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Nkumama IN, Ogwang R, Odera D, Musasia F, Mwai K, Nyamako L, Murungi L, Tuju J, Fürle K, Rosenkranz M, Kimathi R, Njuguna P, Hamaluba M, Kapulu MC, Frank R, Osier FHA. Breadth of Fc-mediated effector function correlates with clinical immunity following human malaria challenge. Immunity 2024; 57:1215-1224.e6. [PMID: 38788711 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening disease of global health importance, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The growth inhibition assay (GIA) is routinely used to evaluate, prioritize, and quantify the efficacy of malaria blood-stage vaccine candidates but does not reliably predict either naturally acquired or vaccine-induced protection. Controlled human malaria challenge studies in semi-immune volunteers provide an unparalleled opportunity to robustly identify mechanistic correlates of protection. We leveraged this platform to undertake a head-to-head comparison of seven functional antibody assays that are relevant to immunity against the erythrocytic merozoite stage of Plasmodium falciparum. Fc-mediated effector functions were strongly associated with protection from clinical symptoms of malaria and exponential parasite multiplication, while the gold standard GIA was not. The breadth of Fc-mediated effector function discriminated clinical immunity following the challenge. These findings present a shift in the understanding of the mechanisms that underpin immunity to malaria and have important implications for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene N Nkumama
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; European Vaccine Initiative, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Odera
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Fauzia Musasia
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lydia Nyamako
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Linda Murungi
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James Tuju
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Micha Rosenkranz
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rinter Kimathi
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Patricia Njuguna
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mainga Hamaluba
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Melissa C Kapulu
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Roland Frank
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Faith H A Osier
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Holla P, Bhardwaj J, Tran TM. Mature beyond their years: young children who escape detection of parasitemia despite living in settings of intense malaria transmission. Biochem Soc Trans 2024:BST20230401. [PMID: 38752830 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite having the highest risk of progressing to severe disease due to lack of acquired immunity, the youngest children living in areas of highly intense malaria transmission have long been observed to be infected at lower rates than older children. Whether this observation is due to reduced exposure to infectious mosquito bites from behavioral and biological factors, maternally transferred immunity, genetic factors, or enhanced innate immunity in the young child has intrigued malaria researchers for over half a century. Recent evidence suggests that maternally transferred immunity may be limited to early infancy and that the young child's own immune system may contribute to control of malarial symptoms early in life and prior to the development of more effective adaptive immunity. Prospective studies of active and passive detection of Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage infections have identified young children (<5 years old) who remain uninfected through a defined surveillance period despite living in settings of highly intense malaria transmission. Yet, little is known about the potential immunological basis for this 'aparasitemic' phenotype. In this review, we summarize the observational evidence for this phenotype in field studies and examine potential reasons why these children escape detection of parasitemia, covering factors that are either extrinsic or intrinsic to their developing immune system. We discuss the challenges of distinguishing malaria protection from lack of malaria exposure in field studies. We also identify gaps in our knowledge regarding cellular immunity in the youngest age group and propose directions that researchers may take to address these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasida Holla
- Ryan White Center for Global Health and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
| | - Jyoti Bhardwaj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
| | - Tuan M Tran
- Ryan White Center for Global Health and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
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Nelder MP, Schats R, Poinar HN, Cooke A, Brickley MB. Pathogen prospecting of museums: Reconstructing malaria epidemiology. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310859121. [PMID: 38527214 PMCID: PMC11009618 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310859121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a disease of global significance. Ongoing changes to the earth's climate, antimalarial resistance, insecticide resistance, and socioeconomic decline test the resilience of malaria prevention programs. Museum insect specimens present an untapped resource for studying vector-borne pathogens, spurring the question: Do historical mosquito collections contain Plasmodium DNA, and, if so, can museum specimens be used to reconstruct the historical epidemiology of malaria? In this Perspective, we explore molecular techniques practical to pathogen prospecting, which, more broadly, we define as the science of screening entomological museum specimens for human, animal, or plant pathogens. Historical DNA and pathogen prospecting provide a means of describing the coevolution of human, vector, and parasite, informing the development of insecticides, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P. Nelder
- Enteric, Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Health Protection, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ONM5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Rachel Schats
- Laboratory for Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, 2333 CCLeiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik N. Poinar
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ONL8S 4L9, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McMaster University, Hamilton, ONL8S 4L9, Canada
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ONL8S 4L9, Canada
| | - Amanda Cooke
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ONL8S 4L9, Canada
| | - Megan B. Brickley
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ONL8S 4L9, Canada
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Zuberi UF, Aqeel S, Hashmi F, Khan W. Altered haematological parameters in children with malaria infection, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 108:116190. [PMID: 38309088 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to illustrate the effect of malaria infection on red blood cell parameters in children and evaluate the diagnostic relevance of haematological parameters in predicting malaria. METHODS The studies were identified through databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to retrieve related articles. Fourteen studies were selected by literature search based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis on different red blood cell parameters was performed. RESULTS Haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, and RBC count show statistically significant findings with p values of (<0.00001), (p<0.00001) and (p=0.0004), respectively. Other parameters like MCV, MCH, and MCHC show statistically non-significant results with p values of 0.21, 0.36, and 0.63, respectively. CONCLUSION Considering the above findings, the combination of haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, and RBC counts could be used as reliable parameters to predict the presence of infection and included in the diagnostic strategy for malaria in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umra Fatima Zuberi
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Sana Aqeel
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
| | - Faizeaab Hashmi
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Wajihullah Khan
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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ZOHOUN AGC, BAGLOAGBODANDE T, ADANHO A, MASSI R, HOUSSOU B, OROU GUIWA GG, DÈHOUMON J, MEHOU J, ANANI L, VOVOR A, KINDEGAZARD D. [Blood count abnormalities in the association of sickle cell disease and malaria in clinical hematology at the CNHU-HKM in Cotonou (Bénin)]. MEDECINE TROPICALE ET SANTE INTERNATIONALE 2024; 4:mtsi.v4i1.2024.404. [PMID: 38846115 PMCID: PMC11151902 DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v4i1.2024.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Although a protective effect of hemoglobin S has been described, malaria has frequently been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease patients in Africa. Various cytopenias are frequently found on the haemograms of these patients. In Benin, a malaria-endemic zone with a high prevalence of sickle cell disease, the aim of this study was to establish and compare the blood count profile according to hemoglobin type in the association of sickle cell disease and malaria. Material and method This was a prospective descriptive study. It covered a 24-month period from October 2020 to October 2022. It included all patients with major sickle cell syndrome seen in clinical haematology and with a positive thick drop/parasite density, whatever the parasitaemia value. For each patient, a blood count was performed on the Sysmex XT 4000i machine, supplemented by a smear study after staining with May-Grunwald Giemsa. Data were analyzed using R 3.6.1 software. Results Three hundred non-redundant cases with a positive thick smear were identified in sickle cell patients, including 208 SS homozygotes (69.3%) and 92 SC heterozygotes (30.7%). In contrast, there were 181 non-redundant cases with a negative thick smear, including 119 SS homozygotes (65.7%) and 62 SC heterozygotes (34.3%). Among subjects with a positive thick smear, the majority of patients (70%) exhibited clinical symptoms. Severe malaria was observed in 58% of the cases. The proportion of severe malaria was higher in SS homozygote patients than in double heterozygote SC patients (p < 0.0001). The mean parasite density was higher in SS individuals (4 320.7 ± 2 185 trophozoites/pL) compared to SC individuals (1 564.4 ± 1 221 trophozoites/pL; p < 0.0001). Plasmodium falciparum was the only species identified. The mean hemoglobin level in impaludated SS subjects was 6.1 g/dL, significantly lower than that in non-impaludated SS subjects (p < 0.0001). The average white blood cell count in impaludated SS subjects was 16.58 G/L, compared to 13.2 G/L in those with a negative thick smear (p < 0.0001). Twenty cases of thrombocytopenia were found in SS subjects with a positive thick smear, compared to 6 cases in those with a negative thick smear. As for SC subjects with a positive thick smear, the average hemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts were 9.8 g/dL and 10.63 G/L, respectively, compared to 11.27 g/dL and 7.3 G/L in SC subjects with a negative thick smear. Eighteen cases of thrombocytopenia were found in subjects with a positive thick smear, compared to 17 cases in those with a negative thick smear. Discussion Sickle cell disease and malaria represent two major public health problems. However, contrary to popular belief, sickle cell disease is not immune to malaria infestation. Malaria is recognized as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in sickle cell patients, particularly children. In Benin, its association with sickle cell emergencies has already been reported.Our study found that malaria was predominantly associated with the homozygous SS form (p < 0.00001). Severe malaria was the most common clinical form. All malaria infestations in our series were due to Plasmodium falciparum, and parasitaemia was significantly higher in SS patients (p < 0.0001).The hematological profile of the association of sickle cell disease and malaria in homozygous SS individuals in our series showed characteristics of a normocytic normochromic anemia with neutrophil-predominant leukocytosis. Compared to non-malaria-infected SS individuals, there was a significant worsening of anemia, neutrophil-predominant leukocytosis, and a decrease in the average platelet count. In SC individuals, there was rather a microcytic normochromic regenerative anemia associated with neutrophil-predominant leukocytosis. Compared to non-malaria-infected SC individuals, there was a significant decrease in the rate of anemia and neutrophil-predominant leukocytosis. Anemia is a constant feature in homozygous sickle cell disease, and the low values recorded illustrate the hemolytic nature of malaria, especially in SS individuals, and the better tolerance of SC individuals. Furthermore, the low baseline hemoglobin levels make SS individuals more vulnerable to malaria-induced anemia compared to SC individuals. The observed leukocytosis is generally accompanied by reticulocytosis in the case of major sickle cell syndrome, which must be taken into account for result validation. It is the expression of compensatory bone marrow reaction to anemia and inflammatory mechanisms resulting from malaria infestation. Finally, thrombocytopenia was significantly more common in SC patients, even though they were adults living in malaria-endemic areas. Malaria can frequently induce thrombocytopenia through platelet consumption during the "rosetting" phenomenon. In SS patients, the effects of "rosetting" could be compensated for by the bone marrow stimulation induced by anemia. In our series with adult subjects living in an endemic area, thrombocytopenia is not a frequent biological disturbance. In a clinicalbiological context combining a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with anemia and neutrophil-predominant leukocytosis in a SS or SC sickle cell patient, the clinician should be able to consider malaria and confirm or rule out this diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Gildas Comlan ZOHOUN
- Laboratoire d'hématologie, Clinique universitaire des maladies du sang, Centre national hospitalier universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM), Cotonou, Bénin
- Faculté des sciences de la santé, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Tatiana BAGLOAGBODANDE
- Laboratoire d'hématologie, Clinique universitaire des maladies du sang, Centre national hospitalier universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM), Cotonou, Bénin
- Faculté des sciences de la santé, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Axel ADANHO
- Faculté des sciences de la santé, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Romaric MASSI
- Laboratoire d'hématologie, Clinique universitaire des maladies du sang, Centre national hospitalier universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Bienvenu HOUSSOU
- Laboratoire d'hématologie, Clinique universitaire des maladies du sang, Centre national hospitalier universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Gnon Gourou OROU GUIWA
- Laboratoire d'hématologie, Clinique universitaire des maladies du sang, Centre national hospitalier universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Justin DÈHOUMON
- Laboratoire d'hématologie, Clinique universitaire des maladies du sang, Centre national hospitalier universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Josiane MEHOU
- Laboratoire d'hématologie, Clinique universitaire des maladies du sang, Centre national hospitalier universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Ludovic ANANI
- Faculté des sciences de la santé, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Anne VOVOR
- Faculté des sciences de la santé, Université de Lomé, Togo Auteur
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Ewald S, Nasuhidehnavi A, Feng TY, Lesani M, McCall LI. The intersection of host in vivo metabolism and immune responses to infection with kinetoplastid and apicomplexan parasites. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0016422. [PMID: 38299836 PMCID: PMC10966954 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00164-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYProtozoan parasite infection dramatically alters host metabolism, driven by immunological demand and parasite manipulation strategies. Immunometabolic checkpoints are often exploited by kinetoplastid and protozoan parasites to establish chronic infection, which can significantly impair host metabolic homeostasis. The recent growth of tools to analyze metabolism is expanding our understanding of these questions. Here, we review and contrast host metabolic alterations that occur in vivo during infection with Leishmania, trypanosomes, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, and Cryptosporidium. Although genetically divergent, there are commonalities among these pathogens in terms of metabolic needs, induction of the type I immune responses required for clearance, and the potential for sustained host metabolic dysbiosis. Comparing these pathogens provides an opportunity to explore how transmission strategy, nutritional demand, and host cell and tissue tropism drive similarities and unique aspects in host response and infection outcome and to design new strategies to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Azadeh Nasuhidehnavi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tzu-Yu Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mahbobeh Lesani
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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Constantinescu AE, Hughes DA, Bull CJ, Fleming K, Mitchell RE, Zheng J, Kar S, Timpson NJ, Amulic B, Vincent EE. A genome-wide association study of neutrophil count in individuals associated to an African continental ancestry group facilitates studies of malaria pathogenesis. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:26. [PMID: 38491524 PMCID: PMC10941368 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00585-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Benign ethnic neutropenia' (BEN) is a heritable condition characterized by lower neutrophil counts, predominantly observed in individuals of African ancestry, and the genetic basis of BEN remains a subject of extensive research. In this study, we aimed to dissect the genetic architecture underlying neutrophil count variation through a linear-mixed model genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a population of African ancestry (N = 5976). Malaria caused by P. falciparum imposes a tremendous public health burden on people living in sub-Saharan Africa. Individuals living in malaria endemic regions often have a reduced circulating neutrophil count due to BEN, raising the possibility that reduced neutrophil counts modulate severity of malaria in susceptible populations. As a follow-up, we tested this hypothesis by conducting a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of neutrophil counts on severe malaria (MalariaGEN, N = 17,056). RESULTS We carried out a GWAS of neutrophil count in individuals associated to an African continental ancestry group within UK Biobank, identifying 73 loci (r2 = 0.1) and 10 index SNPs (GCTA-COJO loci) associated with neutrophil count, including previously unknown rare loci regulating neutrophil count in a non-European population. BOLT-LMM was reliable when conducted in a non-European population, and additional covariates added to the model did not largely alter the results of the top loci or index SNPs. The two-sample bi-directional MR analysis between neutrophil count and severe malaria showed the greatest evidence for an effect between neutrophil count and severe anaemia, although the confidence intervals crossed the null. CONCLUSION Our GWAS of neutrophil count revealed unique loci present in individuals of African ancestry. We note that a small sample-size reduced our power to identify variants with low allele frequencies and/or low effect sizes in our GWAS. Our work highlights the need for conducting large-scale biobank studies in Africa and for further exploring the link between neutrophils and severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei-Emil Constantinescu
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David A Hughes
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Louisiana State University, Louisiana, USA
| | - Caroline J Bull
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Kathryn Fleming
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ruth E Mitchell
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Siddhartha Kar
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Early Cancer Insitute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas J Timpson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Borko Amulic
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Emma E Vincent
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- School of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Garg E, Arguello-Pascualli P, Vishnyakova O, Halevy AR, Yoo S, Brooks JD, Bull SB, Gagnon F, Greenwood CMT, Hung RJ, Lawless JF, Lerner-Ellis J, Dennis JK, Abraham RJS, Garant JM, Thiruvahindrapuram B, Jones SJM, Strug LJ, Paterson AD, Sun L, Elliott LT. Canadian COVID-19 host genetics cohort replicates known severity associations. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011192. [PMID: 38517939 PMCID: PMC10990181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011192] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The HostSeq initiative recruited 10,059 Canadians infected with SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and March 2023, obtained clinical information on their disease experience and whole genome sequenced (WGS) their DNA. We analyzed the WGS data for genetic contributors to severe COVID-19 (considering 3,499 hospitalized cases and 4,975 non-hospitalized after quality control). We investigated the evidence for replication of loci reported by the International Host Genetics Initiative (HGI); analyzed the X chromosome; conducted rare variant gene-based analysis and polygenic risk score testing. Population stratification was adjusted for using meta-analysis across ancestry groups. We replicated two loci identified by the HGI for COVID-19 severity: the LZTFL1/SLC6A20 locus on chromosome 3 and the FOXP4 locus on chromosome 6 (the latter with a variant significant at P < 5E-8). We found novel significant associations with MRAS and WDR89 in gene-based analyses, and constructed a polygenic risk score that explained 1.01% of the variance in severe COVID-19. This study provides independent evidence confirming the robustness of previously identified COVID-19 severity loci by the HGI and identifies novel genes for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elika Garg
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paola Arguello-Pascualli
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Olga Vishnyakova
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anat R. Halevy
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha Yoo
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D. Brooks
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley B. Bull
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - France Gagnon
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Celia M. T. Greenwood
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rayjean J. Hung
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jerald F. Lawless
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan Lerner-Ellis
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica K. Dennis
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rohan J. S. Abraham
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Garant
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Steven J. M. Jones
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Lisa J. Strug
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew D. Paterson
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lei Sun
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lloyd T. Elliott
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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9
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Holmes IA, Durso AM, Myers CR, Hendry TA. Changes in capture availability due to infection can lead to detectable biases in population-level infectious disease parameters. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16910. [PMID: 38436008 PMCID: PMC10909344 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Correctly identifying the strength of selection that parasites impose on hosts is key to predicting epidemiological and evolutionary outcomes of host-parasite interactions. However, behavioral changes due to infection can alter the capture probability of infected hosts and thereby make selection difficult to estimate by standard sampling techniques. Mark-recapture approaches, which allow researchers to determine if some groups in a population are less likely to be captured than others, can be used to identify infection-driven capture biases. If a metric of interest directly compares infected and uninfected populations, calculated detection probabilities for both groups may be useful in identifying bias. Here, we use an individual-based simulation to test whether changes in capture rate due to infection can alter estimates of three key metrics: 1) reduction in the reproductive success of infected parents relative to uninfected parents, 2) the relative risk of infection for susceptible genotypes compared to resistant genotypes, and 3) changes in allele frequencies between generations. We explore the direction and underlying causes of the biases that emerge from these simulations. Finally, we argue that short series of mark-recapture sampling bouts, potentially implemented in under a week, can yield key data on detection bias due to infection while not adding a significantly higher burden to disease ecology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris A. Holmes
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Cornell Institute of Host Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Andrew M. Durso
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL, USA
| | - Christopher R. Myers
- Center for Advanced Computing & Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Tory A. Hendry
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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10
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Mohan S, Hakami MA, Dailah HG, Khalid A, Najmi A, Zoghebi K, Halawi MA. Bridging autoimmunity and epigenetics: The influence of lncRNA MALAT1. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155041. [PMID: 38199135 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune disorders represent a heterogeneous spectrum of conditions defined by an immune system's atypical reactivity against endogenous constituents. In the complex anatomy of autoimmune pathogenesis, lncRNAs have appeared as pivotal arbiters orchestrating the mechanisms of ailment initiation, immune cascades, and transcriptional modulation. One such lncRNA, MALAT1, has garnered attention for its potential association with the aetiology of several autoimmune diseases. MALAT1 has been shown to influence a wide spectrum of cellular processes, which include cell multiplication and specialization, as well as apoptosis and inflammation. In autoimmune diseases, MALAT1 exhibits both disease-specific and shared patterns of dysregulation, often correlating with disease severity. The molecular mechanisms underlying MALAT1's impact on autoimmune disorders include epigenetic modifications, alternative splicing, and modulation of gene expression networks. Additionally, MALAT1's intricate interactions with microRNAs, other lncRNAs, and protein-coding genes further underscore its role in immune regulation and autoimmune disease progression. Understanding the contribution of MALAT1 in autoimmune pathogenesis across different diseases could offer valuable insights into shared pathways, thereby clearing a path for the creation of innovative and enhanced therapeutic approaches to address these complex disorders. This review aims to elucidate the complex role of MALAT1 in autoimmune disorders, encompassing rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of MALAT1 as a diagnostic biomarker, therapeutic target, and prognostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syam Mohan
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India; Center for Global health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India
| | - Mohammed Ageeli Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hamad Ghaleb Dailah
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam A Halawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Alamad B, Elliott K, Knight JC. Cross-population applications of genomics to understand the risk of multifactorial traits involving inflammation and immunity. CAMBRIDGE PRISMS. PRECISION MEDICINE 2024; 2:e3. [PMID: 38549844 PMCID: PMC10953767 DOI: 10.1017/pcm.2023.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role in interindividual variation in immune and inflammatory responses. The availability of high-throughput low-cost genotyping and next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our ability to identify human genetic variation and understand how this varies within and between populations, and the relationship with disease. In this review, we explore the potential of genomics for patient benefit, specifically in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of inflammatory and immune-related diseases. We summarize the knowledge arising from genetic and functional genomic approaches, and the opportunity for personalized medicine. The review covers applications in infectious diseases, rare immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases, illustrating advances in diagnosis and understanding risk including use of polygenic risk scores. We further explore the application for patient stratification and drug target prioritization. The review highlights a key challenge to the field arising from the lack of sufficient representation of genetically diverse populations in genomic studies. This currently limits the clinical utility of genetic-based diagnostic and risk-based applications in non-Caucasian populations. We highlight current genome projects, initiatives and biobanks from diverse populations and how this is being used to improve healthcare globally by improving our understanding of genetic susceptibility to diseases and regional pathogens such as malaria and tuberculosis. Future directions and opportunities for personalized medicine and wider application of genomics in health care are described, for the benefit of individual patients and populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bana Alamad
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Elliott
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian C. Knight
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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12
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Toncheva D, Marinova M, Borovska P, Serbezov D. Incidence of ancient variants associated with oncological diseases in modern populations. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2151376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Draga Toncheva
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Marinova
- Department of Computer Systems and Technologies, Faculty of Electronics and Automation, Technical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Plamenka Borovska
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Informatics, Technical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Serbezov
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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13
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Pance A, Ng BL, Mwikali K, Koutsourakis M, Agu C, Rouhani FJ, Montandon R, Law F, Ponstingl H, Rayner JC. Novel stem cell technologies are powerful tools to understand the impact of human factors on Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1287355. [PMID: 38173794 PMCID: PMC10762799 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1287355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum parasites have a complex life cycle, but the most clinically relevant stage of the disease is the invasion of erythrocytes and the proliferation of the parasite in the blood. The influence of human genetic traits on malaria has been known for a long time, however understanding the role of the proteins involved is hampered by the anuclear nature of erythrocytes that makes them inaccessible to genetic tools. Here we overcome this limitation using stem cells to generate erythroid cells with an in-vitro differentiation protocol and assess parasite invasion with an adaptation of flow cytometry to detect parasite hemozoin. We combine this strategy with reprogramming of patient cells to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and genome editing to understand the role of key genes and human traits in malaria infection. We show that deletion of basigin ablates invasion while deletion of ATP2B4 has a minor effect and that erythroid cells from reprogrammed patient-derived HbBart α-thalassemia samples poorly support infection. The possibility to obtain patient-secific and genetically modifed erythoid cells offers an unparalleled opportunity to study the role of human genes and polymorphisms in malaria allowing preservation of the genomic background to demonstrate their function and understand their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Pance
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Bee L. Ng
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kioko Mwikali
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Bioscience Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Chukwuma Agu
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruddy Montandon
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Law
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julian C. Rayner
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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14
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Poespoprodjo JR, Douglas NM, Ansong D, Kho S, Anstey NM. Malaria. Lancet 2023; 402:2328-2345. [PMID: 37924827 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01249-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is resurging in many African and South American countries, exacerbated by COVID-19-related health service disruption. In 2021, there were an estimated 247 million malaria cases and 619 000 deaths in 84 endemic countries. Plasmodium falciparum strains partly resistant to artemisinins are entrenched in the Greater Mekong region and have emerged in Africa, while Anopheles mosquito vectors continue to evolve physiological and behavioural resistance to insecticides. Elimination of Plasmodium vivax malaria is hindered by impractical and potentially toxic antirelapse regimens. Parasitological diagnosis and treatment with oral or parenteral artemisinin-based therapy is the mainstay of patient management. Timely blood transfusion, renal replacement therapy, and restrictive fluid therapy can improve survival in severe malaria. Rigorous use of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy and infancy and seasonal chemoprevention, potentially combined with pre-erythrocytic vaccines endorsed by WHO in 2021 and 2023, can substantially reduce malaria morbidity. Improved surveillance, better access to effective treatment, more labour-efficient vector control, continued drug development, targeted mass drug administration, and sustained political commitment are required to achieve targets for malaria reduction by the end of this decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Rini Poespoprodjo
- Centre for Child Health and Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Timika Malaria Research Facility, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Indonesia; Mimika District Hospital and District Health Authority, Timika, Indonesia; Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.
| | - Nicholas M Douglas
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Ansong
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Steven Kho
- Timika Malaria Research Facility, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Indonesia; Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Nicholas M Anstey
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
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15
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Walker IS, Rogerson SJ. Pathogenicity and virulence of malaria: Sticky problems and tricky solutions. Virulence 2023; 14:2150456. [PMID: 36419237 PMCID: PMC9815252 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cause over 600,000 deaths each year, concentrated in Africa and in young children, but much of the world's population remain at risk of infection. In this article, we review the latest developments in the immunogenicity and pathogenesis of malaria, with a particular focus on P. falciparum, the leading malaria killer. Pathogenic factors include parasite-derived toxins and variant surface antigens on infected erythrocytes that mediate sequestration in the deep vasculature. Host response to parasite toxins and to variant antigens is an important determinant of disease severity. Understanding how parasites sequester, and how antibody to variant antigens could prevent sequestration, may lead to new approaches to treat and prevent disease. Difficulties in malaria diagnosis, drug resistance, and specific challenges of treating P. vivax pose challenges to malaria elimination, but vaccines and other preventive strategies may offer improved disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel S Walker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Chen N, Xia X, Hanif Q, Zhang F, Dang R, Huang B, Lyu Y, Luo X, Zhang H, Yan H, Wang S, Wang F, Chen J, Guan X, Liu Y, Li S, Jin L, Wang P, Sun L, Zhang J, Liu J, Qu K, Cao Y, Sun J, Liao Y, Xiao Z, Cai M, Mu L, Siddiki AZ, Asif M, Mansoor S, Babar ME, Hussain T, Silva GLLP, Gorkhali NA, Terefe E, Belay G, Tijjani A, Zegeye T, Gebre MG, Ma Y, Wang Y, Huang Y, Lan X, Chen H, Migliore NR, Colombo G, Semino O, Achilli A, Sinding MHS, Lenstra JA, Cheng H, Lu W, Hanotte O, Han J, Jiang Y, Lei C. Global genetic diversity, introgression, and evolutionary adaptation of indicine cattle revealed by whole genome sequencing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7803. [PMID: 38016956 PMCID: PMC10684552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Indicine cattle, also referred to as zebu (Bos taurus indicus), play a central role in pastoral communities across a wide range of agro-ecosystems, from extremely hot semiarid regions to hot humid tropical regions. However, their adaptive genetic changes following their dispersal into East Asia from the Indian subcontinent have remained poorly documented. Here, we characterize their global genetic diversity using high-quality whole-genome sequencing data from 354 indicine cattle of 57 breeds/populations, including major indicine phylogeographic groups worldwide. We reveal their probable migration into East Asia was along a coastal route rather than inland routes and we detected introgression from other bovine species. Genomic regions carrying morphology-, immune-, and heat-tolerance-related genes underwent divergent selection according to Asian agro-ecologies. We identify distinct sets of loci that contain promising candidate variants for adaptation to hot semi-arid and hot humid tropical ecosystems. Our results indicate that the rapid and successful adaptation of East Asian indicine cattle to hot humid environments was promoted by localized introgression from banteng and/or gaur. Our findings provide insights into the history and environmental adaptation of indicine cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningbo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoting Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Quratulain Hanif
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Fengwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Ruihua Dang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Bizhi Huang
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Kunming, 650212, China
| | - Yang Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Hucai Zhang
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environment Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Huixuan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Shikang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Fuwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jialei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiwen Guan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Yangkai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Liangliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Luyang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jicai Zhang
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Kunming, 650212, China
| | - Jianyong Liu
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Kunming, 650212, China
| | - Kaixing Qu
- Academy of Science and Technology, Chuxiong Normal University, Chuxiong, 675000, China
| | - Yanhong Cao
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning, 530007, China
| | - Junli Sun
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning, 530007, China
| | - Yuying Liao
- Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Nanning, 530001, China
| | - Zhengzhong Xiao
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning, 530007, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Kunming, 650212, China
| | - Lan Mu
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, China
| | - Amam Zonaed Siddiki
- Genomics Research Group, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU), Chattogram, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Asif
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Mansoor
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Masroor Ellahi Babar
- The University of Agriculture, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 29050, Pakistan
| | - Tanveer Hussain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Islamabad, 44100, Pakistan
| | | | - Neena Amatya Gorkhali
- National Animal Breeding and Genetics Centre, National Animal Science Research Institute, Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, 45200, Nepal
| | - Endashaw Terefe
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Department of Animal Science, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, 1000, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gurja Belay
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, The School of Graduate Studies, Addis Ababa University, 1000, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abdulfatai Tijjani
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, 1000, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Tsadkan Zegeye
- Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 258, 7000, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Mebrate Genet Gebre
- School of Animal and Rangeland Science, College of Agriculture, Haramaya University, 2040, Haramaya, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Yun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Molecular and Cellular Breeding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Yongzhen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Nicola Rambaldi Migliore
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Colombo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ornella Semino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Achilli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mikkel-Holger S Sinding
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johannes A Lenstra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Haijian Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Key Lab of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Wenfa Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Olivier Hanotte
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, 1000, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Jianlin Han
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 100193, Beijing, China.
- Livestock Genetics Program, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Yazhouwan National Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China.
| | - Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
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17
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Balau A, Sobral D, Abrantes P, Santos I, Mixão V, Gomes JP, Antunes S, Arez AP. Differential Gene Expression of Malaria Parasite in Response to Red Blood Cell-Specific Glycolytic Intermediate 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16869. [PMID: 38069204 PMCID: PMC10706422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovative strategies to control malaria are urgently needed. Exploring the interplay between Plasmodium sp. parasites and host red blood cells (RBCs) offers opportunities for novel antimalarial interventions. Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), characterized by heightened 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) concentration, has been associated with protection against malaria. Elevated levels of 2,3-DPG, a specific mammalian metabolite, may hinder glycolysis, prompting us to hypothesize its potential contribution to PKD-mediated protection. We investigated the impact of the extracellular supplementation of 2,3-DPG on the Plasmodium falciparum intraerythrocytic developmental cycle in vitro. The results showed an inhibition of parasite growth, resulting from significantly fewer progeny from 2,3-DPG-treated parasites. We analyzed differential gene expression and the transcriptomic profile of P. falciparum trophozoites, from in vitro cultures subjected or not subjected to the action of 2,3-DPG, using Nanopore Sequencing Technology. The presence of 2,3-DPG in the culture medium was associated with the significant differential expression of 71 genes, mostly associated with the GO terms nucleic acid binding, transcription or monoatomic anion channel. Further, several genes related to cell cycle control were downregulated in treated parasites. These findings suggest that the presence of this RBC-specific glycolytic metabolite impacts the expression of genes transcribed during the parasite trophozoite stage and the number of merozoites released from individual schizonts, which supports the potential role of 2,3-DPG in the mechanism of protection against malaria by PKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Balau
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.); (P.A.); (I.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Daniel Sobral
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (D.S.); (V.M.); (J.P.G.)
| | - Patrícia Abrantes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.); (P.A.); (I.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Inês Santos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.); (P.A.); (I.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Verónica Mixão
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (D.S.); (V.M.); (J.P.G.)
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (D.S.); (V.M.); (J.P.G.)
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.); (P.A.); (I.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Ana Paula Arez
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.B.); (P.A.); (I.S.); (S.A.)
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Bansal V, Munjal J, Lakhanpal S, Gupta V, Garg A, Munjal RS, Jain R. Epidemiological shifts: the emergence of malaria in America. Proc AMIA Symp 2023; 36:745-750. [PMID: 37829240 PMCID: PMC10566419 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2023.2255514] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium is a genus of parasites that comprises different species. The species falciparum, vivax, malariae, ovale, and knowlesi are known to cause a vector-borne illness called malaria, and among these, falciparum is known to cause major complications. The vector, the Anopheles mosquito, is commonly found in warmer regions close to the equator, and hence transmission and numbers of cases tend to be higher in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central America. The number of cases of malaria in the United States has remained stable over the years with low transmission rates, and the disease is mostly seen in the population with a recent travel history to endemic regions. The main reason behind this besides the weather conditions is that economically developed countries have eliminated mosquitos. However, there have been reports of locally reported cases with Plasmodium vivax in areas such as Florida and Texas in patients with no known travel history. This paper aims to familiarize US physicians with the pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnostic modalities of malaria, as well as available treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasu Bansal
- Internal Medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Jaskaran Munjal
- Internal Medicine, Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Vasu Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OhioUSA
| | - Ashwani Garg
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Rohit Jain
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PennsylvaniaUSA
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19
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Neyer PJ, Kaboré B, Nakas CT, Hartmann B, Post A, Diallo S, Tinto H, Hammerer-Lercher A, Largiadèr CR, van der Ven AJ, Huber AR. Exploring the host factors affecting asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection: insights from a rural Burkina Faso study. Malar J 2023; 22:252. [PMID: 37658365 PMCID: PMC10474782 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04686-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia forms a reservoir for the transmission of malaria disease in West Africa. Certain haemoglobin variants are known to protect against severe malaria infection. However, data on the potential roles of haemoglobin variants and nongenetic factors in asymptomatic malaria infection is scarce and controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the associations of iron homeostasis, inflammation, nutrition, and haemoglobin mutations with parasitaemia in an asymptomatic cohort from a P. falciparum-endemic region during the high transmission season. METHODS A sub-study population of 688 asymptomatic individuals (predominantly children and adolescents under 15 years, n = 516) from rural Burkina Faso previously recruited by the NOVAC trial (NCT03176719) between June and October 2017 was analysed. Parasitaemia was quantified with conventional haemocytometry. The haemoglobin genotype was determined by reverse hybridization assays targeting a selection of 21 HBA and 22 HBB mutations. Demographics, inflammatory markers (interleukins 6 and 10, hepcidin), nutritional status (mid upper-arm circumference and body mass index), and anaemia (total haemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor) were assessed as potential predictors through logistic regression. RESULTS Malaria parasites were detected in 56% of subjects. Parasitaemia was associated most strongly with malnutrition. The effect size increased with malnutrition severity (OR = 6.26, CI95: 2.45-19.4, p < 0.001). Furthermore, statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) with age, cytokines, hepcidin and heterozygous haemoglobin S were observed. CONCLUSIONS According to these findings, asymptomatic parasitaemia is attenuated by haemoglobin S, but not by any of the other detected genotypes. Aside from evidence for slight iron imbalance, overall undernutrition was found to predict parasitaemia; thus, further investigations are required to elucidate causality and inform strategies for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Neyer
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland.
- Graduate School for Cellular & Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Bérenger Kaboré
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- IRSS/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Christos T Nakas
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Biometry, Department of Agriculture Crop, Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Britta Hartmann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Annelies Post
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Salou Diallo
- IRSS/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Halidou Tinto
- IRSS/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Carlo R Largiadèr
- Graduate School for Cellular & Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andre J van der Ven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas R Huber
- Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein, Triesen, Principality of Liechtenstein
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20
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de Jesus MCS, Cerilo-Filho M, Ramirez ADR, Menezes RAO, Gomes MSM, Cassiano GC, Gurgel RQ, Silva JRS, Moura TR, Pratt-Riccio LR, Baptista ARS, Storti-Melo LM, Machado RLD. Influence of trem-1 gene polymorphisms on cytokine levels during malaria by Plasmodium vivax in a frontier area of the Brazilian Amazon. Cytokine 2023; 169:156264. [PMID: 37327529 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunopathology during malaria depends on the level of inflammatory response generated. In this scenario, the TREM-1 has been associated with the severity of infectious diseases and could play an important role in the inflammatory course of malaria. We aimed to describe the allelic and genotypic frequency of four polymorphisms in the trem-1 gene in Plasmodium vivax-infected patients and to verify the association of these polymorphisms with clinical and immunological factors in a frontier area of the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS We included 76 individuals infected with P. vivax and 144 healthy controls living in the municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá, Brazil. The levels of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ were measured by flow cytometry, while IL-6, sTREM-1, and antibodies against PvMSP-119 were evaluated by ELISA. The SNPs were genotyped by qPCR technique. Polymorphisms analysis, allelic and genotype, frequencies, and HWE calculation were determined by x2 test in R Software. The association between the parasitemia, gametocytes, antibodies, cytokines, and sTREM-1 with the genotypes of malaria and control groups was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, these analyzes were conducted in SPSS Software, at 5% significance level. RESULTS All SNPs were successfully genotyped. Allelic and genotypic distribution was in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Furthermore, several associations were identified between malaria and control groups, with increased levels of IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the infected individuals with rs6910730A, rs2234237T, rs2234246T, rs4711668C alleles compared to the homozygous wild-type and heterozygous genotypes of the controls (p-value < 0.05). No association was found for these SNPs and the levels of IL-2, and sTREM-1. CONCLUSIONS The SNPs on the trem-1 gene are associated with the effector molecules of the innate immunity and may contribute to the identification and effective participation of trem-1 in the modulation of the immune response. This association may be essential for the establishment of immunization strategies against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrela C S de Jesus
- Center for Microorganisms' Investigation, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24020-141, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Applied Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Cerilo-Filho
- Center for Microorganisms' Investigation, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24020-141, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Applied Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aina D R Ramirez
- Center for Microorganisms' Investigation, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24020-141, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Applied Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubens A O Menezes
- Postgraduate Program in Applied Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, Amapá, Brazil
| | - Margarete S M Gomes
- Superintendence of Health Surveillance of the State of Amapá, Macapá 68902-865, Amapá, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Q Gurgel
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - José R S Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Tatiana R Moura
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Lilian R Pratt-Riccio
- Laboratory for Malaria Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea R S Baptista
- Center for Microorganisms' Investigation, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24020-141, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Applied Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciane M Storti-Melo
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil; Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Ricardo L D Machado
- Center for Microorganisms' Investigation, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24020-141, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Applied Microbiology and Parasitology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
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21
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Helegbe GK, Wemakor A, Ameade EPK, Anabire NG, Anaba F, Bautista JM, Zorn BG. Co-Occurrence of G6PD Deficiency and SCT among Pregnant Women Exposed to Infectious Diseases. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5085. [PMID: 37568487 PMCID: PMC10419962 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155085] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, women have an increased relative risk of exposure to infectious diseases. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of the co-occurrence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) and sickle cell trait (SCT) and the impact on anemia outcomes among pregnant women exposed to frequent infectious diseases. Over a six-year period (March 2013 to October 2019), 8473 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) at major referral hospitals in Northern Ghana were recruited and diagnosed for common infectious diseases (malaria, syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV), G6PDd, and SCT. The prevalence of all the infections and anemia did not differ between women with and without G6PDd (χ2 < 3.6, p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Regression analysis revealed a significantly higher proportion of SCT in pregnant women with G6PDd than those without G6PDd (AOR = 1.58; p < 0.011). The interaction between malaria and SCT was observed to be associated with anemia outcomes among the G6PDd women (F-statistic = 10.9, p < 0.001). Our findings show that anemia is a common condition among G6PDd women attending ANCs in northern Ghana, and its outcome is impacted by malaria and SCT. This warrants further studies to understand the impact of antimalarial treatment and the blood transfusion outcomes in G6PDd/SCT pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Kofi Helegbe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1883, Ghana;
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 54, Ghana
| | - Anthony Wemakor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1883, Ghana
| | - Evans Paul Kwame Ameade
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1883, Ghana
| | - Nsoh Godwin Anabire
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1883, Ghana;
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 54, Ghana
| | - Frank Anaba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala P.O. Box TL 1883, Ghana
| | - Jose M. Bautista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Bruno Gonzalez Zorn
- Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Onohuean H, Onohuean FE, Ayogu EE. Association between hemoglobin variants and laboratory outcomes in patients infected with P. falciparum from South West Uganda. Future Sci OA 2023; 9:FSO888. [PMID: 37485444 PMCID: PMC10357393 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2022-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims We assess the relationship between various hemoglobin variants and some hematological parameters packed cell volume, white blood cells (PCV, WBC) and parasitemia level of patients with malaria in the southwestern, Uganda. Methods Patient were enrolled by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), confirmed by microscopy, and laboratory outcomes were determined. Results Patients positive for malaria RDTs were 155, microscopic-confirmed P. falciparum parasites were 95 (61.29%) having hemoglobin variants HbAA and HbAS; 75 (78.95%) and 13 (13.68%), respectively. The laboratory outcomes showed mean, PCV (32.19 ± 4.83), WBC (5831.66 ± 2888.29) and P. falciparum parasitaemia density (32,605.45 ± 14031), while the hemoglobin variants mean values AA (39,008.85 ± 31,261.56), AC (15908 ± 10173.48), AS (16,561.46 ± 15,380.93), SC (30,524 ± 0.000) and SS(1652 ± 0.000) were significantly different from the total population (34,321.5 ± 21,924.26) parasite-density. Conclusion Patients with hemoglobin variants HbAA had a significantly higher parasite-carrying capacity and PCV levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Onohuean
- Biopharmaceutics unit, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University, Western-Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda
- Biomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine & Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Fanny Eseohe Onohuean
- Biomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine & Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Ebere Emilia Ayogu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice, Kampala International University, Ishaka Uganda
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23
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Kleebayoon A, Wiwanitkit V. Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 in field isolates: Correspondence. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2023; 61:338-339. [PMID: 37648241 PMCID: PMC10471478 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Viroj Wiwanitkit
- Adjunct professor, Chandigarh University, Punjab, India; Adjunct Professor, Joesph Ayobabalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji,
Nigeria
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24
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Tankwanchi AS, Asabor EN, Vermund SH. Global Health Perspectives on Race in Research: Neocolonial Extraction and Local Marginalization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6210. [PMID: 37444057 PMCID: PMC10341112 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Best practices in global health training prioritize leadership and engagement from investigators from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), along with conscientious community consultation and research that benefits local participants and autochthonous communities. However, well into the 20th century, international research and clinical care remain rife with paternalism, extractive practices, and racist ideation, with race presumed to explain vulnerability or protection from various diseases, despite scientific evidence for far more precise mechanisms for infectious disease. We highlight experiences in global research on health and illness among indigenous populations in LMICs, seeking to clarify what is both scientifically essential and ethically desirable in research with human subjects; we apply a critical view towards race and racism as historically distorting elements that must be acknowledged and overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhenaten Siankam Tankwanchi
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Emmanuella N. Asabor
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (E.N.A.); (S.H.V.)
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (E.N.A.); (S.H.V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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25
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Olewe PK, Awandu SS, Munde EO, Anyona SB, Raballah E, Amolo AS, Ogola S, Ndenga E, Onyango CO, Rochford R, Perkins DJ, Ouma C. Hemoglobinopathies, merozoite surface protein-2 gene polymorphisms, and acquisition of Epstein Barr virus among infants in Western Kenya. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:566. [PMID: 37340364 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11063-2] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-associated endemic Burkitt's Lymphoma pediatric cancer is associated with morbidity and mortality among children resident in holoendemic Plasmodium falciparum regions in western Kenya. P. falciparum exerts strong selection pressure on sickle cell trait (SCT), alpha thalassemia (-α3.7/αα), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP-2) variants (FC27, 3D7) that confer reduced malarial disease severity. The current study tested the hypothesis that SCT, (-α3.7/αα), G6PD mutation and (MSP-2) variants (FC27, 3D7) are associated with an early age of EBV acquisition. METHODS Data on infant EBV infection status (< 6 and ≥ 6-12 months of age) was abstracted from a previous longitudinal study. Archived infant DNA (n = 81) and mothers DNA (n = 70) samples were used for genotyping hemoglobinopathies and MSP-2. The presence of MSP-2 genotypes in maternal DNA samples was used to indicate infant in-utero malarial exposure. Genetic variants were determined by TaqMan assays or standard PCR. Group differences were determined by Chi-square or Fisher's analysis. Bivariate regression modeling was used to determine the relationship between the carriage of genetic variants and EBV acquisition. RESULTS EBV acquisition for infants < 6 months was not associated with -α3.7/αα (OR = 1.824, P = 0.354), SCT (OR = 0.897, P = 0.881), or G6PD [Viangchan (871G > A)/Chinese (1024 C > T) (OR = 2.614, P = 0.212)] and [Union (1360 C > T)/Kaiping (1388G > A) (OR = 0.321, P = 0.295)]. There was no relationship between EBV acquisition and in-utero exposure to either FC27 (OR = 0.922, P = 0.914) or 3D7 (OR = 0.933, P = 0.921). In addition, EBV acquisition in infants ≥ 6-12 months also showed no association with -α3.7/αα (OR = 0.681, P = 0.442), SCT (OR = 0.513, P = 0.305), G6PD [(Viangchan (871G > A)/Chinese (1024 C > T) (OR = 0.640, P = 0.677)], [Mahidol (487G > A)/Coimbra (592 C > T) (OR = 0.948, P = 0.940)], [(Union (1360 C > T)/Kaiping (1388G > A) (OR = 1.221, P = 0.768)], African A (OR = 0.278, P = 0.257)], or in utero exposure to either FC27 (OR = 0.780, P = 0.662) or 3D7 (OR = 0.549, P = 0.241). CONCLUSION Although hemoglobinopathies (-α3.7/αα, SCT, and G6PD mutations) and in-utero exposure to MSP-2 were not associated with EBV acquisition in infants 0-12 months, novel G6PD variants were discovered in the population from western Kenya. To establish that the known and novel hemoglobinopathies, and in utero MSP-2 exposure do not confer susceptibility to EBV, future studies with larger sample sizes from multiple sites adopting genome-wide analysis are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perez K Olewe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
- University of New Mexico-Kenyan Global Health Programs Laboratories, Kisumu and Siaya, New Mexico, Kenya
| | - Shehu Shagari Awandu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
| | - Elly O Munde
- University of New Mexico-Kenyan Global Health Programs Laboratories, Kisumu and Siaya, New Mexico, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Kirinyaga University, Kerugoya, Kenya
| | - Samuel B Anyona
- University of New Mexico-Kenyan Global Health Programs Laboratories, Kisumu and Siaya, New Mexico, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Evans Raballah
- University of New Mexico-Kenyan Global Health Programs Laboratories, Kisumu and Siaya, New Mexico, Kenya
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health Biomedical Science and Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - Asito S Amolo
- Department of Biological Sciences School of Biological, Physical, Mathematics, and Actuarial Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
| | - Sidney Ogola
- Kenya Medical Research Institute - CGHR, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Erick Ndenga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Clinton O Onyango
- University of New Mexico-Kenyan Global Health Programs Laboratories, Kisumu and Siaya, New Mexico, Kenya
| | | | - Douglas J Perkins
- University of New Mexico-Kenyan Global Health Programs Laboratories, Kisumu and Siaya, New Mexico, Kenya
- Center for Global Health, Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, New Mexico, NM, USA
| | - Collins Ouma
- University of New Mexico-Kenyan Global Health Programs Laboratories, Kisumu and Siaya, New Mexico, Kenya.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya.
- Research and Innovations, Maseno University, Kisumu-Busia Road Private Bag, Maseno, Kenya.
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Prabhu SR, Ware AP, Umakanth S, Hande M, Mahabala C, Saadi AV, Satyamoorthy K. Erythrocyte miRNA-92a-3p interactions with PfEMP1 as determinants of clinical malaria. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:93. [PMID: 36941394 PMCID: PMC10027640 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01028-w] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Based on the recently added high throughput analysis data on small noncoding RNAs in modulating disease pathophysiology of malaria, we performed an integrative computational analysis for exploring the role of human-host erythrocytic microRNAs (miRNAs) and their influence on parasite survival and host homeostasis. An in silico analysis was performed on transcriptomic datasets accessed from PlasmoDB and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repositories analyzed using miRanda, miRTarBase, mirDIP, and miRDB to identify the candidate miRNAs that were further subjected to network analysis using MCODE and DAVID. This was followed by immune infiltration analysis and screening for RNA degradation mechanisms. Seven erythrocytic miRNAs, miR-451a, miR-92a-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-15b-5p, miR-19b-3p, and miR-223-3p showed favourable interactions with parasite genes expressed during blood stage infection. The miR-92a-3p that targeted the virulence gene PfEMP1 showed drastic reduction during infection. Performing pathway analysis for the human-host gene targets for the miRNA identified TOB1, TOB2, CNOT4, and XRN1 genes that are associated to RNA degradation processes, with the exoribonuclease XRN1, highly enriched in the malarial samples. On evaluating the role of exoribonucleases in miRNA degradation further, the pattern of Plasmodium falciparum_XRN1 showed increased levels during infection thus suggesting a defensive role for parasite survival. This study identifies miR-92a-3p, a member of C13orf25/ miR-17-92 cluster, as a novel miRNA inhibitor of the crucial parasite genes responsible for symptomatic malaria. Evidence for a plausible link to chromosome 13q31.3 loci controlling the epigenetic disease regulation is also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya R Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Akshay Pramod Ware
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Shashikiran Umakanth
- Department of Medicine, Dr. TMA Pai Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Manjunath Hande
- Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Chakrapani Mahabala
- Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Abdul Vahab Saadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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A Particular Focus on the Prevalence of α- and β-Thalassemia in Western Sicilian Population from Trapani Province in the COVID-19 Era. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054809. [PMID: 36902239 PMCID: PMC10002525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054809] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is a Mendelian inherited blood disease caused by α- and β-globin gene mutations, known as one of the major health problems of Mediterranean populations. Here, we examined the distribution of α- and β-globin gene defects in the Trapani province population. A total of 2,401 individuals from Trapani province were enrolled from January 2007 to December 2021, and routine methodologies were used for detecting the α- and β-globin genic variants. Appropriate analysis was also performed. Eight mutations in the α globin gene showed the highest frequency in the sample studied; three of these genetic variants represented the 94% of the total α-thalassemia mutations observed, including the -α3.7 deletion (76%), and the tripling of the α gene (12%) and of the α2 point mutation IVS1-5nt (6%). For the β-globin gene, 12 mutations were detected, six of which constituted 83.4% of the total number of β-thalassemia defects observed, including codon β039 (38%), IVS1.6 T > C (15.6%), IVS1.110 G > A (11.8%), IVS1.1 G > A (11%), IVS2.745 C > G (4%), and IVS2.1 G > A (3%). However, the comparison of these frequencies with those detected in the population of other Sicilian provinces did not demonstrate significant differences, but it contrarily revealed a similitude. The data presented in this retrospective study help provide a picture of the prevalence of defects on the α and β-globin genes in the province of Trapani. The identification of mutations in globin genes in a population is required for carrier screening and for an accurate prenatal diagnosis. It is important and necessary to continue promoting public awareness campaigns and screening programs.
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Paica IC, Rusu I, Popescu O, Brînzan A, Pencea I, Dobrinescu C, Kelemen B. Tentative indicators of malaria in archaeological skeletal samples, a pilot study testing different methods. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2023; 40:109-116. [PMID: 36724549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study attempts to integrate multiple methods to investigate the presence of malaria in human skeletal samples from an archaeological context. MATERIALS 33 well preserved human remains originating from a 17th-century archaeological site in southeastern Romania. METHODS The human bone samples were analyzed using rapid diagnostic tests for malaria antigens and PCR amplification of Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1. A preliminary test was performed to identify and briefly characterize the presence of hemozoin using a combination of TEM imaging and diffraction. RESULTS The rapid diagnostic tests indicated that more than half of the examined samples were positive for Plasmodium antigens, but no traces of the parasites' genetic material were detected despite repeated attempts. The TEM images indicated that hemozoin might be a promising diagnostic marker of malaria in ancient bones. CONCLUSIONS The indisputable identification of malaria in the analyzed archaeological population was not possible as none of the applied methodological strategies turned out to be straightforward. SIGNIFICANCE This study reinforces the intricacy and limitations of unequivocally identifying malaria in past populations and sets the stage for future studies on such life-threatening infectious disease in a geographical space, which is currently underrepresented in the bioarchaeological literature. LIMITATIONS The low sample size and the lack of consistency across all assays hindered understanding the role of malaria in the studied population. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Further thorough multidisciplinary approaches on malaria detection in ancient settlements would be appropriate to inform our knowledge of its origins, frequency, and pathogen changes over centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioana Rusu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania; Molecular Biology Centre, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400271, Romania.
| | - Octavian Popescu
- Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Bucharest, 060031, Romania; Molecular Biology Centre, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400271, Romania; Emil G. Racoviță Institute, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania
| | - Alexandru Brînzan
- Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Bucharest, 060031, Romania
| | - Ion Pencea
- Department of Metallic Material Science and Physical Metallurgy, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, 060042, Romania
| | - Cătălin Dobrinescu
- Department of Research-Development and Projects, Museum of National History and Archaeology, Constanţa, 900745, Romania
| | - Beatrice Kelemen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania; Molecular Biology Centre, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400271, Romania
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29
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Target-allele-specific probe single-base extension (TASP-SBE): a novel MALDI-TOF-MS strategy for multi-variants analysis and its application in simultaneous detection of α-/β-thalassemia mutations. Hum Genet 2023; 142:445-456. [PMID: 36658365 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02520-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) are the most common genomic variations that cause phenotypic diversity and genetic disorders. MALDI-TOF-MS is a rapid and cost-effective technique for multi-variant genotyping, but it is challenging to efficiently detect CNVs and clustered SNVs, especially to simultaneously detect CNVs and SNVs in one reaction. Herein, a novel strategy termed Target-Allele-Specific Probe Single-Base Extension (TASP-SBE) was devised to efficiently detect CNVs and clustered SNVs with MALDI-TOF-MS. By comprehensive use of traditional SBE and TASP-SBE strategies, a MALDI-TOF-MS assay was also developed to simultaneously detect 28 α-/β-thalassemia mutations in a single reaction system, including 4 α-thalassemia deletions, 3 HBA and 21 HBB SNVs. The results showed that all 28 mutations were sensitively identified, and the CNVs of HBA/HBB genes were also accurately analyzed based on the ratio of peak height (RPH) between the target allele and reference gene. The double-blind evaluation results of 989 thalassemia carrier samples showed a 100% concordance of this assay with other methods. In conclusion, a one-tube MALDI-TOF-MS assay was developed to simultaneously genotype 28 thalassemia mutations. This novel TASP-SBE was also verified a practicable strategy for the detection of CNVs and clustered SNVs, providing a feasible approach for multi-variants analysis with MALDI-TOF-MS technique.
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30
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Wroblewski EE, Guethlein LA, Anderson AG, Liu W, Li Y, Heisel SE, Connell AJ, Ndjango JBN, Bertolani P, Hart JA, Hart TB, Sanz CM, Morgan DB, Peeters M, Sharp PM, Hahn BH, Parham P. Malaria-driven adaptation of MHC class I in wild bonobo populations. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1033. [PMID: 36823144 PMCID: PMC9950436 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36623-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes substantial human mortality, primarily in equatorial Africa. Enriched in affected African populations, the B*53 variant of HLA-B, a cell surface protein that presents peptide antigens to cytotoxic lymphocytes, confers protection against severe malaria. Gorilla, chimpanzee, and bonobo are humans' closest living relatives. These African apes have HLA-B orthologs and are infected by parasites in the same subgenus (Laverania) as P. falciparum, but the consequences of these infections are unclear. Laverania parasites infect bonobos (Pan paniscus) at only one (TL2) of many sites sampled across their range. TL2 spans the Lomami River and has genetically divergent subpopulations of bonobos on each side. Papa-B, the bonobo ortholog of HLA-B, includes variants having a B*53-like (B07) peptide-binding supertype profile. Here we show that B07 Papa-B occur at high frequency in TL2 bonobos and that malaria appears to have independently selected for different B07 alleles in the two subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Wroblewski
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, 63130, MO, USA.
| | - Lisbeth A Guethlein
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Aaron G Anderson
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, 63130, MO, USA
| | - Weimin Liu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yingying Li
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sara E Heisel
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, 63130, MO, USA
| | - Andrew Jesse Connell
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jean-Bosco N Ndjango
- Department of Ecology and Management of Plant and Animal Resources, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kisangani, BP 2012, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Paco Bertolani
- Institute of Human Sciences, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John A Hart
- Frankfurt Zoological Society, Lomami National Park Project, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Terese B Hart
- Frankfurt Zoological Society, Lomami National Park Project, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Crickette M Sanz
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, 63130, MO, USA
- Congo Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - David B Morgan
- Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA
| | - Martine Peeters
- Recherche Translationnelle Appliquée au VIH et aux Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Paul M Sharp
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
- Centre for Immunity, Infection, and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Beatrice H Hahn
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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31
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Gonçalves BP, Pérez-Caballero R, Barry A, Gaoussou S, Lewin A, Issiaka D, Keita S, Diarra BS, Mahamar A, Attaher O, Narum DL, Kurtis JD, Dicko A, Duffy PE, Fried M. Natural History of Malaria Infections During Early Childhood in Twins. J Infect Dis 2023; 227:171-178. [PMID: 35849702 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency and clinical presentation of malaria infections show marked heterogeneity in epidemiological studies. However, deeper understanding of this variability is hampered by the difficulty in quantifying all relevant factors. Here, we report the history of malaria infections in twins, who are exposed to the same in utero milieu, share genetic factors, and are similarly exposed to vectors. METHODS Data were obtained from a Malian longitudinal birth cohort. Samples from 25 twin pairs were examined for malaria infection and antibody responses. Bayesian models were developed for the number of infections during follow-up. RESULTS In 16 of 25 pairs, both children were infected and often developed symptoms. In 8 of 25 pairs, only 1 twin was infected, but usually only once or twice. Statistical models suggest that this pattern is not inconsistent with twin siblings having the same underlying infection rate. In a pair with discordant hemoglobin genotype, parasite densities were consistently lower in the child with hemoglobin AS, but antibody levels were similar. CONCLUSIONS By using a novel design, we describe residual variation in malaria phenotypes in naturally matched children and confirm the important role of environmental factors, as suggested by the between-twin pair heterogeneity in malaria history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronner P Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Raúl Pérez-Caballero
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Amadou Barry
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Santara Gaoussou
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Alexandra Lewin
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Djibrilla Issiaka
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekouba Keita
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bacary S Diarra
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Almahamoudou Mahamar
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumar Attaher
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - David L Narum
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan D Kurtis
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Alassane Dicko
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michal Fried
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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2,3-Diphosphoglycerate and the Protective Effect of Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency against Malaria Infection-Exploring the Role of the Red Blood Cell Membrane. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021336. [PMID: 36674863 PMCID: PMC9866842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a major world public health problem, contributing to poverty and inequality. It is urgent to find new efficacious tools with few adverse effects. Malaria has selected red blood cell (RBC) alterations linked to resistance against infection, and understanding the protective mechanisms involved may be useful for developing host-directed tools to control Plasmodium infection. Pyruvate kinase deficiency has been associated with resistance to malaria. Pyruvate kinase-deficient RBCs display an increased concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). We recently showed that 2,3-DPG impacts in vitro intraerythrocytic parasite growth, induces a shift of the metabolic profile of infected cells (iRBCs), making it closer to that of noninfected ones (niRBCs), and decreases the number of parasite progenies that invade new RBCs. As an increase of 2,3-DPG content may also have an adverse effect on RBC membrane and, consequently, on the parasite invasion, in this study, we explored modifications of the RBC morphology, biomechanical properties, and RBC membrane on Plasmodium falciparum in vitro cultures treated with 2,3-DPG, using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based force spectroscopy and other experimental approaches. The presence of infection by P. falciparum significantly increased the rigidity of parasitized cells and influenced the morphology of RBCs, as parasitized cells showed a decrease of the area-to-volume ratio. The extracellular addition of 2,3-DPG also slightly affected the stiffness of niRBCs, making it more similar to that of infected cells. It also changed the niRBC height, making the cells appear more elongated. Moreover, 2,3-DPG treatment influenced the cell surface charge, becoming more negative in treated RBCs than in untreated ones. The results indicate that treatment with 2,3-DPG has only a mild effect on RBCs in comparison with the effect of the presence of the parasite on the host cell. 2,3-DPG is an endogenous host metabolite, which may, in the future, originate a new antimalarial tool with few adverse effects on noninfected cells.
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Marques-da-Silva C, Poudel B, Baptista RP, Peissig K, Hancox LS, Shiau JC, Pewe LL, Shears MJ, Kanneganti TD, Sinnis P, Kyle DE, Gurung P, Harty JT, Kurup SP. AIM2 sensors mediate immunity to Plasmodium infection in hepatocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2210181120. [PMID: 36595704 PMCID: PMC9926219 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210181120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites is a severe disease affecting millions of people around the world. Plasmodium undergoes obligatory development and replication in the hepatocytes, before initiating the life-threatening blood-stage of malaria. Although the natural immune responses impeding Plasmodium infection and development in the liver are key to controlling clinical malaria and transmission, those remain relatively unknown. Here we demonstrate that the DNA of Plasmodium parasites is sensed by cytosolic AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) receptors in the infected hepatocytes, resulting in Caspase-1 activation. Remarkably, Caspase-1 was observed to undergo unconventional proteolytic processing in hepatocytes, resulting in the activation of the membrane pore-forming protein, Gasdermin D, but not inflammasome-associated proinflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, this resulted in the elimination of Plasmodium-infected hepatocytes and the control of malaria infection in the liver. Our study uncovers a pathway of natural immunity critical for the control of malaria in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Marques-da-Silva
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
| | - Barun Poudel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Rodrigo P. Baptista
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
| | - Kristen Peissig
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
| | - Lisa S. Hancox
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Justine C. Shiau
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
| | - Lecia L. Pewe
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Melanie J. Shears
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
| | | | - Photini Sinnis
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Dennis E. Kyle
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
| | - Prajwal Gurung
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - John T. Harty
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Samarchith P. Kurup
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30605
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Weiland AS. Recent Advances in Imported Malaria Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 11:49-57. [PMID: 37213266 PMCID: PMC10091340 DOI: 10.1007/s40138-023-00264-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Malaria is an important human parasitic disease affecting the population of tropical, subtropical regions as well as travelers to these areas.The purpose of this article is to provide clinicians practicing in non-endemic areas with a comprehensive overview of the recent data on microbiologic and pathophysiologic features of five Plasmodium parasites, clinical presentation of uncomplicated and severe cases, modern diagnostic methods, and treatment of malaria. Recent Findings Employment of robust surveillance programs, rapid diagnostic tests, highly active artemisinin-based therapy, and the first malaria vaccine have led to decline in malaria incidence; however, emerging drug resistance, disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other socio-economic factors have stalled the progress. Summary Clinicians practicing in non-endemic areas such as the United States should consider a diagnosis of malaria in returning travelers presenting with fever, utilize rapid diagnostic tests if available at their practice locations in addition to microscopy, and timely initiate guideline-directed management as delays in treatment can lead to poor clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia S. Weiland
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH USA
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35
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Bao X, Wang J, Qin D, Zhang R, Yao C, Liang J, Liang K, Du L. The -α 3.7III subtype of α +-thalassemia was identified in China. HEMATOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 27:826-830. [PMID: 35916627 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2022.2101913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The 3.7 kb deletion (-α3.7) in the α-globin cluster, which characterizes α+-thalassemia, has been reported to have a carrier rate of 4.78% in southern China. Three -α3.7 subtypes have been identified worldwide. However, the -α3.7 III subtype has not previously been identified in China. Herein, we reported identification of the -α3.7 III subtype in a Chinese patient. METHODS We used gap-PCR and a liquid chip system to detect α-thalassemia mutations. Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed to detect the large deletion. We finally used Sanger sequencing and single molecule real-time sequencing to characterize and confirm the genotype. RESULTS The proband, characterized as -α3.7 III heterozygous, showed microcytosis and hypochromic red cells, with a mean corpuscular volume of 78 fL and mean corpuscular hemoglobin of 25.4 pg. The proband's mutation was inherited from her father, who had normal blood parameters. CONCLUSION We first identified the -α3.7 III subtype in China. Consequently, all -α3.7 subtypes have now been identified in the Chinese population. Therefore, attention should be paid to -α3.7 III in clinical prenatal diagnosis, given that commonly used methods such as gap-PCR may lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqin Bao
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Key Laboratory, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Thalassemia Diagnosis Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jicheng Wang
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Key Laboratory, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Thalassemia Diagnosis Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Danqing Qin
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Key Laboratory, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Thalassemia Diagnosis Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Huizhou Second Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuize Yao
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Key Laboratory, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Thalassemia Diagnosis Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Liang
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Key Laboratory, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Thalassemia Diagnosis Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kailing Liang
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Key Laboratory, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Thalassemia Diagnosis Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Du
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Maternal and Children Metabolic-Genetic Key Laboratory, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Thalassemia Diagnosis Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Nortey LN, Anning AS, Nakotey GK, Ussif AM, Opoku YK, Osei SA, Aboagye B, Ghartey-Kwansah G. Genetics of cerebral malaria: pathogenesis, biomarkers and emerging therapeutic interventions. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:91. [PMID: 35715862 PMCID: PMC9204375 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a preeminent cause of severe disease and premature deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated 90% of cases occur. The key features of CM are a deep, unarousable coma that persists for longer than 1 h in patients with peripheral Plasmodium falciparum and no other explanation for encephalopathy. Significant research efforts on CM in the last few decades have focused on unravelling the molecular underpinnings of the disease pathogenesis and the identification of potential targets for therapeutic or pharmacologic intervention. These efforts have been greatly aided by the generation and study of mouse models of CM, which have provided great insights into key events of CM pathogenesis, revealed an interesting interplay of host versus parasite factors that determine the progression of malaria to severe disease and exposed possible targets for therapeutic intervention in severe disease.
Main Body
This paper reviews our current understanding of the pathogenic and immunologic factors involved in CM. We present the current view of the roles of certain gene products e.g., the var gene, ABCA-1, ICAM-1, TNF-alpha, CD-36, PfEMP-1 and G6PD, in CM pathogenesis. We also present alterations in the blood–brain barrier as a consequence of disease proliferation as well as complicated host and parasite interactions, including the T-cell immune reaction, reduced deformation of erythrocytes and cytoadherence. We further looked at recent advances in cerebral malaria treatment interventions by emphasizing on biomarkers, new diagnostic tools and emerging therapeutic options.
Conclusion
Finally, we discuss how the current understanding of some of these pathogenic and immunologic factors could inform the development of novel therapeutic interventions to fight CM.
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Lai Y, Tao F, Zou Y, Huang M, Lin K, Li Y, Huang W, Zhou W. Molecular spectrum of thalassemia in tropical Hainan Island of southern China: high allele frequency with low health burden. J Genet Genomics 2022; 49:1162-1164. [PMID: 35398270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanquan Lai
- Department of Eugenics, Hainan Provincial Public Service Center of Prenatal and Postnatal Care, Haikou, Hainan 570203, China
| | - Fangchao Tao
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hainan Provincial Public Service Center of Prenatal and Postnatal Care, Haikou, Hainan 570203, China
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hainan Provincial Public Service Center of Prenatal and Postnatal Care, Haikou, Hainan 570203, China
| | - Kaiting Lin
- Danzhou Family Planning Service Center, Danzhou, Hainan 571799, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Weilun Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Wanjun Zhou
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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Balentine CM, Bolnick DA. Parallel evolution in human populations: A biocultural perspective. Evol Anthropol 2022; 31:302-316. [PMID: 36059181 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Parallel evolution-where different populations evolve similar traits in response to similar environments-has been a topic of growing interest to biologists and biological anthropologists for decades. Parallel evolution occurs in human populations thanks to myriad biological and cultural mechanisms that permit humans to survive and thrive in diverse environments worldwide. Because humans shape and are shaped by their environments, biocultural approaches that emphasize the interconnections between biology and culture are key to understanding parallel evolution in human populations as well as the nuances of human biological variation and adaptation. In this review, we discuss how biocultural theory has been and can be applied to studies of parallel evolution and adaptation more broadly. We illustrate this through four examples of parallel evolution in humans: malaria resistance, lactase persistence, cold tolerance, and high-altitude adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Balentine
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Deborah A Bolnick
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Abstract
Since the identification of sickle cell trait as a heritable form of resistance to malaria, candidate gene studies, linkage analysis paired with sequencing, and genome-wide association (GWA) studies have revealed many examples of genetic resistance and susceptibility to infectious diseases. GWA studies enabled the identification of many common variants associated with small shifts in susceptibility to infectious diseases. This is exemplified by multiple loci associated with leprosy, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which illuminate genetic architecture and implicate pathways underlying pathophysiology. Despite these successes, most of the heritability of infectious diseases remains to be explained. As the field advances, current limitations may be overcome by applying methodological innovations such as cellular GWA studies and phenome-wide association (PheWA) studies as well as by improving methodological rigor with more precise case definitions, deeper phenotyping, increased cohort diversity, and functional validation of candidate loci in the laboratory or human challenge studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Benjamin H Schott
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; .,Duke University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dennis C Ko
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; .,Duke University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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40
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Ashwell E. The basics of blood and associated disorders. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2022; 31:1096-1102. [PMID: 36416634 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2022.31.21.1096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The blood and its components are involved in a wide range of processes to support life, including fighting infection and providing the body's tissues with oxygen and nutrients. If any stage in the development of blood cells is disrupted, for example by genetic abnormalities or a lack of nutrients, disease may result. This article provides an overview of some of the blood's key components, blood cells and their formation and functions, blood groups and some of the problems that can arise from malfunctions. A case study on haemophilia A as a blood disorder is presented to consolidate knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ashwell
- Community Case Manager Nurse, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
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41
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Ammar AI, El-Hefnawy SM, Shehab-Eldeen S, Essa A, ELnaidany SS, Mostafa RG, Alsalman MH, El-Refai SA. Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Susceptibility and Severity: Influence of MyD88-Adaptor-Like Gene (rs8177374) Polymorphism. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:6815-6827. [DOI: 10.2147/idr.s387463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Abstract
While the application of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to helical polymers in biology has a long history, due to the huge number of helical macromolecular assemblies in viruses, bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, the use of cryo-EM to study synthetic soft matter noncovalent polymers has been much more limited. This has mainly been due to the lack of familiarity with cryo-EM in the materials science and chemistry communities, in contrast to the fact that cryo-EM was developed as a biological technique. Nevertheless, the relatively few structures of self-assembled peptide nanotubes and ribbons solved at near-atomic resolution by cryo-EM have demonstrated that cryo-EM should be the method of choice for a structural analysis of synthetic helical filaments. In addition, cryo-EM has also demonstrated that the self-assembly of soft matter polymers has enormous potential for polymorphism, something that may be obscured by techniques such as scattering and spectroscopy. These cryo-EM structures have revealed how far we currently are from being able to predict the structure of these polymers due to their chaotic self-assembly behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Ordy Gnewou
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Armin Solemanifar
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Vincent P Conticello
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Edward H Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
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Nambala P, Mulindwa J, Chammudzi P, Senga E, Lemelani M, Zgambo D, Matovu E, MacLeod A, Musaya J. Persistently High Incidences of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense Sleeping Sickness With Contrasting Focus-Dependent Clinical Phenotypes in Malawi. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.824484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundHuman African trypanosomiasis (HAT) has caused social–economic burden in remote rural communities mostly in sub-Saharan Africa for over a century. The World Health Organization had targeted the year 2020 for the elimination of HAT caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, which is mainly endemic in Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Significant progress has been made in reducing reported HAT cases in some countries. Area-specific updated epidemiological and clinical data may facilitate in understanding the progress of such efforts as well as the development of new intervention strategies.MethodsWe analyzed HAT prevalence and demographics from epidemiological surveys carried out from 2012 to 2020 obtained from the Ministry of Health, Malawi. In addition, we analyzed blood samples and clinical profiles of HAT patients surveyed between 2016 and 2020 from Rumphi and Nkhotakota districts. From the blood samples, parasite observations and speciation were carried out, whereas disease staging and severity were ascertained from the clinical profiles.ResultsMalawi reported 315 HAT cases from 2012 to 2020. The majority of HAT cases were men (70.2%), and the mean age was 29.9 ± 15.3 with all HAT fatalities resulting from stage 2 disease. Clinical symptoms were not significantly associated with disease outcome; however, swollen lymph nodes (p = 0.004), weight loss (p = 0.010), headache (p = 0.019), and sleep disturbance (p = 0.032) were significantly associated with the HAT stage of patients. About 50% of all HAT patients were reported within 2 years from 2019 to 2020, suggesting a HAT outbreak in Malawi.ConclusionThis study has highlighted the current epidemiological insights of the rHAT trend in Malawi. We have shown that rHAT clinical phenotypes in Malawi are focus-dependent and that there has been a steady increase in rHAT cases compared to all countries with incidences of rHAT. We have also highlighted an outbreak of rHAT that occurred in Malawi from 2019 to 2020 with almost 50% of the total rHAT cases that we have presented in this study reported within 2 years of the outbreak. These should call for a review of Malawi’s rHAT control and elimination strategies. A One-Health approach with the inclusion of key stakeholders such as the department of parks and wildlife may also be considered.
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Gluconeogenesis: Adding a new piece to the puzzle of malaria parasitism. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1083-1085. [PMID: 35921815 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, including hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis, are common features of malaria. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Ramos et al. report that regulation of gluconeogenesis and glycemia by the host glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 1 (G6Pc1) is a key metabolic step that affects both Plasmodium replication and clinical outcome of disease.
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45
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Introini V, Govendir MA, Rayner JC, Cicuta P, Bernabeu M. Biophysical Tools and Concepts Enable Understanding of Asexual Blood Stage Malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:908241. [PMID: 35711656 PMCID: PMC9192966 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.908241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Forces and mechanical properties of cells and tissues set constraints on biological functions, and are key determinants of human physiology. Changes in cell mechanics may arise from disease, or directly contribute to pathogenesis. Malaria gives many striking examples. Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, are single-celled organisms that cannot survive outside their hosts; thus, thost-pathogen interactions are fundamental for parasite’s biological success and to the host response to infection. These interactions are often combinations of biochemical and mechanical factors, but most research focuses on the molecular side. However, Plasmodium infection of human red blood cells leads to changes in their mechanical properties, which has a crucial impact on disease pathogenesis because of the interaction of infected red blood cells with other human tissues through various adhesion mechanisms, which can be probed and modelled with biophysical techniques. Recently, natural polymorphisms affecting red blood cell biomechanics have also been shown to protect human populations, highlighting the potential of understanding biomechanical factors to inform future vaccines and drug development. Here we review biophysical techniques that have revealed new aspects of Plasmodium falciparum invasion of red blood cells and cytoadhesion of infected cells to the host vasculature. These mechanisms occur differently across Plasmodium species and are linked to malaria pathogenesis. We highlight promising techniques from the fields of bioengineering, immunomechanics, and soft matter physics that could be beneficial for studying malaria. Some approaches might also be applied to other phases of the malaria lifecycle and to apicomplexan infections with complex host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Introini
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Viola Introini,
| | - Matt A. Govendir
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Bernabeu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Morais I, Medeiros MM, Carvalho M, Morello J, Teixeira SM, Maciel S, Nhantumbo J, Balau A, Rosa MTG, Nogueira F, Rodrigues JA, Carvalho FA, Antunes AMM, Arez AP. Synthetic Red Blood Cell-Specific Glycolytic Intermediate 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) Inhibits Plasmodium falciparum Development In Vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:840968. [PMID: 35372095 PMCID: PMC8967366 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.840968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of malaria parasite interaction with its host red blood cell may provide potential targets for new antimalarial approaches. Pyruvate kinase deficiency has been associated with resistance to malaria in both experimental models and population studies. Two of the major pyruvate kinase deficient-cell disorders are the decrease in ATP and the increase in 2,3-biphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) concentration. High levels of this metabolite, only present in mammalian red blood cell, has an inhibitory effect on glycolysis and we hypothesized that its accumulation may also be harmful to the parasite and be involved in the mechanism of protection provided by that enzymopathy. We examined the effect of a synthetic form, 2,3-DPG, on the Plasmodium falciparum intraerythrocytic developmental cycle in vitro. Results showed an impairment of parasite growth with a direct effect on parasite maturation as significant lower progeny emerged from parasites that were submitted to 2,3-DPG. Further, adding the compound to the culture medium did not result in any effect on the host cell, but instead the metabolic profile of an infected cell became closer to that of a non-infected cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Morais
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Márcia M. Medeiros
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Carvalho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Judit Morello
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara M. Teixeira
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Suelma Maciel
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Janice Nhantumbo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Balau
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida T. G. Rosa
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fátima Nogueira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Filomena A. Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. M. Antunes
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Arez
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Ana Paula Arez,
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Global diversity and balancing selection of 23 leading Plasmodium falciparum candidate vaccine antigens. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009801. [PMID: 35108259 PMCID: PMC8843232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of the diversity of malaria parasite antigens can help prioritize and validate them as vaccine candidates and identify the most common variants for inclusion in vaccine formulations. Studies of vaccine candidates of the most virulent human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, have focused on a handful of well-known antigens, while several others have never been studied. Here we examine the global diversity and population structure of leading vaccine candidate antigens of P. falciparum using the MalariaGEN Pf3K (version 5.1) resource, comprising more than 2600 genomes from 15 malaria endemic countries. A stringent variant calling pipeline was used to extract high quality antigen gene 'haplotypes' from the global dataset and a new R-package named VaxPack was used to streamline population genetic analyses. In addition, a newly developed algorithm that enables spatial averaging of selection pressure on 3D protein structures was applied to the dataset. We analysed the genes encoding 23 leading and novel candidate malaria vaccine antigens including csp, trap, eba175, ama1, rh5, and CelTOS. Our analysis shows that current malaria vaccine formulations are based on rare haplotypes and thus may have limited efficacy against natural parasite populations. High levels of diversity with evidence of balancing selection was detected for most of the erythrocytic and pre-erythrocytic antigens. Measures of natural selection were then mapped to 3D protein structures to predict targets of functional antibodies. For some antigens, geographical variation in the intensity and distribution of these signals on the 3D structure suggests adaptation to different human host or mosquito vector populations. This study provides an essential framework for the diversity of P. falciparum antigens to be considered in the design of the next generation of malaria vaccines.
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Natural resistance against infections: focus on COVID-19. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:106-116. [PMID: 34924297 PMCID: PMC8648669 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Not all individuals exposed to a pathogen develop illness: some are naturally resistant whereas others develop an asymptomatic infection. Epidemiological studies suggest that there is similar variability in susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. We propose that natural resistance is part of the disease history in some individuals exposed to this new coronavirus. Epidemiological arguments for natural resistance to SARS-CoV-2 are the lower seropositivity of children compared to adults, studies on closed environments of ships with outbreaks, and prevalence studies in some developing countries. Potential mechanisms of natural resistance include host genetic variants, viral interference, cross-protective natural antibodies, T cell immunity, and highly effective innate immune responses. Better understanding of natural resistance can help to advance preventive and therapeutic measures against infections for improved preparedness against potential future pandemics.
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Voinson M, Nunn CL, Goldberg A. Primate malarias as a model for cross-species parasite transmission. eLife 2022; 11:e69628. [PMID: 35086643 PMCID: PMC8798051 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites regularly switch into new host species, representing a disease burden and conservation risk to the hosts. The distribution of these parasites also gives insight into characteristics of ecological networks and genetic mechanisms of host-parasite interactions. Some parasites are shared across many species, whereas others tend to be restricted to hosts from a single species. Understanding the mechanisms producing this distribution of host specificity can enable more effective interventions and potentially identify genetic targets for vaccines or therapies. As ecological connections between human and local animal populations increase, the risk to human and wildlife health from novel parasites also increases. Which of these parasites will fizzle out and which have the potential to become widespread in humans? We consider the case of primate malarias, caused by Plasmodium parasites, to investigate the interacting ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that put human and nonhuman primates at risk for infection. Plasmodium host switching from nonhuman primates to humans led to ancient introductions of the most common malaria-causing agents in humans today, and new parasite switching is a growing threat, especially in Asia and South America. Based on a wild host-Plasmodium occurrence database, we highlight geographic areas of concern and potential areas to target further sampling. We also discuss methodological developments that will facilitate clinical and field-based interventions to improve human and wildlife health based on this eco-evolutionary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Voinson
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Charles L Nunn
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Duke Global Health, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Amy Goldberg
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
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Ebel ER, Uricchio LH, Petrov DA, Egan ES. Revisiting the malaria hypothesis: accounting for polygenicity and pleiotropy. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:290-301. [PMID: 35065882 PMCID: PMC8916997 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The malaria hypothesis predicts local, balancing selection of deleterious alleles that confer strong protection from malaria. Three protective variants, recently discovered in red cell genes, are indeed more common in African than European populations. Still, up to 89% of the heritability of severe malaria is attributed to many genome-wide loci with individually small effects. Recent analyses of hundreds of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans suggest that most functional, polygenic variation is pleiotropic for multiple traits. Interestingly, GWAS alleles and red cell traits associated with small reductions in malaria risk are not enriched in African populations. We propose that other selective and neutral forces, in addition to malaria prevalence, explain the global distribution of most genetic variation impacting malaria risk.
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