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Ezeta-Miranda A, Avila-Acevedo JG, Vera-Montenegro Y, Francisco-Marquez G. Evaluation of the ovicidal activity and fasciolicidal activity of the extract of ethyl acetate from Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. spp. mexicana and of artemisinin against adult parasites of Fasciola hepatica. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:71. [PMID: 38148378 PMCID: PMC10751259 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08052-6] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the ethyl acetate extract from A. ludoviciana (EALM) and artemisinin against adult parasites and eggs of F. hepatica. For the ovicidal assay, cell culture plates with 24 wells were used, and 90 to 110 F. hepatica eggs were placed in each well. The eggs were exposed to concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg/L EALM and incubated for 16 days. Additionally, triclabendazole (TCBZ) was used as a reference drug at concentrations of 10 and 50 mg, and the response of artemisinin at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg was simultaneously assessed. Adult flukes were exposed to concentrations of 125, 250, 375, and 500 mg/L EALM. The results of the ovicidal action of EALM on the eggs showed that concentrations greater than 300 mg/L were significant, with ovicidal percentages greater than 60% observed on day 16 of incubation (p < 0.05). The maximum efficiency of EALM on adult flukes was reached 72 h post-exposure at a concentration of 125 mg/L (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Ezeta-Miranda
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica, Unidad de Biología, Tecnología y Prototipos (UBIPRO), Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala (FESI), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av de los Barrios # 1, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, 54010, México
| | - José G Avila-Acevedo
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica, Unidad de Biología, Tecnología y Prototipos (UBIPRO), Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala (FESI), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av de los Barrios # 1, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, 54010, México.
| | - Yolanda Vera-Montenegro
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), UNAM, Departamento de Pareasitología, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Gerardo Francisco-Marquez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), UNAM, Departamento de Pareasitología, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
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De Marco Verissimo C, Cwiklinski K, Nilsson J, Mirgorodskaya E, Jin C, Karlsson NG, Dalton JP. Glycan Complexity and Heterogeneity of Glycoproteins in Somatic Extracts and Secretome of the Infective Stage of the Helminth Fasciola hepatica. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100684. [PMID: 37993102 PMCID: PMC10755494 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100684] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a global helminth parasite of humans and their livestock. The invasive stage of the parasite, the newly excysted juvenile (NEJs), relies on glycosylated excreted-secreted (ES) products and surface/somatic molecules to interact with host cells and tissues and to evade the host's immune responses, such as disarming complement and shedding bound antibody. While -omics technologies have generated extensive databases of NEJs' proteins and their expression, detailed knowledge of the glycosylation of proteins is still lacking. Here, we employed glycan, glycopeptide, and proteomic analyses to determine the glycan profile of proteins within the NEJs' somatic (Som) and ES extracts. These analyses characterized 123 NEJ glycoproteins, 71 of which are secreted proteins, and allowed us to map 356 glycopeptides and their associated 1690 N-glycan and 37 O-glycan forms to their respective proteins. We discovered abundant micro-heterogeneity in the glycosylation of individual glycosites and between different sites of multi-glycosylated proteins. The global heterogeneity across NEJs' glycoproteome was refined to 53 N-glycan and 16 O-glycan structures, ranging from highly truncated paucimannosidic structures to complex glycans carrying multiple phosphorylcholine (PC) residues, and included various unassigned structures due to unique linkages, particularly in pentosylated O-glycans. Such exclusive glycans decorate some well-known secreted molecules involved in host invasion, including cathepsin B and L peptidases, and a variety of membrane-bound glycoproteins, suggesting that they participate in host interactions. Our findings show that F. hepatica NEJs generate exceptional protein variability via glycosylation, suggesting that their molecular portfolio that communicates with the host is far more complex than previously anticipated by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. This study opens many avenues to understand the glycan biology of F. hepatica throughout its life-stages, as well as other helminth parasites, and allows us to probe the glycosylation of individual NEJs proteins in the search for innovative diagnostics and vaccines against fascioliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- Molecular Parasitology Lab (MPL) - Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland.
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Molecular Parasitology Lab (MPL) - Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland; Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jonas Nilsson
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy of Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ekaterina Mirgorodskaya
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy of Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Chunsheng Jin
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy of Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Niclas G Karlsson
- Department of Life Science and Health, Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - John P Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Lab (MPL) - Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland
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Artía Z, Ferraro F, Sánchez C, Cerecetto H, Gil J, Pareja L, Alonzo MN, Freire T, Cabrera M, Corvo I. In vitro and in vivo studies on a group of chalcones find promising results as potential drugs against fascioliasis. Exp Parasitol 2023; 255:108628. [PMID: 37776969 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108628] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
About a third of the world population is infected by helminth parasites implicated in foodborne trematodiasis. Fascioliasis is a worldwide disease caused by trematodes of the genus Fasciola spp. It generates huge economic losses to the agri-food industry and is currently considered an emerging zoonosis by the World Health Organization (WHO). The only available treatment relies on anthelmintic drugs, being triclabendazole (TCBZ) the drug of choice to control human infections. The emergence of TCBZ resistance in several countries and the lack of an effective vaccine to prevent infection highlights the need to develop new drugs to control this parasitosis. We have previously identified a group of benzochalcones as inhibitors of cathepsins, which have fasciolicidal activity in vitro and are potential new drugs for the control of fascioliasis. We selected the four most active compounds of this group to perform further preclinical studies. The compound's stability was determined against a liver microsomal enzyme fraction, obtaining half-lives of 34-169 min and low intrinsic clearance values (<13 μL/min/mg), as desirable for potential new drugs. None of the compounds were mutagenic or genotoxic and no in vitro cytotoxic effects were seen. Compounds C31 and C34 showed the highest selectivity index against liver fluke cathepsins when compared to human cathepsin L. They were selected for in vivo efficacy studies observing a protective effect, similar to TCBZ, in a mouse model of infection. Our findings strongly encourage us to continue the drug development pipeline for these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoraima Artía
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Ferraro
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Carina Sánchez
- Grupo de Química Orgánica Medicinal, Instituto de Química Biológica & Área de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Hugo Cerecetto
- Grupo de Química Orgánica Medicinal, Instituto de Química Biológica & Área de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Jorge Gil
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Producción y Reproducción de Rumiantes, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte-Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Pareja
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Paysandú, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - María Noel Alonzo
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Paysandú, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Teresa Freire
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11800, Uruguay
| | - Mauricio Cabrera
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay.
| | - Ileana Corvo
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay.
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Serrat J, Francés-Gómez C, Becerro-Recio D, González-Miguel J, Geller R, Siles-Lucas M. Antigens from the Helminth Fasciola hepatica Exert Antiviral Effects against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11597. [PMID: 37511355 PMCID: PMC10380311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411597] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of COVID-19, is a new coronavirus that has rapidly spread worldwide and significantly impacted human health by causing a severe acute respiratory syndrome boosted by a pulmonary hyperinflammatory response. Previous data from our lab showed that the newly excysted juveniles of the helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica (FhNEJ) modulate molecular routes within host cells related to vesicle-mediated transport and components of the innate immune response, which could potentially be relevant during viral infections. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether FhNEJ-derived molecules influence SARS-CoV-2 infection efficiency in Vero cells. Pre-treatment of Vero cells with a tegument-enriched antigenic extract of FhNEJ (FhNEJ-TEG) significantly reduced infection by both vesicular stomatitis virus particles pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (VSV-S2) and live SARS-CoV-2. Pre-treatment of the virus itself with FhNEJ-TEG prior to infection also resulted in reduced infection efficiency similar to that obtained by remdesivir pre-treatment. Remarkably, treatment of Vero cells with FhNEJ-TEG after VSV-S2 entry also resulted in reduced infection efficiency, suggesting that FhNEJ-TEG may also affect post-entry steps of the VSV replication cycle. Altogether, our results could potentially encourage the production of FhNEJ-derived molecules in a safe, synthetic format for their application as therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2 and other related respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Serrat
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Clara Francés-Gómez
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universidad de Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - David Becerro-Recio
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ron Geller
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universidad de Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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Becerro-Recio D, Serrat J, López-García M, Torres-Valle M, Colina F, Fernández IM, González-Miguel J, Siles-Lucas M. Study of the cross-talk between Fasciola hepatica juveniles and the intestinal epithelial cells of the host by transcriptomics in an in vitro model. Vet Parasitol 2023; 320:109981. [PMID: 37450963 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109981] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Fasciolosis is a globally widespread trematodiasis with a major economic and veterinary impact. Therefore, this disease is responsible for millions of dollars in losses to the livestock industry, and also constitutes an emerging human health problem in endemic areas. The ubiquitous nature of Fasciola hepatica, the main causative agent, is one of the key factors for the success of fasciolosis. Accordingly, this parasite is able to subsist in a wide variety of ecosystems and hosts, thanks to the development of a plethora of strategies for adaption and immune evasion. Fasciolosis comprises a growing concern due to its high prevalence rates, together with the emergence of strains of the parasite resistant to the treatment of choice (triclabendazole). These facts highlight the importance of developing novel control measures which allow for an effective protection against the disease before F. hepatica settles in a niche inaccessible to the immune system. However, knowledge about the initial phases of the infection, including the migration mechanisms of the parasite and the early innate host response, is still scarce. Recently, our group developed an in vitro host-parasite interaction model that allowed the early events to be unveiled after the first contact between the both actors. This occurs shortly upon ingestion of F. hepatica metacercariae and the emergence of the newly excysted juveniles (FhNEJ) in the host duodenum. Here, we present a transcriptomic analysis of such model using an approach based on RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), which reveals changes in gene expression related to proteolysis and uptake of metabolites in FhNEJ. Additionally, contact with the parasite triggered changes in host intestinal cells related to pseudogenes expression and host defence mechanisms, including immune response, among others. In sum, these results provide a better understanding of the early stages of fasciolosis at molecular level, and a pool of targets that could be used in future therapeutic strategies against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Becerro-Recio
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Judit Serrat
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta López-García
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Torres-Valle
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Francisco Colina
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Centre for Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR), České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Iván M Fernández
- Plant-Microorganism Interactions Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain.
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Garcia-Corredor D, Alvarado M, Pulido-Medellín M, Muñoz M, Cruz-Saavedra L, Hernández C, Giraldo JC, Vásquez-Arteaga LR, Morillo Coronado AC, Ramírez JD. Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica in endemic regions of Colombia. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1171147. [PMID: 37360412 PMCID: PMC10288157 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1171147] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic trematode that affects a wide range of hosts, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The economic impact of the parasite on the cattle industry is significant, with high losses reported worldwide. While its impact on human health was previously underestimated, recent years have seen a rise in fascioliasis cases, leading to increased interest among researchers globally. To characterize the genetic diversity and intraspecific variation of this parasite in South America, specifically in Colombia, we collected 105 adult parasites from cattle bile ducts in seven Colombian departments (Antioquia, Boyacá, Santander, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Norte de Santander, and Santander) to assess the parasite's phenotypic analyses, genetic diversity, and population structure. A computer image analysis system (CIAS) was applied based on standardized morphological measurements. Liver-fluke size was studied by principal component analysis (PCA). DNA sequences were obtained for nuclear markers such as the 28S, β-tubulin 3, ITS1, ITS2, and the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). Multiple statistical tests were performed, and the parasite's population structure was analyzed. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstructions were carried out using the sequences obtained herein and sequences available in GenBank. Morphological results revealed that all the obtained individuals matched F. hepatica's morphology. There was no evidence of high genetic diversity, and the absence of genetic structure at the country-level was notable, possibly caused by a demographic expansion of this trematode in Colombia or the low resolution of the molecular markers employed. Future studies are still needed to unveil the genetic population structure of F. hepatica across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Garcia-Corredor
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), Tunja, Colombia
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mateo Alvarado
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martín Pulido-Medellín
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), Tunja, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julio Cesar Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigación en Parasitología y Microbiología Tropical, Programa de Biología, Universidad INCCA de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis R. Vásquez-Arteaga
- Centro de Estudios en Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Ana Cruz Morillo Coronado
- Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Bulla-Castañeda DM, Lancheros-Buitrago DJ, García-Corredor DJ, C-Giraldo-Forero J, Pulido-Medellin MO. Seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in the municipalities of Colombia. Vet World 2023; 16:1293-1300. [PMID: 37577203 PMCID: PMC10421548 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1293-1300] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Bovine fasciolosis is a reemerging neglected disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the trematode Fasciola spp., which parasitize various hosts. Bovine fasciolosis is responsible for large economic losses in the bovine livestock sector. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in the municipalities of Colombia. Materials and Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling conducted on 1140 cattle from the municipalities of Chiquinquirá, San Miguel de Sema, and Ubaté for a duration of 3 months. Serum samples were processed using the commercial Fasciola hepatica Antibody Test Kit IDEXX® Fasciolosis Verification (IDEXX, United States), which identified immunoglobulin G antibodies for gf2 antigen purified from Fasciola extracts. The f2 antigen is extremely immunogenic and highly specific for F. hepatica. An epidemiological survey was performed to record variables related to the sampled animals and herd management practices. Data were processed using the statistical program Epi Info® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). The prevalence ratio was estimated to evaluate the association between fasciolosis and the hypothesized causal factors and the significance of this association using Pearson's Chi-square test. Finally, a logistic regression model was developed. Results The overall seroprevalence was 72.3%. The seroprevalence was 83.9% (323/385) in Chiquinquirá, 68.17% (257/377) in Ubaté, and 64.55% (244/378) in San Miguel de Sema. The seroprevalence was higher in male animals in Chiquinquirá and in female animals in San Miguel de Sema and Ubaté. Similarly, sex showed a statistically significant association with disease prevalence in Ubaté. The highest prevalence was found in cattle aged >2 years. The Holstein breed showed maximum seroprevalence in Chiquinquirá (p ≤ 0.05) and San Miguel de Sema, whereas crossbreed showed higher seroprevalence in Ubaté. Similarly, in Chiquinquirá, the association between the seroprevalence of fasciolosis and the presence of other species was statistically significant (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9601-3.4944; p = 0.0448). In Ubaté, the disease presentation was also associated with pasture rental (95% CI: 0.4047-1.0023; p = 0.003) and attendance to livestock expositions (95% CI: 0.2313-1.0636; p = 0.044). However, in San Miguel de Sema, water from the stream showed a statistically significant association with disease presentation (95% CI: 0.5209-1.0985; p = 0.00649785). Female sex and diarrhea occurrence were considered risk factors for fasciolosis. Conclusion A high seroprevalence of antibodies to Fasciola spp. was detected in cattle in the study municipalities, indicating a high parasite distribution in these areas. Female sex and diarrhea were established as risk factors associated with fasciolosis in Ubaté and San Miguel de Sema, respectively. Further, research is necessary to establish prevention and control programs against parasitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana María Bulla-Castañeda
- Research Group in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | | | - Diego Jose García-Corredor
- Research Group in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Julio C-Giraldo-Forero
- Research Group in Parasitology and Tropical Microbiology, Biology Program, Universidad INCCA de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Research Group in Ecoepidemiology and Collective Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martin Orlando Pulido-Medellin
- Research Group in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
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Serrat J, Torres-Valle M, López-García M, Becerro-Recio D, Siles-Lucas M, González-Miguel J. Molecular Characterization of the Interplay between Fasciola hepatica Juveniles and Laminin as a Mechanism to Adhere to and Break through the Host Intestinal Wall. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098165. [PMID: 37175870 PMCID: PMC10179147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098165] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is the main causative agent of fasciolosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease of growing public health concern. F. hepatica metacercariae are ingested by the host and excyst in the intestine, thereby releasing the newly excysted juveniles (FhNEJ), which traverse the gut wall and migrate towards the biliary ducts. Since blocking F. hepatica development is challenging after crossing of the intestinal wall, targeting this first step of migration might result in increased therapeutic success. The intestinal extracellular matrix (ECM) is constituted by a network of structural proteins, including laminin (LM) and fibronectin (FN), that provide mechanical support while acting as physical barrier against intestinal pathogens. Here, we employed ELISA and immunofluorescent assays to test for the presence of LM- and FN-binding proteins on a tegument-enriched antigenic fraction of FhNEJ, and further determined their identity by two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. Additionally, we performed enzymatic assays that revealed for the first time the capability of the juvenile-specific cathepsin L3 to degrade LM, and that LM degradation by FhNEJ proteins is further potentiated in the presence of host plasminogen. Finally, a proteomic analysis showed that the interaction with LM triggers protein changes in FhNEJ that may be relevant for parasite growth and adaptation inside the mammalian host. Altogether, our study provides valuable insights into the molecular interplay between FhNEJ and the intestinal ECM, which may lead to the identification of targetable candidates for the development of more effective control strategies against fasciolosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Serrat
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Torres-Valle
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta López-García
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - David Becerro-Recio
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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9
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Serrat J, Becerro-Recio D, Torres-Valle M, Simón F, Valero MA, Bargues MD, Mas-Coma S, Siles-Lucas M, González-Miguel J. Fasciola hepatica juveniles interact with the host fibrinolytic system as a potential early-stage invasion mechanism. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010936. [PMID: 37083884 PMCID: PMC10155961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The trematode Fasciola hepatica is the most widespread causative agent of fasciolosis, a parasitic disease that mainly affects humans and ruminants worldwide. During F. hepatica infection, newly excysted juveniles (FhNEJ) emerge in the duodenum of the mammalian host and migrate towards their definitive location, the intra-hepatic biliary ducts. Understanding how F. hepatica traverses the intestinal wall and migrates towards the liver is pivotal for the development of more successful strategies against fasciolosis. The central enzyme of the mammalian fibrinolytic system is plasmin, a serine protease whose functions are exploited by a number of parasite species owing to its broad spectrum of substrates, including components of tissue extracellular matrices. The aim of the present work is to understand whether FhNEJ co-opt the functions of their host fibrinolytic system as a mechanism to facilitate trans-intestinal migration. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A tegument-enriched antigenic extract of FhNEJ (FhNEJ-Teg) was obtained in vitro, and its capability to bind the zymogen plasminogen (PLG) and enhance its conversion to the active protease, plasmin, were analyzed by a combination of enzyme-linked immunosorbent, chromogenic and immunofluorescence assays. Additionally, PLG-binding proteins in FhNEJ-Teg were identified by bidimensional electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry analysis, and the interactions were validated using FhNEJ recombinant proteins. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results show that FhNEJ-Teg contains proteins that bind PLG and stimulate its activation to plasmin, which could facilitate the traversal of the intestinal wall by FhNEJ and contribute to the successful establishment of the parasite within its mammalian host. Altogether, our findings contribute to a better understanding of host-parasite relationships during early fasciolosis and may be exploited from a pharmacological and/or immunological perspective for the development of treatment and control strategies against this global disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Serrat
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - David Becerro-Recio
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Torres-Valle
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Simón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Adela Valero
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Dolores Bargues
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Mas-Coma
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Laboratory of Helminth Parasites of Zoonotic Importance (ATENEA), Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
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10
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In Vitro Anthelmintic Effect of Ferula assa-foetida Hydroalcoholic Extract Against Flukes of Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-133030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Dicrocoeliasis and fascioliasis are foodborne parasitic diseases of the biliary tract, resulting from Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Fasciola hepatica causing extensive financial losses and serious health problems in ruminants. Due to low-performance medications, drug delivery is a tremendous project to improve interventions available for these diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the anthelmintic properties of Ferula assa-foetida extract against F. hepatica and D. dendriticum using in vitro assay. Methods: The effects of diverse concentrations of F. assa-foetida extract (400 - 1000 µg/mL) for 12-24 hours were examined for the treatment of D. dendriticum and F. hepatica. The anthelmintic efficacies were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MTT assay was carried out to evaluate the cell viability of all cells in culture media. Results: The SEM images of treated worms by F. assa-foetida extract (200 µg/mL) confirmed excessive damage, which included an entire lack of sensory papillae and destruction of distinguished network structures and tegument vesicles. Variables of duration and concentration presented a considerable effect on both the mortality rate and the anthelmintic properties of F. assa-foetida; accordingly, as the time and concentration increased, the mortality rate became higher. Based on the MTT assay, the toxicity of F. assa-foetida at 800 µg/mL concentration was 8.7%. Therefore, it can be argued that F. assa-foetida had anthelmintic properties. Conclusions: This is the first study that evaluated the impact of F. assa-foetida on liver flukes of D. dendriticum and F. hepatica. Therefore, it paved the way for further studies on the control of those trematodes. It is recommended to document and look into the indigenous understanding of viable medicinal plants to provide evidence for their use.
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Cwiklinski K, Dalton JP. Omics tools enabling vaccine discovery against fasciolosis. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:1068-1079. [PMID: 36270885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.09.009] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade significant advances in our understanding of liver fluke biology have been made through in-depth interrogation and analysis of evolving Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica omics datasets. This information is crucial for developing novel control strategies, particularly vaccines necessitated by the global spread of anthelmintic resistance. Distilling them down to a manageable number of testable vaccines requires combined rational, empirical, and collaborative approaches. Despite a lack of clear outstanding vaccine candidate(s), we must continue to identify salient parasite-host interacting molecules, likely in the secretory products, tegument, or extracellular vesicles, and perform robust trials especially in livestock, using present and emerging vaccinology technologies to discover that elusive liver fluke vaccine. Omics tools are bringing this prospect ever closer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - John P Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health (MPL), Ryan Institute, School of Natural Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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12
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Becerro-Recio D, Serrat J, López-García M, Sotillo J, Simón F, González-Miguel J, Siles-Lucas M. Proteomics coupled with in vitro model to study the early crosstalk occurring between newly excysted juveniles of Fasciola hepatica and host intestinal cells. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010811. [PMID: 36223411 PMCID: PMC9555655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciolosis caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic neglected disease affecting animals and humans worldwide. Infection occurs upon ingestion of aquatic plants or water contaminated with metacercariae. These release the newly excysted juveniles (FhNEJ) in the host duodenum, where they establish contact with the epithelium and cross the intestinal barrier to reach the peritoneum within 2-3 h after infection. Juveniles crawl up the peritoneum towards the liver, and migrate through the hepatic tissue before reaching their definitive location inside the major biliary ducts, where they mature into adult worms. Fasciolosis is treated with triclabendazole, although resistant isolates of the parasite are increasingly being reported. This, together with the limited efficacy of the assayed vaccines against this infection, poses fasciolosis as a veterinary and human health problem of growing concern. In this context, the study of early host-parasite interactions is of paramount importance for the definition of new targets for the treatment and prevention of fasciolosis. Here, we develop a new in vitro model that replicates the first interaction between FhNEJ and mouse primary small intestinal epithelial cells (MPSIEC). FhNEJ and MPSIEC were co-incubated for 3 h and protein extracts (tegument and soma of FhNEJ and membrane and cytosol of MPSIEC) were subjected to quantitative SWATH-MS proteomics and compared to respective controls (MPSIEC and FhNEJ left alone for 3h in culture medium) to evaluate protein expression changes in both the parasite and the host. Results show that the interaction between FhNEJ and MPSIEC triggers a rapid protein expression change of FhNEJ in response to the host epithelial barrier, including cathepsins L3 and L4 and several immunoregulatory proteins. Regarding MPSIEC, stimulation with FhNEJ results in alterations in the protein profile related to immunomodulation and cell-cell interactions, together with a drastic reduction in the expression of proteins linked with ribosome function. The molecules identified in this model of early host-parasite interactions could help define new tools against fasciolosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Becerro-Recio
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Judit Serrat
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta López-García
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Simón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- * E-mail: (JG-M); (MS-L)
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail: (JG-M); (MS-L)
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Becerro-Recio D, Serrat J, López-García M, Molina-Hernández V, Pérez-Arévalo J, Martínez-Moreno Á, Sotillo J, Simón F, González-Miguel J, Siles-Lucas M. Study of the migration of Fasciola hepatica juveniles across the intestinal barrier of the host by quantitative proteomics in an ex vivo model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010766. [PMID: 36112664 PMCID: PMC9518905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite that infects animals and humans causing fasciolosis, a worldwide-distributed disease responsible for important economic losses and health problems. This disease is of growing public health concern since parasite isolates resistant to the current treatment (triclabendazole) have increasingly been described. F. hepatica infects its vertebrate host after ingestion of the encysted parasite (metacercariae), which are found in the water or attached to plants. Upon ingestion, newly excysted juveniles of F. hepatica (FhNEJ) emerge in the intestinal lumen and cross the intestinal barrier, reach the peritoneum and migrate to the biliary ducts, where adult worms fully develop. Despite the efforts made to develop new therapeutic and preventive tools, to date, protection against F. hepatica obtained in different animal models is far from optimal. Early events of host-FhNEJ interactions are of paramount importance for the infection progress in fasciolosis, especially those occurring at the host-parasite interface. Nevertheless, studies of FhNEJ responses to the changing host environment encountered during migration across host tissues are still scarce. Here, we set-up an ex vivo model coupled with quantitative SWATH-MS proteomics to study early host-parasite interaction events in fasciolosis. After comparing tegument and somatic fractions from control parasites and FhNEJ that managed to cross a mouse intestinal section ex vivo, a set of parasite proteins whose expression was statistically different were found. These included upregulation of cathepsins L3 and L4, proteolytic inhibitor Fh serpin 2, and a number of molecules linked with nutrient uptake and metabolism, including histone H4, H2A and H2B, low density lipoprotein receptor, tetraspanin, fatty acid binding protein a and glutathione-S-transferase. Downregulated proteins in FhNEJ after gut passage were more numerous than the upregulated ones, and included the heath shock proteins HSP90 and alpha crystallin, amongst others. This study brings new insights into early host-parasite interactions in fasciolosis and sheds light on the proteomic changes in FhNEJ triggered upon excystment and intestinal wall crossing, which could serve to define new targets for the prevention and treatment of this widespread parasitic disease. Fasciolosis caused by the helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica is a serious health and economic problem worldwide. Treatment and prevention of this disease pose several drawbacks that have so far not been solved. The definition of suitable parasite molecular targets to overcome such drawbacks should be based on thoroughly deciphering host-parasite interactions, and in this regard most studies have focused on the adult stages of F. hepatica. Nevertheless, in this context, the study of the transient juvenile stages of this parasite could be of higher utility due to the importance of early interactions with the host for parasite migration and the successful establishment of infection. In this work, we set-up an ex vivo model and performed a quantitative proteomics approach to study the changes in F. hepatica juveniles upon gut passage. We found that the parasite tegument and somatic compartments experienced deep changes in their composition and showed that the host triggers the expression of specific molecules that are important for parasite migration and survival at this stage. The molecules described here could serve to better understand host-parasite interactions and to define new targets against fasciolosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Becerro-Recio
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Judit Serrat
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta López-García
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez-Arévalo
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Parasitología), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Simón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
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Diosdado A, Simón F, Serrat J, González-Miguel J. Interaction of helminth parasites with the haemostatic system of their vertebrate hosts: a scoping review. PARASITE (PARIS, FRANCE) 2022; 29:35. [PMID: 35833785 PMCID: PMC9281497 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Helminth parasitoses are among the most prevalent health issues worldwide. Their control depends largely on unravelling host–parasite interactions, including parasitic exploitation of the host haemostatic system. The present study undertakes a scoping review of the research carried out in this field with the aim of unifying and updating concepts. Multiple keywords combined with Boolean operators were employed to design the literature search strategy. Two online databases were used to identify original peer-reviewed articles written in English and published before 1st January 2020 describing molecular interactions between helminth parasites and the host haemostatic system. Relevant data from the selected sources of evidence were extracted and analysed. Ninety-six publications reporting 259 interactions were selected. Fifty-three proteins belonging to 32 species of helminth parasites were involved in interactions with components of the host haemostatic system. Many of these proteins from both parasite and host were conserved among the different interactions identified. Most of these interactions were related to the inhibition of the coagulation system and the activation of fibrinolysis. This was associated mainly with a potential of parasites to reduce the formation of blood clots in the host and attributed to biological processes, such as parasite nutrition, survival, invasion, evasion and migration or the appearance of pathological mechanisms in the host. A wide range of helminth parasites have developed similar strategies to exploit the haemostatic system of their hosts, which could be regarded as an evolutionary conserved mechanism that could confer benefits to parasites in terms of survival and establishment in their vertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Diosdado
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Simón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Judit Serrat
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain - Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, H91 DK59 Galway, Ireland
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15
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Ricafrente A, Cwiklinski K, Nguyen H, Dalton JP, Tran N, Donnelly S. Stage-specific miRNAs regulate gene expression associated with growth, development and parasite-host interaction during the intra-mammalian migration of the zoonotic helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:419. [PMID: 35659245 PMCID: PMC9167548 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08644-z] [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: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in organisms ranging from viruses to mammals. There is great relevance in understanding how miRNAs regulate genes involved in the growth, development, and maturation of the many parasitic worms (helminths) that together afflict more than 2 billion people. Results Here, we describe the miRNAs expressed by each of the predominant intra-mammalian development stages of Fasciola hepatica, a foodborne flatworm that infects a wide range of mammals worldwide, most importantly humans and their livestock. A total of 124 miRNAs were profiled, 72 of which had been previously reported and three of which were conserved miRNA sequences described here for the first time. The remaining 49 miRNAs were novel sequences of which, 31 were conserved with F. gigantica and the remaining 18 were specific to F. hepatica. The newly excysted juveniles express 22 unique miRNAs while the immature liver and mature bile duct stages each express 16 unique miRNAs. We discovered several sequence variant miRNAs (IsomiRs) as well as miRNA clusters that exhibit strict temporal expression paralleling parasite development. Target analysis revealed the close association between miRNA expression and stage-specific changes in the transcriptome; for example, we identified specific miRNAs that target parasite proteases known to be essential for intestinal wall penetration (cathepsin L3). Moreover, we demonstrate that miRNAs fine-tune the expression of genes involved in the metabolic pathways that allow the parasites to move from an aerobic external environment to the anerobic environment of the host. Conclusions These results provide novel insight into the regulation of helminth parasite development and identifies new genes and miRNAs for therapeutic development to limit the virulence and pathogenesis caused by F. hepatica. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08644-z.
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Trelis M, Sánchez-López CM, Sánchez-Palencia LF, Ramírez-Toledo V, Marcilla A, Bernal D. Proteomic Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles From Fasciola hepatica Hatching Eggs and Juveniles in Culture. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:903602. [PMID: 35719328 PMCID: PMC9203882 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.903602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in Fasciola hepatica has provided a new way to understand parasite-host communication. Most of the studies on EVs have focused on the adult stage of F. hepatica, but recently, the presence of EVs from different developmental stages has been reported. To better understand the potential role of EVs in the biology of the parasite and in the infection process, the protein cargo of EVs from embryonated eggs and newly-excysted juvenile (NEJs) flukes cultured up to 28 days, has been analyzed. EVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and evaluated by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis of EVs revealed the presence of 23 different proteins from embryonated egg-derived EVs and 29 different proteins from NEJ-derived EVs. Most of the identified proteins had been previously described in EVs from F. hepatica adults, including cytoskeletal proteins, glycolytic enzymes, stress-related proteins and tetraspanins. Nevertheless, EVs from hatching eggs and NEJs exhibited qualitative differences in composition, when compared to EVs form adults, including the absence of cathepsin cysteine peptidases. The differential content of the EVs released by the different developmental stages of the parasite reflect the intense activity of NEJs at this early stage, with several proteins involved in membrane traffic and cell physiology. This new set of identified proteins could help to understand key metabolic, biochemical and molecular mechanisms mediated by EVs that take place upon egg hatching and after parasite excystment.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Trelis
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Christian M. Sánchez-López
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Liz F. Sánchez-Palencia
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Marcilla
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Bernal
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Dolores Bernal,
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Bennett APS, de la Torre-Escudero E, Dermott SSE, Threadgold LT, Hanna REB, Robinson MW. Fasciola hepatica Gastrodermal Cells Selectively Release Extracellular Vesicles via a Novel Atypical Secretory Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105525. [PMID: 35628335 PMCID: PMC9143473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, is an obligate blood-feeder, and the gastrodermal cells of the parasite form the interface with the host’s blood. Despite their importance in the host–parasite interaction, in-depth proteomic analysis of the gastrodermal cells is lacking. Here, we used laser microdissection of F. hepatica tissue sections to generate unique and biologically exclusive tissue fractions of the gastrodermal cells and tegument for analysis by mass spectrometry. A total of 226 gastrodermal cell proteins were identified, with proteases that degrade haemoglobin being the most abundant. Other detected proteins included those such as proton pumps and anticoagulants which maintain a microenvironment that facilitates digestion. By comparing the gastrodermal cell proteome and the 102 proteins identified in the laser microdissected tegument with previously published tegument proteomic datasets, we showed that one-quarter of proteins (removed by freeze–thaw extraction) or one-third of proteins (removed by detergent extraction) previously identified as tegumental were instead derived from the gastrodermal cells. Comparative analysis of the laser microdissected gastrodermal cells, tegument, and F. hepatica secretome revealed that the gastrodermal cells are the principal source of secreted proteins, as well as showed that both the gastrodermal cells and the tegument are likely to release subpopulations of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Microscopical examination of the gut caeca from flukes fixed immediately after their removal from the host bile ducts showed that selected gastrodermal cells underwent a progressive thinning of the apical plasma membrane which ruptured to release secretory vesicles en masse into the gut lumen. Our findings suggest that gut-derived EVs are released via a novel atypical secretory route and highlight the importance of the gastrodermal cells in nutrient acquisition and possible immunomodulation by the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P. S. Bennett
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
| | - Eduardo de la Torre-Escudero
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
| | - Susan S. E. Dermott
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
| | - Lawrence T. Threadgold
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
| | - Robert E. B. Hanna
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK;
| | - Mark W. Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (A.P.S.B.); (E.d.l.T.-E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)28-9097-2120
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De Marco Verissimo C, Jewhurst HL, Dobó J, Gál P, Dalton JP, Cwiklinski K. Fasciola hepatica is refractory to complement killing by preventing attachment of mannose binding lectin (MBL) and inhibiting MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) with serpins. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010226. [PMID: 35007288 PMCID: PMC8782513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is a first-line innate host immune defence against invading pathogens. It is activated via three pathways, termed Classical, Lectin and Alternative, which are mediated by antibodies, carbohydrate arrays or microbial liposaccharides, respectively. The three complement pathways converge in the formation of C3-convertase followed by the assembly of a lethal pore-like structure, the membrane attack complex (MAC), on the pathogen surface. We found that the infectious stage of the helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica, the newly excysted juvenile (NEJ), is resistant to the damaging effects of complement. Despite being coated with mannosylated proteins, the main initiator of the Lectin pathway, the mannose binding lectin (MBL), does not bind to the surface of live NEJ. In addition, we found that recombinantly expressed serine protease inhibitors secreted by NEJ (rFhSrp1 and rFhSrp2) selectively prevent activation of the complement via the Lectin pathway. Our experiments demonstrate that rFhSrp1 and rFhSrp2 inhibit native and recombinant MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs), impairing the primary step that mediates C3b and C4b deposition on the NEJ surface. Indeed, immunofluorescence studies show that MBL, C3b, C4b or MAC are not deposited on the surface of NEJ incubated in normal human serum. Taken together, our findings uncover new means by which a helminth parasite prevents the activation of the Lectin complement pathway to become refractory to killing via this host response, in spite of presenting an assortment of glycans on their surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Heather L. Jewhurst
- Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - József Dobó
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Gál
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - John P. Dalton
- Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Barbour T, Cwiklinski K, Lalor R, Dalton JP, De Marco Verissimo C. The Zoonotic Helminth Parasite Fasciola hepatica: Virulence-Associated Cathepsin B and Cathepsin L Cysteine Peptidases Secreted by Infective Newly Excysted Juveniles (NEJ). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123495. [PMID: 34944270 PMCID: PMC8698070 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fasciolosis, caused by the worm parasite Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke), is a global disease of farm animals and a neglected disease of humans. Infection arises from the ingestion of resistant metacercariae that contaminate vegetation. Within the intestine, the parasite excysts as an active larvae, the newly excysted juvenile (NEJ), that borrows through the intestinal wall to infect the host and migrates to the liver. NEJ release, tissue penetration and migration are facilitated by enzymes secreted by the parasite, namely, cathepsin B1 (FhCB1), cathepsin B2 (FhCB2), cathepsin B3 (FhCB3) and cathepsin L3 (FhCL3). While our knowledge of these enzymes is growing, we have yet to understand why the parasites require all four of them to invade the host. In this study, we produced functional recombinant forms of these enzymes and demonstrated that they vary greatly in terms of activity, optimal pH and substrate specificity, suggesting that, combined, these enzymes provide the parasite with an efficient digestion system for different host tissues and molecules. We also identified several compounds that inhibited the activity of these enzymes, but did not affect the ability of the larvae to excyst or survive. However, this does not exclude these enzymes as targets for development of drugs or vaccines. Abstract Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a major global disease of livestock and an important neglected helminthiasis of humans. Infection arises when encysted metacercariae are ingested by the mammalian host. Within the intestine, the parasite excysts as a newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) that penetrates the intestinal wall and migrates to the liver. NEJ excystment and tissue penetration are facilitated by the secretion of cysteine peptidases, namely, cathepsin B1 (FhCB1), cathepsin B2 (FhCB2), cathepsin B3 (FhCB3) and cathepsin L3 (FhCL3). While our knowledge of these peptidases is growing, we have yet to understand why multiple enzymes are required for parasite invasion. Here, we produced functional recombinant forms of these four peptidases and compared their physio-biochemical characteristics. Our studies show great variation of their pH optima for activity, substrate specificity and inhibitory profile. Carboxy-dipeptidase activity was exhibited exclusively by FhCB1. Our studies suggest that, combined, these peptidases create a powerful hydrolytic cocktail capable of digesting the various host tissues, cells and macromolecules. Although we found several inhibitors of these enzymes, they did not show potent inhibition of metacercarial excystment or NEJ viability in vitro. However, this does not exclude these peptidases as targets for future drug or vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Barbour
- School of Biological Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (T.B.); (K.C.); (J.P.D.)
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- School of Biological Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (T.B.); (K.C.); (J.P.D.)
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Richard Lalor
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - John Pius Dalton
- School of Biological Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (T.B.); (K.C.); (J.P.D.)
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- School of Biological Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (T.B.); (K.C.); (J.P.D.)
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- Correspondence:
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Lalor R, Cwiklinski K, Calvani NED, Dorey A, Hamon S, Corrales JL, Dalton JP, De Marco Verissimo C. Pathogenicity and virulence of the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola Gigantica that cause the zoonosis Fasciolosis. Virulence 2021; 12:2839-2867. [PMID: 34696693 PMCID: PMC8632118 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1996520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciolosis caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica is one of the most important neglected parasitic diseases of humans and animals. The ability of the parasites to infect and multiply in their intermediate snail hosts, and their adaptation to a wide variety of mammalian definitive hosts contribute to their high transmissibility and distribution. Within the mammalian host, the trauma caused by the immature flukes burrowing through the liver parenchyma is associated with most of the pathogenesis. Similarly, the feeding activity and the physical presence of large flukes in the bile ducts can lead to anemia, inflammation, obstruction and cholangitis. The high frequency of non-synonymous polymorphisms found in Fasciola spp. genes allows for adaptation and invasion of a broad range of hosts. This is also facilitated by parasite’s excretory-secretory (ES) molecules that mediate physiological changes that allows their establishment within the host. ES contains cathepsin peptidases that aid parasite invasion by degrading collagen and fibronectin. In the bile ducts, cathepsin-L is critical to hemoglobin digestion during feeding activities. Other molecules (peroxiredoxin, cathepsin-L and Kunitz-type inhibitor) stimulate a strong immune response polarized toward a Treg/Th2 phenotype that favors fluke’s survival. Helminth defense molecule, fatty acid binding proteins, Fasciola-specific glycans and miRNAs modulate host pro-inflammatory responses, while antioxidant scavenger enzymes work in an orchestrated way to deter host oxidant-mediated damage. Combining these strategies Fasciola spp. survive for decades within their mammalian host, where they reproduce and spread to become one of the most widespread zoonotic worm parasites in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lalor
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Amber Dorey
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siobhán Hamon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jesús López Corrales
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - John Pius Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Carolina De Marco Verissimo
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre for One Health and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Evaluation of Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Fasciola hepatica Tetraspanin 2 (TSP2) Fused to E. coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin B Subunit LTB Adjuvant Following Intranasal Vaccination of Cattle. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9111213. [PMID: 34835144 PMCID: PMC8623123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciolosis, caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, is an economically important and globally distributed zoonotic disease. Liver fluke infections in livestock cause significant losses in production and are of particular concern to regions where drug resistance is emerging. Antigens of the F. hepatica surface tegument represent promising vaccine candidates for controlling this disease. Tetraspanins are integral tegumental antigens that have shown partial protection as vaccine candidates against other trematode species. The Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin's B subunit (LTB) is a potent mucosal adjuvant capable of inducing an immune response to fused antigens. This study investigates the potential of F. hepatica tetraspanin 2 extracellular loop 2 (rFhTSP2) as a protective vaccine antigen and determines if fusion of FhTSP2 to LTB can enhance protection in cattle. Cattle were immunised subcutaneously with rFhTSP2 mixed in the Freund's adjuvant and intranasally with rLTB-FhTSP2 in saline, accounting for equal molar ratios of tetraspanin in both groups. Vaccination with rFhTSP2 stimulated a strong specific serum IgG response, whereas there was no significant serum IgG response following rLTB-FhTSP2 intranasal vaccination. There was no substantial antigen specific serum IgA generated in all groups across the trial. Contrastingly, after the fluke challenge, a rise in antigen specific saliva IgA was observed in both vaccination groups on Day 42, with the rLTB-FhTSP2 vaccination group showing significant mucosal IgA production at Day 84. However, neither vaccine group showed a significant reduction of fluke burden nor faecal egg output. These results suggest that intranasal vaccination with rLTB-FhTSP2 does elicit a humoral mucosal response but further work is needed to evaluate if mucosal delivery of liver fluke antigens fused to LTB is a viable vaccine strategy.
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Recognition Pattern of the Fasciola hepatica Excretome/Secretome during the Course of an Experimental Infection in Sheep by 2D Immunoproteomics. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060725. [PMID: 34207550 PMCID: PMC8228785 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Excretory/secretory products released by helminth parasites have been widely studied for their diagnostic utility, immunomodulatory properties, as well as for their use as vaccines. Due to their location at the host/parasite interface, the characterization of parasite secretions is important to unravel the molecular interactions governing the relationships between helminth parasites and their hosts. In this study, the excretory/secretory products from adult worms of the trematode Fasciola hepatica (FhES) were employed in a combination of two-dimensional electrophoresis, immunoblot and mass spectrometry, to analyze the immune response elicited in sheep during the course of an experimental infection. Ten different immunogenic proteins from FhES recognized by serum samples from infected sheep at 4, 8, and/or 12 weeks post-infection were identified. Among these, different isoforms of cathepsin L and B, peroxiredoxin, calmodulin, or glutathione S-transferase were recognized from the beginning to the end of the experimental infection, suggesting their potential role as immunomodulatory antigens. Furthermore, four FhES proteins (C2H2-type domain-containing protein, ferritin, superoxide dismutase, and globin-3) were identified for the first time as non-immunogenic proteins. These results may help to further understand host/parasite relationships in fasciolosis, and to identify potential diagnostic molecules and drug target candidates of F. hepatica.
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