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Ritter M, Ndongmo WPC, Njouendou AJ, Nghochuzie NN, Nchang LC, Tayong DB, Arndts K, Nausch N, Jacobsen M, Wanji S, Layland LE, Hoerauf A. Mansonella perstans microfilaremic individuals are characterized by enhanced type 2 helper T and regulatory T and B cell subsets and dampened systemic innate and adaptive immune responses. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006184. [PMID: 29324739 PMCID: PMC5783424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The filarial nematode Mansonella perstans is endemic throughout Africa, northern South America and the Caribbean. Interestingly, M. perstans-infected individuals present no distinct clinical picture associated with certain pathology. Due to its relatively silent nature, research on this tropical disease has been neglected, especially M. perstans-driven immune responses. A hindrance in obtaining data on M. perstans-specific responses has been the inability to obtain adult worms since their habitats in serous cavities are difficult to access. Thus, in this study, for the first time, we used Mansonella perstans worm antigen extract as stimulant to obtain filarial-specific recall and immunoglobulin responses from M. perstans microfilaremic individuals (Mp MF+) from Cameroon. Moreover, systemic immune profiles in sera and immune cell composition in peripheral blood from Mp MF+ and amicrofilaremic individuals (Mp MF-) were obtained. Our data reveal that Mp MF+ individuals showed significantly reduced cytokine (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-12p70) and chemokine levels (IL-8 and RANTES), but significantly higher MIP-1β as well as increased M. perstans-specific IgG4 levels compared to Mp MF- individuals. In contrast, upon re-stimulation with worm antigen extract, IFN-γ, IL-13, IL-10 and IL-17A secretion was enhanced in cell cultures from Mp MF+ individuals when compared to those from cultures of healthy European individuals. Moreover, analysis of immune cell composition in peripheral blood from Mp MF+ individuals revealed increased type 2 helper T (Th2), natural killer (NK), regulatory B and T cell (Breg and Treg) subsets but decreased type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells. In summary, this study deciphers for the first time, M. perstans-specific immune responses using worm antigen extract and shows that patent M. perstans infections have distinct Th2, Breg and Treg subsets accompanied with reduced systemic innate and adaptive immune responses and dominant filarial-specific IgG4 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ritter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital of Bonn, Germany
| | - Winston Patrick Chounna Ndongmo
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Abdel Jelil Njouendou
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Nora Nganyewo Nghochuzie
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Lucy Cho Nchang
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Dizzle Bita Tayong
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Kathrin Arndts
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital of Bonn, Germany
| | - Norman Nausch
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Marc Jacobsen
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Laura E. Layland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital of Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site, Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital of Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site, Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
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Simonsen PE, Onapa AW, Asio SM. Mansonella perstans filariasis in Africa. Acta Trop 2011; 120 Suppl 1:S109-20. [PMID: 20152790 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2010.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mansonella perstans is a vector-borne human filarial nematode, transmitted by tiny blood-sucking flies (biting midges). It is widespread in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and also occurs in parts of Central and South America. Despite the commonness of this parasite very few studies have been carried out on its epidemiology and on the morbidity resulting from it, and only few thorough drug trials have been conducted to look for effective and suitable drugs and drug regimens for treatment and control. Here, we review currently available knowledge on M. perstans infections in Africa, including documented aspects of biology, vectors, transmission, diagnosis, epidemiology, morbidity and treatment. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for more research on this widespread but greatly neglected infection in order to properly assess its public health significance and as a background for identifying and recommending optimal means and strategies for treatment and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Simonsen
- DBL-Centre for Health Research and Development, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 57, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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