mice. Moreover, NFAT1−/− mice are highly susceptible to chronic T. gondii infection due to a failure to control parasite replication in the CNS. The inhibition of Ly6Chi inflammatory monocyte recruitment to the CNS severely blocked CXCL10 production and consequently the migration of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells. Moreover, the transfer of Ly6Chi monocytes to infected NFAT1−/− mice favored CD4+ T cell migration to the CNS and resulted in the inhibition of parasite replication and host defense. Together, these results demonstrated for the first time the contribution of NFAT1 to the regulation of Ly6Chi monocyte recruitment to the CNS and to resistance during chronic T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Benevides
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Fiocruz-Bi-Institutional Translational Medicine Plataform, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Verônica M Saltarelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Franciele Pioto
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Fiocruz-Bi-Institutional Translational Medicine Plataform, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Laís A Sacramento
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Murilo S Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gretel R Rodríguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João P B Viola
- Program of Immunology and Tumor Biology, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Carregaro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João S Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Fiocruz-Bi-Institutional Translational Medicine Plataform, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Costa RC, Mesquita LP, de Oliveira IM, Zannato DA, Emanuel Dos Santos Mesquita L, Biihrer DA, de Oliveira Massoco Salles Gomes C, Varaschin MS, Maiorka PC. The pathogenicity of two Neospora caninum goat strains in a BALB/c mouse model. Exp Parasitol 2019; 205:107736. [PMID: 31442455 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Goats are frequently described as an intermediate host for the protozoan Neospora caninum, manifesting the disease mainly by recurrent abortions with placentitis and encephalitis in fetuses. Several reports of natural and experimental infections in cattle and mice show differences in the immune response, and the outcome of the infection can be variable depending on the species affected and by the behavior of the infective strain. This study describes for the first time two Neospora caninum strains isolated from naturally infected goats from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. One placenta and one brain from different goats were processed for a first bioassay in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Subsequently, a second bioassay was performed by inoculating the processed brain samples from gerbils into Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) knockout mice (KO mice). Tachyzoites collected from the peritoneal fluid of the KO mice were inoculated into VERO cell monolayers, where they presented a very slow growth rate. The tachyzoites were also inoculated into BALB/c mice with a dose of 106 tachyzoites per animal. After a 5-week follow up, the animals infected with both of the strains developed a strong polarized Th1 response with increased serum and spleen gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (mainly IFN-γ and TNF-α) in the first week. Tissue lesions were mild in the animals infected with both strains. Despite the strong immune response preventing an infection in the visceral organs, the parasite was able to reach the brain, causing progressive brain lesions from the second to fifth week post infection. The NC-goat1-infected mice presented with severe meningoencephalitis, but the NC-goat2-infected animals had considerable histological brain lesions only at week 5. Immunohistochemical analysis of the mouse brains revealed a different pattern of inflammatory cells compared to the naturally infected goats. A severe inflammatory infiltrate of CD3+ T lymphocytes was found in the NC-goat1-infected mice. A more discrete infiltrate of CD3+ T cells was found in the NC-goat2-infected animals. Additionally, IBA1 IHC revealed an intense microglial reaction and monocyte perivascular cuffs in the NC-goat1-infected animals and lower microglia/monocyte infiltrates in the NC-goat2-infected mice. This work contributes knowledge on the pathogenicity of new Neospora caninum strains in mice, comparable with other well-established mouse models of the disease, and demonstrates the importance of studying goats as an intermediate host of this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Carneiro Costa
- Department of Pathology- School of Veterinary Medicine and and Animal Sciences, FMVZ-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Pereira Mesquita
- Department of Pathology- School of Veterinary Medicine and and Animal Sciences, FMVZ-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Dennis Albert Zannato
- Department of Pathology- School of Veterinary Medicine and and Animal Sciences, FMVZ-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Daniel Arrais Biihrer
- Department of Pathology- School of Veterinary Medicine and and Animal Sciences, FMVZ-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Mary Suzan Varaschin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine- Federal University of Lavras- UFLA, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
| | - Paulo César Maiorka
- Department of Pathology- School of Veterinary Medicine and and Animal Sciences, FMVZ-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Establishment of BV2 microglia polarization model and its effect on Toxoplasma gondii proliferation. Res Vet Sci 2019; 125:382-389. [PMID: 31404885 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular opportunistic, parasitic protozoan. Microglia have been classified into two main types: M1 (classically activated macrophages) and M2 (alternatively activated macrophages). BV2 cells were used in this study, together with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (IFN)-γ or interleukin (IL)-4, which were used to induce resting microglia. Expression levels of M1/M2 markers were determined at both mRNA and protein levels, using PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, cells were infected with T. gondii PLK strain, and the dynamic changes in M1/M2 marker expression levels were determined. An in vitro polarization model was successfully established. Expression of Nos2 and M1-associated markers was significantly upregulated at 12 h post-infection in BV2 cells. Further, the JAK/STAT1 and NF-κB signaling pathways were also activated following T. gondii infection. This demonstrated that T. gondii infection induces M1-type microglial polarization in vitro. The present study demonstrated that T. gondii infection affects microglial activation in vitro and elucidated the effects of activated microglia on T. gondii proliferation. This data may serve as a useful reference for more detailed elucidation of interactions between T. gondii and the innate immune system.
Collapse
|
26
|
Bhandage AK, Kanatani S, Barragan A. Toxoplasma-Induced Hypermigration of Primary Cortical Microglia Implicates GABAergic Signaling. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:73. [PMID: 30949457 PMCID: PMC6436526 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread obligate intracellular parasite that causes chronic infection and life-threatening acute infection in the central nervous system. Previous work identified Toxoplasma-infected microglia and astrocytes during reactivated infections in mice, indicating an implication of glial cells in acute toxoplasmic encephalitis. However, the mechanisms leading to the spread of Toxoplasma in the brain parenchyma remain unknown. Here, we report that, shortly after invasion by T. gondii tachyzoites, parasitized microglia, but not parasitized astrocytes, undergo rapid morphological changes and exhibit dramatically enhanced migration in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional matrix confinements. Interestingly, primary microglia secreted the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the supernatant as a consequence of T. gondii infection but not upon stimulation with LPS or heat-inactivated T. gondii. Further, microglia transcriptionally expressed components of the GABAergic machinery, including GABA-A receptor subunits, regulatory molecules and voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs). Further, their transcriptional expression was modulated by challenge with T. gondii. Transcriptional analysis indicated that GABA was synthesized via both, the conventional pathway (glutamate decarboxylases GAD65 and GAD67) and a more recently characterized alternative pathway (aldehyde dehydrogenases ALDH2 and ALDH1a1). Pharmacological inhibitors targeting GABA synthesis, GABA-A receptors, GABA-A regulators and VDCC signaling inhibited Toxoplasma-induced hypermotility of microglia. Altogether, we show that primary microglia express a GABAergic machinery and that T. gondii induces hypermigration of microglia in a GABA-dependent fashion. We hypothesize that migratory activation of parasitized microglia by Toxoplasma may promote parasite dissemination in the brain parenchyma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Astroglia in Sepsis Associated Encephalopathy. Neurochem Res 2019; 45:83-99. [PMID: 30778837 PMCID: PMC7089215 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cellular pathophysiology of sepsis associated encephalopathy (SAE) remains poorly characterised. Brain pathology in SAE, which is manifested by impaired perception, consciousness and cognition, results from multifactorial events, including high levels of systemic cytokines, microbial components and endotoxins, which all damage the brain barriers, instigate neuroinflammation and cause homeostatic failure. Astrocytes, being the principal homeostatic cells of the central nervous system contribute to the brain defence against infection. Forming multifunctional anatomical barriers, astroglial cells maintain brain-systemic interfaces and restrict the damage to the nervous tissue. Astrocytes detect, produce and integrate inflammatory signals between immune cells and cells of brain parenchyma, thus regulating brain immune response. In SAE astrocytes are present in both reactive and astrogliopathic states; balance between these states define evolution of pathology and neurological outcomes. In humans pathophysiology of SAE is complicated by frequent presence of comorbidities, as well as age-related remodelling of the brain tissue with senescence of astroglia; these confounding factors further impact upon SAE progression and neurological deficits.
Collapse
|
28
|
Schlüter D, Barragan A. Advances and Challenges in Understanding Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:242. [PMID: 30873157 PMCID: PMC6401564 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread parasitic pathogen that infects over one third of the global human population. The parasite invades and chronically persists in the central nervous system (CNS) of the infected host. Parasite spread and persistence is intimately linked to an ensuing immune response, which does not only limit parasite-induced damage but also may facilitate dissemination and induce parasite-associated immunopathology. Here, we discuss various aspects of toxoplasmosis where knowledge is scarce or controversial and, the recent advances in the understanding of the delicate interplay of T. gondii with the immune system in experimental and clinical settings. This includes mechanisms for parasite passage from the circulation into the brain parenchyma across the blood-brain barrier during primary acute infection. Later, as chronic latent infection sets in with control of the parasite in the brain parenchyma, the roles of the inflammatory response and of immune cell responses in this phase of the disease are discussed. Additionally, the function of brain resident cell populations is delineated, i.e., how neurons, astrocytes and microglia serve both as target cells for the parasite but also actively contribute to the immune response. As the infection can reactivate in the CNS of immune-compromised individuals, we bring up the immunopathogenesis of reactivated toxoplasmosis, including the special case of congenital CNS manifestations. The relevance, advantages and limitations of rodent infection models for the understanding of human cerebral toxoplasmosis are discussed. Finally, this review pinpoints questions that may represent challenges to experimental and clinical science with respect to improved diagnostics, pharmacological treatments and immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schlüter
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xia J, Kong L, Zhou LJ, Wu SZ, Yao LJ, He C, He CY, Peng HJ. Genome-Wide Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation-Based Proteomic Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii ROP18's Human Interactome Shows Its Key Role in Regulation of Cell Immunity and Apoptosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:61. [PMID: 29459857 PMCID: PMC5807661 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein ROP18 (TgROP18) is a key virulence factor secreted into the host cell during invasion, where it modulates the host cell response by interacting with its host targets. However, only a few TgROP18 targets have been identified. In this study, we applied a high-throughput protein-protein interaction (PPI) screening in human cells using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to identify the targets of Type I strain ROP18 (ROP18I) and Type II strain ROP18 (ROP18II). From a pool of more than 18,000 human proteins, 492 and 141 proteins were identified as the targets of ROP18I and ROP18II, respectively. Gene ontology, search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins PPI network, and Ingenuity pathway analyses revealed that the majority of these proteins were associated with immune response and apoptosis. This indicates a key role of TgROP18 in manipulating host's immunity and cell apoptosis, which might contribute to the immune escape and successful parasitism of the parasite. Among the proteins identified, the immunity-related proteins N-myc and STAT interactor, IL20RB, IL21, ubiquitin C, and vimentin and the apoptosis-related protein P2RX1 were further verified as ROP18I targets by sensitized emission-fluorescence resonance energy transfer (SE-FRET) and co-immunoprecipitation. Our study substantially contributes to the current limited knowledge on human targets of TgROP18 and provides a novel tool to investigate the function of parasite effectors in human cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xia
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Kong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shui-Zhen Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Jie Yao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cynthia Y He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong-Juan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Giannuzzi AP, Ricciardi M, De Simone A, Gernone F. Neurological manifestations in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum: descriptions of 10 cases and a review of the literature. J Small Anim Pract 2017; 58:125-138. [PMID: 28267216 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In order to evaluate possible nervous system involvement in canine leishmaniasis, retrospective evaluation of all medical records of leishmaniotic dogs exhibiting neurological signs referred to our hospital over a 5-year period was performed. The records of 10 dogs were reviewed. Depending on the neuroanatomical localisation, the dogs underwent advanced diagnostic imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electrodiagnostic testing and histopathologic evaluations. The final neurological diagnosis was: meningoencephalitis (n=2), brain haemorrhagic stroke (n=1), haemorrhagic choroiditis (n=1), meningomyelitis (n=2), ischaemic myelopathy (n=1), polymyositis (n=2) and peripheral neuropathy (n=1). This study confirms that both central and peripheral nervous systems can be affected by leishmaniasis and provides an overview on the possible etiopathogenetic mechanisms. In addition, clinical and diagnostic findings, therapy and follow-up of affected dogs are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - M Ricciardi
- Pingry Veterinary Hospital, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - A De Simone
- Pingry Veterinary Hospital, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - F Gernone
- Pingry Veterinary Hospital, Bari, 70126, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Biswas A, French T, Düsedau HP, Mueller N, Riek-Burchardt M, Dudeck A, Bank U, Schüler T, Dunay IR. Behavior of Neutrophil Granulocytes during Toxoplasma gondii Infection in the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:259. [PMID: 28680853 PMCID: PMC5478696 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral toxoplasmosis is characterized by activation of brain resident cells and recruitment of specific immune cell subsets from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS). Our studies revealed that the rapidly invaded Ly6G+ neutrophil granulocytes are an early non-lymphoid source of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), the cytokine known to be the major mediator of host resistance to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Upon selective depletion of Ly6G+ neutrophils, we detected reduced IFN-γ production and increased parasite burden in the CNS. Ablation of Ly6G+ cells resulted in diminished recruitment of Ly6Chi monocytes into the CNS, indicating a pronounced interplay. Additionally, we identified infiltrated Ly6G+ neutrophils to be a heterogeneous population. The Ly6G+CD62-LhiCXCR4+ subset released cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), which can promote monocyte dynamics. On the other hand, the Ly6G+CD62-LloCXCR4+ subset produced IFN-γ to establish early inflammatory response. Collectively, our findings revealed that the recruited Ly6G+CXCR4+ neutrophil granulocytes display a heterogeneity in the CNS with a repertoire of effector functions crucial in parasite control and immune regulation upon experimental cerebral toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aindrila Biswas
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Timothy French
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Henning P Düsedau
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Nancy Mueller
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Monika Riek-Burchardt
- Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Dudeck
- Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Ute Bank
- Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schüler
- Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cekanaviciute E, Buckwalter MS. Astrocytes: Integrative Regulators of Neuroinflammation in Stroke and Other Neurological Diseases. Neurotherapeutics 2016; 13:685-701. [PMID: 27677607 PMCID: PMC5081110 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-016-0477-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate neuroinflammatory responses after stroke and in other neurological diseases. Although not all astrocytic responses reduce inflammation, their predominant function is to protect the brain by driving the system back to homeostasis after injury. They receive multidimensional signals within the central nervous system and between the brain and the systemic circulation. Processing this information allows astrocytes to regulate synapse formation and maintenance, cerebral blood flow, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Similarly, in response to stroke and other central nervous system disorders, astrocytes detect and integrate signals of neuronal damage and inflammation to regulate the neuroinflammatory response. Two direct regulatory mechanisms in the astrocyte arsenal are the ability to form both physical and molecular barriers that seal the injury site and localize the neuroinflammatory response. Astrocytes also indirectly regulate the inflammatory response by affecting neuronal health during the acute injury and axonal regrowth. This ability to regulate the location and degree of neuroinflammation after injury, combined with the long time course of neuroinflammation, makes astrocytic signaling pathways promising targets for therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egle Cekanaviciute
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Marion S Buckwalter
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
David CN, Frias ES, Szu JI, Vieira PA, Hubbard JA, Lovelace J, Michael M, Worth D, McGovern KE, Ethell IM, Stanley BG, Korzus E, Fiacco TA, Binder DK, Wilson EH. GLT-1-Dependent Disruption of CNS Glutamate Homeostasis and Neuronal Function by the Protozoan Parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005643. [PMID: 27281462 PMCID: PMC4900626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune privileged nature of the CNS can make it vulnerable to chronic and latent infections. Little is known about the effects of lifelong brain infections, and thus inflammation, on the neurological health of the host. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that can infect any mammalian nucleated cell with average worldwide seroprevalence rates of 30%. Infection by Toxoplasma is characterized by the lifelong presence of parasitic cysts within neurons in the brain, requiring a competent immune system to prevent parasite reactivation and encephalitis. In the immunocompetent individual, Toxoplasma infection is largely asymptomatic, however many recent studies suggest a strong correlation with certain neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Here, we demonstrate a significant reduction in the primary astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT-1, following infection with Toxoplasma. Using microdialysis of the murine frontal cortex over the course of infection, a significant increase in extracellular concentrations of glutamate is observed. Consistent with glutamate dysregulation, analysis of neurons reveal changes in morphology including a reduction in dendritic spines, VGlut1 and NeuN immunoreactivity. Furthermore, behavioral testing and EEG recordings point to significant changes in neuronal output. Finally, these changes in neuronal connectivity are dependent on infection-induced downregulation of GLT-1 as treatment with the ß-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone, rescues extracellular glutamate concentrations, neuronal pathology and function. Altogether, these data demonstrate that following an infection with T. gondii, the delicate regulation of glutamate by astrocytes is disrupted and accounts for a range of deficits observed in chronic infection. The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects a third of the world’s population and causes a chronic lifelong infection in the brain of the host. The consequences of such an infection are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that Toxoplasma infection can induce profound changes in astrocyte physiology leading to significant disruption of neuronal networks. Pathology can be rescued by upregulating the astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT-1, restoring concentrations of extracellular glutamate and EEG power. We suggest that such global dysregulation of neurotransmitters should be considered when determining the effects of infection on the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément N. David
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Elma S. Frias
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jenny I. Szu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Philip A. Vieira
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline A. Hubbard
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Lovelace
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Marena Michael
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Danielle Worth
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Kathryn E. McGovern
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Iryna M. Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - B. Glenn Stanley
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Edward Korzus
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Todd A. Fiacco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Devin K. Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Emma H. Wilson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Borgmann K, Ghorpade A. HIV-1, methamphetamine and astrocytes at neuroinflammatory Crossroads. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1143. [PMID: 26579077 PMCID: PMC4621459 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As a popular psychostimulant, methamphetamine (METH) use leads to long-lasting, strong euphoric effects. While METH abuse is common in the general population, between 10 and 15% of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) patients report having abused METH. METH exacerbates the severity and onset of HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) through direct and indirect mechanisms. Repetitive METH use impedes adherence to antiretroviral drug regimens, increasing the likelihood of HIV-1 disease progression toward AIDS. METH exposure also directly affects both innate and adaptive immunity, altering lymphocyte numbers and activity, cytokine signaling, phagocytic function and infiltration through the blood brain barrier. Further, METH triggers the dopamine reward pathway and leads to impaired neuronal activity and direct toxicity. Concurrently, METH and HIV-1 alter the neuroimmune balance and induce neuroinflammation, which modulates a wide range of brain functions including neuronal signaling and activity, glial activation, viral infection, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity. Pathologically, reactive gliosis is a hallmark of both HIV-1- and METH-associated neuroinflammation. Significant commonality exists in the neurotoxic mechanisms for both METH and HAND; however, the pathways dysregulated in astroglia during METH exposure are less clear. Thus, this review highlights alterations in astrocyte intracellular signaling pathways, gene expression and function during METH and HIV-1 comorbidity, with special emphasis on HAND-associated neuroinflammation. Importantly, this review carefully evaluates interventions targeting astrocytes in HAND and METH as potential novel therapeutic approaches. This comprehensive overview indicates, without a doubt, that during HIV-1 infection and METH abuse, a complex dialog between all neural cells is orchestrated through astrocyte regulated neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Borgmann
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Anuja Ghorpade
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhou CX, Zhou DH, Elsheikha HM, Liu GX, Suo X, Zhu XQ. Global Metabolomic Profiling of Mice Brains following Experimental Infection with the Cyst-Forming Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139635. [PMID: 26431205 PMCID: PMC4592003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay between the Apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii and its host has been largely studied. However, molecular changes at the metabolic level in the host central nervous system and pathogenesis-associated metabolites during brain infection are largely unexplored. We used a global metabolomics strategy to identify differentially regulated metabolites and affected metabolic pathways in BALB/c mice during infection with T. gondii Pru strain at 7, 14 and 21 days post-infection (DPI). The non-targeted Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics analysis detected approximately 2,755 retention time-exact mass pairs, of which more than 60 had significantly differential profiles at different stages of infection. These include amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and vitamins. The biological significance of these metabolites is discussed. Principal Component Analysis and Orthogonal Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis showed the metabolites' profile to change over time with the most significant changes occurring at 14 DPI. Correlated metabolic pathway imbalances were observed in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, energetic metabolism and fatty acid oxidation. Eight metabolites correlated with the physical recovery from infection-caused illness were identified. These findings indicate that global metabolomics adopted in this study is a sensitive approach for detecting metabolic alterations in T. gondii-infected mice and generated a comparative metabolic profile of brain tissue distinguishing infected from non-infected host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Xue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Dong-Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Hany M. Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Guang-Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Xun Suo
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
- * E-mail: (XS); (XQZ)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
- * E-mail: (XS); (XQZ)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Parlog A, Schlüter D, Dunay IR. Toxoplasma gondii-induced neuronal alterations. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:159-70. [PMID: 25376390 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The zoonotic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii infects over 30% of the human population. The intracellular parasite can persist lifelong in the CNS within neurons modifying their function and structure, thus leading to specific behavioural changes of the host. In recent years, several in vitro studies and murine models have focused on the elucidation of these modifications. Furthermore, investigations of the human population have correlated Toxoplasma seropositivity with changes in neurological functions; however, the complex underlying mechanisms of the subtle behavioural alteration are still not fully understood. The parasites are able to induce direct modifications in the infected cells, for example by altering dopamine metabolism, by functionally silencing neurons as well as by hindering apoptosis. Moreover, indirect effects of the peripheral immune system and alterations of the immune status of the CNS, observed during chronic infection, might also contribute to changes in neuronal connectivity and synaptic plasticity. In this review, we will provide an overview and highlight recent advances, which describe changes in the neuronal function and morphology upon T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Parlog
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Blanchard N, Dunay IR, Schlüter D. Persistence of Toxoplasma gondii in the central nervous system: a fine-tuned balance between the parasite, the brain and the immune system. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:150-8. [PMID: 25573476 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Upon infection of humans and animals with Toxoplasma gondii, the parasites persist as intraneuronal cysts that are controlled, but not eliminated by the immune system. In particular, intracerebral T cells are crucial in the control of T. gondii infection and are supported by essential functions from other leukocyte populations. Additionally, brain-resident cells including astrocytes, microglia and neurons contribute to the intracerebral immune response by the production of cytokines, chemokines and expression of immunoregulatory cell surface molecules, such as major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens. However, the in vivo behaviour of these individual cell populations, specifically their interaction during cerebral toxoplasmosis, remains to be elucidated. We discuss here what is known about the function of T cells, recruited myeloid cells and brain-resident cells, with particular emphasis on the potential cross-regulation of these cell populations, in governing cerebral toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Blanchard
- Inserm U1043, Toulouse, France; CNRS U5282, Toulouse, France; Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bouchut A, Chawla AR, Jeffers V, Hudmon A, Sullivan WJ. Proteome-wide lysine acetylation in cortical astrocytes and alterations that occur during infection with brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117966. [PMID: 25786129 PMCID: PMC4364782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine acetylation is a reversible post-translational modification (PTM) that has been detected on thousands of proteins in nearly all cellular compartments. The role of this widespread PTM has yet to be fully elucidated, but can impact protein localization, interactions, activity, and stability. Here we present the first proteome-wide survey of lysine acetylation in cortical astrocytes, a subtype of glia that is a component of the blood-brain barrier and a key regulator of neuronal function and plasticity. We identified 529 lysine acetylation sites across 304 proteins found in multiple cellular compartments that largely function in RNA processing/transcription, metabolism, chromatin biology, and translation. Two hundred and seventy-seven of the acetylated lysines we identified on 186 proteins have not been reported previously in any other cell type. We also mapped an acetylome of astrocytes infected with the brain parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. It has been shown that infection with T. gondii modulates host cell gene expression, including several lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) and deacetylase (KDAC) genes, suggesting that the host acetylome may also be altered during infection. In the T. gondii-infected astrocytes, we identified 34 proteins exhibiting a level of acetylation >2-fold and 24 with a level of acetylation <2-fold relative to uninfected astrocytes. Our study documents the first acetylome map for cortical astrocytes, uncovers novel lysine acetylation sites, and demonstrates that T. gondii infection produces an altered acetylome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bouchut
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Aarti R. Chawla
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Victoria Jeffers
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Andy Hudmon
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - William J. Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Biswas A, Bruder D, Wolf SA, Jeron A, Mack M, Heimesaat MM, Dunay IR. Ly6Chigh Monocytes Control Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:3223-35. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
40
|
Herder V, Iskandar CD, Kegler K, Hansmann F, Elmarabet SA, Khan MA, Kalkuhl A, Deschl U, Baumgärtner W, Ulrich R, Beineke A. Dynamic Changes of Microglia/Macrophage M1 and M2 Polarization in Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis. Brain Pathol 2015; 25:712-23. [PMID: 25495532 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia and macrophages play a central role for demyelination in Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis (TME) virus infection, a commonly used infectious model for chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis. In order to determine the dynamic changes of microglia/macrophage polarization in TME, the spinal cord of Swiss Jim Lambert (SJL) mice was investigated by gene expression profiling and immunofluorescence. Virus persistence and demyelinating leukomyelitis were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and histology. Electron microscopy revealed continuous myelin loss together with abortive myelin repair during the late chronic infection phase indicative of incomplete remyelination. A total of 59 genes out of 151 M1- and M2-related genes were differentially expressed in TME virus-infected mice over the study period. The onset of virus-induced demyelination was associated with a dominating M1 polarization, while mounting M2 polarization of macrophages/microglia together with sustained prominent M1-related gene expression was present during the chronic-progressive phase. Molecular results were confirmed by immunofluorescence, showing an increased spinal cord accumulation of CD16/32(+) M1-, arginase-1(+) M2- and Ym1(+) M2-type cells associated with progressive demyelination. The present study provides a comprehensive database of M1-/M2-related gene expression involved in the initiation and progression of demyelination supporting the hypothesis that perpetuating interaction between virus and macrophages/microglia induces a vicious circle with persistent inflammation and impaired myelin repair in TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Herder
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cut Dahlia Iskandar
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristel Kegler
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Hansmann
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Muhammad Akram Khan
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arno Kalkuhl
- Department of Non-Clinical Drug Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach (Riss), Germany
| | - Ulrich Deschl
- Department of Non-Clinical Drug Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach (Riss), Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ochiai E, Sa Q, Brogli M, Kudo T, Wang X, Dubey JP, Suzuki Y. CXCL9 is important for recruiting immune T cells into the brain and inducing an accumulation of the T cells to the areas of tachyzoite proliferation to prevent reactivation of chronic cerebral infection with Toxoplasma gondii. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 185:314-24. [PMID: 25432064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
T cells are required to maintain the latency of chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii in the brain. Here, we examined the role of non-glutamic acid-leucine-arginine CXC chemokine CXCL9 for T-cell recruitment to prevent reactivation of infection with T. gondii. Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice were infected and treated with sulfadiazine to establish a chronic infection. Immune T cells from infected wild-type mice were transferred into the SCID mice in combination with treatment with anti-CXCL9 or control sera. Three days later, sulfadiazine was discontinued to initiate reactivation of infection. Numbers of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells isolated from the brains were markedly less in mice treated with anti-CXCL9 serum than in mice treated with control serum at 3 days after sulfadiazine discontinuation. Amounts of tachyzoite (acute stage form of T. gondii)-specific SAG1 mRNA and numbers of foci associated with tachyzoites were significantly greater in the former than the latter at 5 days after sulfadiazine discontinuation. An accumulation of CD3(+) T cells into the areas of tachyzoite growth was significantly less frequent in the SCID mice treated with anti-CXCL9 serum than in mice treated with control serum. These results indicate that CXCL9 is crucial for recruiting immune T cells into the brain and inducing an accumulation of the T cells into the areas where tachyzoites proliferate to prevent reactivation of chronic T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eri Ochiai
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Qila Sa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Morgan Brogli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Tomoya Kudo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Xisheng Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland
| | - Yasuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Randall LM, Hunter CA. Parasite dissemination and the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2014; 1:3-9. [PMID: 24466431 DOI: 10.1556/eujmi.1.2011.1.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L M Randall
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Hill Pavilion, 380 South University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19146 USA
| | - C A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Hill Pavilion, 380 South University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19146 USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cekanaviciute E, Dietrich HK, Axtell RC, Williams AM, Egusquiza R, Wai KM, Koshy AA, Buckwalter MS. Astrocytic TGF-β signaling limits inflammation and reduces neuronal damage during central nervous system Toxoplasma infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:139-49. [PMID: 24860191 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1303284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The balance between controlling infection and limiting inflammation is particularly precarious in the brain because of its unique vulnerability to the toxic effects of inflammation. Astrocytes have been implicated as key regulators of neuroinflammation in CNS infections, including infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that naturally establishes a chronic CNS infection in mice and humans. In CNS toxoplasmosis, astrocytes are critical to controlling parasite growth. They secrete proinflammatory cytokines and physically encircle parasites. However, the molecular mechanisms used by astrocytes to limit neuroinflammation during toxoplasmic encephalitis have not yet been identified. TGF-β signaling in astrocytes is of particular interest because TGF-β is universally upregulated during CNS infection and serves master regulatory and primarily anti-inflammatory functions. We report in this study that TGF-β signaling is activated in astrocytes during toxoplasmic encephalitis and that inhibition of astrocytic TGF-β signaling increases immune cell infiltration, uncouples proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production from CNS parasite burden, and increases neuronal injury. Remarkably, we show that the effects of inhibiting astrocytic TGF-β signaling are independent of parasite burden and the ability of GFAP(+) astrocytes to physically encircle parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egle Cekanaviciute
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; Neurosciences Graduate Program, Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Hans K Dietrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - Robert C Axtell
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Aaron M Williams
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Riann Egusquiza
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Karen M Wai
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Anita A Koshy
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721; Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721; Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721; and
| | - Marion S Buckwalter
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ocular toxoplasmosis past, present and new aspects of an old disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 39:77-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
45
|
Parlog A, Harsan LA, Zagrebelsky M, Weller M, von Elverfeldt D, Mawrin C, Korte M, Dunay IR. Chronic murine toxoplasmosis is defined by subtle changes in neuronal connectivity. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:459-69. [PMID: 24524910 PMCID: PMC3974456 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.014183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies correlate chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection with behavioral changes in rodents; additionally, seropositivity in humans is reported to be associated with behavioral and neuropsychiatric diseases. In this study we investigated whether the described behavioral changes in a murine model of chronic toxoplasmosis are associated with changes in synaptic plasticity and brain neuronal circuitry. In mice chronically infected with T. gondii, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data analysis displayed the presence of heterogeneous lesions scattered throughout all brain areas. However, a higher density of lesions was observed within specific regions such as the somatosensory cortex (SSC). Further histopathological examination of these brain areas indicated the presence of activated resident glia and recruited immune cells accompanied by limited alterations of neuronal viability. In vivo diffusion-tensor MRI analysis of neuronal fiber density within the infected regions revealed connectivity abnormalities in the SSC. Altered fiber density was confirmed by morphological analysis of individual, pyramidal and granule neurons, showing a reduction in dendritic arbor and spine density within the SSC, as well as in the hippocampus. Evaluation of synapse efficacy revealed diminished levels of two key synaptic proteins, PSD95 and synaptophysin, within the same brain areas, indicating deficits in functionality of the synaptic neurotransmission in infected mice. Our results demonstrate that persistent T. gondii infection in a murine model results in synaptic deficits within brain structures leading to disturbances in the morphology of noninfected neurons and modified brain connectivity, suggesting a potential explanation for the behavioral and neuropsychiatric alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Parlog
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120-Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Proper development and function of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) depend critically on the activity of parenchymal sentinels referred to as microglia. Although microglia were first described as ramified brain-resident phagocytes, research conducted over the past century has expanded considerably upon this narrow view and ascribed many functions to these dynamic CNS inhabitants. Microglia are now considered among the most versatile cells in the body, possessing the capacity to morphologically and functionally adapt to their ever-changing surroundings. Even in a resting state, the processes of microglia are highly dynamic and perpetually scan the CNS. Microglia are in fact vital participants in CNS homeostasis, and dysregulation of these sentinels can give rise to neurological disease. In this review, we discuss the exciting developments in our understanding of microglial biology, from their developmental origin to their participation in CNS homeostasis and pathophysiological states such as neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegeneration, sterile injury responses, and infectious diseases. We also delve into the world of microglial dynamics recently uncovered using real-time imaging techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debasis Nayak
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892;
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Serpente M, Bonsi R, Scarpini E, Galimberti D. Innate immune system and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease: from pathogenesis to treatment. Neuroimmunomodulation 2014; 21:79-87. [PMID: 24557039 DOI: 10.1159/000356529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune activation and inflammation, likely triggered by amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, play a remarkable role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is the most frequent cause of dementia in the elderly. The principal cellular elements of the brain innate immune system likely to be involved in such processes are microglia. In an attempt to search for new disease-modifying drugs, the immune system has been addressed, with the aim of removing deposition of Aβ or tau by developing vaccines and humanized monoclonal antibodies. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the role played by microglia and inflammatory molecules in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, we will discuss the main active and passive immunotherapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Serpente
- Neurology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Fondazione Cà Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bruschi F, Pinto B. The significance of matrix metalloproteinases in parasitic infections involving the central nervous system. Pathogens 2013; 2:105-29. [PMID: 25436884 PMCID: PMC4235708 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens2010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) represent a large family of over twenty different secreted or membrane-bound endopeptidases, involved in many physiological (embryogenesis, precursor or stem cell mobilization, tissue remodeling during wound healing, etc.), as well as pathological (inflammation, tumor progression and metastasis in cancer, vascular pathology, etc.) conditions. For a long time, MMPs were considered only for the ability to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules (e.g., collagen, laminin, fibronectin) and to release hidden epitopes from the ECM. In the last few years, it has been fully elucidated that these molecules have many other functions, mainly related to the immune response, in consideration of their effects on cytokines, hormones and chemokines. Among others, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are endopeptidases of the MMP family produced by neutrophils, macrophages and monocytes. When infection is associated with leukocyte influx into specific organs, immunopathology and collateral tissue damage may occur. In this review, the involvement of MMPs and, in particular, of gelatinases in both protozoan and helminth infections will be described. In cerebral malaria, for example, MMPs play a role in the pathogenesis of such diseases. Also, trypanosomosis and toxoplasmosis will be considered for protozoan infections, as well as neurocysticercosis and angiostrongyloidosis, as regards helminthiases. All these situations have in common the proteolytic action on the blood brain barrier, mediated by MMPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, School of Medicine, Via Roma, 55, 56126, Italy.
| | - Barbara Pinto
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, School of Medicine, Via Roma, 55, 56126, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an Apicomplexan, is a pathogic protozoan that can infect the central nervous system. Infection during pregnancy can result in a congenial infection with severe neurological sequelae. In immunocompromised individuals reactivation of latent neurological foci can result in encephalitis. Immunocompetent individuals infected with T. gondii are typically asymptomatic and maintain this infection for life. However, recent studies suggest that these asymptomatic infections may have effects on behavior and other physiological processes. Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately one-third of the world population, making it one of the most successful parasitic organisms. Cats and other felidae serve as the definite host producing oocysts, an environmentally resistant life cycle stage found in cat feces, which can transmit the infection when ingested orally. A wide variety of warm-blooded animals, including humans, can serve as the intermediate host in which tissue cysts (containing bradyzoites) develop. Transmission also occurs due to ingestion of the tissue cysts. There are three predominant clonal lineages, termed Types I, II and III, and an association with higher pathogenicity with the Type I strains in humans has emerged. This chapter presents a review of the biology of this infection including the life cycle, transmission, epidemiology, parasite strains, and the host immune response. The major clinical outcomes of congenital infection, chorioretinitis and encephalitis, and the possible association of infection of toxoplasmosis with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra K Halonen
- Department of Microbiology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Contreras-Ochoa CO, Lagunas-Martínez A, Belkind-Gerson J, Correa D. Toxoplasma gondii invasion and replication in astrocyte primary cultures and astrocytoma cell lines: systematic review of the literature. Parasitol Res 2012; 110:2089-94. [PMID: 22314782 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2836-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan protozoan which infects all homoeothermic species, including humans. This parasite may cause severe neurological problems in congenitally infected newborns or immunocompromised individuals, but it also provokes psychiatric and neurological disorders as well as behavioural and sensory deficit. There is controversy regarding the effect of T. gondii upon astrocytes, which may serve as parasite proliferation recipients or protective immune response activators within the central nervous system. This apparent contradiction could partially be due to the infection degree obtained in the different experiments reported. Thus, we decided to systematically review the in vitro models used to study these phenomena. Fifteen articles from which direct invasion and replication data could be gathered were found. Very heterogeneous results emerged, mainly due to diversity of models in relation to parasite strain (virulence), host species, parasite dose and evaluation times after infection. Also, the results were measured in diverse ways, i.e. some reported percent infected cells, while others informed parasites pervacuole or cell, or parasitic vacuoles per cell. Very few conclusions could be drawn, among them that human astrocytoma cell lines and mouse astrocytes seem more susceptible to infection and less resistant to tachyzoite proliferation than human primary culture astrocytes. The present study supports the need to reanalyse T. gondii astrocyte invasion and replication processes, especially with the use of actual technology, which allows detailed mechanistic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla O Contreras-Ochoa
- Centro de Investigación sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad no. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, cerrada los Pinos y Caminera, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62100, Mexico
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|