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Sutcliffe EI, Irvine A, Rooney J, Smith D, Northcote HM, McKenzie D, Bakshi S, Nisbet AJ, Price D, Graham R, Morphew R, Atkinson L, Mousley A, Cantacessi C. Antimicrobial peptides in nematode secretions - Unveiling biotechnological opportunities for therapeutics and beyond. Biotechnol Adv 2025; 81:108572. [PMID: 40154760 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108572] [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: 12/06/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2025] [Accepted: 03/25/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic nematodes threaten food security and affect human health and animal welfare globally. Current anthelmintics for use in humans and livestock are challenged by continuous re-infections and the emergence and spread of multidrug resistance, underscoring an urgent need to identify novel control targets for therapeutic exploitation. Recent evidence has highlighted the occurrence of complex interplay between GI parasitic nematodes of humans and livestock and the resident host gut microbiota. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found within nematode biofluids have emerged as potential effectors of these interactions. This review delves into the occurrence, structure, and function of nematode AMPs, highlighting their potential as targets for drug discovery and development. We argue that an integrated approach combining advanced analytical techniques, scalable production methods, and innovative experimental models is needed to unlock the full potential of nematode AMPs and pave the way for the discovery and development of sustainable parasite control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E I Sutcliffe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - A Irvine
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - J Rooney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - D Smith
- Moredun Research Institute, United Kingdom
| | - H M Northcote
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
| | - D McKenzie
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - S Bakshi
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - A J Nisbet
- Moredun Research Institute, United Kingdom
| | - D Price
- Moredun Research Institute, United Kingdom
| | - R Graham
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - R Morphew
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
| | - L Atkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - A Mousley
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - C Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Ju J, Lu X, Gao Z, Yin H, Xu S, Li H. Genome Sequencing of the Antibiotic-Resistant Leucobacter sp. HNU-1 and Its Developmental Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:3673. [PMID: 40338253 PMCID: PMC12027743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26083673] [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: 03/05/2025] [Revised: 04/07/2025] [Accepted: 04/08/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025] Open
Abstract
To date, Leucobacter species have been identified from diverse sources with various ecological and functional roles. However, the genomic features and pathogenic potential of antibiotic-resistant Leucobacter strains remain understudied. Here, we isolated the Leucobacter sp. HNU-1 from tropical Hainan Province, China, and found it can induce diapause in Caenorhabditis elegans following ingestion, while exhibiting no significant effects on the nematode's lifespan, survival rate, locomotion, and intestinal epithelial cells. This bacterium demonstrates resistance to multiple antibiotics, including kanamycin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and vancomycin. On LB medium, Leucobacter sp. HNU-1 forms yellow, opaque colonies with a smooth, moist surface, regular edges, a convex center, and no surrounding halo, with diameters ranging from 2 to 3 mm. Furthermore, we performed whole-genome sequencing using third-generation high-throughput sequencing technology. De novo assembly revealed a genome size of 3,375,033 bp, with a GC content of 70.37%. A total of 3270 functional genes, accounting for 88.98% of the genome, were annotated, along with six potential CRISPR sequences and other genetic elements. Genomic and bioinformatic analyses further identified antibiotics-related genes. This research provides a theoretical foundation for investigating antibiotic-resistant environmental bacteria in tropical environments and offers new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for microbial infections and host-microbe interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Ju
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (J.J.); (Z.G.)
| | - Xinhe Lu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (J.J.); (Z.G.)
| | - Ziqing Gao
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (J.J.); (Z.G.)
| | - Hongyan Yin
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China;
| | - Shunqing Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Hanzeng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Tao M, Huang Y, Xu T, Peng X, Liao X, Xia Z, Zheng D, Li R, Xu X. Anti-infective properties of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)R. Wilczek) coat extract on Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected Caenorhabditis elegans: Transcriptomics and pathway analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 337:118838. [PMID: 39299359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mung bean coat has long been known for its wide-ranging health benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties. For many years in China, mung beans have been employed in the therapeutic management of inflammation induced by pathogenic bacteria infection, yet the precise underlying protective mechanisms remain to be comprehensively elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY Given the growing concern over antibiotic resistance, there is a necessity to explore new anti-infective agents. Here, the anti-infective properties of Mung bean coat extract (MBCE) were investigated using a model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected nematodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The protective effects of MBCE on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14) infected nematodes were assessed by lifespan assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, transcriptomics, and Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS MBCE significantly improved the survival rates and reduced ROS levels in infected worms. Transcriptomic profiling disclosed predominant KEGG pathway enrichments in immune responses, energy metabolism processes such as oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, alongside aging-related neurodegenerative diseases and longevity regulatory pathways like PI3K-AKT, MAPK, mTOR, and FOXO. qRT-PCR validation showed that MBCE upregulated antimicrobial peptides (spp-3, lys-1, lys-7, abf-2, cnc-2, nlp-33, clec-85), gram-negative responses (irg-3, src-2, grd-3, col-179), and mitochondrial function (mev-1) gene expressions, while downregulated insulin signaling-related (age-1, akt-1, akt-2, daf-15) gene expressions. Mutant strains lifespan analysis indicated that the nsy-1, sek-1, pmk-1, daf-2, aak-2, sir-2.1, and skn-1 were necessary for lifespan extension mediated by MBCE under PA14 infection, but not clk-1, isp-1, mev-1, or daf-16. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings suggested that MBCE increased the survival rates of PA14-infected worms by activating downstream antimicrobial and antioxidant gene expressions through modulation of MAPK, daf-2, aak-2, sir-2.1, and skn-1 pathways. The research underscored the potential of natural plant compounds to strengthen the body's defenses against infections, potentially mitigating harmful ROS levels and improving survival. Additionally, these findings elucidated the mechanisms by which these plant-derived compounds enhance the immune system, implying their potential utility as dietary supplements or as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfang Tao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Detection Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xitian Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Detection Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianqing Liao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Detection Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Xia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Detection Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Detection Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology (Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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Tishadas S, Noma K. Orsay virus infection rate declines with age in C. elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2025; 2025:10.17912/micropub.biology.001434. [PMID: 39867230 PMCID: PMC11764689 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2024] [Revised: 12/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
The intracellular pathogen response is regulated by multiple pals genes in C. elegans . How such responses change with age is largely unknown. Thus, we investigated potential age-dependent changes in the immune response to the C. elegans -specific Orsay virus . When animals were exposed to equal viral concentrations, the expression of known immune-response pals genes and viral RNAs was lower in aged populations than in young adults. However, when young and aged populations were infected with equal viral loads, pals gene expression did not change with age. Therefore, aged C. elegans experience a decline in viral infection rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivaani Tishadas
- Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Will I, Stevens EJ, Belcher T, King KC. 'Re-Wilding' an Animal Model With Microbiota Shifts Immunity and Stress Gene Expression During Infection. Mol Ecol 2025; 34:e17586. [PMID: 39529601 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 10/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The frequency of emerging disease is growing with ongoing human activity facilitating new host-pathogen interactions. Novel infection outcomes can also be shaped by the host microbiota. Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes experimentally colonised by a wild microbiota community and infected by the widespread animal pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, have been shown to suffer higher mortality than those infected by the pathogen alone. Understanding the host responses to such microbiota-pathogen ecological interactions is key to pinpointing the mechanism underlying severe infection outcomes. We conducted transcriptomic analyses of C. elegans colonised by its native microbiota, S. aureus and both in combination. Correlations between altered collagen gene expression and heightened mortality in co-colonised hosts suggest the microbiota modified host resistance to infection. Furthermore, microbiota colonised hosts showed increased expression of immunity genes and variable expression of stress response genes during infection. Changes in host immunity and stress response could encompass both causes and effects of severe infection outcomes. 'Re-wilding' this model nematode host with its native microbiota indicated that typically commensal microbes can mediate molecular changes in the host that are costly when challenged by a novel emerging pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Will
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emily J Stevens
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
| | | | - Kayla C King
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Zárate-Potes A, Schulenburg H, Dierking K. Unanticipated specificity in effector-triggered immunity. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:939-942. [PMID: 39550315 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 10/18/2024] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024]
Abstract
Effector-triggered immunity (ETI) enables hosts to react to pathogens by monitoring few key cellular processes. ETI responses are assumed to be similar toward related pathogen effectors. However, recent evidence from the invertebrate model Caenorhabditis elegans and pore-forming toxins indicates a much more complex and specific ETI than previously anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Zárate-Potes
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Hinrich Schulenburg
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Ploen, Germany.
| | - Katja Dierking
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
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Liu K, Grover M, Trusch F, Vagena-Pantoula C, Ippolito D, Barkoulas M. Paired C-type lectin receptors mediate specific recognition of divergent oomycete pathogens in C. elegans. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114906. [PMID: 39460939 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate immune responses can be triggered upon detection of pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns by host receptors that are often present on the surface of immune cells. While invertebrates like Caenorhabditis elegans lack professional immune cells, they still mount pathogen-specific responses. However, the identity of host receptors in the nematode remains poorly understood. Here, we show that C-type lectin receptors mediate species-specific recognition of divergent oomycetes in C. elegans. A CLEC-27/CLEC-35 pair is essential for recognition of the oomycete Myzocytiopsis humicola, while a CLEC-26/CLEC-36 pair is required for detection of Haptoglossa zoospora. Both clec pairs are transcriptionally regulated through a shared promoter by the conserved PRD-like homeodomain transcription factor CEH-37/OTX2 and act in sensory neurons and the anterior intestine to trigger a protective immune response in the epidermis. This system enables redundant tissue sensing of oomycete threats through canonical CLEC receptors and host defense via cross-tissue communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Liu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ London, UK
| | - Manish Grover
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ London, UK
| | - Franziska Trusch
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ London, UK
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Chen Y, Liu Z, Yuan W, Lu S, Bai W, Lin Q, Mu J, Wang J, Wang H, Liang Y. Transgenerational and parental impacts of acrylamide exposure on Caenorhabditis elegans: Physiological, behavioral, and genetic mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 361:124868. [PMID: 39216669 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Acrylamide is pervasive, and its exposure poses numerous health risks. This study examines both the direct and transgenerational effects of acrylamide toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans, focusing on physiological and behavioral parameters. Parental exposure to acrylamide compromised several aspects of nematode health, including lifespan, reproductive capacity, body dimensions, and motor and sensory functions. Notably, while exposure to low concentrations of acrylamide did not alter the physiological traits of the offspring-except for their learning and memory-these findings suggest a possible adaptive response to low-level exposure that could be inherited by subsequent generations. Furthermore, continued acrylamide exposure in the offspring intensified both physiological and perceptual toxicity. Detailed analysis revealed dose-dependent alterations in acrylamide's detoxification and metabolic pathways. In particular, it inhibits the gene gst-4, which encodes a crucial enzyme in detoxification, mitigates DNA damage induced by acrylamide, and highlights a potential therapeutic target to reduce its deleterious effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Chen
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
| | - Weijia Yuan
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
| | - Weidong Bai
- College of Light Industry and Food Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510225, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Lingnan Specialty Food Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510225, China; Academy of Contemporary Agricultural Engineering Innovations, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510225, China
| | - Qinlu Lin
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
| | - Jianfei Mu
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
| | - Jianqiang Wang
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
| | - Haifang Wang
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-Product Deep Processing/College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China.
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Vidal M, Arch M, Fuentes E, Cardona PJ. Drosophila melanogaster experimental model to test new antimicrobials: a methodological approach. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1478263. [PMID: 39568995 PMCID: PMC11576456 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1478263] [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: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the increasing concern about antimicrobial resistance among the microorganisms that cause infections in our society, there is an urgent need for new drug discovery. Currently, this process involves testing many low-quality compounds, resulting from the in vivo testing, on mammal models, which not only wastes time, resources, and money, but also raises ethical questions. In this review, we have discussed the potential of D. melanogaster as an intermediary experimental model in this drug discovery timeline. We have tackled the topic from a methodological perspective, providing recommendations regarding the range of drug concentrations to test based on the mechanism of action of each compound; how to treat D. melanogaster, how to monitor that treatment, and what parameters we should consider when designing a drug screening protocol to maximize the study's benefits. We also discuss the necessary improvements needed to establish the D. melanogaster model of infection as a standard technique in the drug screening process. Overall, D. melanogaster has been demonstrated to be a manageable model for studying broad-spectrum infection treatment. It allows us to obtain valuable information in a cost-effective manner, which can improve the drug screening process and provide insights into our current major concern. This approach is also in line with the 3R policy in biomedical research, in particular on the replacement and reduce the use of vertebrates in preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vidal
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- Tuberculosis Research Unit, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Arch
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Tuberculosis Research Unit, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Esther Fuentes
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Tuberculosis Research Unit, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CMCiB), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pere-Joan Cardona
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- Tuberculosis Research Unit, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CMCiB), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Baburajan AP, Bhat SG, Narayanan S. Investigating the Immunomodulatory Effects of Antigenic PLGA Nanoparticles and Nutritional Synergy in Caenorhabditis elegans. BIONANOSCIENCE 2024; 14:4493-4505. [PMID: 39404703 PMCID: PMC7616597 DOI: 10.1007/s12668-024-01330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/08/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the significance of antigenic nanoformulation in immunomodulation and in the interplay between immune response and nutrition. The work involves the development of a polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) biopolymer-based nanoparticle with immunogenic inclusions derived from Staphylococcus aureus cell wall and membrane (CWM) through a double emulsion method followed by their physio-chemical characterization and in vivo assessment in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The prepared nanoparticles were monodispersed in nature and exhibited a diameter of ~ 25 nm with stable colloidal nature and a zeta potential of - 25 ± 2 mV. The inclusion release and carrier degradation profiling revealed controlled and steady kinetics supporting the sustained availability of the encapsulated payload. The immunomodulatory studies conducted in C. elegans revealed that the expression of the stress indicator gene viz., sodh-1 was significantly upregulated in the CWM-treated worms and was notably reduced in the worms treated with the nanoformulation indicative of the slow release of the antigen which does not trigger untoward stress responses. In contrast, the expression of host defense genes viz., clec-7, ilys-3, igg-1, and cyp-37B1 in response to the CWM treatment was found to be downregulated, while for the nanoformulation treatment, the extent of downregulation was relatively lesser. A notable observation emerged as these genes, previously downregulated, exhibited a significant upsurge when the nutritional supplementation was amplified. This highlighted the profound influence of nutrition in fine-tuning the immune responses. Our data offers insights that could pave the way for further research in designing nutritional strategies to augment immunomodulatory interventions, as well as advocate for nanoparticle-based immunomodulatory approaches to prevent immune stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarita Ganapathy Bhat
- Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, India
| | - Sreeja Narayanan
- Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, India
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Bertorello S, Cei F, Fink D, Niccolai E, Amedei A. The Future Exploring of Gut Microbiome-Immunity Interactions: From In Vivo/Vitro Models to In Silico Innovations. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1828. [PMID: 39338502 PMCID: PMC11434319 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12091828] [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: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigating the complex interactions between microbiota and immunity is crucial for a fruitful understanding progress of human health and disease. This review assesses animal models, next-generation in vitro models, and in silico approaches that are used to decipher the microbiome-immunity axis, evaluating their strengths and limitations. While animal models provide a comprehensive biological context, they also raise ethical and practical concerns. Conversely, modern in vitro models reduce animal involvement but require specific costs and materials. When considering the environmental impact of these models, in silico approaches emerge as promising for resource reduction, but they require robust experimental validation and ongoing refinement. Their potential is significant, paving the way for a more sustainable and ethical future in microbiome-immunity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bertorello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (F.C.); (D.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Francesco Cei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (F.C.); (D.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Dorian Fink
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (F.C.); (D.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (F.C.); (D.F.); (A.A.)
- Laboratorio Congiunto MIA-LAB (Microbiome-Immunity Axis Research for a Circular Health), University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (S.B.); (F.C.); (D.F.); (A.A.)
- Laboratorio Congiunto MIA-LAB (Microbiome-Immunity Axis Research for a Circular Health), University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Castiglioni VG, Olmo-Uceda MJ, Martín S, Félix MA, González R, Elena SF. Experimental evolution of an RNA virus in Caenorhabditis elegans. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105623. [PMID: 38901623 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of Orsay virus (OrV), the first virus infecting wild populations of Caenorhabditis elegans, has boosted studies of viral immunity pathways in this nematode. Considering the many advantages that C. elegans offers for fundamental research in host-pathogen interactions, this pathosystem has high potential to become a model system for experimental virus evolution studies. However, the evolutionary constraints - i.e, the balance between genetic variation, selection, drift and historical contingency- operating in this pathosystem have barely been explored. Here we describe for the first time an evolution experiment of two different OrV strains in C. elegans. Comparison of the two ancestral strains showed differences in infectivity and sequence, and highlighted the importance of consistently normalize viral inocula for meaningful comparisons among strains. After 10 serial passages of evolution, we report slight changes in infectivity and non-synonymous mutations fixed in the evolved viral populations. In addition, we observed numerous minor variants emerging in the viral population. These minor variants were not randomly distributed along the genome but concentrated in polymorphic genomic regions. Overall, our work established the grounds for future experimental virus evolution studies using Caenorhabditis nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria G Castiglioni
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (CSIC-Universitat de València), Paterna, 46980 València, Spain
| | - María J Olmo-Uceda
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (CSIC-Universitat de València), Paterna, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Susana Martín
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (CSIC-Universitat de València), Paterna, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Marie-Anne Félix
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rubén González
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (CSIC-Universitat de València), Paterna, 46980 València, Spain; Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Santiago F Elena
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (CSIC-Universitat de València), Paterna, 46980 València, Spain; Santa Fe Institute, Sant Fe, NM 87501, USA.
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13
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Batachari LE, Dai AY, Troemel ER. Caenorhabditis elegans RIG-I-like receptor DRH-1 signals via CARDs to activate antiviral immunity in intestinal cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402126121. [PMID: 38980902 PMCID: PMC11260149 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402126121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Upon sensing viral RNA, mammalian RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) activate downstream signals using caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs), which ultimately promote transcriptional immune responses that have been well studied. In contrast, the downstream signaling mechanisms for invertebrate RLRs are much less clear. For example, the Caenorhabditis elegans RLR DRH-1 lacks annotated CARDs and up-regulates the distinct output of RNA interference. Here, we found that similar to mammal RLRs, DRH-1 signals through two tandem CARDs (2CARD) to induce a transcriptional immune response. Expression of DRH-1(2CARD) alone in the intestine was sufficient to induce immune gene expression, increase viral resistance, and promote thermotolerance, a phenotype previously associated with immune activation in C. elegans. We also found that DRH-1 is required in the intestine to induce immune gene expression, and we demonstrate subcellular colocalization of DRH-1 puncta with double-stranded RNA inside the cytoplasm of intestinal cells upon viral infection. Altogether, our results reveal mechanistic and spatial insights into antiviral signaling in C. elegans, highlighting unexpected parallels in RLR signaling between C. elegans and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi E. Batachari
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Alyssa Y. Dai
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Emily R. Troemel
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
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14
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Emser J, Wernet N, Hetzer B, Wohlmann E, Fischer R. The cysteine-rich virulence factor NipA of Arthrobotrys flagrans interferes with cuticle integrity of Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5795. [PMID: 38987250 PMCID: PMC11237121 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50096-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals protect themself from microbial attacks by robust skins or a cuticle as in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nematode-trapping fungi, like Arthrobotrys flagrans, overcome the cuticle barrier and colonize the nematode body. While lytic enzymes are important for infection, small-secreted proteins (SSPs) without enzymatic activity, emerge as crucial virulence factors. Here, we characterized NipA (nematode induced protein) which A. flagrans secretes at the penetration site. In the absence of NipA, A. flagrans required more time to penetrate C. elegans. Heterologous expression of the fungal protein in the epidermis of C. elegans led to blister formation. NipA contains 13 cysteines, 12 of which are likely to form disulfide bridges, and the remaining cysteine was crucial for blister formation. We hypothesize that NipA interferes with cuticle integrity to facilitate fungal entry. Genome-wide expression analyses of C. elegans expressing NipA revealed mis-regulation of genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) maintenance and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Emser
- Institute for Applied Biosciences. Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, Karlsruhe, 76131, Germany
| | - Nicole Wernet
- Institute for Applied Biosciences. Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, Karlsruhe, 76131, Germany
| | - Birgit Hetzer
- Max Rubner-Institut (MRI) - Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Haid-und-Neu-Strasse 9, Karlsruhe, 76131, Germany
| | - Elke Wohlmann
- Institute for Applied Biosciences. Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, Karlsruhe, 76131, Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Institute for Applied Biosciences. Department of Microbiology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, Karlsruhe, 76131, Germany.
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15
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Bauer M, Ermolaeva M, Singer M, Wetzker R, Soares MP. Hormesis as an adaptive response to infection. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:633-641. [PMID: 38744580 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.04.012] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Hormesis is a phenomenon whereby low-level stress can improve cellular, organ, or organismal fitness in response to a subsequent similar or other stress insult. Whereas hormesis is thought to contribute to the fitness benefits arising from symbiotic host-microbe interactions, the putative benefits of hormesis in host-pathogen interactions have yet to be explored. Hormetic responses have nonetheless been reported in experimental models of infection, a common feature of which is regulation of host mitochondrial function. We propose that these mitohormetic responses could be harnessed therapeutically to limit the severity of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bauer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
| | - Maria Ermolaeva
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mervyn Singer
- Bloomsbury Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Reinhard Wetzker
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Miguel P Soares
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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16
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Hajdú G, Szathmári C, Sőti C. Modeling Host-Pathogen Interactions in C. elegans: Lessons Learned from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7034. [PMID: 39000143 PMCID: PMC11241598 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections, such as that by the multiresistant opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, may pose a serious health risk, especially on vulnerable patient populations. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides a simple organismal model to investigate both pathogenic mechanisms and the emerging role of innate immunity in host protection. Here, we review the virulence and infection strategies of P. aeruginosa and host defenses of C. elegans. We summarize the recognition mechanisms of patterns of pathogenesis, including novel pathogen-associated molecular patterns and surveillance immunity of translation, mitochondria, and lysosome-related organelles. We also review the regulation of antimicrobial and behavioral defenses by the worm's neuroendocrine system. We focus on how discoveries in this rich field align with well-characterized evolutionary conserved protective pathways, as well as on potential crossovers to human pathogenesis and innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Hajdú
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csenge Szathmári
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Sőti
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
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17
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Zuryn S. C. elegans as a model for health and disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:1-3. [PMID: 37567848 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Zuryn
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
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18
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Batachari LE, Dai AY, Troemel ER. C. elegans RIG-I-like receptor DRH-1 signals via CARDs to activate anti-viral immunity in intestinal cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.578694. [PMID: 38370651 PMCID: PMC10871272 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.578694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Upon sensing viral RNA, mammalian RIG-I-like receptors activate downstream signals using caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs), which ultimately promote transcriptional immune responses that have been well-studied. In contrast, the downstream signaling mechanisms for invertebrate RIG-I-like receptors are much less clear. For example, the Caenorhabditis elegans RIG-I-like receptor DRH-1 lacks annotated CARDs and upregulates the distinct output of RNA interference (RNAi). Here we found that, similar to mammal RIG-I-like receptors, DRH-1 signals through two tandem caspase activation and recruitment domains (2CARD) to induce a transcriptional immune response. Expression of DRH-1(2CARD) alone in the intestine was sufficient to induce immune gene expression, increase viral resistance, and promote thermotolerance, a phenotype previously associated with immune activation. We also found that DRH-1 is required in the intestine to induce immune gene expression, and we demonstrate subcellular colocalization of DRH-1 puncta with double-stranded RNA inside the cytoplasm of intestinal cells upon viral infection. Altogether, our results reveal mechanistic and spatial insights into anti-viral signaling in C. elegans, highlighting unexpected parallels in RIG-I-like receptor signaling between C. elegans and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi E Batachari
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Alyssa Y Dai
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Emily R Troemel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
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19
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Kloc M, Halasa M, Kubiak JZ, Ghobrial RM. Invertebrate Immunity, Natural Transplantation Immunity, Somatic and Germ Cell Parasitism, and Transposon Defense. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1072. [PMID: 38256145 PMCID: PMC10815962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021072] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While the vertebrate immune system consists of innate and adaptive branches, invertebrates only have innate immunity. This feature makes them an ideal model system for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of innate immunity sensu stricto without reciprocal interferences from adaptive immunity. Although invertebrate immunity is evolutionarily older and a precursor of vertebrate immunity, it is far from simple. Despite lacking lymphocytes and functional immunoglobulin, the invertebrate immune system has many sophisticated mechanisms and features, such as long-term immune memory, which, for decades, have been exclusively attributed to adaptive immunity. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular aspects of invertebrate immunity, including the epigenetic foundation of innate memory, the transgenerational inheritance of immunity, genetic immunity against invading transposons, the mechanisms of self-recognition, natural transplantation, and germ/somatic cell parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Kloc
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.H.); (R.M.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Genetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marta Halasa
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.H.); (R.M.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jacek Z. Kubiak
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute (WIM-PIB), Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland;
- Dynamics and Mechanics of Epithelia Group, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, University of Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6290, 35043 Rennes, France
| | - Rafik M. Ghobrial
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.H.); (R.M.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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20
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Kloc M, Kubiak JZ. The Role of Human and Animal Monocytes and Macrophages in Homeostasis and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16397. [PMID: 38003587 PMCID: PMC10671400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocytes and macrophages are the innate immune cells that are the first-line responders to invading pathogens or foreign objects[...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Houston Methodist Hospital, Department of Surgery, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Genetics, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jacek Z. Kubiak
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine—National Research Institute (WIM-PIB), Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
- Dynamics and Mechanics of Epithelia Group, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6290, 35043 Rennes, France
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21
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Doering KRS, Ermakova G, Taubert S. Nuclear hormone receptor NHR-49 is an essential regulator of stress resilience and healthy aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1241591. [PMID: 37645565 PMCID: PMC10461480 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1241591] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome of Caenorhabditis elegans encodes 284 nuclear hormone receptor, which perform diverse functions in development and physiology. One of the best characterized of these is NHR-49, related in sequence and function to mammalian hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. Initially identified as regulator of lipid metabolism, including fatty acid catabolism and desaturation, additional important roles for NHR-49 have since emerged. It is an essential contributor to longevity in several genetic and environmental contexts, and also plays vital roles in the resistance to several stresses and innate immune response to infection with various bacterial pathogens. Here, we review how NHR-49 is integrated into pertinent signaling circuits and how it achieves its diverse functions. We also highlight areas for future investigation including identification of regulatory inputs that drive NHR-49 activity and identification of tissue-specific gene regulatory outputs. We anticipate that future work on this protein will provide information that could be useful for developing strategies to age-associated declines in health and age-related human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie R. S. Doering
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Edwin S. H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Glafira Ermakova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Edwin S. H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stefan Taubert
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Edwin S. H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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