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Lopes EA, Santos MMM, Mori M. Antimalarial drugs: what's new in the patents? Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:151-168. [PMID: 37060305 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2203814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The efficacy of current therapeutic warheads in preventing malaria transmission or treating the disease is often hampered by the emergence of drug-resistance. No effective vaccines are available to date, and novel drugs able to counteract drug-resistant forms of malaria and/or to target multiple stages of the parasite's lifecycle are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED This review covers patents that protect antimalarial small molecules bearing the artemisinin or other chemical scaffolds, as well as vaccines, that have been published in the period 2015-2022. Literature was searched in public databases of articles and patents. Patents protecting small molecules that prevent malaria transmission are not discussed herein. EXPERT OPINION Significant progress has been made in the design of antimalarial agents. Most of these candidates have been tested in standardized strains, with the use of Plasmodium clinical isolates for testing still underdeveloped. Several compounds have been profiled in in vivo mouse models of malaria, including humanised mice. Despite having different efficacy, these new molecules might further progress the field and hopefully will advance to clinical development soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lopes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria M M Santos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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2
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Abstract
"The Primate Malarias" book has been a uniquely important resource for multiple generations of scientists, since its debut in 1971, and remains pertinent to the present day. Indeed, nonhuman primates (NHPs) have been instrumental for major breakthroughs in basic and pre-clinical research on malaria for over 50 years. Research involving NHPs have provided critical insights and data that have been essential for malaria research on many parasite species, drugs, vaccines, pathogenesis, and transmission, leading to improved clinical care and advancing research goals for malaria control, elimination, and eradication. Whilst most malaria scientists over the decades have been studying Plasmodium falciparum, with NHP infections, in clinical studies with humans, or using in vitro culture or rodent model systems, others have been dedicated to advancing research on Plasmodium vivax, as well as on phylogenetically related simian species, including Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium coatneyi, and Plasmodium knowlesi. In-depth study of these four phylogenetically related species over the years has spawned the design of NHP longitudinal infection strategies for gathering information about ongoing infections, which can be related to human infections. These Plasmodium-NHP infection model systems are reviewed here, with emphasis on modern systems biological approaches to studying longitudinal infections, pathogenesis, immunity, and vaccines. Recent discoveries capitalizing on NHP longitudinal infections include an advanced understanding of chronic infections, relapses, anaemia, and immune memory. With quickly emerging new technological advances, more in-depth research and mechanistic discoveries can be anticipated on these and additional critical topics, including hypnozoite biology, antigenic variation, gametocyte transmission, bone marrow dysfunction, and loss of uninfected RBCs. New strategies and insights published by the Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center (MaHPIC) are recapped here along with a vision that stresses the importance of educating future experts well trained in utilizing NHP infection model systems for the pursuit of innovative, effective interventions against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Galinski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory National Primate Research Center (Yerkes National Primate Research Center), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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3
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Li M, Huang Q, Lv X, Small HJ, Li C. Integrative omics analysis highlights the immunomodulatory effects of the parasitic dinoflagellate hhematodinium on crustacean hemocytes. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 125:35-47. [PMID: 35526798 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic dinoflagellates in genus Hematodinium have caused substantial economic losses to multiple commercially valuable marine crustaceans around the world. Recent efforts to better understand the life cycle and biology of the parasite have improved our understanding of the disease ecology. However, studies on the host-parasite interaction, especially how Hematodinium parasites evade the host immune response are lacking. To address this shortfall, we used the comprehensive omics approaches (miRNA transcriptomics, iTRAQ-based proteomics) to get insights into the host-parasite interaction between hemocytes from Portunus trituberculatus and Hematodinium perezi in the present study. The parasitic dinoflagellate H. perezi remodeled the miRNome and proteome of hemocytes from challenged hosts, modulated the host immune response at both post-transcriptional and translational levels and caused post-transcriptional regulation to the host immune response. Multiple important cellular and humoral immune-related pathways (ex. Apoptosis, Endocytosis, ECM-receptor interaction, proPO activation pathway, Toll-like signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway) were significantly affected by Hematodinium parasites. Through modulation of the host miRNome, the host immune responses of nodulation, proPO activation and antimicrobial peptides were significantly suppressed. Cellular homeostasis was imbalanced via post-transcriptional dysregulation of the phagosome and peroxisome pathways. Cellular structure and communication was seriously impacted by post-transcriptional downregulation of ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways. In conclusion, H. perezi parasites could trigger striking changes in the miRNome and proteome of crustacean hemocytes, and this parasite exhibited multifaceted immunomodulatory effects and potential immune-suppressive mechanisms in crustacean hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- CAS Key Lab of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266237, China; Centre for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Qian Huang
- CAS Key Lab of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyang Lv
- CAS Key Lab of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hamish J Small
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, P.O. Box 1346, Gloucester Point, VA, 23062, USA.
| | - Caiwen Li
- CAS Key Lab of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Marine Ecology and Environmental Science Laboratory, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266237, China; Centre for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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4
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Kuang J, Buchon N, Michel K, Scoglio C. A global [Formula: see text] gene co-expression network constructed from hundreds of experimental conditions with missing values. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:170. [PMID: 35534830 PMCID: PMC9082846 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04697-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene co-expression networks (GCNs) can be used to determine gene regulation and attribute gene function to biological processes. Different high throughput technologies, including one and two-channel microarrays and RNA-sequencing, allow evaluating thousands of gene expression data simultaneously, but these methodologies provide results that cannot be directly compared. Thus, it is complex to analyze co-expression relations between genes, especially when there are missing values arising for experimental reasons. Networks are a helpful tool for studying gene co-expression, where nodes represent genes and edges represent co-expression of pairs of genes. RESULTS In this paper, we establish a method for constructing a gene co-expression network for the Anopheles gambiae transcriptome from 257 unique studies obtained with different methodologies and experimental designs. We introduce the sliding threshold approach to select node pairs with high Pearson correlation coefficients. The resulting network, which we name AgGCN1.0, is robust to random removal of conditions and has similar characteristics to small-world and scale-free networks. Analysis of network sub-graphs revealed that the core is largely comprised of genes that encode components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the ribosome, while different communities are enriched for genes involved in distinct biological processes. CONCLUSION Analysis of the network reveals that both the architecture of the core sub-network and the network communities are based on gene function, supporting the power of the proposed method for GCN construction. Application of network science methodology reveals that the overall network structure is driven to maximize the integration of essential cellular functions, possibly allowing the flexibility to add novel functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyao Kuang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
| | - Nicolas Buchon
- Department of Entomology, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
| | - Caterina Scoglio
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
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5
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Bezerra OCDL, Alvarado-Arnez LE, Mabunda N, Salomé G, de Sousa A, Kehdy FDSG, Sales-Marques C, Manta FSDN, Andrade RM, Ferreira LP, Leal-Calvo T, Cardoso CC, Nunes K, Gouveia MH, Mbulaiteve SM, Yeboah ED, Hsing A, Latini ACP, Leturiondo AL, Rodrigues FDC, Noronha AB, Ferreira CDO, Talhari C, Rêgo JL, Castellucci LCDC, Tarazona-Santos E, de Carvalho EF, Meyer D, Pinheiro RO, Jani IV, Pacheco AG, Moraes MO. Putative pathogen-selected polymorphisms in the PKLR gene are associated with mycobacterial susceptibility in Brazilian and African populations. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009434. [PMID: 34449765 PMCID: PMC8396769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate kinase (PK), encoded by the PKLR gene, is a key player in glycolysis controlling the integrity of erythrocytes. Due to Plasmodium selection, mutations for PK deficiency, which leads to hemolytic anemia, are associated with resistance to malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and with susceptibility to intracellular pathogens in experimental models. In this case-control study, we enrolled 4,555 individuals and investigated whether PKLR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) putatively selected for malaria resistance are associated with susceptibility to leprosy across Brazil (Manaus-North; Salvador-Northeast; Rondonópolis-Midwest and Rio de Janeiro-Southeast) and with tuberculosis in Mozambique. Haplotype T/G/G (rs1052176/rs4971072/rs11264359) was associated with leprosy susceptibility in Rio de Janeiro (OR = 2.46, p = 0.00001) and Salvador (OR = 1.57, p = 0.04), and with tuberculosis in Mozambique (OR = 1.52, p = 0.07). This haplotype downregulates PKLR expression in nerve and skin, accordingly to GTEx, and might subtly modulate ferritin and haptoglobin levels in serum. Furthermore, we observed genetic signatures of positive selection in the HCN3 gene (xpEHH>2 -recent selection) in Europe but not in Africa, involving 6 SNPs which are PKLR/HCN3 eQTLs. However, this evidence was not corroborated by the other tests (FST, Tajima's D and iHS). Altogether, we provide evidence that a common PKLR locus in Africans contribute to mycobacterial susceptibility in African descent populations and also highlight, for first, PKLR as a susceptibility gene for leprosy and TB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Elena Alvarado-Arnez
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Research Coordination, Franz Tamayo University (UNIFRAZ), Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Nédio Mabunda
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Graça Salomé
- Medical Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Amina de Sousa
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Carolinne Sales-Marques
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology and Genetics, Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Thyago Leal-Calvo
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Chester Cardoso
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kelly Nunes
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mateus H. Gouveia
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sam M. Mbulaiteve
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Ann Hsing
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carolina Talhari
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Jamile Leão Rêgo
- Immunology Service, Professor Edgard Santos University Hospital, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Tarazona-Santos
- Departament of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Diogo Meyer
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics and Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ilesh V. Jani
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
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Hang JW, Tukijan F, Lee EQH, Abdeen SR, Aniweh Y, Malleret B. Zoonotic Malaria: Non- Laverania Plasmodium Biology and Invasion Mechanisms. Pathogens 2021; 10:889. [PMID: 34358039 PMCID: PMC8308728 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria, which is caused by Plasmodium parasites through Anopheles mosquito transmission, remains one of the most life-threatening diseases affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide every year. Plasmodium vivax, which accounts for the majority of cases of recurring malaria caused by the Plasmodium (non-Laverania) subgenus, is an ancient and continuing zoonosis originating from monkey hosts probably outside Africa. The emergence of other zoonotic malarias (P. knowlesi, P. cynomolgi, and P. simium) further highlights the seriousness of the disease. The severity of this epidemic disease is dependent on many factors, including the parasite characteristics, host-parasite interactions, and the pathology of the infection. Successful infection depends on the ability of the parasite to invade the host; however, little is known about the parasite invasion biology and mechanisms. The lack of this information adds to the challenges to malaria control and elimination, hence enhancing the potential for continuation of this zoonosis. Here, we review the literature describing the characteristics, distribution, and genome details of the parasites, as well as host specificity, host-parasite interactions, and parasite pathology. This information will provide the basis of a greater understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of malaria to support future development of strategies for the control and prevention of this zoonotic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Hang
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore; (J.W.H.); (F.T.); (E.Q.H.L.)
| | - Farhana Tukijan
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore; (J.W.H.); (F.T.); (E.Q.H.L.)
| | - Erica-Qian-Hui Lee
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore; (J.W.H.); (F.T.); (E.Q.H.L.)
| | - Shifana Raja Abdeen
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Biopolis, Singapore 138648, Singapore;
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana;
| | - Benoit Malleret
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore; (J.W.H.); (F.T.); (E.Q.H.L.)
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Biopolis, Singapore 138648, Singapore;
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Clark NF, Taylor-Robinson AW. An Ecologically Framed Comparison of The Potential for Zoonotic Transmission of Non-Human and Human-Infecting Species of Malaria Parasite. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 94:361-373. [PMID: 34211355 PMCID: PMC8223545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The threats, both real and perceived, surrounding the development of new and emerging infectious diseases of humans are of critical concern to public health and well-being. Among these risks is the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans of species of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, that have been considered historically to infect exclusively non-human hosts. Recently observed shifts in the mode, transmission, and presentation of malaria among several species studied are evidenced by shared vectors, atypical symptoms, and novel host-seeking behavior. Collectively, these changes indicate the presence of environmental and ecological pressures that are likely to influence the dynamics of these parasite life cycles and physiological make-up. These may be further affected and amplified by such factors as increased urban development and accelerated rate of climate change. In particular, the extended host-seeking behavior of what were once considered non-human malaria species indicates the specialist niche of human malaria parasites is not a limiting factor that drives the success of blood-borne parasites. While zoonotic transmission of non-human malaria parasites is generally considered to not be possible for the vast majority of Plasmodium species, failure to consider the feasibility of its occurrence may lead to the emergence of a potentially life-threatening blood-borne disease of humans. Here, we argue that recent trends in behavior among what were hitherto considered to be non-human malaria parasites to infect humans call for a cross-disciplinary, ecologically-focused approach to understanding the complexities of the vertebrate host/mosquito vector/malaria parasite triangular relationship. This highlights a pressing need to conduct a multi-species investigation for which we recommend the construction of a database to determine ecological differences among all known Plasmodium species, vectors, and hosts. Closing this knowledge gap may help to inform alternative means of malaria prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F. Clark
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra,
Bruce, Australia,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
University, Australia
| | - Andrew W. Taylor-Robinson
- Infectious Diseases Research Group, School of Health,
Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane,
Australia,College of Health & Human Sciences, Charles Darwin
University, Casuarina, Australia,To whom all correspondence should be addressed:
Prof Andrew W. Taylor-Robinson, Infectious Diseases Research Group, School of
Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, 160 Ann
Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Tel: +61 7 3295 1185;
; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7342-8348
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8
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Zhou M, Varol A, Efferth T. Multi-omics approaches to improve malaria therapy. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105570. [PMID: 33766628 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Malaria contributes to the most widespread infectious diseases worldwide. Even though current drugs are commercially available, the ever-increasing drug resistance problem by malaria parasites poses new challenges in malaria therapy. Hence, searching for efficient therapeutic strategies is of high priority in malaria control. In recent years, multi-omics technologies have been extensively applied to provide a more holistic view of functional principles and dynamics of biological mechanisms. We briefly review multi-omics technologies and focus on recent malaria progress conducted with the help of various omics methods. Then, we present up-to-date advances for multi-omics approaches in malaria. Next, we describe resistance phenomena to established antimalarial drugs and underlying mechanisms. Finally, we provide insight into novel multi-omics approaches, new drugs and vaccine developments and analyze current gaps in multi-omics research. Although multi-omics approaches have been successfully used in malaria studies, they are still limited. Many gaps need to be filled to bridge the gap between basic research and treatment of malaria patients. Multi-omics approaches will foster a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Plasmodium that are essential for the development of novel drugs and vaccines to fight this disastrous disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ayşegül Varol
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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9
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Rasoanoro M, Goodman SM, Randrianarivelojosia M, Rakotondratsimba M, Dellagi K, Tortosa P, Ramasindrazana B. Diversity, distribution, and drivers of Polychromophilus infection in Malagasy bats. Malar J 2021; 20:157. [PMID: 33743716 PMCID: PMC7980569 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous studies have been undertaken to advance knowledge of apicomplexan parasites infecting vertebrates, including humans. Of these parasites, the genus Plasmodium has been most extensively studied because of the socio-economic and public health impacts of malaria. In non-human vertebrates, studies on malaria or malaria-like parasite groups have been conducted but information is far from complete. In Madagascar, recent studies on bat blood parasites indicate that three chiropteran families (Miniopteridae, Rhinonycteridae, and Vespertilionidae) are infected by the genus Polychromophilus with pronounced host specificity: Miniopterus spp. (Miniopteridae) harbour Polychromophilus melanipherus and Myotis goudoti (Vespertilionidae) is infected by Polychromophilus murinus. However, most of the individuals analysed in previous studies were sampled on the western and central portions of the island. The aims of this study are (1) to add new information on bat blood parasites in eastern Madagascar, and (2) to highlight biotic and abiotic variables driving prevalence across the island. Methods Fieldworks were undertaken from 2014 to 2016 in four sites in the eastern portion of Madagascar to capture bats and collect biological samples. Morphological and molecular techniques were used to identify the presence of haemosporidian parasites. Further, a MaxEnt modelling was undertaken using data from Polychromophilus melanipherus to identify variables influencing the presence of this parasite Results In total, 222 individual bats belonging to 17 species and seven families were analysed. Polychromophilus infections were identified in two families: Miniopteridae and Vespertilionidae. Molecular data showed that Polychromophilus spp. parasitizing Malagasy bats form a monophyletic group composed of three distinct clades displaying marked host specificity. In addition to P. melanipherus and P. murinus, hosted by Miniopterus spp. and Myotis goudoti, respectively, a novel Polychromophilus lineage was identified from a single individual of Scotophilus robustus. Based on the present study and the literature, different biotic and abiotic factors are shown to influence Polychromophilus infection in bats, which are correlated based on MaxEnt modelling. Conclusions The present study improves current knowledge on Polychromophilus blood parasites infecting Malagasy bats and confirms the existence of a novel Polychromophilus lineage in Scotophilus bats. Additional studies are needed to obtain additional material of this novel lineage to resolve its taxonomic relationship with known members of the genus. Further, the transmission mode of Polychromophilus in bats as well as its potential effect on bat populations should be investigated to complement the results provided by MaxEnt modelling and eventually provide a comprehensive picture of the biology of host-parasite interactions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03696-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercia Rasoanoro
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, BP 1274, Ambatofotsikely, Madagascar.,Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 706, Antananarivo 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Steven M Goodman
- Association Vahatra, Antananarivo 101, BP 3972, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, 60605, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Milijaona Randrianarivelojosia
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, BP 1274, Ambatofotsikely, Madagascar.,Faculté des Sciences, Université de Toliara, 601, Toliara, Madagascar
| | | | - Koussay Dellagi
- Institut Pasteur (International Division), 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Beza Ramasindrazana
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, BP 1274, Ambatofotsikely, Madagascar. .,Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 706, Antananarivo 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
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10
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Zhao Y, Hosking C, Cunningham D, Langhorne J, Lin JW. Transcriptome analysis of blood and spleen in virulent and avirulent mouse malaria infection. Sci Data 2020; 7:253. [PMID: 32753619 PMCID: PMC7403358 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-00592-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a devastating infectious disease and the immune response is complex and dynamic during a course of a malarial infection. Rodent malaria models allow detailed time-series studies of the host response in multiple organs. Here, we describe two comprehensive datasets containing host transcriptomic data from both the blood and spleen throughout an acute blood stage infection of virulent or avirulent Plasmodium chabaudi infection in C57BL/6 mice. The mRNA expression profiles were generated using Illumina BeadChip microarray. These datasets provide a groundwork for comprehensive and comparative studies on host gene expression in early, acute and recovering phases of a blood stage infection in both the blood and spleen, to explore the interaction between the two, and importantly to investigate whether these responses differ in virulent and avirulent infections. Measurement(s) | transcriptome • gene expression • malaria | Technology Type(s) | Microarray | Factor Type(s) | blood versus spleen • virulent versus avirulent malaria infection | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Mus musculus |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.12619232
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuancun Zhao
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Caroline Hosking
- Malaria Immunology laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Deirdre Cunningham
- Malaria Immunology laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Langhorne
- Malaria Immunology laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, United Kingdom.
| | - Jing-Wen Lin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
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11
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Ruiz JL, Gómez-Díaz E. The second life of Plasmodium in the mosquito host: gene regulation on the move. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 18:313-357. [PMID: 31058281 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elz007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites face dynamically changing environments and strong selective constraints within human and mosquito hosts. To survive such hostile and shifting conditions, Plasmodium switches transcriptional programs during development and has evolved mechanisms to adjust its phenotype through heterogeneous patterns of gene expression. In vitro studies on culture-adapted isolates have served to set the link between chromatin structure and functional gene expression. Yet, experimental evidence is limited to certain stages of the parasite in the vertebrate, i.e. blood, while the precise mechanisms underlying the dynamic regulatory landscapes during development and in the adaptation to within-host conditions remain poorly understood. In this review, we discuss available data on transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in Plasmodium mosquito stages in the context of sporogonic development and phenotypic variation, including both bet-hedging and environmentally triggered direct transcriptional responses. With this, we advocate the mosquito offers an in vivo biological model to investigate the regulatory networks, transcription factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes and their modes of interaction with regulatory sequences, which might be responsible for the plasticity of the Plasmodium genome that dictates stage- and cell type-specific blueprints of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Ruiz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Elena Gómez-Díaz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
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12
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Galinski MR. Functional genomics of simian malaria parasites and host-parasite interactions. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 18:270-280. [PMID: 31241151 PMCID: PMC6859816 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elz013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two simian malaria parasite species, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi, cause zoonotic infections in Southeast Asia, and they have therefore gained recognition among scientists and public health officials. Notwithstanding, these species and others including Plasmodium coatneyi have served for decades as sources of knowledge on the biology, genetics and evolution of Plasmodium, and the diverse ramifications and outcomes of malaria in their monkey hosts. Experimental analysis of these species can help to fill gaps in knowledge beyond what may be possible studying the human malaria parasites or rodent parasite species. The genome sequences for these simian malaria parasite species were reported during the last decade, and functional genomics research has since been pursued. Here research on the functional genomics analysis involving these species is summarized and their importance is stressed, particularly for understanding host–parasite interactions, and potentially testing novel interventions. Importantly, while Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax can be studied in small New World monkeys, the simian malaria parasites can be studied more effectively in the larger Old World monkey macaque hosts, which are more closely related to humans. In addition to ex vivo analyses, experimental scenarios can include passage through Anopheline mosquito hosts and longitudinal infections in monkeys to study acute and chronic infections, as well as relapses, all in the context of the in vivo host environment. Such experiments provide opportunities for understanding functional genomic elements that govern host–parasite interactions, immunity and pathogenesis in-depth, addressing hypotheses not possible from in vitro cultures or cross-sectional clinical studies with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Galinski
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Nouzova M, Clifton ME, Noriega FG. Mosquito adaptations to hematophagia impact pathogen transmission. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 34:21-26. [PMID: 31247413 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Malaria are critical threats to public health in many parts of the world. Female mosquitoes have evolved multiple adaptive mechanisms to hematophagy, including the ability to efficiently draw and digest blood, as well as the ability to eliminate excess fluids and toxic by-products of blood digestion. Pathogenic agents enter the mosquito digestive tract with the blood meal and need to travel through the midgut and into the hemocele in order to reach the salivary glands and infect a new host. Pathogens need to adjust to these hostile gut, hemocele, and salivary gland environments, and when possible influence the physiology and behavior of their hosts to enhance transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Nouzova
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Mark E Clifton
- North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, Northfield, IL, USA
| | - Fernando G Noriega
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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14
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Moormann AM, Nixon CE, Forconi CS. Immune effector mechanisms in malaria: An update focusing on human immunity. Parasite Immunol 2019; 41:e12628. [PMID: 30972776 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed dramatic decreases in malaria-associated mortality and morbidity around the world. This progress has largely been due to intensified malaria control measures, implementation of rapid diagnostics and establishing a network to anticipate and mitigate antimalarial drug resistance. However, the ultimate tool for malaria prevention is the development and implementation of an effective vaccine. To date, malaria vaccine efforts have focused on determining which of the thousands of antigens expressed by Plasmodium falciparum are instrumental targets of protective immunity. The antigenic variation and antigenic polymorphisms arising in parasite genes under immune selection present a daunting challenge for target antigen selection and prioritization, and is a given caveat when interpreting immune recall responses or results from monovalent vaccine trials. Other immune evasion strategies executed by the parasite highlight the myriad of ways in which it can become a recurrent infection. This review provides an update on immune effector mechanisms in malaria and focuses on our improved ability to interrogate the complexity of human immune system, accelerated by recent methodological advances. Appreciating how the human immune landscape influences the effectiveness and longevity of antimalarial immunity will help explain which conditions are necessary for immune effector mechanisms to prevail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Christina E Nixon
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Catherine S Forconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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