1
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Lüder CGK. IFNs in host defence and parasite immune evasion during Toxoplasma gondii infections. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356216. [PMID: 38384452 PMCID: PMC10879624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines with diverse functions in host resistance to pathogens and in immune regulation. Type II IFN, i.e. IFN-γ, is widely recognized as a major mediator of resistance to intracellular pathogens, including the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. More recently, IFN-α/β, i.e. type I IFNs, and IFN-λ (type III IFN) have been identified to also play important roles during T. gondii infections. This parasite is a widespread pathogen of humans and animals, and it is a model organism to study cell-mediated immune responses to intracellular infection. Its success depends, among other factors, on the ability to counteract the IFN system, both at the level of IFN-mediated gene expression and at the level of IFN-regulated effector molecules. Here, I review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IFN-mediated host resistance and immune regulation during T. gondii infections. I also discuss those mechanisms that T. gondii has evolved to efficiently evade IFN-mediated immunity. Knowledge of these fascinating host-parasite interactions and their underlying signalling machineries is crucial for a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis, and it might also identify potential targets of parasite-directed or host-directed supportive therapies to combat the parasite more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten G. K. Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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2
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Silva TL, Lopes CS, Silva MC, Ferreira FB, Barros HLS, Silva MF, Silva NM, Oliveira F, Mineo TWP, Mineo JR. Ileal inflammation is reduced due to treatment with a metalloprotease from BmooMP-α-I snake venom in an experimental model of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:65. [PMID: 38133827 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08033-9] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The selection process for advanced therapies in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) must prioritize safety, especially when considering new biologic agents or oral molecule modulators. In C57BL/6 mice, oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii induces intestinal inflammation through excessive tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, making TNF neutralization a potential therapeutic intervention. Considering this, the present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of BmooMP-α-I, a snake venom metalloprotease isolated from Bothrops moojeni, which could promote TNF hydrolysis, in treating T. gondii-induced ileitis. The results showed that C57BL/6 mice orally infected with 50 cysts of T. gondii from the Me49 strain and treated with BmooMP-α-I exhibited prolonged survival and improved morbidity scores. Additionally, the treatment ameliorated both the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the intestine, reduced macrophage influx, and decreased the production of inflammatory mediators by mesenteric lymph node cells. These findings provide compelling experimental evidence supporting the ability of BmooMP-α-I to alleviate ileal inflammation. Considering that the currently available therapeutic protocols are not completely effective and often result in side effects, the exploration of alternative strategies involving novel therapeutic agents, as demonstrated in this study, has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires Lopes Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina Salomão Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maraisa Cristina Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia Batista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Heber Leão Silva Barros
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ferreira Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabio Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Nano-Biopharmaceutical (N-Biofar), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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3
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Su R, Yang Y. Gut commensal bacteria exacerbate toxoplasmosis associated with TgSheepCHn5 (ToxoDB#2) and TgRedpandaCHn1 (ToxoDB#20) through Th1 immune response. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2795-2806. [PMID: 37782335 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07962-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Oral infection of mice with several strains of Toxoplasma gondii results in intestinal pathological lesions, which contributes to the invasion of this parasite. However, the exact mechanism is unclear, and only a few strains have been explored. Here, T. gondii TgSheepCHn5 and TgRedpandaCHn1 strains from sheep and red panda were evaluated. The TgSheepCHn5 and TgRedpandaCHn1 strains induced intestinal lesions, loss of Paneth cells, and gut commensal bacteria dysbiosis in Swiss Webster mice. The lesions and loss of Paneth cells were dependent on IFN-γ and gut commensal bacteria during T. gondii infection. Deleting IFN-γ or gut commensal bacteria suppressed the Th1 immune response, alleviated the lesions and parasite loading, and upregulated the number of Paneth cells. Loss of IFN-γ production accelerated mice death, whereas the deletion of gut commensal bacteria enhanced the survival time of the host. The Th1 cell immune responses have positive and negative effects on toxoplasmosis, resistance to T. gondii infection, and acceleration intestine lesions. Adjustment of Th1 cell responses and gut commensal bacteria may be effective treatments for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijing Su
- Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yurong Yang
- Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.
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4
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Ferreira PTM, Oliveira-Scussel ACM, Sousa RAP, Gomes BQ, Félix JE, Silva RJ, Millian IB, Assunção TSF, Teixeira SC, Gomes MDLM, Silva MV, Barbosa BF, Rodrigues Junior V, Mineo JR, Oliveira CJF, Ferro EAV, Gomes AO. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor contributes to drive phenotypic and functional macrophages activation in response to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152357. [PMID: 36857907 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are small molecules secreted by numerous cells. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is a cytokine initially described due to its function of inhibiting random macrophage migration. Currently, new functions have been described for MIF, such as stimulating inflammatory functions in response to infections by microorganisms including, Toxoplasma gondii. However, the primordial MIF function related to macrophages has been little addressed. The main purpose of the study was to recapitulate MIF function on macrophages in response to T. gondii infection. To achieve this goal, peritoneal macrophages were collected from C57BL/6WT and Mif1-/- mice after recruitment with thioglycolate. Macrophages were cultured, treated with 4-Iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP), and infected or not by T. gondii for 24 h. Following this, the culture supernatant was collected for cytokine, urea and nitrite analysis. In addition, macrophages were evaluated for phagocytic activity and T. gondii proliferation rates. Results demonstrated that T. gondii infection triggered an increase in MIF production in the WT group as well as an increase in the secretion of IL-10, TNF, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-17 in the WT and Mif1-/- macrophages. Regarding the comparison between groups, it was detected that Mif1-/- macrophages secreted more IL-10 compared to WT. On the other hand, the WT macrophages produced greater amounts of TNF, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-17. Urea production was more pronounced in Mif1-/- macrophages while nitrite production was higher in WT macrophages. T. gondii showed a greater ability to proliferate in Mif1-/- macrophages and these cells also presented enhanced phagocytic activity. In conclusion, T. gondii infection induces macrophage activation inciting cytokine production. In presence of MIF, T. gondii infected macrophages produce pro-inflammatory cytokines compatible with the M1 activation profile. MIF absence caused a dramatic reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines that are balanced by increased levels of urea and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These macrophages presented increased phagocytic capacity and shared features activation with the M2 profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tatiane Mutão Ferreira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Augusto Pereira Sousa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Quaresemin Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jhennifer Estevão Félix
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Iliana Balga Millian
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thais Soares Farnesi Assunção
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos de Lucca Moreira Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinícius Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Virmondes Rodrigues Junior
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Moreira-Souza ACA, Nanini HF, Rangel TP, da Silva SRB, Damasceno BP, Ribeiro BE, Cascabulho CM, Thompson F, Leal C, Santana PT, Rosas SLB, de Andrade KQ, Silva CLM, Vommaro RC, de Souza HSP, Coutinho-Silva R. P2X7 Receptor Modulation of the Gut Microbiota and the Inflammasome Determines the Severity of Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Ileitis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020555. [PMID: 36831091 PMCID: PMC9952899 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In mice, oral Toxoplasma gondii infection induces severe ileitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7) on the inflammatory response to T. gondii-induced ileitis. Cysts of the ME49 strain of T. gondii were used to induce ileitis. The infected mice were euthanized on day 8 and ileal tissue and peripheral blood were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Ileal contractility, inflammatory mediators, inflammasome activation, quantitative PCR analysis of gene expression, and fecal microbiota were assessed using appropriate techniques, respectively. The infected P2X7-/- mice had greater disease severity, parasitic burden, liver damage, and intestinal contractility than the infected wild-type (WT) mice. Infection increased serum IL-6 and IFN-γ and tissue caspase-1 but not NLRP3 in P2X7-/- mice compared to WT mice. Bacteroidaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Rhodospirillales increased while Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillaceae decreased in the infected WT and P2X7-/- mice. Bacteroidia and Tannerellaceae increased in the P2X7-/- mice with ileitis. By contrast, Clostridiales and Mollicutes were absent in the P2X7-/- mice but increased in the WT mice. P2X7 protects mice against T. gondii infection by activating the inflammasome and regulating the local and systemic immune responses. Specific gut bacterial populations modulated by P2X7 determine disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Cristina Abreu Moreira-Souza
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Hayandra Ferreira Nanini
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Thuany Prado Rangel
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Sthefani Rodrigues Batista da Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Pêgo Damasceno
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Elias Ribeiro
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Cynthia M. Cascabulho
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Thompson
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Camille Leal
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Teixeira Santana
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Siane Lopes Bittencourt Rosas
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Kívia Queiroz de Andrade
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Claudia L. Martins Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Bioquímica e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Rossiane Claudia Vommaro
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil
- Instituto D’Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, Rio de Janeiro 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Heitor Siffert Pereira de Souza
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
- Instituto D’Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, Rio de Janeiro 22281-100, Brazil
- Correspondence: or (H.S.P.d.S.); (R.C.-S.); Tel.: +55-21-3938-2669 (H.S.P.d.S.); +55-21-3938-6565 (R.C.-S.)
| | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
- Correspondence: or (H.S.P.d.S.); (R.C.-S.); Tel.: +55-21-3938-2669 (H.S.P.d.S.); +55-21-3938-6565 (R.C.-S.)
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6
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Nascimento LAC, Sousa RO, Almeida MPO, Cariaco Y, Gomes AO, Miranda NC, França FBF, Venâncio MDFA, Silva CAT, Lima WR, Barbosa BF, Santos JL, Silva NM. The ethanolic extract of the fungus Trichoderma stromaticum decreases the Toxoplasma gondii replication in vitro and ameliorates the experimental toxoplasmosis in vivo. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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7
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Saraav I, Cervantes-Barragan L, Olias P, Fu Y, Wang Q, Wang L, Wang Y, Mack M, Baldridge MT, Stappenbeck T, Colonna M, Sibley LD. Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection enhances susceptibility to colitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2106730118. [PMID: 34462359 PMCID: PMC8433586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106730118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii results in dysbiosis and enteritis, both of which revert to normal during chronic infection. However, whether infection leaves a lasting impact on mucosal responses remains uncertain. Here we examined the effect of the chemical irritant dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) on intestinal damage and wound healing in chronically infected mice. Our findings indicate that prior infection with T. gondii exacerbates damage to the colon caused by DSS and impairs wound healing by suppressing stem cell regeneration of the epithelium. Enhanced tissue damage was attributable to inflammatory monocytes that emerge preactivated from bone marrow, migrate to the intestine, and release inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide. Tissue damage was reversed by neutralization of inflammatory monocytes or nitric oxide, revealing a causal mechanism for tissue damage. Our findings suggest that chronic infection with T. gondii enhances monocyte activation to increase inflammation associated with a secondary environmental insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iti Saraav
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Luisa Cervantes-Barragan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Philipp Olias
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yong Fu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Qiuling Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Leran Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Matthias Mack
- Department of Nephrology, University of Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Megan T Baldridge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Thaddeus Stappenbeck
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110;
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RIPK3 Facilitates Host Resistance to Oral Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00021-21. [PMID: 33526566 PMCID: PMC8091083 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00021-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection activates pattern recognition receptor (PRR) pathways that drive innate inflammatory responses to control infection. Necroptosis is a proinflammatory cell death pathway apart from the innate immune response that has evolved to control pathogenic infection. In this study, we further defined the role of Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1) as a PRR and assessed its contribution to necroptosis as a host protection mechanism to T. gondii infection. We found that ZBP1 does not induce proinflammatory necroptosis cell death, and ZBP1 null mice have reduced survival after oral T. gondii infection. In contrast, mice deleted in receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3-/-), a central mediator of necroptosis, have significantly improved survival after oral T. gondii infection without a reduction in parasite burden. The physiological consequences of RIPK3 activity did not show any differences in intestine villus immunopathology, but RIPK3-/- mice showed higher immune cell infiltration and edema in the lamina propria. The contribution of necroptosis to host survival was clarified with mixed-lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase null (MLKL-/-) mice. We found MLKL-/- mice succumbed to oral T. gondii infection the same as wild-type mice, indicating necroptosis-independent RIPK3 activity impacts host survival. These results provide new insights on the impacts of proinflammatory cell death pathways as a mechanism of host defense to oral T. gondii infection.
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9
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Liu Y, Hu JN, Luo N, Zhao J, Liu SC, Ma T, Yao YM. The Essential Involvement of the Omentum in the Peritoneal Defensive Mechanisms During Intra-Abdominal Sepsis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:631609. [PMID: 33815381 PMCID: PMC8012523 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.631609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the abilities of the omentum to alleviate inflammation and prevent infection have been revealed over the past decades, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unelucidated. Here, we demonstrated that the mortality of mice exposed to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and omentectomy was remarkably increased compared to those treated with CLP alone. Moreover, the efficacy of the omentum was associated with an impairment in intraperitoneal bacterial clearance together with an increase in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Besides, in response to peritoneal infections, the size and quantity of the omental milky spots (MSs) were increased tremendously and they also support innate-like B1 cell responses and local IgM production in the peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, not only the migration but also the functional activities of neutrophils were diminished in the absence of the omentum. These data collectively show that the omentum contributes more to peritoneal immune responses during septic peritonitis than has heretofore been recognized. Thus, harnessing the function of MS-containing omentum to increase its protective effectiveness may exert important biological and therapeutic implications for the control of intra-abdominal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian-Nan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ning Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shu-Chang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yong-Ming Yao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Trauma Research Center, Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Sikorski PM, Commodaro AG, Grigg ME. A Protective and Pathogenic Role for Complement During Acute Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:634610. [PMID: 33692968 PMCID: PMC7937796 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.634610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The infection competence of the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii is critically dependent on the parasite’s ability to inactivate the host complement system. Toxoplasma actively resists complement-mediated killing in non-immune serum by recruiting host-derived complement regulatory proteins C4BP and Factor H (FH) to the parasite surface to inactivate surface-bound C3 and limit formation of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC). While decreased complement activation on the parasite surface certainly protects Toxoplasma from immediate lysis, the biological effector functions of C3 split products C3b and C3a are maintained, which includes opsonization of the parasite for phagocytosis and potent immunomodulatory effects that promote pro-inflammatory responses and alters mucosal defenses during infection, respectively. In this review, we discuss how complement regulation by Toxoplasma controls parasite burden systemically but drives exacerbated immune responses locally in the gut of genetically susceptible C57BL/6J mice. In effect, Toxoplasma has evolved to strike a balance with the complement system, by inactivating complement to protect the parasite from immediate serum killing, it generates sufficient C3 catabolites that signal through their cognate receptors to stimulate protective immunity. This regulation ultimately controls tachyzoite proliferation and promotes host survival, parasite persistence, and transmissibility to new hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Sikorski
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alessandra G Commodaro
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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11
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Snyder LM, Denkers EY. From Initiators to Effectors: Roadmap Through the Intestine During Encounter of Toxoplasma gondii With the Mucosal Immune System. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:614701. [PMID: 33505924 PMCID: PMC7829212 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.614701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is a major portal of entry for many pathogens, including the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Billions of people worldwide have acquired T. gondii at some point in their life, and for the vast majority this has led to latent infection in the central nervous system. The first line of host defense against Toxoplasma is located within the intestinal mucosa. Appropriate coordination of responses by the intestinal epithelium, intraepithelial lymphocytes, and lamina propria cells results in an inflammatory response that controls acute infection. Under some conditions, infection elicits bacterial dysbiosis and immune-mediated tissue damage in the intestine. Here, we discuss the complex interactions between the microbiota, the epithelium, as well as innate and adaptive immune cells in the intestinal mucosa that induce protective immunity, and that sometimes switch to inflammatory pathology as T. gondii encounters tissues of the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Snyder
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Eric Y Denkers
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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12
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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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13
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Oliveira MC, Coutinho LB, Almeida MPO, Briceño MP, Araujo ECB, Silva NM. The Availability of Iron Is Involved in the Murine Experimental Toxoplasma gondii Infection Outcome. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8040560. [PMID: 32295126 PMCID: PMC7232304 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an important constituent of our environment, being necessary for both mammalian and pathogenic protozoa survival. Iron-containing proteins exert a wide range of biological processes such as biodegradation and biosynthesis, as well as immune function, fetal development, and physical and mental well-being. This work aimed to investigate the effect of iron deprivation in Toxoplasma gondii infection outcome. C57BL/6 mice were orally infected with T. gondii and treated with an iron chelator, deferoxamine, or supplemented with iron (ferrous sulfate), and the parasitism as well as immunological and histological parameters were analyzed. It was observed that the infection increased iron accumulation in the organs, as well as systemically, and deferoxamine treatment diminished the iron content in serum samples and intestine. The deferoxamine treatment decreased the parasitism and inflammatory alterations in the small intestine and lung. Additionally, they partially preserved the Paneth cells and decreased the intestinal dysbiosis. The ferrous sulfate supplementation, despite not significantly increasing the parasite load in the organs, increased the inflammatory alterations in the liver. Together, our results suggest that iron chelation, which is commonly used to treat iron overload, could be a promising medicine to control T. gondii proliferation, mainly in the small intestine, and consequently inflammation caused by infection.
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14
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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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15
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Wang S, El-Fahmawi A, Christian DA, Fang Q, Radaelli E, Chen L, Sullivan MC, Misic AM, Ellringer JA, Zhu XQ, Winter SE, Hunter CA, Beiting DP. Infection-Induced Intestinal Dysbiosis Is Mediated by Macrophage Activation and Nitrate Production. mBio 2019; 10:e00935-19. [PMID: 31138751 PMCID: PMC6538788 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00935-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral infection of C57BL/6J mice with Toxoplasma gondii results in a marked bacterial dysbiosis and the development of severe pathology in the distal small intestine that is dependent on CD4+ T cells and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). This dysbiosis and bacterial translocation contribute to the development of ileal pathology, but the factors that support the bloom of bacterial pathobionts are unclear. The use of microbial community profiling and shotgun metagenomics revealed that Toxoplasma infection induces a dysbiosis dominated by Enterobacteriaceae and an increased potential for nitrate respiration. In vivo experiments using bacterial metabolic mutants revealed that during this infection, host-derived nitrate supports the expansion of Enterobacteriaceae in the ileum via nitrate respiration. Additional experiments with infected mice indicate that the IFN-γ/STAT1/iNOS axis, while essential for parasite control, also supplies a pool of nitrate that serves as a source for anaerobic respiration and supports overgrowth of Enterobacteriaceae Together, these data reveal a trade-off in intestinal immunity after oral infection of C57BL/6J mice with T. gondii, in which inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is required for parasite control, while this host enzyme is responsible for specific modification of the composition of the microbiome that contributes to pathology.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite and a leading cause of foodborne illness. Infection is initiated when the parasite invades the intestinal epithelium, and in many host species, this leads to intense inflammation and a dramatic disruption of the normal microbial ecosystem that resides in the healthy gut (the so-called microbiome). One characteristic change in the microbiome during infection with Toxoplasma-as well as numerous other pathogens-is the overgrowth of Escherichia coli or similar bacteria and a breakdown of commensal containment leading to seeding of peripheral organs with gut bacteria and subsequent sepsis. Our findings provide one clear explanation for how this process is regulated, thereby improving our understanding of the relationship between parasite infection, inflammation, and disease. Furthermore, our results could serve as the basis for the development of novel therapeutics to reduce the potential for harmful bacteria to bloom in the gut during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- 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, China
| | - Ayah El-Fahmawi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David A Christian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qun Fang
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Enrico Radaelli
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Longfei Chen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Megan C Sullivan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ana M Misic
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jodi A Ellringer
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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, China
| | - Sebastian E Winter
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel P Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Heimesaat MM, Dunay IR, Bereswill S. Comprehensive Kinetic Survey of Intestinal, Extra-Intestinal and Systemic Sequelae of Murine Ileitis Following Peroral Low-Dose Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:98. [PMID: 31032232 PMCID: PMC6474322 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that following peroral low-dose Toxoplasma gondii infection susceptible mice develop subacute ileitis within 10 days. Data regarding long-term intestinal and extra-intestinal sequelae of infection are scarce, however. We therefore challenged conventional C57BL/6 mice with one cyst of T. gondii ME49 strain by gavage and performed a comprehensive immunopathological survey 10, 36, and 57 days later. As early as 10 days post-infection, mice were suffering from subacute ileitis as indicated by mild-to-moderate histopathological changes of the ileal mucosa. Furthermore, numbers of apoptotic and proliferating/regenerating epithelial cells as well as of T and B lymphocytes in the mucosa and lamina propria of the ileum were highest at day 10 post-infection, but declined thereafter, and were accompanied by enhanced pro-inflammatory mediator secretion in ileum, colon and mesenteric lymph nodes that was most pronounced during the early phase of infection. In addition, subacute ileitis was accompanied by distinct shifts in the commensal gut microbiota composition in the small intestines. Remarkably, immunopathological sequelae of T. gondii infection were not restricted to the intestines, but could also be observed in extra-intestinal tissues including the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and strikingly, in systemic compartments that were most prominent at day 10 post-infection. We conclude that the here provided long-term kinetic survey of immunopathological sequalae following peroral low-dose T. gondii infection provides valuable corner stones for a better understanding of the complex interactions within the triangle relationship of (parasitic) pathogens, the host immunity and the commensal gut microbiota during intestinal inflammation. The low-dose T. gondii infection model may be applied as valuable gut inflammation model in future pre-clinical studies in order to test potential treatment options for intestinal inflammatory conditions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus M Heimesaat
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ildiko R Dunay
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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17
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López-Yglesias AH, Burger E, Araujo A, Martin AT, Yarovinsky F. T-bet-independent Th1 response induces intestinal immunopathology during Toxoplasma gondii infection. Mucosal Immunol 2018; 11:921-931. [PMID: 29297501 PMCID: PMC6179443 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2017.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Coordinated production of IFN-γ by innate and adaptive immune cells is central for host defense, but can also trigger immunopathology. The investigation of the lymphoid cell-specific contribution to the IFN-γ-mediated intestinal pathology during Toxoplasma gondii infection identified CD4+ T cells as a key cell population responsible for IFN-γ-dependent intestinal inflammation and Paneth cell loss, where T-bet-dependent group 1 innate lymphoid cells have a minor role in driving the parasite-induced immunopathology. This was evident from the analysis of T-bet deficiency that did not prevent the intestinal inflammation and instead revealed that T-bet-deficient CD4+ Th1 cells are sufficient for T. gondii-triggered acute ileitis and Paneth cell loss. These results revealed that T-bet-independent Th1 effector cells are major functional mediators of the type I immunopathological response during acute gastrointestinal infection.
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18
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Heimesaat MM, Escher U, Grunau A, Fiebiger U, Bereswill S. Peroral Low-Dose Toxoplasma gondii Infection of Human Microbiota-Associated Mice - A Subacute Ileitis Model to Unravel Pathogen-Host Interactions. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2018; 8:53-61. [PMID: 29997912 PMCID: PMC6038537 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2018.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Within 1 week following high-dose Toxoplasma gondii infection, mice develop lethal necrotizing ileitis. However, data from a subacute T. gondii-induced ileitis model are scarce. Therefore, mice harboring a human gut microbiota were perorally infected with one cyst of T. gondii. Within 9 days post-infection, the intestinal microbiota composition shifted towards higher loads of commensal enterobacteria and enterococci. Following T. gondii infection, mice were clinically only mildly affected, whereas ≈60% of mice displayed fecal blood and mild-to-moderate ileal histopathological changes. Intestinal inflammation was further characterized by increased apoptotic intestinal epithelial cells, which were accompanied by elevated proliferating gut epithelial cell numbers. As compared to naive controls, infected mice displayed elevated numbers of intestinal T lymphocytes and regulatory T-cells and increased pro-inflammatory mediator secretion. Remarkably, T. gondii-induced apoptotic and pro-inflammatory immune responses were not restricted to the gut, but could also be observed in extra-intestinal compartments including kidney, liver, and lung. Strikingly, low-dose T. gondii infection resulted in increased serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, the here presented subacute ileitis model following peroral low-dose T. gondii infection of humanized mice allows for detailed investigations of the molecular mechanism underlying the “ménage à trois” of pathogens, human gut microbiota, and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus M Heimesaat
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Escher
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Grunau
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Fiebiger
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Microbiology and Infection Immunology, Berlin, Germany
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19
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Burger E, Araujo A, López-Yglesias A, Rajala MW, Geng L, Levine B, Hooper LV, Burstein E, Yarovinsky F. Loss of Paneth Cell Autophagy Causes Acute Susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii-Mediated Inflammation. Cell Host Microbe 2018; 23:177-190.e4. [PMID: 29358083 PMCID: PMC6179445 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii triggers severe small intestinal immunopathology characterized by IFN-γ- and intestinal microbiota-mediated inflammation, Paneth cell loss, and bacterial dysbiosis. Paneth cells are a prominent secretory epithelial cell type that resides at the base of intestinal crypts and releases antimicrobial peptides. We demonstrate that the microbiota triggers basal Paneth cell-specific autophagy via induction of IFN-γ, a known trigger of autophagy, to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Deletion of the autophagy protein Atg5 specifically in Paneth cells results in exaggerated intestinal inflammation characterized by complete destruction of the intestinal crypts resembling that seen in pan-epithelial Atg5-deficient mice. Additionally, lack of functional autophagy in Paneth cells within intestinal organoids and T. gondii-infected mice causes increased sensitivity to the proinflammatory cytokine TNF along with increased intestinal permeability, leading to exaggerated microbiota- and IFN-γ-dependent intestinal immunopathology. Thus, Atg5 expression in Paneth cells is essential for tissue protection against cytokine-mediated immunopathology during acute gastrointestinal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Burger
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Alessandra Araujo
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Américo López-Yglesias
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Michael W Rajala
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Linda Geng
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Beth Levine
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Center for Autophagy Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lora V Hooper
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ezra Burstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Felix Yarovinsky
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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20
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Ashour DS, Saad AE, Dawood LM, Zamzam Y. Immunological interaction between Giardia cyst extract and experimental toxoplasmosis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 40. [PMID: 29130475 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is mostly associated with other intestinal parasitic infections especially Giardia due to shared mode of peroral infection. Toxoplasma and Giardia induce a strong T-helper 1- immune response. Our aim was to induce a protective immune response that results in significant impact on intestinal and extra-intestinal phases of Toxoplasma infection. This study was conducted in experimental animals and assessment of Giardia cyst extract effect on Toxoplasma infection was investigated by histopathological examination of small intestine and brain, Toxoplasma cyst count and iNOS staining of the brain, measurement of IFN-γ and TGF-β in intestinal tissues. Results showed that the brain Toxoplasma cyst number was decreased in mice infected with Toxoplasma then received Giardia cyst extract as compared to mice infected with Toxoplasma only. This effect was produced because Giardia cyst extract augmented the immune response to Toxoplasma infection as evidenced by severe inflammatory reaction in the intestinal and brain tissues, increased levels of IFN-γ and TGF-β in intestinal tissues and strong iNOS staining of the brain. In conclusion, Giardia cyst extract generated a protective response against T. gondii infection. Therefore, Giardia antigen will be a suitable candidate for further researches as an immunomodulatory agent against Toxoplasma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Ashour
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - A E Saad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - L M Dawood
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Y Zamzam
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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21
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Faria JLM, Couto CD, Wierzynski SL, Bottari NB, Baldissera MD, Pereira WAB, Da Silva AS. Feline Toxoplasmosis: Tumor Necrosis Factor, Nitric Oxide, and Free Radicals in Seropositive Cats. J Parasitol 2017; 104:86-88. [PMID: 29116885 DOI: 10.1645/17-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan protozoan that causes disease in several species, including humans. In cats, these infections are usually asymptomatic, but in other species they can lead to high levels of inflammatory and cell damage markers, causing cellular damage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate-NOx) in the serum of cats seropositive for T. gondii. Initially, we investigated the presence of antibodies against T. gondii in cats in the city of Concordia, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with the use of indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), and found 30 cats seropositive for T. gondii and 30 seronegative cats. In this study, seropositive cats showed higher levels of TNF-α, ROS, and NOx compared to seronegative cats. Although cats do not show clinical signs of disease, constant inflammatory response can cause cell damage, which over time may adversely affect the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joice L M Faria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Caroline do Couto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Sheron L Wierzynski
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Nathieli B Bottari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Matheus D Baldissera
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Wanderson A B Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Aleksandro S Da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89703-720, Brazil
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22
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Bonnart C, Feuillet G, Vasseur V, Cenac N, Vergnolle N, Blanchard N. Protease-activated receptor 2 contributes to Toxoplasma gondii
-mediated gut inflammation. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Bonnart
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD); Université de Toulouse; INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS; Toulouse France
| | - G. Feuillet
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD); Université de Toulouse; INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS; Toulouse France
| | - V. Vasseur
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP); Université de Toulouse; INSERM, CNRS, UPS; Toulouse France
| | - N. Cenac
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD); Université de Toulouse; INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS; Toulouse France
| | - N. Vergnolle
- Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD); Université de Toulouse; INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS; Toulouse France
| | - N. Blanchard
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP); Université de Toulouse; INSERM, CNRS, UPS; Toulouse France
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23
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Nascimento BB, Cartelle CT, Noviello MDL, Pinheiro BV, de Almeida Vitor RW, Souza DDG, de Vasconcelos Generoso S, Cardoso VN, Martins FDS, Nicoli JR, Arantes RME. Influence of indigenous microbiota on experimental toxoplasmosis in conventional and germ-free mice. Int J Exp Pathol 2017; 98:191-202. [PMID: 28895246 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis represents one of the most common zoonoses worldwide. Its agent, Toxoplasma gondii, causes a severe innate pro-inflammatory response. The indigenous intestinal microbiota promotes host animal homoeostasis and may protect the host against pathogens. Germ-free (GF) animals provide an important tool for the study of interactions between host and microbiota. In this study, we assessed the role of indigenous microorganisms in disease development utilizing a murine toxoplasmosis model, which includes conventional (CV) and GF NIH Swiss mice. CV and GF mice orally inoculated with T. gondii had similar survival curves. However, disease developed differently in the two animal groups. In CV mice, intestinal permeability increased and levels of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines were altered. In GF animals, there were discrete epithelial degenerative changes and mucosal oedema, but the liver and lungs displayed significant lesions. We conclude that, despite similar survival curves, CV animals succumb to an exaggerated inflammatory response, whereas GF mice fail to produce an adequate systemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna B Nascimento
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Laboratório de Neuro-Imunopatologia Experimental (NIPE), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Christiane T Cartelle
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Laboratório de Neuro-Imunopatologia Experimental (NIPE), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria de L Noviello
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Laboratório de Neuro-Imunopatologia Experimental (NIPE), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Breno V Pinheiro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo W de Almeida Vitor
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Danielle da G Souza
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Simone de Vasconcelos Generoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Valbert N Cardoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Flaviano Dos S Martins
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jacques R Nicoli
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosa M E Arantes
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Laboratório de Neuro-Imunopatologia Experimental (NIPE), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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von Klitzing E, Ekmekciu I, Kühl AA, Bereswill S, Heimesaat MM. Intestinal, extra-intestinal and systemic sequelae of Toxoplasma gondii induced acute ileitis in mice harboring a human gut microbiota. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176144. [PMID: 28414794 PMCID: PMC5393883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Within seven days following peroral high dose infection with Toxoplasma gondii susceptible conventionally colonized mice develop acute ileitis due to an underlying T helper cell (Th) -1 type immunopathology. We here addressed whether mice harboring a human intestinal microbiota developed intestinal, extra-intestinal and systemic sequelae upon ileitis induction. Methodology/Principal findings Secondary abiotic mice were generated by broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment and associated with a complex human intestinal microbiota following peroral fecal microbiota transplantation. Within three weeks the human microbiota had stably established in the murine intestinal tract as assessed by quantitative cultural and culture-independent (i.e. molecular 16S rRNA based) methods. At day 7 post infection (p.i.) with 50 cysts of T. gondii strain ME49 by gavage human microbiota associated (hma) mice displayed severe clinical, macroscopic and microscopic sequelae indicating acute ileitis. In diseased hma mice increased numbers of innate and adaptive immune cells within the ileal mucosa and lamina propria and elevated intestinal secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators including IFN-γ, IL-12 and nitric oxide could be observed at day 7 p.i. Ileitis development was accompanied by substantial shifts in intestinal microbiota composition of hma mice characterized by elevated total bacterial loads and increased numbers of intestinal Gram-negative commensals such as enterobacteria and Bacteroides / Prevotella species overgrowing the small and large intestinal lumen. Furthermore, viable bacteria translocated from the inflamed ileum to extra-intestinal including systemic compartments. Notably, pro-inflammatory immune responses were not restricted to the intestinal tract as indicated by increased pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in extra-intestinal (i.e. liver and kidney) and systemic compartments including spleen and serum. Conclusion/Significance With respect to the intestinal microbiota composition “humanized” mice display acute ileitis following peroral high dose T. gondii infection. Thus, hma mice constitute a suitable model to further dissect the interactions between pathogens, human microbiota and vertebrate host immunity during acute intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane von Klitzing
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ira Ekmekciu
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja A. Kühl
- Department of Medicine I for Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology / Research Center ImmunoSciences (RCIS), Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus M. Heimesaat
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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25
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Acute ileitis facilitates infection with multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in human microbiota-associated mice. Gut Pathog 2017; 9:4. [PMID: 28115993 PMCID: PMC5241993 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-017-0154-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rising incidence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a serious issue in prevention of its spread particularly among hospitalized patients. It is, however, unclear whether distinct conditions such as acute intestinal inflammation facilitate P. aeruginosa infection of vertebrate hosts. Methods and results To address this, we analysed P. aeruginosa infection in human microbiota-associated (hma) mice with acute ileitis induced by peroral Toxoplasma gondii challenge. When perorally infected with P. aeruginosa at day 3 post ileitis induction, hma mice displayed higher intestinal P. aeruginosa loads as compared to hma mice without ileitis. However, the overall intestinal microbiota composition was not disturbed by P. aeruginosa (except for lowered bifidobacterial populations), and the infection did not further enhance ileal immune cell responses. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ and IL-12p70 were similarly increased in ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes of P. aeruginosa infected and uninfected hma mice with ileitis. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased multifold upon ileitis induction, but interestingly more distinctly in P. aeruginosa infected as compared to uninfected controls. Immune responses were not restricted to the intestines as indicated by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in liver and kidney upon ileitis induction. However, except for hepatic TNF-α levels, P. aeruginosa infection did not result in more distinct pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in liver and kidney of hma mice with ileitis. Whereas viable intestinal bacteria were more frequently detected in systemic compartments such as spleen and cardiac blood of P. aeruginosa infected than uninfected mice at day 7 following ileitis induction, P. aeruginosa infection did not exacerbate systemic pro-inflammatory sequelae, but resulted in lower IL-10 serum levels. Conclusion Acute intestinal inflammation facilitates infection of the vertebrate host with MDR bacteria including P. aeruginosa and might also pose particularly hospitalized patients at risk for acquisition. Since acute T. gondii induced inflammation might mask immunopathology caused by P. aeruginosa, a subacute or chronic inflammation model might be better suited to investigate the potential role of P. aeruginosa infection in the aggravation of intestinal disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13099-017-0154-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Dukaczewska A, Tedesco R, Liesenfeld O. Experimental Models of Ocular Infection with Toxoplasma Gondii. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2015; 5:293-305. [PMID: 26716018 PMCID: PMC4681357 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2015.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a vision-threatening disease and the major cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. In spite of the continuing global burden of ocular toxoplasmosis, many critical aspects of disease including the therapeutic approach to ocular toxoplasmosis are still under debate. To assist in addressing many aspects of the disease, numerous experimental models of ocular toxoplasmosis have been established. In this article, we present an overview on in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of ocular toxoplasmosis available to date. Experimental studies on ocular toxoplasmosis have recently focused on mice. However, the majority of murine models established so far are based on intraperitoneal and intraocular infection with Toxoplasma gondii. We therefore also present results obtained in an in vivo model using peroral infection of C57BL/6 and NMRI mice that reflects the natural route of infection and mimics the disease course in humans. While advances have been made in ex vivo model systems or larger animals to investigate specific aspects of ocular toxoplasmosis, laboratory mice continue to be the experimental model of choice for the investigation of ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Dukaczewska
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Charité UniversitätsmedizinBerlin, Germany
| | - Roberto Tedesco
- Disciplina de Anatomia Descritiva e Topográfica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil, Germany
| | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Charité UniversitätsmedizinBerlin, Germany
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Erben U, Pawlowski NN, Heimesaat MM, Loddenkemper C, Doerfel K, Spieckermann S, Siegmund B, Kühl AA. Preventive Anti-CD2 Treatment does not Impair Parasite Control in a Murine Toxoplasmosis Model. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2015; 5:306-15. [PMID: 26716019 PMCID: PMC4681358 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2015.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting human CD2 with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) CB.219 reduces intestinal inflammation in a colitis model where T cells carry human CD2. Here, we asked whether this mAb has adverse effects on infection control. Mice expressing human CD2 on T cells (huCD2tg) were orally infected with Toxoplasma (T.) gondii and treated with the human CD2-specific mAb CB.219 in a preventive setting. The intestinal T. gondii loads in CB.219 treated mice did not differ from the control group. Histologically, huCD2tg mice showed moderate ileal inflammation that did not change with CB.219 treatment. In the ileum, CB.219 treatment reduced the protein levels of interferon-γ, transforming growth factor β and interleukin-6, whereas interleukin-18 mRNA was slightly increased. The infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells into the ileum was unaffected by CB.219 treatment. However, CB.219 treatment decreased the numbers of forkhead box P3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in ileum and liver of huCD2tg mice. This was confirmed in vitro using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Taken together, targeting CD2+ T cells by the human CD2 mAb CB.219 does not prevent beneficial immune reactions necessary for pathogen control. Further experiments will address gut specificity, underlying mechanisms, and general applicability of CB.219 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Erben
- Medical Department (Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology), Campus Benjamin Franklin, Chari té - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany ; Research Center ImmunoSciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | | | - M M Heimesaat
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin , Berlin, Germany
| | - C Loddenkemper
- Pathotres Joint Practice for Pathology , Berlin, Germany
| | - K Doerfel
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory , Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - S Spieckermann
- Medical Department (Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology), Campus Benjamin Franklin, Chari té - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - B Siegmund
- Medical Department (Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology), Campus Benjamin Franklin, Chari té - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany ; Research Center ImmunoSciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - A A Kühl
- Medical Department (Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology), Campus Benjamin Franklin, Chari té - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany ; Research Center ImmunoSciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
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28
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Heimesaat MM, Fischer A, Kühl AA, Göbel UB, Gozes I, Bereswill S. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of NAP in Acute Toxoplasma Gondii-Induced Ileitis in Mice. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2015; 5:210-20. [PMID: 26495132 PMCID: PMC4598889 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2015.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The octapeptide NAP has been shown to exert neuroprotective properties. Here, we investigated potential anti-inflammatory effects of NAP in an acute ileitis model. To address this, C57BL/6j mice were perorally infected with Toxoplasma gondii (day 0). Within 1 week postinfection (p.i.), placebo (PLC)-treated mice developed acute ileitis due to Th1-type immune responses. Mice that were subjected to intraperitoneal NAP treatment from day 1 until day 6 p.i., however, developed less distinct macroscopic and microscopic disease as indicated by less body weight loss, less distinct histopathological ileal changes, and lower ileal apoptotic, but higher proliferating cell numbers, less abundance of neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, and T lymphocytes, but higher numbers of regulatory T cells in the ileal mucosa and lamina propria, and lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators in the ilea as compared to PLC controls at day 7 p.i. Remarkably, NAP-mediated anti-inflammatory effects could also be observed in extra-intestinal compartments including liver and spleen. Strikingly, lower MCP-1, TNF, and IL-12p70 serum concentrations in NAP as compared to PLC-treated mice at day 7 p.i. indicate a pronounced systemic anti-inflammatory effect of NAP in acute ileitis. These findings provide first evidence for NAP as a potential novel treatment option in intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus M Heimesaat
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - André Fischer
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja A Kühl
- Department of Medicine I for Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease and Rheumatology/Research Center ImmunoSciences (RCIS), Charité - University Medicine Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulf B Göbel
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - Illana Gozes
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Aviv University , Aviv, Israel
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin , Berlin, Germany
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Bottari NB, Baldissera MD, Tonin AA, Rech VC, Nishihira VSK, Thomé GR, Camillo G, Vogel FF, Duarte MMMF, Schetinger MRC, Morsch VM, Tochetto C, Fighera R, Da Silva AS. Effects of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim associated to resveratrol on its free form and complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin on cytokines levels of mice infected by Toxoplasma gondii. Microb Pathog 2015. [PMID: 26209515 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on its free form and complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) when associated with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (ST) on cytokines levels of mice (n = 60) experimentally infected by Toxoplasma gondii. Groups A and E were used as controls (untreated): negative and positive, respectively. The onset of treatment started 20 days post-infection (PI), and it lasted for 10 consecutive days. ST was administered orally in doses of 0.5 mg kg(-1) for groups B and F, while 100 mg kg(-1) was the dose for resveratrol in its free form (groups C - G), inclusion complex (groups D and H), and on free and inclusion complex together (groups I - J). On day 31 PI, blood samples were collected in order to evaluate the cytokine profile. The mice that received drug combination (I and J) showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the number of cysts in the brain compared to other infected groups (E - H). The results showed that mice from the Group E had increased (P < 0.001) levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while IL-10 levels were reduced when compared to the Group A. Additionally, there were increased levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ in animals of groups C and D, respectively (P < 0.05). Animals of the Group B showed reduced levels of IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ (P < 0.05). Mice infected and treated (groups F - J) showed increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines along with a reduction of IL-10. Treatment with the combination of drugs (the Group J) led to a protective effect, i.e. reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, resveratrol associated with ST was able to modulate seric cytokine profile and moderate the tissue inflammatory process caused by T. gondii infection, as well as to reduce parasite multiplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathieli B Bottari
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil
| | - Matheus D Baldissera
- Laboratory of Nanosciences, Centro Universitário Franciscano, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Virginia C Rech
- Laboratory of Nanosciences, Centro Universitário Franciscano, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Vivian S K Nishihira
- Laboratory of Nanosciences, Centro Universitário Franciscano, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo R Thomé
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Maria Rosa C Schetinger
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil
| | - Vera M Morsch
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil
| | | | | | - Aleksandro S Da Silva
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil; Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
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Dincel GC, Atmaca HT. Nitric oxide production increases during Toxoplasma gondii encephalitis in mice. Exp Parasitol 2015; 156:104-12. [PMID: 26115941 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with the potential of causing severe encephalitis among immunocompromised human and animals. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and immunopathological role of nitric oxide (NO) in central nervous systems and to identify any correlation between toxoplasmosis neuropathology and investigate the consequences of the cellular responses protect against T. gondii. Mice were infected with ME49 strain T. gondii and levels of endothelial, neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, nNOS, iNOS), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament (NF) were examined in brain tissues by immunohistochemistry, during the development and establishment of a chronic infection at 10 30 and 60 days post infection. Results of the study revealed that the levels of eNOS (p < 0.05), nNOS (p < 0.05), iNOS (p < 0.005), GFAP (p < 0.005) and NF (p < 0.005) were remarkably higher in T. gondii-infected mice than in uninfected control. The most prominent finding from our study was 10 and 30 days after inoculation data indicating that increased levels of NO not only a potential neuroprotective role for immunoregulatory and immunopathological but also might be a molecular trigger of bradyzoite development. Furthermore, this findings were shown that high expressed NO origin was not only inducible nitric oxide synthase but also endothelial and neuronal. We demonstrated that activation of astrocytes and microglia/macrophages is a significant event in toxoplasma encephalitis (TE). The results also clearly indicated that increased levels of NO might contribute to neuropathology related with TE. Furthermore, expression of NF might gives an idea of the progress and critical for diagnostic significance of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gungor Cagdas Dincel
- Gumushane University, Siran Mustafa Beyaz Vocational High School, Siran, Gumushane 29700, Turkey.
| | - Hasan Tarik Atmaca
- Kirikkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Yahsihan, Kirikkale 71450, Turkey.
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Lack of a Functioning P2X7 Receptor Leads to Increased Susceptibility to Toxoplasmic Ileitis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129048. [PMID: 26053862 PMCID: PMC4460092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral infection of C57BL/6J mice with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii leads to a lethal inflammatory ileitis. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Mice lacking the purinergic receptor P2X7R are acutely susceptible to toxoplasmic ileitis, losing significantly more weight than C57BL/6J mice and exhibiting much greater intestinal inflammatory pathology in response to infection with only 10 cysts of T. gondii. This susceptibility is not dependent on the ability of P2X7R-deficient mice to control the parasite, which they accomplish just as efficiently as C57BL/6J mice. Rather, susceptibility is associated with elevated ileal concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive nitrogen intermediates and altered regulation of elements of NFκB activation in P2X7R-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the thesis that P2X7R, a well-documented activator of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, also plays an important role in the regulation of intestinal inflammation.
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Wang Z, Zhang DX, Zhao Q. Infection-stimulated anemia results primarily from interferon gamma-dependent, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1-independent red cell loss. Chin Med J (Engl) 2015; 128:948-55. [PMID: 25836617 PMCID: PMC4834013 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.154303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the onset of anemia during infectious disease is commonly correlated with production of inflammatory cytokines, the mechanisms by which cytokines induce anemia are poorly defined. This study focused on the mechanism research. METHODS Different types of mice were infected perorally with Toxoplasma gondii strain ME49. At the indicated times, samples from each mouse were harvested, processed, and analyzed individually. Blood samples were analyzed using a Coulter Counter and red blood cell (RBC) survival was measured by biotinylation. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and inducible protein 10 (IP-10) mRNA in liver tissue were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS T. gondii-infected mice exhibited anemia due to a decrease in both erythropoiesis and survival time of RBC in the circulation (P < 0.02). In addition, infection-stimulated anemia was associated with fecal occult, supporting previous literature that hemorrhage is a consequence of T. gondii infection in mice. Infection-induced anemia was abolished in interferon gamma (IFNγ) and IFNγ receptor deficient mice (P < 0.05) but was still evident in mice lacking TNF-α, iNOS, phagocyte NADPH oxidase or IP-10 (P < 0.02). Neither signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) deficient mice nor 129S6 controls exhibited decreased erythropoiesis, but rather suffered from an anemia resulting solely from increased loss of circulating RBC. CONCLUSIONS Infection-stimulated decrease in erythropoiesis and losses of RBC have distinct mechanistic bases. These results show that during T. gondii infection, IFNγ is responsible for an anemia that results from both a decrease in erythropoiesis and a STAT1 independent loss of circulating RBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Dong-Xia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, China
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Muñoz M, Eidenschenk C, Ota N, Wong K, Lohmann U, Kühl AA, Wang X, Manzanillo P, Li Y, Rutz S, Zheng Y, Diehl L, Kayagaki N, van Lookeren-Campagne M, Liesenfeld O, Heimesaat M, Ouyang W. Interleukin-22 induces interleukin-18 expression from epithelial cells during intestinal infection. Immunity 2015; 42:321-331. [PMID: 25680273 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
T helper 1 (Th1) cell-associated immunity exacerbates ileitis induced by oral Toxoplasma gondii infection. We show here that attenuated ileitis observed in interleukin-22 (IL-22)-deficient mice was associated with reduced production of Th1-cell-promoting IL-18. IL-22 not only augmented the expression of Il18 mRNA and inactive precursor protein (proIL-18) in intestinal epithelial cells after T. gondii or Citrobacter rodentium infection, but also maintained the homeostatic amount of proIL-18 in the ileum. IL-22, however, did not induce the processing to active IL-18, suggesting a two-step regulation of IL-18 in these cells. Although IL-18 exerted pathogenic functions during ileitis triggered by T. gondii, it was required for host defense against C. rodentium. Conversely, IL-18 was required for the expression of IL-22 in innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) upon T. gondii infection. Our results define IL-18 as an IL-22 target gene in epithelial cells and describe a complex mutual regulation of both cytokines during intestinal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melba Muñoz
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Celine Eidenschenk
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Naruhisa Ota
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kit Wong
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Uwe Lohmann
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Anja A Kühl
- Department of Medicine I for Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease and Rheumatology and Research Center ImmunoSciences (RCIS), Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Paolo Manzanillo
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yun Li
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sascha Rutz
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yan Zheng
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Lauri Diehl
- Pathology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Nobuhiko Kayagaki
- Physiological Chemistry Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Markus Heimesaat
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Wenjun Ouyang
- Immunology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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Cohen SB, Denkers EY. The gut mucosal immune response toToxoplasma gondii. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:108-17. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. B. Cohen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Cornell University; Ithaca NY USA
| | - E. Y. Denkers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Cornell University; Ithaca NY USA
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Wilhelm CL, Yarovinsky F. Apicomplexan infections in the gut. Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:409-20. [PMID: 25201405 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum are intracellular protozoan parasites that establish infection through the small intestinal bowel after the ingestion of contaminated food products. These Apicomplexan parasites have emerged as an important cause of chronic and fatal disease in immunodeficient individuals, in addition to being investigated as possible triggers of inflammatory bowel disease. T. gondii disseminates to the brain and other tissues after infection, whereas C. parvum remains localized to the intestine. In the following review, we will discuss the pathogenesis of these parasitic diseases in the small intestine, the site of initial invasion. Themes include the sequence of invasion, the structure of Th1 immunity provoked by these parasites and the contribution of intestinal microbiota to the development of the mucosal immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Wilhelm
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA
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Dias RRF, de Carvalho ECQ, Leite CCDS, Tedesco RC, Calabrese KDS, Silva AC, DaMatta RA, de Fatima Sarro-Silva M. Toxoplasma gondii oral infection induces intestinal inflammation and retinochoroiditis in mice genetically selected for immune oral tolerance resistance. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113374. [PMID: 25437299 PMCID: PMC4249919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease with most of the infections originating through the oral route and generates various pathological manifestations, ranging from meningoencephalitis to retinochoroiditis and inflammatory bowel disease. Animal models for these pathologies are scarce and have limitations. We evaluated the outcome of Toxoplasma gondii oral infection with 50 or 100 cysts of the ME-49 strain in two lines of mice with extreme phenotypes of susceptibility (TS) or resistance (TR) to immune oral tolerance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of TS and TR mice, orally infected by T. gondii, and determine its value as a model for inflammatory diseases study. Mortality during the acute stage of the infection for TR was 50% for both dosages, while 10 and 40% of the TS died after infection with these respective dosages. In the chronic stage, the remaining TS succumbed while TR survived for 90 days. The TS displayed higher parasite load with lower intestinal inflammation and cellular proliferation, notwithstanding myocarditis, pneumonitis and meningoencephalitis. TR presented massive necrosis of villi and crypt, comparable to inflammatory bowel disease, with infiltration of lymphoid cells in the lamina propria of the intestines. Also, TR mice infected with 100 cysts presented intense cellular infiltrate within the photoreceptor layer of the eyes, changes in disposition and morphology of the retina cell layers and retinochoroiditis. During the infection, high levels of IL-6 were detected in the serum of TS mice and TR mice presented high amounts of IFN-γ and TNF-α. Both mice lineages developed different disease outcomes, but it is emphasized that TR and TS mice presented acute and chronic stages of the infection, demonstrating that the two lineages offer an attractive model for studying toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Ramos Furtado Dias
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Carla Cristina da Silva Leite
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carlos Tedesco
- Disciplina de Anatomia Topográfica e Descritiva, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 04023-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Katia da Silva Calabrese
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Silva
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), 20550-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renato Augusto DaMatta
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria de Fatima Sarro-Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), 20550-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Bonfá G, Benevides L, Souza MDC, Fonseca DM, Mineo TWP, Rossi MA, Silva NM, Silva JS, de Barros Cardoso CR. CCR5 controls immune and metabolic functions during Toxoplasma gondii infection. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104736. [PMID: 25119429 PMCID: PMC4132074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CCR5, an important receptor related to cell recruitment and inflammation, is expressed during experimental Toxoplasma gondii infection. However, its role in the immunopathology of toxoplasmosis is not clearly defined yet. Thus, we inoculated WT and CCR5-/- mice with a sub lethal dose of the parasite by oral route. CCR5-/- mice were extremely susceptible to infection, presenting higher parasite load and lower tissue expression of IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6, iNOS, Foxp3, T-bet, GATA-3 and PPARα. Although both groups presented inflammation in the liver with prominent neutrophil infiltration, CCR5-/- mice had extensive tissue damage with hepatocyte vacuolization, steatosis, elevated serum triglycerides and transaminases. PPARα agonist Gemfibrozil improved the vacuolization but did not rescue CCR5-/- infected mice from high serum triglycerides levels and enhanced mortality. We also found intense inflammation in the ileum of CCR5-/- infected mice, with epithelial ulceration, augmented CD4 and decreased frequency of NK cells in the gut lamina propria. Most interestingly, these findings were accompanied by an outstanding accumulation of neutrophils in the ileum, which seemed to be involved in the gut immunopathology, once the depletion of these cells was accompanied by reduced local damage. Altogether, these data demonstrated that CCR5 is essential to the control of T. gondii infection and to maintain the metabolic, hepatic and intestinal integrity. These findings add novel information on the disease pathogenesis and may be relevant for directing future approaches to the treatment of multi-deregulated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Bonfá
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Benevides
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denise Morais Fonseca
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Antônio Rossi
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João Santana Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Ribeiro de Barros Cardoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Cohen SB, Denkers EY. Border maneuvers: deployment of mucosal immune defenses against Toxoplasma gondii. Mucosal Immunol 2014; 7:744-52. [PMID: 24717355 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2014.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent protozoan pathogen that is transmitted through oral ingestion of infectious cysts. As such, mucosal immune defenses in the intestine constitute the first and arguably most important line of resistance against the parasite. The response to infection is now understood to involve complex three-way interactions between Toxoplasma, the mucosal immune system, and the host intestinal microbiota. Productive outcome of these interactions ensures resolution of infection in the intestinal mucosa. Nonsuccessful outcome may result in emergence of proinflammatory damage that can spell death for the host. Here, we discuss new advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning these disparate outcomes, with particular reference to initiators, effectors, and regulators of mucosal immunity stimulated by Toxoplasma in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Cohen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - E Y Denkers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Bereswill S, Kühl AA, Alutis M, Fischer A, Möhle L, Struck D, Liesenfeld O, Göbel UB, Dunay IR, Heimesaat MM. The impact of Toll-like-receptor-9 on intestinal microbiota composition and extra-intestinal sequelae in experimental Toxoplasma gondii induced ileitis. Gut Pathog 2014; 6:19. [PMID: 24932221 PMCID: PMC4057803 DOI: 10.1186/1757-4749-6-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Following peroral Toxoplasma (T.) gondii infection, susceptible mice develop acute ileitis due to a microbiota-dependent Th1 type immunopathology. Toll-like-receptor (TLR)-9 is known to recognize bacterial DNA and mediates intestinal inflammation, but its impact on intestinal microbiota composition and extra-intestinal sequelae following T. gondii infection has not yet been elucidated. Methods and results Seven days following peroral infection (p.i.) with 100 cysts of T. gondii ME49 strain, TLR-9-/- and wildtype (WT) mice suffered from comparable ileitis, whereas ileal parasitic loads as well as IFN-γ and nitric oxide levels were higher in TLR-9-/- compared to WT mice. Locally, TLR-9-/- mice exhibited increased ileal CD3+, but not FOXP3+ cell numbers at day 7 p.i.; in mesenteric lymph nodes IFN-γ-producing CD4+ cell numbers and TNF-α and IFN-γ concentrations were also increased in TLR-9-/- compared to WT mice. T. gondii DNA levels, however, did not differ in mice of either genotype. Differences in intestinal microbiota were rather subtle except for bifidobacteria that were virtually absent in both, naïve and T. gondii infected TLR-9-/-, but not WT mice. Extra-intestinally, TLR-9-/- mice displayed less distinct systemic immune responses as indicated by lower serum IL-6, and splenic TNF-α and IFN-γ levels as compared to WT mice despite higher translocation rates of intestinal bacteria to extra-intestinal compartments such as liver, spleen, kidney, and cardiac blood. Most importantly, brains were also affected in this inflammatory scenario as early as day 7 p.i. Remarkably, TLR-9-/- mice exhibited more pronounced inflammatory infiltrates with higher numbers of F4/80+ macrophages and microglia in the cortex and meninges as compared to WT mice, whereas T. gondii DNA levels did not differ. Conclusion We here show that TLR-9 is not required for the development of T. gondii induced ileitis but mediates distinct inflammatory changes in intestinal and extra-intestinal compartments including the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bereswill
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Centrum 5, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja A Kühl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology/Research Center ImmunoSciences (RCIS), Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Alutis
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Centrum 5, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - André Fischer
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Centrum 5, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Luisa Möhle
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Struck
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Centrum 5, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Centrum 5, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulf B Göbel
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Centrum 5, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ildikò R Dunay
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus M Heimesaat
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Centrum 5, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
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Cannella D, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Braun L, van Rooyen J, Bougdour A, Bastien O, Behnke M, Curt RL, Curt A, Saeij J, Sibley L, Pelloux H, Hakimi MA. miR-146a and miR-155 Delineate a MicroRNA Fingerprint Associated with Toxoplasma Persistence in the Host Brain. Cell Rep 2014; 6:928-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Cohen SB, Maurer KJ, Egan CE, Oghumu S, Satoskar AR, Denkers EY. CXCR3-dependent CD4⁺ T cells are required to activate inflammatory monocytes for defense against intestinal infection. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003706. [PMID: 24130498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines and their receptors play a critical role in orchestrating immunity to microbial pathogens, including the orally acquired Th1-inducing protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Chemokine receptor CXCR3 is associated with Th1 responses, and here we use bicistronic CXCR3-eGFP knock-in reporter mice to demonstrate upregulation of this chemokine receptor on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes during Toxoplasma infection. We show a critical role for CXCR3 in resistance to the parasite in the intestinal mucosa. Absence of the receptor in Cxcr3⁻/⁻ mice resulted in selective loss of ability to control T. gondii specifically in the lamina propria compartment. CD4⁺ T cells were impaired both in their recruitment to the intestinal lamina propria and in their ability to secrete IFN-γ upon stimulation. Local recruitment of CD11b⁺Ly6C/G⁺ inflammatory monocytes, recently reported to be major anti-Toxoplasma effectors in the intestine, was not impacted by loss of CXCR3. However, inflammatory monocyte activation status, as measured by dual production of TNF-α and IL-12, was severely impaired in Cxcr3⁻/⁻ mice. Strikingly, adoptive transfer of wild-type but not Ifnγ⁻/⁻ CD4⁺ T lymphocytes into Cxcr3⁻/⁻ animals prior to infection corrected the defect in inflammatory macrophage activation, simultaneously reversing the susceptibility phenotype of the knockout animals. Our results establish a central role for CXCR3 in coordinating innate and adaptive immunity, ensuring generation of Th1 effectors and their trafficking to the frontline of infection to program microbial killing by inflammatory monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Cohen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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42
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Benevides L, Cardoso CR, Milanezi CM, Castro-Filice LS, Barenco PVC, Sousa RO, Rodrigues RM, Mineo JR, Silva JS, Silva NM. Toxoplasma gondii soluble tachyzoite antigen triggers protective mechanisms against fatal intestinal pathology in oral infection of C57BL/6 mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75138. [PMID: 24086456 PMCID: PMC3782460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii induces a potent IL-12 response early in infection that results in IFN-γ-dependent control of parasite growth. It was previously shown that T. gondii soluble tachyzoite antigen (STAg) injected 48 hr before intraperitoneal infection reduces lipoxin A4 and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO)-dependent systemic IL-12 and IFN-γ production as well as hepatic immunopathology. This study investigated the ability of STAg-pretreatment to control the fatal intestinal pathology that develops in C57BL/6 mice orally infected with 100 T. gondii cysts. STAg-pretreatment prolonged the animals’ survival by decreasing tissue parasitism and pathology, mainly in the ilea. Protection was associated with decreases in the systemic IFN-γ levels and IFN-γ and TNF message levels in the ilea and with increased TGF-β production in this tissue, but protection was independent of 5-LO and IL-4. STAg-pretreatment decreased CD4+ T cell, NK cell, CD11b+ monocyte and CD11b+CD11c+ dendritic cell numbers in the lamina propria and increased CD8+ T cells in the intestinal epithelial compartment. In parallel, decreases were observed in iNOS and IL-17 expression in this organ. These results demonstrate that pretreatment with STAg can induce the recruitment of protective CD8+ T cells to the intraepithelial compartment and decrease proinflammatory immune mechanisms that promote intestinal pathology in T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Benevides
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristina R. Cardoso
- Department of Clinical Analyses Toxicology Bromatologics, Ribeirão Preto College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristiane M. Milanezi
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo V. C. Barenco
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Romulo O. Sousa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - José R. Mineo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - João S. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Neide M. Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Bereswill S, Fischer A, Dunay IR, Kühl AA, Göbel UB, Liesenfeld O, Heimesaat MM. Pro-inflammatory potential of Escherichia coli strains K12 and Nissle 1917 in a murine model of acute ileitis. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2013; 3:126-34. [PMID: 24265929 DOI: 10.1556/eujmi.3.2013.2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-pathogenic Escherichia coli (Ec) strains K12 (EcK12) and Nissle 1917 (EcN) are used for gene technology and probiotic treatment of intestinal inflammation, respectively. We investigated intestinal colonization and potential pro-inflammatory properties of EcK12, EcN, and commensal E. coli (EcCo) strains in Toxoplasma (T.) gondii-induced acute ileitis. Whereas gnotobiotic animals generated by quintuple antibiotic treatment were protected from ileitis, mice replenished with conventional microbiota suffered from small intestinal necrosis 7 days post-T. gondii infection (p.i.). Irrespective of the Ec strain, recolonized mice revealed mild to moderate histopathological changes in their ileal mucosa. Upon stable recolonization with EcK12, EcN, or EcCo, development of inflammation was accompanied by pro-inflammatory responses at day 7 p.i., including increased ileal T lymphocyte and apoptotic cell numbers compared to T. gondii-infected gnotobiotic controls. Strikingly, either Ec strain was capable to translocate to extra-intestinal locations, such as MLN, spleen, and liver. Taken together, Ec strains used in gene technology and probiotic treatment are able to exert inflammatory responses in a murine model of small intestinal inflammation. In conclusion, the therapeutic use of Ec strains in patients with broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment and/or intestinal inflammation should be considered with caution.
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Key Words
- gnotobiotic mice, Escherichia coli, E. coli Nissle 1917, E. coli K12, security strains, probiotic, colonization resistance, Toxoplasma gondii, ileitis, acute intestinal inflammation, Th1-type immunopathology, T lymphocytes, bacterial translocation, mesent
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Grainger JR, Wohlfert EA, Fuss IJ, Bouladoux N, Askenase MH, Legrand F, Koo LY, Brenchley JM, Fraser IDC, Belkaid Y. Inflammatory monocytes regulate pathologic responses to commensals during acute gastrointestinal infection. Nat Med 2013; 19:713-21. [PMID: 23708291 PMCID: PMC3755478 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Commensal flora can promote both immunity to pathogens and mucosal inflammation. How commensal driven inflammation is regulated in the context of infection remains poorly understood. Here, we show that during acute mucosal infection, Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes acquire a tissue specific regulatory phenotype associated with production of the lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Notably, in response to commensals, Ly6Chi monocytes can directly inhibit neutrophil activation in a PGE2-dependent manner. Further, in the absence of inflammatory monocytes, mice develop severe neutrophil-mediated pathology that can be controlled by PGE2 analog treatment. Complementing these findings, inhibition of PGE2 led to enhanced neutrophil activation and host mortality. These data demonstrate a previously unappreciated dual action of inflammatory monocytes in controlling pathogen expansion while limiting commensal mediated damage to the gut. Collectively, our results place inflammatory monocyte derived PGE2 at the center of a commensal driven regulatory loop required to control host-commensal dialogue during inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Grainger
- Program in Barrier Immunity and Repair, Mucosal Immunology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry 16 kinase promotes host resistance to oral infection and intestinal inflammation only in the context of the dense granule protein GRA15. Infect Immun 2013; 81:2156-67. [PMID: 23545295 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01185-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii transmission between intermediate hosts is dependent on the ingestion of walled cysts formed during the chronic phase of infection. Immediately following consumption, the parasite must ensure survival of the host by preventing adverse inflammatory responses and/or by limiting its own replication. Since the Toxoplasma secreted effectors rhoptry 16 kinase (ROP16) and dense granule 15 (GRA15) activate the JAK-STAT3/6 and NF-κB signaling pathways, respectively, we explored whether a particular combination of these effectors impacted intestinal inflammation and parasite survival in vivo. Here we report that expression of the STAT-activating version of ROP16 in the type II strain (strain II+ROP16I) promotes host resistance to oral infection only in the context of endogenous GRA15 expression. Protection was characterized by a lower intestinal parasite burden and dampened inflammation. Host resistance to the II+ROP16I strain occurred independently of STAT6 and the T cell coinhibitory receptors B7-DC and B7-H1, two receptors that are upregulated by ROP16. In addition, coexpression of ROP16 and GRA15 enhanced parasite susceptibility within tumor necrosis factor alpha/gamma interferon-stimulated macrophages in a STAT3/6-independent manner. Transcriptional profiling of infected STAT3- and STAT6-deficient macrophages and parasitized Peyer's patches from mice orally challenged with strain II+ROP16I suggested that ROP16 activated STAT5 to modulate host gene expression. Consistent with this supposition, the ROP16 kinase induced the sustained phosphorylation and nuclear localization of STAT5 in Toxoplasma-infected cells. In summary, only the combined expression of both GRA15 and ROP16 promoted host resistance to acute oral infection, and Toxoplasma may possibly target the STAT5 signaling pathway to generate protective immunity in the gut.
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46
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Meng M, He S, Zhao G, Bai Y, Zhou H, Cong H, Lu G, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ. Evaluation of protective immune responses induced by DNA vaccines encoding Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and 14-3-3 protein in BALB/c mice. Parasit Vectors 2012. [PMID: 23181694 PMCID: PMC3547689 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis, caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, has been a serious clinical and veterinary problem. Effective DNA vaccines against T. gondii can prevent and control the spread of toxoplasmosis, which is important for both human health and the farming industry. The T. gondii 14-3-3 protein has been proved to be antigenic and immunogenic and was a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. In this study, we evaluated the immune responses induced by recombinant plasmids encoding T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and 14-3-3 protein by immunizing BALB/c mice intramuscularly. Methods In the present study, BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups, including three experimental groups (pSAG1, p14-3-3 and pSAG1/14-3-3) and two control groups (PBS and pBudCE4.1), and were immunized intramuscularly three times. The levels of IgG antibodies and cytokine production in mouse sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Two weeks after the last immunization, all mice were challenged intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 1×104 tachyzoites of T. gondii and the survival time of mice was observed and recorded every day. Results Mice vaccinated with pSAG1, p14-3-3 or pSAG1/14-3-3 developed high levels of IgG2a and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and low levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) compared to control groups (PBS or pBudCE4.1), which suggested a modulated Th1 type immune response (P<0.05). After intraperitoneal challenge with 1×104 tachyzoites of T. gondii (RH strain), the survival time of mice in experimental groups was longer than control groups (P<0.05). Mouse immunized with pSAG1/14-3-3 induced a higher level of IgG antibody response and significantly prolonged the survival time when compared with pSAG1 or p14-3-3 (P<0.05). Conclusions The study suggested that T. gondii 14-3-3 protein can induce effective immune responses in BALB/c mice and was a novel DNA vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis, and the immune protective efficacy elicited by SAG1 gene was also demonstrated. Our results also showed multi-gene vaccine significantly enhanced immune responses and protective efficacy and was superior to the single-gene vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Meng
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, Peoples Republic of China
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Castillo C, López-Muñoz R, Duaso J, Galanti N, Jaña F, Ferreira J, Cabrera G, Maya JD, Kemmerling U. Role of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in ex vivo Trypanosoma cruzi infection of human placental chorionic villi. Placenta 2012; 33:991-7. [PMID: 23107342 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas' disease is caused by the haemophlagelated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). During congenital transmission the parasite breaks down the placental barrier. In the present study we analyzed the participation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during T. cruzi ex vivo infection of human placental chorionic villi explants. METHODS Chorionic villi from healthy woman placentas were incubated in the presence or absence of 10⁵ or 10⁶ T. cruzi trypomastigotes (Y strain) with or without the MMPs inhibitor doxycycline. Effective infection was tested measuring parasite DNA by real time PCR (qPCR). MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were determined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry and their activities were measured by zymography. The effect of MMPs on ECM structure was analyzed histochemically. RESULTS T. cruzi induces the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in chorionic villi. Inhibition of the MMPs prevents the tissue damage induced by T. cruzi and partially decreases the ex vivo infection of the chorionic villi. CONCLUSION MMPs are partially responsible for the ECM changes observed in human chorionic villi during T. cruzi infection and participate in tissue invasion. On the other hand, MMPs may be part of a local placental antiparasitic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Castillo
- Programa de Anatomía y Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Region Metropolitana, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
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Engin AB, Dogruman-Al F, Ercin U, Celebi B, Babur C, Bukan N. Oxidative stress and tryptophan degradation pattern of acute Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:1725-30. [PMID: 22790966 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a very common obligate single-cell protozoan parasite which induces overproduction of interferon (IFN)-gamma and of other proinflammatory cytokines. Although immunomodulatory role of IFN-gamma favors tryptophan (Trp) degradation via indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity and is related with nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, the mechanism of antitoxoplasma activity is complex. In order to characterize the Trp degradation pattern during the acute T. gondii infection, serum Trp, kynurenine (Kyn), and urinary biopterin levels of mice were measured. The possible oxidative status was evaluated by the liver, spleen, brain, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels. Increased free radical toxicity may cause elevation in tissue MDA in T. gondii-infected mice, while unchanged serum MDA might indicate the increased oxidative stress due to T. gondii infection restricted to intracellular area. Elevated serum NO most probably might be due to the formation of reactive nitrogen radicals. The Kyn/Trp ratio was higher in T. gondii-infected mice compared to healthy animals (p < 0.05); however, it was not correlated with urinary biopterin. These results suggested that Trp degradation might be promoted by a pathway other than IDO during T. gondii infection and the reduction of Trp concentration favors the local immunosuppression and systemic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Basak Engin
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Hipodrom, Ankara, Turkey.
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Struck D, Frank I, Enders S, Steinhoff U, Schmidt C, Stallmach A, Liesenfeld O, Heimesaat MM. Treatment with interleukin-18 binding protein ameliorates Toxoplasma gondii-induced small intestinal pathology that is induced by bone marrow cell-derived interleukin-18. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2012; 2:249-57. [PMID: 24688772 DOI: 10.1556/eujmi.2.2012.3.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroral infection with Toxoplasma gondii results in a Th1-type immunopathology characterized by small intestinal necrosis and is dependent on IL-18. In the present study, we investigated whether treatment with IL-18 binding protein (IL-18bp) prevents ileal pathology. We observed increased expression of IL-18bp in intestinal biopsies of mice following infection. Whereas small intestines of control mice showed severe necrosis with complete destruction of the small intestinal architecture, mice treated with IL-18bp daily displayed only mild inflammatory changes including flattening of villi and edema in the space between the epithelium and lamina propria. Small intestinal parasite loads and concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines did not differ in control and IL-18bp-treated mice. Binding of IL-18 to immobilized IL-18bp revealed a remarkably slow dissociation rate, indicating high affinity. Using chimeric mice we observed that bone marrow-derived rather than stromal cells were the primary source of IL-18 that resulted in small intestinal pathology following peroral infection with T. gondii. In conclusion, the results presented here suggest that IL-18bp may be an effective and safe treatment for small intestinal inflammation. Antigen-presenting rather than epithelial cells appear to be the main source of IL-18 in T. gondii-induced small intestinal inflammation.
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Immune response and immunopathology during toxoplasmosis. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 34:793-813. [PMID: 22955326 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary significance that is able to infect any warm-blooded vertebrate host. In addition to its importance to public health, several inherent features of the biology of T. gondii have made it an important model organism to study host-pathogen interactions. One factor is the genetic tractability of the parasite, which allows studies on the microbial factors that affect virulence and allows the development of tools that facilitate immune studies. Additionally, mice are natural hosts for T. gondii, and the availability of numerous reagents to study the murine immune system makes this an ideal experimental system to understand the functions of cytokines and effector mechanisms involved in immunity to intracellular microorganisms. In this article, we will review current knowledge of the innate and adaptive immune responses required for resistance to toxoplasmosis, the events that lead to the development of immunopathology, and the natural regulatory mechanisms that limit excessive inflammation during this infection.
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