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Wang X, Qu L, Chen J, Hu K, Zhou Z, Zhang J, An Y, Zheng J. Rhoptry proteins affect the placental barrier in the context of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Signaling pathways and functions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116567. [PMID: 38850700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic and pathogenic obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that is widespread worldwide and can infect most warm-blooded animals, seriously endangering human health and affecting livestock production. Toxoplasmosis caused by T. gondii infection has different clinical manifestations, which are mainly determined by the virulence of T. gondii and host differences. Among the manifestations of this condition, abortion, stillbirth, and fetal malformation can occur if a woman is infected with T. gondii in early pregnancy. Here, we discuss how the T. gondii rhoptry protein affects host pregnancy outcomes and speculate on the related signaling pathways involved. The effects of rhoptry proteins of T. gondii on the placental barrier are complex. Rhoptry proteins not only regulate interferon-regulated genes (IRGs) to ensure the survival of parasites in activated cells but also promote the spread of worms in tissues and the invasive ability of the parasites. The functions of these rhoptry proteins and the associated signaling pathways highlight relevant mechanisms by which Toxoplasma crosses the placental barrier and influences fetal development and will guide future studies to uncover the complexity of the host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lai Qu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kaisong Hu
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiming An
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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2
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Dai Y, Zhang M, Liu X, Sun T, Qi W, Ding W, Chen Z, Zhang P, Liu R, Chen H, Chen S, Wang Y, Yue Y, Song N, Wang W, Jia H, Ma Z, Li C, Chen Q, Li B. Salmonella manipulates macrophage migration via SteC-mediated myosin light chain activation to penetrate the gut-vascular barrier. EMBO J 2024; 43:1499-1518. [PMID: 38528181 PMCID: PMC11021425 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00076-7] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal pathogen Salmonella enterica rapidly enters the bloodstream after the invasion of intestinal epithelial cells, but how Salmonella breaks through the gut-vascular barrier is largely unknown. Here, we report that Salmonella enters the bloodstream through intestinal CX3CR1+ macrophages during early infection. Mechanistically, Salmonella induces the migration/invasion properties of macrophages in a manner dependent on host cell actin and on the pathogen effector SteC. SteC recruits host myosin light chain protein Myl12a and phosphorylates its Ser19 and Thr20 residues. Myl12a phosphorylation results in actin rearrangement, and enhanced migration and invasion of macrophages. SteC is able to utilize a wide range of NTPs other than ATP to phosphorylate Myl12a. We further solved the crystal structure of SteC, which suggests an atypical dimerization-mediated catalytic mechanism. Finally, in vivo data show that SteC-mediated cytoskeleton manipulation is crucial for Salmonella breaching the gut vascular barrier and spreading to target organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanji Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Ting Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Wenqi Qi
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Ding
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Ruirui Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Huimin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Siyan Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yingying Yue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Nannan Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Haihong Jia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongrui Ma
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Cuiling Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Qixin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China.
| | - Bingqing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China.
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China.
- Key Lab for Biotech-Drugs of National Health Commission, Jinan, 250117, China.
- Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, China.
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3
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ten Hoeve AL, Rodriguez ME, Säflund M, Michel V, Magimel L, Ripoll A, Yu T, Hakimi MA, Saeij JPJ, Ozata DM, Barragan A. Hypermigration of macrophages through the concerted action of GRA effectors on NF-κB/p38 signaling and host chromatin accessibility potentiates Toxoplasma dissemination. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.579146. [PMID: 38370679 PMCID: PMC10871220 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.579146] [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
Mononuclear phagocytes facilitate the dissemination of the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we report how a set of secreted parasite effector proteins from dense granule organelles (GRA) orchestrates dendritic cell-like chemotactic and pro-inflammatory activation of parasitized macrophages. These effects enabled efficient dissemination of the type II T. gondii lineage, a highly prevalent genotype in humans. We identify novel functions for effectors GRA15 and GRA24 in promoting CCR7-mediated macrophage chemotaxis by acting on NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, respectively, with contributions of GRA16/18 and counter-regulation by effector TEEGR. Further, GRA28 boosted chromatin accessibility and GRA15/24/NF-κB-dependent transcription at the Ccr7 gene locus in primary macrophages. In vivo, adoptively transferred macrophages infected with wild-type T. gondii outcompeted macrophages infected with a GRA15/24 double mutant in migrating to secondary organs in mice. The data show that T. gondii, rather than being passively shuttled, actively promotes its dissemination by inducing a finely regulated pro-migratory state in parasitized human and murine phagocytes via co-operating polymorphic GRA effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne L. ten Hoeve
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matias E. Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Säflund
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Valentine Michel
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lucas Magimel
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Albert Ripoll
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tianxiong Yu
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616 California, USA
| | - Deniz M. Ozata
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Seizova S, Ferrel A, Boothroyd J, Tonkin CJ. Toxoplasma protein export and effector function. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:17-28. [PMID: 38172621 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01563-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled eukaryotic parasite with a considerable host range that must invade the cells of warm-blooded hosts to survive and replicate. The challenges and opportunities that such a strategy represent have been met by the evolution of effectors that are delivered into host cells, counter host defences and co-opt host cell functions for their own purposes. These effectors are delivered in two waves using distinct machinery for each. In this Review, we focus on understanding the architecture of these protein-export systems and how their protein cargo is recognized and selected. We discuss the recent findings on the role that host manipulation has in latent Toxoplasma infections. We also discuss how these recent findings compare to protein export in the related Plasmodium spp. (the causative agent of malaria) and how this can inform our understanding of host manipulation in the larger Apicomplexa phylum and its evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Seizova
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Abel Ferrel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John Boothroyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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5
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Okuma H, Saijo-Hamano Y, Yamada H, Sherif AA, Hashizaki E, Sakai N, Kato T, Imasaki T, Kikkawa S, Nitta E, Sasai M, Abe T, Sugihara F, Maniwa Y, Kosako H, Takei K, Standley DM, Yamamoto M, Nitta R. Structural basis of Irgb6 inactivation by Toxoplasma gondii through the phosphorylation of switch I. Genes Cells 2024; 29:17-38. [PMID: 37984375 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13080] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Irgb6 is a priming immune-related GTPase (IRG) that counteracts Toxoplasma gondii. It is known to be recruited to the low virulent type II T. gondii parasitophorous vacuole (PV), initiating cell-autonomous immunity. However, the molecular mechanism by which immunity-related GTPases become inactivated after the parasite infection remains obscure. Here, we found that Thr95 of Irgb6 is prominently phosphorylated in response to low virulent type II T. gondii infection. We observed that a phosphomimetic T95D mutation in Irgb6 impaired its localization to the PV and exhibited reduced GTPase activity in vitro. Structural analysis unveiled an atypical conformation of nucleotide-free Irgb6-T95D, resulting from a conformational change in the G-domain that allosterically modified the PV membrane-binding interface. In silico docking corroborated the disruption of the physiological membrane binding site. These findings provide novel insights into a T. gondii-induced allosteric inactivation mechanism of Irgb6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Okuma
- Division of Structural Medicine and Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saijo-Hamano
- Division of Structural Medicine and Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamada
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Aalaa Alrahman Sherif
- Department of Genome Informatics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Emi Hashizaki
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Takaaki Kato
- Division of Structural Medicine and Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Imasaki
- Division of Structural Medicine and Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kikkawa
- Division of Structural Medicine and Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Eriko Nitta
- Division of Structural Medicine and Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Miwa Sasai
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tadashi Abe
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Fuminori Sugihara
- Core Instrumentation Facility, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Maniwa
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Kosako
- Division of Cell Signaling, Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kohji Takei
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Daron M Standley
- Department of Genome Informatics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Nitta
- Division of Structural Medicine and Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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6
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Wang X, Qu L, Chen J, Jin Y, Hu K, Zhou Z, Zhang J, An Y, Zheng J. Toxoplasma rhoptry proteins that affect encephalitis outcome. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:439. [PMID: 38049394 PMCID: PMC10696021 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01742-1] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread obligate intracellular parasite, can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. The cellular barrier of the central nervous system (CNS) is generally able to protect the brain parenchyma from infectious damage. However, T. gondii typically causes latent brain infections in humans and other vertebrates. Here, we discuss how T. gondii rhoptry proteins (ROPs) affect signaling pathways in host cells and speculate how this might affect the outcome of Toxoplasma encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lai Qu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yufen Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Kaisong Hu
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yiming An
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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7
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Orchanian SB, Lodoen MB. Monocytes as primary defenders against Toxoplasma gondii infection. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:837-849. [PMID: 37633758 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.07.007] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Monocytes are recruited from the bone marrow to sites of infection where they release cytokines and chemokines, function in antimicrobial immunity, and differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells to control infection. Although many studies have focused on monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells, recent work has examined the unique roles of monocytes during infection to promote immune defense. We focus on the effector functions of monocytes during infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, and discuss the signals that mobilize monocytes to sites of infection, their production of inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial mediators, their ability to shape the adaptive immune response, and their immunoregulatory functions. Insights from other infections, including Plasmodium and Listeria are also included for comparison and context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Orchanian
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Melissa B Lodoen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.
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8
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Ferrel A, Romano J, Panas MW, Coppens I, Boothroyd JC. Host MOSPD2 enrichment at the parasitophorous vacuole membrane varies between Toxoplasma strains and involves complex interactions. mSphere 2023; 8:e0067022. [PMID: 37341482 PMCID: PMC10449529 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00670-22] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular parasite. Infection of a cell produces a unique niche for the parasite named the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) initially composed of host plasma membrane invaginated during invasion. The PV and its membrane (parasitophorous vacuole membrane [PVM]) are subsequently decorated with a variety of parasite proteins allowing the parasite to optimally grow in addition to manipulate host processes. Recently, we reported a proximity-labeling screen at the PVM-host interface and identified host endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident motile sperm domain-containing protein 2 (MOSPD2) as being enriched at this location. Here we extend these findings in several important respects. First, we show that the extent and pattern of host MOSPD2 association with the PVM differ dramatically in cells infected with different strains of Toxoplasma. Second, in cells infected with Type I RH strain, the MOSPD2 staining is mutually exclusive with regions of the PVM that associate with mitochondria. Third, immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with epitope-tagged MOSPD2-expressing host cells reveal strong enrichment of several PVM-localized parasite proteins, although none appear to play an essential role in MOSPD2 association. Fourth, most MOSPD2 associating with the PVM is newly translated after infection of the cell and requires the major functional domains of MOSPD2, identified as the CRAL/TRIO domain and tail anchor, although these domains were not sufficient for PVM association. Lastly, ablation of MOSPD2 results in, at most, a modest impact on Toxoplasma growth in vitro. Collectively, these studies provide new insight into the molecular interactions involving MOSPD2 at the dynamic interface between the PVM and the host cytosol. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular pathogen that lives within a membranous vacuole inside of its host cell. This vacuole is decorated by a variety of parasite proteins that allow it to defend against host attack, acquire nutrients, and interact with the host cell. Recent work identified and validated host proteins enriched at this host-pathogen interface. Here, we follow up on one candidate named MOSPD2 shown to be enriched at the vacuolar membrane and describe it as having a dynamic interaction at this location depending on a variety of factors. Some of these include the presence of host mitochondria, intrinsic domains of the host protein, and whether translation is active. Importantly, we show that MOSPD2 enrichment at the vacuole membrane differs between strains indicating active involvement of the parasite with this phenotype. Altogether, these results shed light on the mechanism and role of protein associations in the host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Ferrel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Julia Romano
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael W. Panas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John C. Boothroyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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9
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Tachibana Y, Hashizaki E, Sasai M, Yamamoto M. Host genetics highlights IFN-γ-dependent Toxoplasma genes encoding secreted and non-secreted virulence factors in in vivo CRISPR screens. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112592. [PMID: 37269286 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Secreted virulence factors of Toxoplasma to survive in immune-competent hosts have been extensively explored by classical genetics and in vivo CRISPR screen methods, whereas their requirements in immune-deficient hosts are incompletely understood. Those of non-secreted virulence factors are further enigmatic. Here we develop an in vivo CRISPR screen system to enrich not only secreted but also non-secreted virulence factors in virulent Toxoplasma-infected C57BL/6 mice. Notably, combined usage of immune-deficient Ifngr1-/- mice highlights genes encoding various non-secreted proteins as well as well-known effectors such as ROP5, ROP18, GRA12, and GRA45 as interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-dependent virulence genes. The screen results suggest a role of GRA72 for normal GRA17/GRA23 localization and the IFN-γ-dependent role of UFMylation-related genes. Collectively, our study demonstrates that host genetics can complement in vivo CRISPR screens to highlight genes encoding IFN-γ-dependent secreted and non-secreted virulence factors in Toxoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Tachibana
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Emi Hashizaki
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miwa Sasai
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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10
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Sofia O, Wahyudi INSA, Fitri LE, Prayitnaningsih S, Susianti H. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Ocular Toxoplasmosis with Multiple Recurrences. Int Med Case Rep J 2023; 16:35-43. [PMID: 36660225 PMCID: PMC9842519 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s395600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of posterior uveitis that is caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Humans can be infected congenitally or postnatally. The typical lesion of ocular toxoplasmosis is focal necrotizing retinitis with overlying vitritis, which lead to hyperpigmented retinochoroidal scar at resolution of lesion. Macula involvement can cause substantial visual impairment. The high incidence of disease reactivation may lead to greater risk of vision loss. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive imaging method to visualize the vascular and density perfusion of the retina and choroid, which cannot be obtained by conventional Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). In this case report, we present two cases of active ocular toxoplasmosis with multiple recurrences to study pathological changes in retinal and choroidal microvasculature. The findings reveal the involvement of all of the retinal layers in the choroid, with distinct changes in the deep retinal layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovi Sofia
- Doctoral Program in Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia,Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
| | - I Nyoman Surya Ari Wahyudi
- Residency Training Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Loeki Enggar Fitri
- Department of Clinical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia,Correspondence: Loeki Enggar Fitri, Department of Clinical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia, Email
| | - Seskoati Prayitnaningsih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Hani Susianti
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
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A. PORTES JULIANA, C. VOMMARO ROSSIANE, AYRES CALDAS LUCIO, S. MARTINS-DUARTE ERICA. Intracellular life of protozoan Toxoplasma gondii: Parasitophorous vacuole establishment and survival strategies. BIOCELL 2023. [DOI: 10.32604/biocell.2023.026629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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12
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Toxoplasma gondii Dissemination in the Brain Is Facilitated by Infiltrating Peripheral Immune Cells. mBio 2022; 13:e0283822. [PMID: 36445695 PMCID: PMC9765297 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02838-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in our understanding of pathogenic access to the central nervous system (CNS), the mechanisms by which intracellular pathogens disseminate within the dense cellular network of neural tissue remain poorly understood. To address this issue, longitudinal analysis of Toxoplasma gondii dissemination in the brain was conducted using 2-photon imaging through a cranial window in living mice that transgenically express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-claudin-5. Extracellular T. gondii parasites were observed migrating slowly (1.37 ± 1.28 μm/min) and with low displacement within the brain. In contrast, a population of highly motile infected cells transported vacuoles of T. gondii significantly faster (6.30 ± 3.09 μm/min) and with a higher displacement than free parasites. Detailed analysis of microglial dynamics using CX3CR1-GFP mice revealed that T. gondii-infected microglia remained stationary, and infection did not increase the extension/retraction of microglial processes. The role of infiltrating immune cells in shuttling T. gondii was examined by labeling of peripheral hematopoietic cells with anti-CD45 antibody. Infected CD45+ cells were found crawling along the CNS vessel walls and trafficked T. gondii within the brain parenchyma at significantly higher speeds (3.35 ± 1.70 μm/min) than extracellular tachyzoites. Collectively, these findings highlight a dual role for immune cells in neuroprotection and in facilitating parasite dissemination within the brain. IMPORTANCE T. gondii is a foodborne parasite that infects the brain and can cause fatal encephalitis in immunocompromised individuals. However, there is a limited understanding of how the parasites disseminate through the brain and evade immune clearance. We utilized intravital imaging to visualize extracellular T. gondii tachyzoites and infected cells migrating within the infected mouse brain during acute infection. The infection of motile immune cells infiltrating the brain from the periphery significantly increased the dissemination of T. gondii in the brain compared to that of free parasites migrating using their own motility: the speed and displacement of these infected cells would enable them to cover nearly 1 cm of distance per day! Among the infiltrating cells, T. gondii predominantly infected monocytes and CD8+ T cells, indicating that the parasite can hijack immune cells that are critical for controlling the infection in order to enhance their dissemination within the brain.
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Pan M, Ge CC, Fan YM, Jin QW, Shen B, Huang SY. The determinants regulating Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite development. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1027073. [PMID: 36439853 PMCID: PMC9691885 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1027073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen capable of infecting almost all cells of warm-blooded vertebrates. In intermediate hosts, this parasite reproduces asexually in two forms, the tachyzoite form during acute infection that proliferates rapidly and the bradyzoite form during chronic infection that grows slowly. Depending on the growth condition, the two forms can interconvert. The conversion of tachyzoites to bradyzoites is critical for T. gondii transmission, and the reactivation of persistent bradyzoites in intermediate hosts may lead to symptomatic toxoplasmosis. However, the mechanisms that control bradyzoite differentiation have not been well studied. Here, we review recent advances in the study of bradyzoite biology and stage conversion, aiming to highlight the determinants associated with bradyzoite development and provide insights to design better strategies for controlling toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Pan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ceng-Ceng Ge
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Min Fan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Wang Jin
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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14
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Ten Hoeve AL, Braun L, Rodriguez ME, Olivera GC, Bougdour A, Belmudes L, Couté Y, Saeij JPJ, Hakimi MA, Barragan A. The Toxoplasma effector GRA28 promotes parasite dissemination by inducing dendritic cell-like migratory properties in infected macrophages. Cell Host Microbe 2022; 30:1570-1588.e7. [PMID: 36309013 PMCID: PMC9710525 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Upon pathogen detection, macrophages normally stay sessile in tissues while dendritic cells (DCs) migrate to secondary lymphoid tissues. The obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii exploits the trafficking of mononuclear phagocytes for dissemination via unclear mechanisms. We report that, upon T. gondii infection, macrophages initiate the expression of transcription factors normally attributed to DCs, upregulate CCR7 expression with a chemotactic response, and perform systemic migration when adoptively transferred into mice. We show that parasite effector GRA28, released by the MYR1 secretory pathway, cooperates with host chromatin remodelers in the host cell nucleus to drive the chemotactic migration of parasitized macrophages. During in vivo challenge studies, bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with wild-type T. gondii outcompeted those challenged with MYR1- or GRA28-deficient strains in migrating and reaching secondary organs. This work reveals how an intracellular parasite hijacks chemotaxis in phagocytes and highlights a remarkable migratory plasticity in differentiated cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne L Ten Hoeve
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laurence Braun
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Matias E Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriela C Olivera
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandre Bougdour
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Lucid Belmudes
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, UMR BioSanté U1292, CNRS, CEA, FR2048, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Yohann Couté
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, UMR BioSanté U1292, CNRS, CEA, FR2048, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Wadayama T, Shimizu M, Kimura I, Baba K, Beck G, Nagano S, Morita R, Nakagawa H, Shirano M, Goto T, Norose K, Hikosaka K, Murayama S, Mochizuki H. Erdheim-Chester Disease Involving the Central Nervous System with Latent Toxoplasmosis. Intern Med 2022; 61:2661-2666. [PMID: 35135916 PMCID: PMC9492489 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8564-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis characterized by the infiltration of foamy histiocytes into multiple organs. We herein report a case of ECD with central nervous system (CNS) involvement in a 63-year-old man who also presented a positive result for Toxoplasma gondii nested polymerase chain reaction testing of cerebrospinal fluid. Since anti-Toxoplasma treatment proved completely ineffective, we presumed latent infection of the CNS with T. gondii. This case suggests the difficulty of distinguishing ECD with CNS involvement from toxoplasmic encephalitis and the possibility of a relationship between the pathogeneses of ECD and infection with T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Wadayama
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mikito Shimizu
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ikko Kimura
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Kousuke Baba
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Goichi Beck
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nagano
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ryo Morita
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City General Hospital, Japan
| | - Hidenori Nakagawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City General Hospital, Japan
| | - Michinori Shirano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City General Hospital, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Goto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Osaka City General Hospital, Japan
| | - Kazumi Norose
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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16
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Meng YJ, Mu BJ, Liu XX, Yu LM, Zheng WB, Xie SC, Gao WW, Zhu XQ, Liu Q. Transcriptional changes in LMH cells induced by Eimeria tenella rhoptry kinase family protein 17. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:956040. [PMID: 36016802 PMCID: PMC9395702 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.956040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Though a number of Eimeria tenella rhoptry kinase family proteins have been identified, little is known about their molecular functions. In the present study, the gene fragment encoding the matured peptide of E. tenella rhoptry kinase family protein 17 (EtROP17) was used to construct a recombinant vector, followed by transfection into leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) cells. Then, the transcriptional changes in the transfected cells were determined by RNA-seq. The expression of EtROP17 in LMH cells was validated by both Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence analysis. Our analysis showed that EtROP17 altered the expression of 309 genes (114 downregulated genes and 195 upregulated genes) in LMH cells. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results of the selected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were consistent with the RNA-seq data. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in nine pathways, such as toll-like receptor signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, intestinal immune network for IgA production and focal adhesion. These findings reveal several potential roles of EtROP17, which contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the host-parasite interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jing Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Bing-Jin Mu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Lin-Mei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Liu
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17
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Ross EC, Hoeve ALT, Saeij JPJ, Barragan A. Toxoplasma effector-induced ICAM-1 expression by infected dendritic cells potentiates transmigration across polarised endothelium. Front Immunol 2022; 13:950914. [PMID: 35990682 PMCID: PMC9381734 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii makes use of infected leukocytes for systemic dissemination. Yet, how infection impacts the processes of leukocyte diapedesis has remained unresolved. Here, we addressed the effects of T. gondii infection on the trans-endothelial migration (TEM) of dendritic cells (DCs) across polarised brain endothelial monolayers. We report that upregulated expression of leukocyte ICAM-1 is a feature of the enhanced TEM of parasitised DCs. The secreted parasite effector GRA15 induced an elevated expression of ICAM-1 in infected DCs that was associated with enhanced cell adhesion and TEM. Consequently, gene silencing of Icam-1 in primary DCs or deletion of parasite GRA15 reduced TEM. Further, the parasite effector TgWIP, which impacts the regulation of host actin dynamics, facilitated TEM across polarised endothelium. The data highlight that the concerted action of the secreted effectors GRA15 and TgWIP modulate the leukocyte-endothelial interactions of TEM in a parasite genotype-related fashion to promote dissemination. In addition to the canonical roles of endothelial ICAM-1, this study identifies a previously unappreciated role for leukocyte ICAM-1 in infection-related TEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Ross
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arne L. ten Hoeve
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden,*Correspondence: Antonio Barragan,
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Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. New Avenues to Design Toxoplasma Vaccines Based on Oocysts and Cysts. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910961. [PMID: 35734184 PMCID: PMC9207213 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease affecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Vaccination strategies aimed at inducing an efficient immune response while preventing transmission have been attempted in the past. While many different approaches can partially protect immunized animals against subsequent infections, full and lasting protection is rarely attained and only with live-attenuated vaccines. In addition, vaccines based on mutant strains that are deficient in forming the chronic phase of the parasite (such as Toxovax™) cannot be extensively used due to their zoonotic potential and the possibility of reversion to virulent phenotypes. An increasing number of studies using emerging genetic-engineering tools have been conducted to design novel vaccines based on recombinant proteins, DNA or delivery systems such as nanoparticles. However, these are usually less efficient due to their antigenic simplicity. In this perspective article we discuss potential target genes and novel strategies to generate live-attenuated long-lasting vaccines based on tissue cysts and oocysts, which are the environmentally resistant chronic forms of Toxoplasma. By selectively disrupting genes important for parasite dissemination, cyst formation and/or sporozoite invasion, alone or in combination, a vaccine based on a live-attenuated strain that elicits a protective immune response while preventing the transmission of Toxoplasma could be created. Finally, further improvements of protocols to generate Toxoplasma sexual stages in vitro might lead to the production of oocysts from such a strain without the need for using mice or cats.
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Tan S, Tong WH, Vyas A. Impact of Plant-Based Foods and Nutraceuticals on Toxoplasma gondii Cysts: Nutritional Therapy as a Viable Approach for Managing Chronic Brain Toxoplasmosis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:827286. [PMID: 35284438 PMCID: PMC8914227 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.827286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that mainly infects warm-blooded animals including humans. T. gondii can encyst and persist chronically in the brain, leading to a broad spectrum of neurological sequelae. Despite the associated health threats, no clinical drug is currently available to eliminate T. gondii cysts. In a continuous effort to uncover novel therapeutic agents for these cysts, the potential of nutritional products has been explored. Herein, we describe findings from in vitro and in vivo studies that support the efficacy of plant-based foods and nutraceuticals against brain cyst burden and cerebral pathologies associated with chronic toxoplasmosis. Finally, we discuss strategies to increase the translatability of preclinical studies and nutritional products to address whether nutritional therapy can be beneficial for coping with chronic T. gondii infections in humans.
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Silvestre A, Shintre SS, Rachidi N. Released Parasite-Derived Kinases as Novel Targets for Antiparasitic Therapies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:825458. [PMID: 35252034 PMCID: PMC8893276 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.825458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficient manipulation of their host cell is an essential feature of intracellular parasites. Most molecular mechanisms governing the subversion of host cell by protozoan parasites involve the release of parasite-derived molecules into the host cell cytoplasm and direct interaction with host proteins. Among these released proteins, kinases are particularly important as they govern the subversion of important host pathways, such as signalling or metabolic pathways. These enzymes, which catalyse the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP onto serine, threonine, tyrosine or histidine residues to covalently modify proteins, are involved in numerous essential biological processes such as cell cycle or transport. Although little is known about the role of most of the released parasite-derived kinases in the host cell, they are examples of kinases hijacking host cellular pathways such as signal transduction or apoptosis, which are essential for immune response evasion as well as parasite survival and development. Here we present the current knowledge on released protozoan kinases and their involvement in host-pathogen interactions. We also highlight the knowledge gaps remaining before considering those kinases - involved in host signalling subversion - as antiparasitic drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Silvestre
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
- *Correspondence: Anne Silvestre, ; Najma Rachidi,
| | - Sharvani Shrinivas Shintre
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris and INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
| | - Najma Rachidi
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris and INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Anne Silvestre, ; Najma Rachidi,
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21
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Ross EC, Olivera GC, Barragan A. Early passage of Toxoplasma gondii across the blood–brain barrier. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:450-461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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22
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Figueiredo CA, Steffen J, Morton L, Arumugam S, Liesenfeld O, Deli MA, Kröger A, Schüler T, Dunay IR. Immune response and pathogen invasion at the choroid plexus in the onset of cerebral toxoplasmosis. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:17. [PMID: 35027063 PMCID: PMC8759173 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a highly successful parasite being able to cross all biological barriers of the body, finally reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies have highlighted the critical involvement of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during T. gondii invasion and development of subsequent neuroinflammation. Still, the potential contribution of the choroid plexus (CP), the main structure forming the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) have not been addressed. METHODS To investigate T. gondii invasion at the onset of neuroinflammation, the CP and brain microvessels (BMV) were isolated and analyzed for parasite burden. Additionally, immuno-stained brain sections and three-dimensional whole mount preparations were evaluated for parasite localization and morphological alterations. Activation of choroidal and brain endothelial cells were characterized by flow cytometry. To evaluate the impact of early immune responses on CP and BMV, expression levels of inflammatory mediators, tight junctions (TJ) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were quantified. Additionally, FITC-dextran was applied to determine infection-related changes in BCSFB permeability. Finally, the response of primary CP epithelial cells to T. gondii parasites was tested in vitro. RESULTS Here we revealed that endothelial cells in the CP are initially infected by T. gondii, and become activated prior to BBB endothelial cells indicated by MHCII upregulation. Additionally, CP elicited early local immune response with upregulation of IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6, host-defence factors as well as swift expression of CXCL9 chemokine, when compared to the BMV. Consequently, we uncovered distinct TJ disturbances of claudins, associated with upregulation of MMP-8 and MMP-13 expression in infected CP in vivo, which was confirmed by in vitro infection of primary CP epithelial cells. Notably, we detected early barrier damage and functional loss by increased BCSFB permeability to FITC-dextran in vivo, which was extended over the infection course. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our data reveal a close interaction between T. gondii infection at the CP and the impairment of the BCSFB function indicating that infection-related neuroinflammation is initiated in the CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Andreeta Figueiredo
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Steffen
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lorena Morton
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sushmitha Arumugam
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mária A Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andrea Kröger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schüler
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, CBBS, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Olivera GC, Ross EC, Peuckert C, Barragan A. Blood-brain barrier-restricted translocation of Toxoplasma gondii from cortical capillaries. eLife 2021; 10:69182. [PMID: 34877929 PMCID: PMC8700292 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular barriers of the central nervous system proficiently protect the brain parenchyma from infectious insults. Yet, the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii commonly causes latent cerebral infection in humans and other vertebrates. Here, we addressed the role of the cerebral vasculature in the passage of T. gondii to the brain parenchyma. Shortly after inoculation in mice, parasites mainly localized to cortical capillaries, in preference over post-capillary venules, cortical arterioles or meningeal and choroidal vessels. Early invasion to the parenchyma (days 1-5) occurred in absence of a measurable increase in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, perivascular leukocyte cuffs or hemorrhage. However, sparse focalized permeability elevations were detected adjacently to replicative parasite foci. Further, T. gondii triggered inflammatory responses in cortical microvessels and endothelium. Pro- and anti-inflammatory treatments of mice with LPS and hydrocortisone, respectively, impacted BBB permeability and parasite loads in the brain parenchyma. Finally, pharmacological inhibition or Cre/loxP conditional knockout of endothelial focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a BBB intercellular junction regulator, facilitated parasite translocation to the brain parenchyma. The data reveal that the initial passage of T. gondii to the central nervous system occurs principally across cortical capillaries. The integrity of the microvascular BBB restricts parasite transit, which conversely is exacerbated by the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela C Olivera
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emily C Ross
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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Proximity-Labeling Reveals Novel Host and Parasite Proteins at the Toxoplasma Parasitophorous Vacuole Membrane. mBio 2021; 12:e0026021. [PMID: 34749525 PMCID: PMC8576527 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00260-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, intracellular parasite that envelops its parasitophorous vacuole with a protein-laden membrane (PVM). The PVM is critical for interactions with the infected host cell, such as nutrient transport and immune defense. Only a few parasite and host proteins have so far been identified on the host-cytosolic side of the Toxoplasma PVM. We report here the use of human foreskin fibroblasts expressing the proximity-labeling enzyme miniTurbo, fused to a domain that targets it to this face of the PVM, in combination with quantitative proteomics to specifically identify proteins present at this interface. Out of numerous human and parasite proteins with candidate PVM localization, we validate three parasite proteins (TGGT1_269950 [GRA61], TGGT1_215360 [GRA62], and TGGT1_217530 [GRA63]) and four new host proteins (PDCD6IP/ALIX, PDCD6, CC2D1A, and MOSPD2) as localized to the PVM in infected human cells through immunofluorescence microscopy. These results significantly expand our knowledge of proteins present at the Toxoplasma PVM and, given that three of the validated host proteins are components of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) machinery, they further suggest that novel biology is operating at this crucial host-pathogen interface.
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25
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Frickel EM, Hunter CA. Lessons from Toxoplasma: Host responses that mediate parasite control and the microbial effectors that subvert them. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212714. [PMID: 34670268 PMCID: PMC8532566 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii has long provided a tractable experimental system to investigate how the immune system deals with intracellular infections. This review highlights the advances in defining how this organism was first detected and the studies with T. gondii that contribute to our understanding of how the cytokine IFN-γ promotes control of vacuolar pathogens. In addition, the genetic tractability of this eukaryote organism has provided the foundation for studies into the diverse strategies that pathogens use to evade antimicrobial responses and now provides the opportunity to study the basis for latency. Thus, T. gondii remains a clinically relevant organism whose evolving interactions with the host immune system continue to teach lessons broadly relevant to host–pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Frickel
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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26
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Matta SK, Rinkenberger N, Dunay IR, Sibley LD. Toxoplasma gondii infection and its implications within the central nervous system. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:467-480. [PMID: 33627834 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00518-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that infects a wide range of animals and causes zoonotic infections in humans. Although it normally only results in mild illness in healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis is a common opportunistic infection with high mortality in individuals who are immunocompromised, most commonly due to reactivation of infection in the central nervous system. In the acute phase of infection, interferon-dependent immune responses control rapid parasite expansion and mitigate acute disease symptoms. However, after dissemination the parasite differentiates into semi-dormant cysts that form within muscle cells and neurons, where they persist for life in the infected host. Control of infection in the central nervous system, a compartment of immune privilege, relies on modified immune responses that aim to balance infection control while limiting potential damage due to inflammation. In response to the activation of interferon-mediated pathways, the parasite deploys an array of effector proteins to escape immune clearance and ensure latent survival. Although these pathways are best studied in the laboratory mouse, emerging evidence points to unique mechanisms of control in human toxoplasmosis. In this Review, we explore some of these recent findings that extend our understanding for proliferation, establishment and control of toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit K Matta
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nicholas Rinkenberger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ildiko R Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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27
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Guo M, Sun J, Wang WT, Liu HY, Liu YH, Qin KR, Hu JR, Li XY, Liu HL, Wang W, Chen ZY, Wang CF, Wang HL. Toxoplasma gondii ROP17 promotes autophagy via the Bcl-2-Beclin 1 pathway. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2021; 68. [PMID: 34180401 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2021.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) secretes a group of serine/threonine kinases from rhoptries, which play vital roles in boosting intracellular infection. Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry organelle protein 17 (ROP17) is one of these important kinase proteins. Nevertheless, its function remains unclear. Here, we showed that ROP17 induced autophagy in vitro and in vivo. The autophagy of small intestine tissues of T. gondii tachyzoite (RH strain)-infected mice was detected by the immunohistochemistry staining of LC3B, Beclin 1 and P62. ROP17 overexpression augmented starvation-induced autophagy in HEK 293T cells as measured by MDC staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence microscopy and Western blot analysis. Moreover, the interaction of ROP17 and Bcl-2 was confirmed using co-immunoprecipitation analysis, and the data demonstrated that ROP17 had an autophagic role dependent on the Beclin 1-Bcl-2 pathway, which was also revealed in an in vivo model through immunohistochemical staining. Pearson coefficient analysis showed that there existed strong positive correlations between the expression of ROP17 and LC3B, Beclin 1 and phosphorylation of Bcl-2, while strong negative correlations between the expression of ROP17 and p62 and Bcl-2. Collectively, our findings indicate that ROP17 plays a pivotal role in maintaining T. gondii proliferation in host cells via the promotion of autophagy-dependent survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China.,Labratory Animal Center, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Animal Model of Human Disease, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan,Shanxi, China.,Min Guo, Jia Sun and Wen-tao Wang contributed equally to this work *Address for correspondence: Hai-long Wang, ; Chun-fang Wang, ; Zhao-yang Chen, ; Address: School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, No. 55, Wenhua Street, Jinzhong, Shanxi, 030600, China
| | - Jia Sun
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China.,Min Guo, Jia Sun and Wen-tao Wang contributed equally to this work *Address for correspondence: Hai-long Wang, ; Chun-fang Wang, ; Zhao-yang Chen, ; Address: School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, No. 55, Wenhua Street, Jinzhong, Shanxi, 030600, China
| | - Wen-Tao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China.,Min Guo, Jia Sun and Wen-tao Wang contributed equally to this work *Address for correspondence: Hai-long Wang, ; Chun-fang Wang, ; Zhao-yang Chen, ; Address: School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, No. 55, Wenhua Street, Jinzhong, Shanxi, 030600, China
| | - Hong-Yan Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China.,Eugenics and Molecular Medicine Testing Center, Ulanqab Central Hospital, Wulanchabu, Neimenggu, China
| | - Yue-Hua Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Ke-Ru Qin
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Jin-Rui Hu
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Xin-Yang Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Hong-Li Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhao-Yang Chen
- Labratory Animal Center, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Animal Model of Human Disease, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan,Shanxi, China
| | - Chun-Fang Wang
- Labratory Animal Center, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Animal Model of Human Disease, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan,Shanxi, China
| | - Hai-Long Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Basic Medical Science Center, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
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28
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Ross EC, Ten Hoeve AL, Barragan A. Integrin-dependent migratory switches regulate the translocation of Toxoplasma-infected dendritic cells across brain endothelial monolayers. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5197-5212. [PMID: 34023934 PMCID: PMC8254729 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multiple cellular processes, such as immune responses and cancer cell metastasis, crucially depend on interconvertible migration modes. However, knowledge is scarce on how infectious agents impact the processes of cell adhesion and migration at restrictive biological barriers. In extracellular matrix, dendritic cells (DCs) infected by the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii undergo mesenchymal-to-amoeboid transition (MAT) for rapid integrin-independent migration. Here, in a cellular model of the blood–brain barrier, we report that parasitised DCs adhere to polarised endothelium and shift to integrin-dependent motility, accompanied by elevated transendothelial migration (TEM). Upon contact with endothelium, parasitised DCs dramatically reduced velocities and adhered under both static and shear stress conditions, thereby obliterating the infection-induced amoeboid motility displayed in collagen matrix. The motility of adherent parasitised DCs on endothelial monolayers was restored by blockade of β1 and β2 integrins or ICAM-1, which conversely reduced motility on collagen-coated surfaces. Moreover, parasitised DCs exhibited enhanced translocation across highly polarised primary murine brain endothelial cell monolayers. Blockade of β1, β2 integrins, ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 reduced TEM frequencies. Finally, gene silencing of the pan-integrin-cytoskeleton linker talin (Tln1) or of β1 integrin (Itgb1) in primary DCs resulted in increased motility on endothelium and decreased TEM. Adding to the paradigms of leukocyte diapedesis, the findings provide novel insights in how an intracellular pathogen impacts the migratory plasticity of leukocytes in response to the cellular environment, to promote infection-related dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Ross
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arne L Ten Hoeve
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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29
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Gaji RY, Sharp AK, Brown AM. Protein kinases in Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:415-429. [PMID: 33581139 PMCID: PMC11065138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular pathogen that causes life threatening illness in immunodeficient individuals, miscarriage in pregnant woman, and blindness in newborn children. Similar to any other eukaryotic cell, protein kinases play critical and essential roles in the Toxoplasma life cycle. Accordingly, many studies have focused on identifying and defining the mechanism of function of these signalling proteins with a long-term goal to develop anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics. In this review, we briefly discuss classification and key components of the catalytic domain which are critical for functioning of kinases, with a focus on domains, families, and groups of kinases within Toxoplasma. More importantly, this article provides a comprehensive, current overview of research on kinase groups in Toxoplasma including the established eukaryotic AGC, CAMK, CK1, CMGC, STE, TKL families and the apicomplexan-specific FIKK, ROPK and WNG family of kinases. This work provides an overview and discusses current knowledge on Toxoplasma kinases including their localization, function, signalling network and role in acute and chronic pathogenesis, with a view towards the future in probing kinases as viable drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajshekhar Y Gaji
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Amanda K Sharp
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Anne M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; University Libraries, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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30
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Arranz-Solís D, Mukhopadhyay D, Saeij JJP. Toxoplasma Effectors that Affect Pregnancy Outcome. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:283-295. [PMID: 33234405 PMCID: PMC7954850 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As an immune-privileged organ, the placenta can tolerate the introduction of antigens without inducing a strong inflammatory response that would lead to abortion. However, for the control of intracellular pathogens, a strong Th1 response characterized by the production of interferon-γ is needed. Thus, invasion of the placenta by intracellular parasites puts the maternal immune system in a quandary: The proinflammatory response needed to eliminate the pathogen can also lead to abortion. Toxoplasma is a highly successful parasite that causes lifelong chronic infections and is a major cause of abortions in humans and livestock. Here, we discuss how Toxoplasma strain type and parasite effectors influence host cell signaling pathways, and we speculate about how this might affect the outcome of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Arranz-Solís
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Debanjan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jeroen J P Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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31
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Elsheikha HM, Marra CM, Zhu XQ. Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e00115-19. [PMID: 33239310 PMCID: PMC7690944 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00115-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is known to infect a considerable number of mammalian and avian species and a substantial proportion of the world's human population. The parasite has an impressive ability to disseminate within the host's body and employs various tactics to overcome the highly regulatory blood-brain barrier and reside in the brain. In healthy individuals, T. gondii infection is largely tolerated without any obvious ill effects. However, primary infection in immunosuppressed patients can result in acute cerebral or systemic disease, and reactivation of latent tissue cysts can lead to a deadly outcome. It is imperative that treatment of life-threatening toxoplasmic encephalitis is timely and effective. Several therapeutic and prophylactic regimens have been used in clinical practice. Current approaches can control infection caused by the invasive and highly proliferative tachyzoites but cannot eliminate the dormant tissue cysts. Adverse events and other limitations are associated with the standard pyrimethamine-based therapy, and effective vaccines are unavailable. In this review, the epidemiology, economic impact, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of cerebral toxoplasmosis are discussed, and critical areas for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Christina M Marra
- Departments of Neurology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
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32
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Augusto L, Wek RC, Sullivan WJ. Host sensing and signal transduction during Toxoplasma stage conversion. Mol Microbiol 2020; 115:839-848. [PMID: 33118234 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects nucleated cells in virtually all warm-blooded vertebrates, including one-third of the human population. While immunocompetent hosts do not typically show symptoms of acute infection, parasites are retained in latent tissue cysts that can be reactivated upon immune suppression, potentially damaging key organ systems. Toxoplasma has a multistage life cycle that is intimately linked to environmental stresses and host signals. As this protozoan pathogen is transmitted between multiple hosts and tissues, it evaluates these external signals to appropriately differentiate into distinct life cycle stages, such as the transition from its replicative stage (tachyzoite) to the latent stage (bradyzoite) that persists as tissue cysts. Additionally, in the gut of its definitive host, felines, Toxoplasma converts into gametocytes that produce infectious oocysts (sporozoites) that are expelled into the environment. In this review, we highlight recent advances that have illuminated the interfaces between Toxoplasma and host and how these interactions control parasite stage conversion. Mechanisms underlying these stage transitions are important targets for therapeutic intervention aimed at thwarting parasite transmission and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Augusto
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ronald C Wek
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - William J Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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33
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Mukhopadhyay D, Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. Influence of the Host and Parasite Strain on the Immune Response During Toxoplasma Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:580425. [PMID: 33178630 PMCID: PMC7593385 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.580425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an exceptionally successful parasite that infects a very broad host range, including humans, across the globe. The outcome of infection differs remarkably between hosts, ranging from acute death to sterile infection. These differential disease patterns are strongly influenced by both host- and parasite-specific genetic factors. In this review, we discuss how the clinical outcome of toxoplasmosis varies between hosts and the role of different immune genes and parasite virulence factors, with a special emphasis on Toxoplasma-induced ileitis and encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - David Arranz-Solís
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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34
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Nie LB, Liang QL, Elsheikha HM, Du R, Zhu XQ, Li FC. Global profiling of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylome in Toxoplasma gondii using affinity purification mass spectrometry. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:4061-4071. [PMID: 33057814 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06923-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) is a recently discovered and evolutionarily conserved form of protein post-translational modification (PTM) found in mammalian and yeast cells. Previous studies have shown that Khib plays roles in the activity of gene transcription and Khib-containing proteins are closely related to the cellular metabolism. In this study, a global Khib-containing analysis using the latest databases (ToxoDB 46, 8322 sequences, downloaded on April 16, 2020) and sensitive immune-affinity enrichment coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed. A total of 1078 Khib modification sites across 400 Khib-containing proteins were identified in tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. Bioinformatics and functional enrichment analysis showed that Khib-modified proteins were associated with various biological processes, such as ribosome, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and central carbon metabolism. Interestingly, many proteins of the secretory organelles (e.g., microneme, rhoptry, and dense granule) that play roles in the infection cycle of T. gondii were found to be Khib-modified, suggesting the involvement of Khib in key biological process during T. gondii infection. We also found that histone proteins, key enzymes related to cellular metabolism, and several glideosome components had Khib sites. These results expanded our understanding of the roles of Khib in T. gondii and should promote further investigations of how Khib regulates gene expression and key biological functions in T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Bi Nie
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Rui Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fa-Cai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
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35
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Wang Y, Sangaré LO, Paredes-Santos TC, Saeij JPJ. Toxoplasma Mechanisms for Delivery of Proteins and Uptake of Nutrients Across the Host-Pathogen Interface. Annu Rev Microbiol 2020; 74:567-586. [PMID: 32680452 PMCID: PMC9934516 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-011720-122318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Many intracellular pathogens, including the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, live inside a vacuole that resides in the host cytosol. Vacuolar residence provides these pathogens with a defined niche for replication and protection from detection by host cytosolic pattern recognition receptors. However, the limiting membrane of the vacuole, which constitutes the host-pathogen interface, is also a barrier for pathogen effectors to reach the host cytosol and for the acquisition of host-derived nutrients. This review provides an update on the specialized secretion and trafficking systems used by Toxoplasma to overcome the barrier of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and thereby allow the delivery of proteins into the host cell and the acquisition of host-derived nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA; , , ,
| | - Lamba Omar Sangaré
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA; , , ,
| | - Tatiana C. Paredes-Santos
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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36
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Baker TL, Sun M, Semple BD, Tyebji S, Tonkin CJ, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR. Catastrophic consequences: can the feline parasite Toxoplasma gondii prompt the purrfect neuroinflammatory storm following traumatic brain injury? J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:222. [PMID: 32711529 PMCID: PMC7382044 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, treatment development is hindered by the heterogenous nature of TBI presentation and pathophysiology. In particular, the degree of neuroinflammation after TBI varies between individuals and may be modified by other factors such as infection. Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects approximately one-third of the world’s population, has a tropism for brain tissue and can persist as a life-long infection. Importantly, there is notable overlap in the pathophysiology between TBI and T. gondii infection, including neuroinflammation. This paper will review current understandings of the clinical problems, pathophysiological mechanisms, and functional outcomes of TBI and T. gondii, before considering the potential synergy between the two conditions. In particular, the discussion will focus on neuroinflammatory processes such as microglial activation, inflammatory cytokines, and peripheral immune cell recruitment that occur during T. gondii infection and after TBI. We will present the notion that these overlapping pathologies in TBI individuals with a chronic T. gondii infection have the strong potential to exacerbate neuroinflammation and related brain damage, leading to amplified functional deficits. The impact of chronic T. gondii infection on TBI should therefore be investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies as the possible interplay could influence treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shiraz Tyebji
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Smith JR, Ashander LM, Arruda SL, Cordeiro CA, Lie S, Rochet E, Belfort R, Furtado JM. Pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100882. [PMID: 32717377 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a retinitis -almost always accompanied by vitritis and choroiditis- caused by intraocular infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Depending on retinal location, this condition may cause substantial vision impairment. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, with both sexual and asexual life cycles, and infection is typically contracted orally by consuming encysted bradyzoites in undercooked meat, or oocysts on unwashed garden produce or in contaminated water. Presently available anti-parasitic drugs cannot eliminate T. gondii from the body. In vitro studies using T. gondii tachyzoites, and human retinal cells and tissue have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis. T. gondii may cross the vascular endothelium to access human retina by at least three routes: in leukocyte taxis; as a transmigrating tachyzoite; and after infecting endothelial cells. The parasite is capable of navigating the human neuroretina, gaining access to a range of cell populations. Retinal Müller glial cells are preferred initial host cells. T. gondii infection of the retinal pigment epithelial cells alters the secretion of growth factors and induces proliferation of adjacent uninfected epithelial cells. This increases susceptibility of the cells to parasite infection, and may be the basis of the characteristic hyperpigmented toxoplasmic retinal lesion. Infected epithelial cells also generate a vigorous immunologic response, and influence the activity of leukocytes that infiltrate the retina. A range of T. gondii genotypes are associated with human ocular toxoplasmosis, and individual immunogenetics -including polymorphisms in genes encoding innate immune receptors, human leukocyte antigens and cytokines- impacts the clinical manifestations. Research into basic pathogenic mechanisms of ocular toxoplasmosis highlights the importance of prevention and suggests new biological drug targets for established disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine R Smith
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA.
| | - Liam M Ashander
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Sigrid L Arruda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cynthia A Cordeiro
- Cordeiro et Costa Ophtalmologie, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil; Formerly of Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Shervi Lie
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João M Furtado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
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38
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Oliver G, Kipnis J, Randolph GJ, Harvey NL. The Lymphatic Vasculature in the 21 st Century: Novel Functional Roles in Homeostasis and Disease. Cell 2020; 182:270-296. [PMID: 32707093 PMCID: PMC7392116 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammals have two specialized vascular circulatory systems: the blood vasculature and the lymphatic vasculature. The lymphatic vasculature is a unidirectional conduit that returns filtered interstitial arterial fluid and tissue metabolites to the blood circulation. It also plays major roles in immune cell trafficking and lipid absorption. As we discuss in this review, the molecular characterization of lymphatic vascular development and our understanding of this vasculature's role in pathophysiological conditions has greatly improved in recent years, changing conventional views about the roles of the lymphatic vasculature in health and disease. Morphological or functional defects in the lymphatic vasculature have now been uncovered in several pathological conditions. We propose that subtle asymptomatic alterations in lymphatic vascular function could underlie the variability seen in the body's response to a wide range of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Oliver
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Jonathan Kipnis
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Gwendalyn J Randolph
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Ólafsson EB, Barragan A. The unicellular eukaryotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii hijacks the migration machinery of mononuclear phagocytes to promote its dissemination. Biol Cell 2020; 112:239-250. [PMID: 32359185 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan with the ability to infect virtually any type of nucleated cell in warm-blooded vertebrates including humans. Toxoplasma gondii invades immune cells, which the parasite employs as shuttles for dissemination by a Trojan horse mechanism. Recent findings are starting to unveil how this parasite orchestrates the subversion of the migratory functions of parasitised mononuclear phagocytes, especially dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes. Here, we focus on how T. gondii impacts host cell signalling that regulates leukocyte motility and systemic migration in tissues. Shortly after active parasite invasion, DCs undergo mesenchymal-to-amoeboid transition and adopt a high-speed amoeboid mode of motility. To trigger migratory activation - termed hypermigratory phenotype - T. gondii induces GABAergic signalling, which results in calcium fluxes mediated by voltage-gated calcium channels in parasitised DCs and brain microglia. Additionally, a TIMP-1-CD63-ITGB1-FAK signalling axis and signalling via the receptor tyrosine kinase MET promotes sustained hypermigration of parasitised DCs. Recent reports show that the activated signalling pathways converge on the small GTPase Ras to activate the MAPK Erk signalling cascade, a central regulator of cell motility. To date, three T. gondii-derived putative effector molecules have been linked to hypermigration: Tg14-3-3, TgWIP and ROP17. Here, we discuss their impact on the hypermigratory phenotype of phagocytes. Altogether, the emerging concept suggests that T. gondii induces metastasis-like migratory properties in parasitised mononuclear phagocytes to promote infection-related dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar B Ólafsson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
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Ndao O, Puech PH, Bérard C, Limozin L, Rabhi S, Azas N, Dubey JP, Dumètre A. Dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii Oocyst Phagocytosis by Macrophages. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:207. [PMID: 32509593 PMCID: PMC7248298 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocysts are the environmentally resistant stage of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. They are responsible for foodborne infections in humans and animals worldwide. Infectious oocysts contain sporozoites that have to exit the sporocyst and oocyst walls to initiate replication of the parasite within the host tissues. Given their robustness and resistance to chemical degradation, it is still unclear how the oocyst and sporocyst walls release the sporozoites. This process called excystation is thought to occur in the small intestine as a result of the combined action of digestive agents, yet to be identified. By using an oocyst-macrophage co-culture platform, we previously demonstrated in vitro that the excystation of sporozoites and their differentiation into replicative tachyzoites could occur in absence of digestive factors, following phagocytosis by macrophages. Here, we further characterize the dynamics of the oocyst phagocytosis at the single-cell level by using optical tweezers and micropipette aspiration techniques. Our results show that the oocyst internalization kinetics can vary among a given population of macrophages, but similar processes and dynamics could be observed. Most of the cells manipulate oocysts for ~15 min before internalizing them in typically 30 min. This process mainly involves the actin cytoskeleton of the macrophages. Liberated sporozoites within macrophages then differentiate into tachyzoites within 4-6 h following oocyst-macrophage contact. Tachyzoites appear to develop better in macrophages challenged with free sporocysts or sporozoites than with whole oocysts, suggesting that opening of the oocyst wall is one of the most limiting steps for sporozoite excystation completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Ndao
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Henri Puech
- Aix Marseille Univ, LAI UM 61, Marseille, France
- Inserm, UMR_S 1067, Marseille, France
- CNRS, UMR 7333, Marseille, France
| | - Camille Bérard
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Limozin
- Aix Marseille Univ, LAI UM 61, Marseille, France
- Inserm, UMR_S 1067, Marseille, France
- CNRS, UMR 7333, Marseille, France
| | - Sameh Rabhi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Nadine Azas
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Aurélien Dumètre
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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41
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Ólafsson EB, Ten Hoeve AL, Li-Wang X, Westermark L, Varas-Godoy M, Barragan A. Convergent Met and voltage-gated Ca 2+ channel signaling drives hypermigration of Toxoplasma-infected dendritic cells. J Cell Sci 2020; 134:jcs241752. [PMID: 32161101 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.241752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras-Erk MAPK signaling controls many of the principal pathways involved in metazoan cell motility, drives metastasis of multiple cancer types and is targeted in chemotherapy. However, its putative roles in immune cell functions or in infections have remained elusive. Here, using primary dendritic cells (DCs) in an infection model with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, we show that two pathways activated by infection converge on Ras-Erk MAPK signaling to promote migration of parasitized DCs. We report that signaling through the receptor tyrosine kinase Met (also known as HGF receptor) contributes to T. gondii-induced DC hypermotility. Furthermore, voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC, subtype CaV1.3) signaling impacted the migratory activation of DCs via calmodulin-calmodulin kinase II. We show that convergent VGCC signaling and Met signaling activate the GTPase Ras to drive Erk1 and Erk2 (also known as MAPK3 and MAPK1, respectively) phosphorylation and hypermotility of T. gondii-infected DCs. The data provide a molecular basis for the hypermigratory mesenchymal-to-amoeboid transition (MAT) of parasitized DCs. This emerging concept suggests that parasitized DCs acquire metastasis-like migratory properties that promote infection-related dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar B Ólafsson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arne L Ten Hoeve
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiaoze Li-Wang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Westermark
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Center for Cell Biology and Biomedicine (CEBICEM), Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad San Sebastian, 7620001 Santiago, Chile
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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42
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Park J, Hunter CA. The role of macrophages in protective and pathological responses to Toxoplasma gondii. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12712. [PMID: 32187690 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability of Toxoplasma gondii to cause clinical disease in immune-competent and immune-deficient hosts coupled with its ease of use in vitro and availability of murine models has led to its use as a model organism to study how the immune system controls an intracellular infection. This article reviews the studies that established the role of the cytokine IFN-γ in the activation of macrophages to control T gondii and the events that lead to the mobilization and expansion of macrophage populations and their ability to limit parasite replication. Macrophages also have pro-inflammatory functions that promote protective NK and T-cell activities as well as regulatory properties that facilitate the resolution of inflammation. Nevertheless, while macrophages are important in determining the outcome of infection, T gondii has evolved mechanisms to subvert macrophage activation and can utilize their migratory activities to promote dissemination and these two properties underlie the ability of this parasite to persist and cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongho Park
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Kangwon National University College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Chuncheon, Korea
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Salimi H, Cain MD, Jiang X, Roth RA, Beatty WL, Sun C, Klimstra WB, Hou J, Klein RS. Encephalitic Alphaviruses Exploit Caveola-Mediated Transcytosis at the Blood-Brain Barrier for Central Nervous System Entry. mBio 2020; 11:e02731-19. [PMID: 32047126 PMCID: PMC7018649 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02731-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan and western equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV and WEEV, respectively) invade the central nervous system (CNS) early during infection, via neuronal and hematogenous routes. While viral replication mediates host shutoff, including expression of type I interferons (IFN), few studies have addressed how alphaviruses gain access to the CNS during established infection or the mechanisms of viral crossing at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we show that hematogenous dissemination of VEEV and WEEV into the CNS occurs via caveolin-1 (Cav-1)-mediated transcytosis (Cav-MT) across an intact BBB, which is impeded by IFN and inhibitors of RhoA GTPase. Use of reporter and nonreplicative strains also demonstrates that IFN signaling mediates viral restriction within cells comprising the neurovascular unit (NVU), differentially rendering brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes permissive to viral replication. Transmission and immunoelectron microscopy revealed early events in virus internalization and Cav-1 association within brain endothelial cells. Cav-1-deficient mice exhibit diminished CNS VEEV and WEEV titers during early infection, whereas viral burdens in peripheral tissues remained unchanged. Our findings show that alphaviruses exploit Cav-MT to enter the CNS and that IFN differentially restricts this process at the BBB.IMPORTANCE VEEV, WEEV, and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) are emerging infectious diseases in the Americas, and they have caused several major outbreaks in the human and horse population during the past few decades. Shortly after infection, these viruses can infect the CNS, resulting in severe long-term neurological deficits or death. Neuroinvasion has been associated with virus entry into the CNS directly from the bloodstream; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that following peripheral infection alphavirus augments vesicular formation/trafficking at the BBB and utilizes Cav-MT to cross an intact BBB, a process regulated by activators of Rho GTPases within brain endothelium. In vivo examination of early viral entry in Cav-1-deficient mice revealed significantly lower viral burdens in the brain than in similarly infected wild-type animals. These studies identify a potentially targetable pathway to limit neuroinvasion by alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Salimi
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Matthew D Cain
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Xiaoping Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robyn A Roth
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Wandy L Beatty
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Chengqun Sun
- Department of Immunology and Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William B Klimstra
- Department of Immunology and Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jianghui Hou
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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44
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In Vivo CRISPR Screen Identifies TgWIP as a Toxoplasma Modulator of Dendritic Cell Migration. Cell Host Microbe 2020; 26:478-492.e8. [PMID: 31600500 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma can reach distant organs, especially the brain, leading to a lifelong chronic phase. However, genes involved in related in vivo processes are currently unknown. Here, we use focused CRISPR libraries to identify Toxoplasma genes that affect in vivo fitness. We focus on TgWIP, whose deletion affects Toxoplasma dissemination to distant organs. We show that TgWIP is secreted into the host cell upon invasion and interacts with the host WAVE regulatory complex and SHP2 phosphatase, both of which regulate actin dynamics. TgWIP affects the morphology of dendritic cells and mediates the dissolution of podosomes, which dendritic cells use to adhere to extracellular matrix. TgWIP enhances the motility and transmigration of parasitized dendritic cells, likely explaining its effect on in vivo fitness. Our results provide a framework for systemic identification of Toxoplasma genes with in vivo effects at the site of infection or on dissemination to distant organs, including the brain.
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45
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Drewry LL, Sibley LD. The hitchhiker's guide to parasite dissemination. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e13070. [PMID: 31219666 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasitic protist that can infect nearly all nucleated cell types and tissues of warm-blooded vertebrate hosts. T. gondii utilises a unique form of gliding motility to cross cellular barriers, enter tissues, and penetrate host cells, thus enhancing spread within an infected host. However, T. gondii also disseminates by hijacking the migratory abilities of infected leukocytes. Traditionally, this process has been viewed as a route to cross biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier. Here, we review recent findings that challenge this view by showing that infection of monocytes downregulates the program of transendothelial migration. Instead, infection by T. gondii enhances Rho-dependent interstitial migration of monocytes and macrophages, which enhances dissemination within tissues. Collectively, the available evidence indicates that T. gondii parasites use multiple means to disseminate within the host, including enhanced motility in tissues and translocation across biological barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L Drewry
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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