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Gonçales RA, Portis IG, dos Reis TF, Basso Júnior LR, Martinez R, Zhu H, Pereira M, Soares CMDA, Coelho PSR. Identification and immunogenic potential of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1243475. [PMID: 37746134 PMCID: PMC10512324 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1243475] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In fungal pathogens the cell wall plays an important role in host-pathogen interactions because its molecular components (e.g., polysaccharides and proteins) may trigger immune responses during infection. GPI-anchored proteins represent the main protein class in the fungal cell wall where they can perform several functions, such as cell wall remodeling and adhesion to host tissues. Genomic analysis has identified the complement of GPI-anchored proteins in many fungal pathogens, but the function has remained unknown for most of them. Here, we conducted an RNA expression analysis of GPI-anchored proteins of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis which causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an important human systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. The expression of the GPI-anchored proteins was analyzed by quantitative PCR in both the mycelium and yeast forms. qPCR analysis revealed that the transcript levels of 22 of them were increased in hyphae and 10 in yeasts, respectively, while 14 did not show any significant difference in either form. Furthermore, we cloned 46 open reading frames and purified their corresponding GPI-anchored proteins in the budding yeast. Immunoblot and ELISA analysis of four purified GPI-anchored proteins revealed immune reactivity of these proteins against sera obtained from PCM patients. The information obtained in this study provides valuable information about the expression of many GPI-anchored proteins of unknown function. In addition, based on our immune analysis, some GPI-anchored proteins are expressed during infection and therefore, they might serve as good candidates for the development of new diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relber Aguiar Gonçales
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Igor Godinho Portis
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Roberto Basso Júnior
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto Martinez
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sergio Rodrigues Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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2
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Souza IEL, Fernandes FF, Schiavoni MCL, Silva CL, Panunto-Castelo A. Therapeutic effect of DNA vaccine encoding the 60-kDa-heat shock protein from Paracoccidoides brasiliensis on experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in mice. Vaccine 2019; 37:5607-5613. [PMID: 31399276 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.07.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis autochthonous to Latin America and endemic to Brazil, which has the majority of the PCM cases. PCM is acquired through the inhalation of propagules of fungi from genus Paracoccidioides spp. and mainly affects the lungs. We have previously shown that P. brasiliensis-infected mice treated with single-dose of recombinant 60-kDa-heat shock protein from P. brasiliensis (rPbHsp60) had a worsening infection in comparison to animals only infected. In this study, we investigate whether the treatment of infected mice with PB_HSP60 gene cloned into a plasmid (pVAX1-PB_HSP60) would result in efficient immune response and better control of the disease. The harmful impact of single-dose therapy with protein was not seen with plasmid preparations. Most importantly, three doses of pVAX1-PB_HSP60 and protein induced a beneficial effect in experimental PCM with a reduction in fungal load and lung injury when compared with infected mice treated with pVAX1 or PBS. The increase of the cytokines IFN-γ, TNF, and IL-17 and the decrease of IL-10 observed after treatment with three doses of pVAX1-PB_HSP60 appears to be responsible for the control of infection. These results open perspectives of the therapeutic use of Hsp60 in PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Emiliano L Souza
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Célio L Silva
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ademilson Panunto-Castelo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters at Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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3
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Coitinho JB, Costa MAF, Melo EM, Morais EA, de Andrade LGA, da Rocha AM, de Magalhães MTQ, Favaro DC, Bleicher L, Pedroso ERP, Goes AM, Nagem RAP. Structural and immunological characterization of a new nucleotidyltransferase-like antigen from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Mol Immunol 2019; 112:151-162. [PMID: 31108423 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pb27 antigen is an interesting alternative to immunological diagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and has demonstrated to be protective in experimental PCM. Its tertiary structure and possible function remained unknown till now. To study Pb27 at the atomic level, the recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), purified, and its three-dimensional structure was solved by X-ray crystallography. Based on this structure, we performed a residue correlation analysis and in silico ligand search assays to address a possible biological function to Pb27. We identified Pb27 as a member of the extensive nucleotidyltransferase superfamily. The protein has an αβαβαβ topology with two domains (N- and C-terminal domains) and adopts a monomeric form as its biological unit in solution. Structural comparisons with similar members of the superfamily clearly indicate Pb27 C-terminal domain is singular and may play an important role in its biological function. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that Pb27 might bind to ATP and CTP. This suggestion is corroborated by the fact that a magnesium cation is coordinated by two aspartic acid residues present at the active site (between N- and C-terminal domains), as evidenced by X-ray diffraction data. Besides, NMR assays (1H-15N HSQC spectra) confirmed the binding of CTP to Pb27, demonstrating for the first time an interaction between a nucleotide and this protein. Moreover, we evaluated the reactivity of sera from patients with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection against the recombinant form of Pb27 and showed that it was recognized by sera from infected and treated patients. Predicted B and T cell epitopes were synthesized and further evaluated against sera of PCM patients, providing information of the most reactive peptides in Pb27 primary structure which interact with specific Pb27 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana B Coitinho
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES 29043-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana A F Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Eliza M Melo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Elis A Morais
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Lorena G A de Andrade
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Aline M da Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mariana T Q de Magalhães
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Denize C Favaro
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Lucas Bleicher
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Enio R P Pedroso
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Alfredo M Goes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo A P Nagem
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
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Vaccine Development to Systemic Mycoses by Thermally Dimorphic Fungi. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-019-00179-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rocha-Silva F, Maria de Figueiredo S, Rutren La Santrer EF, Machado AS, Fernandes B, Assunção CB, Góes AM, Caligiorne RB. Paracoccidioidomycosis: Detection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis´ genome in biological samples by quantitative chain reaction polymerase (qPCR). Microb Pathog 2018; 121:359-362. [PMID: 29803846 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a chronic mycosis caused by the saprobic and dimorphic species Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii. This disease is prevalent in Latin American countries. PCM appears as a relevant concern and challenge for the mycologists, since until now there is no a methodology suitable for an efficient and safe diagnosis and species identification. Thus, the present study aimed to validate a methodology for PCM´s diagnosis, using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) through target amplification of the gene encoding the recombinant protein Pb27, a common protein to the both species Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii. The experiments were performed in vitro to determine the specificity, efficiency and detection limit of qPCR assay, using specific primers and probe, which sequences were subject to a patent deposited in Brazilian CTIT, under the registration number: BR1020160078830. According to the results the technique showed sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 100%, demonstrating that it will be possible to develop a new fast and safe diagnostic PCM and can be standardized in order to present a low cost, accessible to the patient served by the public health system in Brazil and Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Rocha-Silva
- Núcleo de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Rua Domingos Vieira, 590 - 30150240, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sônia Maria de Figueiredo
- Núcleo de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Rua Domingos Vieira, 590 - 30150240, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Departamento de Alimentos, Escola de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Sanchez Machado
- Núcleo de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Rua Domingos Vieira, 590 - 30150240, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Blenda Fernandes
- Núcleo de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Rua Domingos Vieira, 590 - 30150240, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Claudia Barbosa Assunção
- Núcleo de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Rua Domingos Vieira, 590 - 30150240, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alfredo Miranda Góes
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rachel Basques Caligiorne
- Núcleo de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Rua Domingos Vieira, 590 - 30150240, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Abstract
Among the endemic deep mycoses in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus, is a major cause of morbidity. Disease development and its manifestations are associated with both host and fungal factors. Concerning the latter, several recent studies have employed the methodology of gene modulation in P. brasiliensis using antisense RNA (AsRNA) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) to identify proteins that influence fungus virulence. Our previous observations suggested that paracoccin (PCN), a multidomain fungal protein with both lectin and enzymatic activities, may be a potential P. brasiliensis virulence factor. To explore this, we used AsRNA and ATMT methodology to obtain three independent PCN-silenced P. brasiliensis yeast strains (AsPCN1, AsPCN2, and AsPCN3) and characterized them with regard to P. brasiliensis biology and pathogenicity. AsPCN1, AsPCN2, and AsPCN3 showed relative PCN expression levels that were 60%, 40%, and 60% of that of the wild-type (WT) strain, respectively. PCN silencing led to the aggregation of fungal cells, blocked the morphological yeast-to-mycelium transition, and rendered the yeast less resistant to macrophage fungicidal activity. In addition, mice infected with AsPCN1, AsPCN2, and AsPCN3 showed a reduction in fungal burden of approximately 96% compared with those inoculated with the WT strain, which displayed a more extensive destruction of lung tissue. Finally, mice infected with the PCN-silenced yeast strains had lower mortality than those infected with the WT strain. These data demonstrate that PCN acts as a P. brasiliensis contributory virulence factor directly affecting fungal pathogenesis. The nonexistence of efficient genetic transformation systems has hampered studies in the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the etiological agent of the most frequent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The recent development of a method for gene expression knockdown by antisense RNA technology, associated with an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system, provides new strategies for studying P. brasiliensis. Through this technology, we generated yeasts that were silenced for paracoccin (PCN), a P. brasiliensis component that has lectin and enzymatic properties. By comparing the phenotypes of PCN-silenced and wild-type strains of P. brasiliensis, we identified PCN as a virulence factor whose absence renders the yeasts unable to undergo the transition to mycelium and causes a milder pulmonary disease in mice, with a lower mortality rate. Our report highlights the importance of the technology used for P. brasiliensis transformation and demonstrates that paracoccin is a virulence factor acting on fungal biology and pathogenesis.
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Goldani LZ, Wirth F. Animal Models and Antifungal Agents in Paracoccidioidomycosis: An Overview. Mycopathologia 2017; 182:633-643. [PMID: 28324244 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The morbidity and mortality associated with paracoccidioidomycosis necessitate our understanding of fungal pathogenesis and discovering of new agents to treat this infection. Animal models have contributed much to the knowledge of fungal infections and their corresponding therapeutic treatments. This is true for animal models of the primary fungal pathogens such as P. brasiliensis. This review describes the development, details and utility of animal models of paracoccidioidomycosis for studying and developing the current antifungal agents used for therapy of this fungal disease and novel agents with antifungal properties against P. brasiliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Z Goldani
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90640-000, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Wirth
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90640-000, Brazil
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da Silva TA, Fernandes FF, Landgraf TN, Panunto-Castelo A, Roque-Barreira MC. Th1-Inducing Agents in Prophylaxis and Therapy for Paracoccidioidomycosis. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1625:159-167. [PMID: 28584990 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7104-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Adjuvants and immunomodulatory molecules could be included in the treatment of P. brasiliensis infection. In this context, we reported that the therapeutic and/or prophylactic administration of Th1-inducing agents, such as immunomodulatory lectins and adjuvants, was able to provide protection against experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. Then, we described the protocols to investigate the effect of immunomodulatory agents on the course of P. brasiliensis infection. In this sense, we detailed the measurement of fungal burden and cytokine production, and the histopathological analysis used to evaluate the most effective administration regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, São Paulo, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freitas Fernandes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, São Paulo, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Taise Natali Landgraf
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ademílson Panunto-Castelo
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, São Paulo, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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Fernandes FF, de Oliveira LL, Landgraf TN, Peron G, Costa MV, Coelho-Castelo AAM, Bonato VLD, Roque-Barreira MC, Panunto-Castelo A. Detrimental Effect of Fungal 60-kDa Heat Shock Protein on Experimental Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Infection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162486. [PMID: 27598463 PMCID: PMC5012565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Paracoccidioides comprises species of dimorphic fungi that cause paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic disease prevalent in Latin America. Here, we investigated whether administration of native 60-kDa heat shock protein of P. brasiliensis (nPbHsp60) or its recombinant counterpart (rPbHsp60) affected the course of experimental PCM. Mice were subcutaneously injected with nPbHsp60 or rPbHsp60 emulsified in complete’s Freund Adjuvant (CFA) at three weeks after intravenous injection of P. brasiliensis yeasts. Infected control mice were injected with CFA or isotonic saline solution alone. Thirty days after the nPbHsp60 or rPbHsp60 administration, mice showed remarkably increased fungal load, tissue inflammation, and granulomas in the lungs, liver, and spleen compared with control mice. Further, rPbHsp60 treatment (i) decreased the known protective effect of CFA against PCM and (ii) increased the concentrations of IL-17, TNF-α, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β in the lungs. Together, our results indicated that PbHsp60 induced a harmful immune response, exacerbated inflammation, and promoted fungal dissemination. Therefore, we propose that PbHsp60 contributes to the fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício Freitas Fernandes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Taise Natali Landgraf
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Peron
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Vieira Costa
- Department of Biology, Ribeirão Preto Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Arlete A. M. Coelho-Castelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Vânia L. D. Bonato
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria-Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ademilson Panunto-Castelo
- Department of Biology, Ribeirão Preto Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
There has been a global upsurge in fungal infections due to rise in immunodeficiencies, debilitation and situations of violated anatomical barriers. The available antifungal repertoire has limited activity and is fraught with toxicity concerns. Drug resistance has also shown a rapid upward trend. This has resulted in increased treatment failures, mortality and health care costs. Novel effective and safe antimycotics are needed. Analogues of existing antifungal compounds and new molecules are being developed. New targets are being explored for their putative role in curtailing fungal infections. Newer antigens as vaccine candidates are being researched into. Focused efforts in this direction have yielded encouraging results. This review illuminates the various antifungal strategies which hold promise for the future.
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da Silva JDF, de Oliveira HC, Marcos CM, Assato PA, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Advances and challenges in paracoccidioidomycosis serology caused by Paracoccidioides species complex: an update. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 84:87-94. [PMID: 26494541 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the possible methodologies for the rapid and inexpensive identification of fungal infections is essential for disease diagnosis, but there are some limitations. To help with this problem, serological methods that detect antigens or antibodies are widely used and are useful for the diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) through the detection of gp43, which is the main antigen employed for the immunodiagnosis of this disease caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. However, the use of gp43 has become restricted because it was recently found that this marker is not identified in the infections caused by Paracoccidioides lutzii. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new antigens in both species or antigens specific for P. lutzii to decrease the morbidity and/or mortality associated with PCM. This review provides a discussion of new diagnostic challenges after the recent discoveries regarding the taxonomy of the Paracoccidioides genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julhiany de Fátima da Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Haroldo Cesar de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline Maria Marcos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Akemi Assato
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, FCFAr, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, SP, Brazil.
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12
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Alegre-Maller ACP, Mendonça FC, da Silva TA, Oliveira AF, Freitas MS, Hanna ES, Almeida IC, Gay NJ, Roque-Barreira MC. Therapeutic administration of recombinant Paracoccin confers protection against paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection: involvement of TLRs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3317. [PMID: 25474158 PMCID: PMC4256291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccin (PCN) is an N-acetylglucosamine-binding lectin from the human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Recombinant PCN (rPCN) induces a T helper (Th) 1 immune response when prophylactically administered to BALB/c mice, protecting them against subsequent challenge with P. brasiliensis. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of rPCN in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and the mechanism accounting for its beneficial action. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Four distinct regimens of rPCN administration were assayed to identify which was the most protective, relative to vehicle administration. In all rPCN-treated mice, pulmonary granulomas were less numerous and more compact. Moreover, fewer colony-forming units were recovered from the lungs of rPCN-treated mice. Although all therapeutic regimens of rPCN were protective, maximal efficacy was obtained with two subcutaneous injections of 0.5 µg rPCN at 3 and 10 days after infection. The rPCN treatment was also associated with higher pulmonary levels of IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO), and IL-10, without IL-4 augmentation. Encouraged by the pulmonary cytokine profile of treated mice and by the fact that in vitro rPCN-stimulated macrophages released high levels of IL-12, we investigated the interaction of rPCN with Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Using a reporter assay in transfected HEK293T cells, we verified that rPCN activated TLR2 and TLR4. The activation occurred independently of TLR2 heterodimerization with TLR1 or TLR6 and did not require the presence of the CD14 or CD36 co-receptors. The interaction between rPCN and TLR2 depended on carbohydrate recognition because it was affected by mutation of the receptor's N-glycosylation sites. The fourth TLR2 N-glycan was especially critical for the rPCN-TLR2 interaction. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Based on our results, we propose that PCN acts as a TLR agonist. PCN binds to N-glycans on TLRs, triggers regulated Th1 immunity, and exerts a therapeutic effect against P. brasiliensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Paiva Alegre-Maller
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Flávia Costa Mendonça
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Aline Ferreira Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Mateus Silveira Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ebert Seixas Hanna
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. Gay
- Department of Biochemistry, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail: ,
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13
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Torres I, Hernandez O, Tamayo D, Muñoz JF, García AM, Gómez BL, Restrepo A, McEwen JG. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis PbP27gene: knockdown procedures and functional characterization. FEMS Yeast Res 2013; 14:270-80. [DOI: 10.1111/1567-1364.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isaura Torres
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Instituto de Biología; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
| | - Orville Hernandez
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Biociencias; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
| | - Diana Tamayo
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Instituto de Biología; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
| | - Jose F. Muñoz
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Instituto de Biología; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
| | - Ana M. García
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
| | - Beatriz L. Gómez
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá Colombia
| | - Angela Restrepo
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
| | - Juan G. McEwen
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular; Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB); Medellín Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín Colombia
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14
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Inhibition of PbGP43 expression may suggest that gp43 is a virulence factor in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68434. [PMID: 23874627 PMCID: PMC3708949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoprotein gp43 is an immunodominant diagnostic antigen for paracoccidioidomycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. It is abundantly secreted in isolates such as Pb339. It is structurally related to beta-1,3-exoglucanases, however inactive. Its function in fungal biology is unknown, but it elicits humoral, innate and protective cellular immune responses; it binds to extracellular matrix-associated proteins. In this study we applied an antisense RNA (aRNA) technology and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation to generate mitotically stable PbGP43 mutants (PbGP43 aRNA) derived from wild type Pb339 to study its role in P. brasiliensis biology and during infection. Control PbEV was transformed with empty vector. Growth curve, cell vitality and morphology of PbGP43 aRNA mutants were indistinguishable from those of controls. PbGP43 expression was reduced 80–85% in mutants 1 and 2, as determined by real time PCR, correlating with a massive decrease in gp43 expression. This was shown by immunoblotting of culture supernatants revealed with anti-gp43 mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies, and also by affinity-ligand assays of extracellular molecules with laminin and fibronectin. In vitro, there was significantly increased TNF-α production and reduced yeast recovery when PbGP43 aRNA1 was exposed to IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages, suggesting reduced binding/uptake and/or increased killing. In vivo, fungal burden in lungs of BALB/c mice infected with silenced mutant was negligible and associated with decreased lung ΙΛ−10 and IL-6. Therefore, our results correlated low gp43 expression with lower pathogenicity in mice, but that will be definitely proven when PbGP43 knockouts become available. This is the first study of gp43 using genetically modified P. brasiliensis.
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15
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Travassos LR, Taborda CP. New advances in the development of a vaccine against paracoccidioidomycosis. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:212. [PMID: 22701452 PMCID: PMC3373149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic Latin American mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and also by the recently described P. lutzii. The systemic mycosis is the 10th leading cause of death due to infectious diseases in Brazil. As published, 1,853 patients died of PCM in the 1996–2006 decade in this country. The main diagnostic antigen of P.brasiliensis is the 43 kDa glycoprotein gp43, and its 15-mer peptide QTLIAIHTLAIRYAN, known as P10, contains the T-CD4+ epitope that elicits an IFN-γ-mediated Th1 immune response, which effectively treats mice intratracheally infected with PCM. The association of peptide P10 with antifungal drugs rendered an additive protective effect, even in immunosuppressed animals, being the basis of a recommended treatment protocol. Other immunotherapeutic tools include a peptide carrying a B cell epitope as well as protective anti-gp43 monoclonal antibodies. New delivery systems and gene therapy have been studied in prophylactic and therapeutic protocols to improve the efficacy of the recognized antigens aiming at a future vaccine as co-adjuvant therapy in patients with PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz R Travassos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, são Paulo, Brazil
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