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Liu X, Zhang P, Liu Y, Li J, Yang D, Liu Z, Jiang L. Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Effects of Lipopeptide Derivatives of Lycosin-I. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:477. [PMID: 37624234 PMCID: PMC10467082 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080477] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease. We previously found that Lycosin-I exhibited anti-T. gondii activity, but its serum stability was not good enough. In this study, we aimed to improve the stability and activity of Lycosin-I through fatty acid chain modification, so as to find a better anti-T. gondii drug candidate. The α/ε-amino residues of different lysine residues of Lycosin-I were covalently coupled with lauric acid to obtain eight lipopeptides, namely L-C12, L-C12-1, L-C12-2, L-C12-3, L-C12-4, L-C12-5, L-C12-6, and L-C12-7. Among these eight lipopeptides, L-C12 showed the best activity against T. gondii in vitro in a trypan blue assay. We then conjugated a shorter length fatty chain, aminocaproic acid, at the same modification site of L-C12, namely L-an. The anti-T. gondii effects of Lycosin-I, L-C12 and L-an were evaluated via an invasion assay, proliferation assay and plaque assay in vitro. A mouse model acutely infected with T. gondii tachyzoites was established to evaluate their efficacy in vivo. The serum stability of L-C12 and L-an was improved, and they showed comparable or even better activity than Lycosin-I did in inhibiting the invasion and proliferation of tachyzoites. L-an effectively prolonged the survival time of mice acutely infected with T. gondii. These results suggest that appropriate fatty acid chain modification can improve serum stability and enhance anti-T. gondii effect of Lycosin-I. The lipopeptide derivatives of Lycosin-I have potential as a novel anti-T. gondii drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (X.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Peng Zhang
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (P.Z.); (Z.L.)
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (X.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (X.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dongqian Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (X.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (P.Z.); (Z.L.)
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (X.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (D.Y.)
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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Sun HC, Deng PM, Fu Y, Deng JH, Xie RH, Huang J, Qi M, Shi TY. Protective efficacy of Toxoplasma gondii GRA12 or GRA7 recombinant proteins encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles against acute Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1209755. [PMID: 37502604 PMCID: PMC10368986 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1209755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that affects the health of humans and livestock, and an effective vaccine is urgently required. Nanoparticles can modulate and improve cellular and humoral immune responses. Methods In the current study, poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were used as a delivery system for the T. gondii dense granule antigens GRA12 and GRA7. BALB/c mice were injected with the vaccines and protective efficacy was evaluated. Results Mice immunized with PLGA+GRA12 exhibited significantly higher IgG, and a noticeable predominance of IgG2a over IgG1 was also observed. There was a 1.5-fold higher level of lymphocyte proliferation in PLGA+GRA12-injected mice compared to Alum+GRA12-immunized mice. Higher levels of IFN-g and IL-10 and a lower level of IL-4 were detected, indicating that Th1 and Th2 immune responses were induced but the predominant response was Th1. There were no significant differences between Alum+GRA7-immunized and PLGA+GRA7-immunized groups. Immunization with these four vaccines resulted in significantly reduced parasite loads, but they were lowest in PLGA+GRA12-immunized mice. The survival times of mice immunized with PLGA+GRA12 were also significantly longer than those of mice in the other vaccinated groups. Conclusion The current study indicated that T. gondii GRA12 recombinant protein encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles is a promising vaccine against acute toxoplasmosis, but PLGA is almost useless for enhancing the immune response induced by T. gondii GRA7 recombinant protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-chao Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Parasitology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pu-ming Deng
- Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Department of Animal Diseases Diagnosis and Control of Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Yuan Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Parasitology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-hua Deng
- Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Department of Animal Diseases Diagnosis and Control of Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Rong-hui Xie
- Department of Animal Epidemic Surveillance, Zhejiang Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Animal Epidemic Surveillance, Zhejiang Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Qi
- Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Department of Animal Diseases Diagnosis and Control of Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Tuan-yuan Shi
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Parasitology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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de Souza G, Silva RJ, Milián ICB, Rosini AM, de Araújo TE, Teixeira SC, Oliveira MC, Franco PS, da Silva CV, Mineo JR, Silva NM, Ferro EAV, Barbosa BF. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 modulates Toxoplasma gondii infection, immune response and lipid droplets formation in human trophoblast cells and villous explants. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12709. [PMID: 34135407 PMCID: PMC8209052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis is represented by the transplacental passage of Toxoplasma gondii from the mother to the fetus. Our studies demonstrated that T. gondii developed mechanisms to evade of the host immune response, such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induction, and these mediators can be produced/stored in lipid droplets (LDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of COX-2 and LDs during T. gondii infection in human trophoblast cells and villous explants. Our data demonstrated that COX-2 inhibitors decreased T. gondii replication in trophoblast cells and villous. In BeWo cells, the COX-2 inhibitors induced an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and MIF), and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). In HTR-8/SVneo cells, the COX-2 inhibitors induced an increase of IL-6 and nitrite and decreased IL-4 and TGF-β1. In villous explants, the COX-2 inhibitors increased MIF and decreased TNF-α and IL-10. Furthermore, T. gondii induced an increase in LDs in BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo, but COX-2 inhibitors reduced LDs in both cells type. We highlighted that COX-2 is a key factor to T. gondii proliferation in human trophoblast cells, since its inhibition induced a pro-inflammatory response capable of controlling parasitism and leading to a decrease in the availability of LDs, which are essentials for parasite growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Iliana Claudia Balga Milián
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Thádia Evelyn de Araújo
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Mário Cézar Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Priscila Silva Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-320, Brazil.
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Tedla MG, Every AL, Scheerlinck JPY. Investigating immune responses to parasites using transgenesis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:303. [PMID: 31202271 PMCID: PMC6570953 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites comprise diverse and complex organisms, which substantially impact human and animal health. Most parasites have complex life-cycles, and by virtue of co-evolution have developed multifaceted, often life-cycle stage-specific relationships with the immune system of their hosts. The complexity in the biology of many parasites often limits our knowledge of parasite-specific immune responses, to in vitro studies only. The relatively recent development of methods to stably manipulate the genetic make-up of many parasites has allowed a better understanding of host-parasite interactions, particularly in vivo. In this regard, the use of transgenic parasites can facilitate the study of immunomodulatory mechanisms under in vivo conditions. Therefore, in this review, we specifically highlighted the current developments in the use of transgenic parasites to unravel the host's immune response to different life-cycle stages of some key parasite species such as Leishmania, Schistosoma, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium and Trypanosome and to some degree, the use of transgenic nematode parasites is also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mebrahtu G. Tedla
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Alison L. Every
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
- Present Address: College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Jean-Pierre Y. Scheerlinck
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
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Mutual interactions of the apicomplexan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria tenella with cultured poultry macrophages. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:453. [PMID: 30081942 PMCID: PMC6080511 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3040-0] [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: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria tenella are two common parasites in poultry. Mixed infections are likely to occur frequently in chickens due to the high prevalence of both pathogens. In this study, we investigate the co-occurrence of the two pathogens in the same immunocompetent host cell population towards potential parasite-parasite as well as altered patterns of parasite-host interactions. METHODS Primary macrophages from chicken blood were co-infected in vitro with T. gondii tachyzoites (RH strain) and E. tenella sporozoites (Houghton strain) for 72 h. Morphological observations by light microscopy and assessments of parasite replication by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were performed at 24, 48 and 72 h post-infection (hpi). Six host cell immune factors previously linked to T. gondii or E. tenella infection were selected for gene expression analysis in this study. RESULTS Distinct morphological changes of macrophages were observed during mixed infection at 24 hpi and immunological activation of host cells was obvious. Macrophage mRNA expression for iNOS at 48 hpi and for TNF-α at 72 hpi were significantly elevated after mixed infection. Distinct upregulation of IL-10 was also present during co-infection compared to Eimeria mono-infection at 48 and 72 hpi. At 72 hpi, the total number of macrophages as well as the number of both parasites decreased markedly. As measured by qPCR, E. tenella population tended to increase during T. gondii co-infection, while T. gondii replication was not distinctly altered. CONCLUSIONS Mutual interactions of T. gondii and E. tenella were observed in the selected co-infection model. The interactions are supposed to be indirect considering the observed changes in host cell metabolism. This study would thus help understanding the course of co-infection in chickens that may be relevant in terms of veterinary and zoonotic considerations.
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Pupulin ÁRT, Bracht L, de Oliveira Dalalio MM, de Souza Silva-Comar FM, da Rocha BA, Ames FQ, Cuman RKN, Bersani-Amado CA. Canova medication changes TNF-α and IL-10 serum levels in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:860-865. [PMID: 27633299 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.07.007] [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: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify whether Canova medication changes TNF-α and IL-10 serum levels in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain. METHODS Animals were divided into five groups: non-treated infected animals (I); benznidazole-treated infected animals (Bz; 100 mg/kg body weight, single daily dose by gavage); Canova medication (CM) treated infected animals (CM; 0.2 mL/animal, single daily dose by gavage); benznidazole- and Canova medication-treated infected animals with the above-mentioned dose (Bz+CM); and non-infected animals (C). TNF-α and IL-10 levels were determined in serum aliquots after 4, 7, 10, 13, and 29 days of infection. An ELISA technique was employed with R&D System Inc. antibody pairs. RESULTS A high increase in TNF-α and IL-10 levels occurred in the infected and CM-treated groups within the treatment employed on the 10th day after infection, coupled with a IL-10 decrease on the 13th day after infection when compared with the other experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS CM may change the balance between plasma cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-10) in mice infected with Y strain T. cruzi, with important consequences leading towards a more severe infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áurea Regina Telles Pupulin
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Basic Sciences of Health, State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lívia Bracht
- Laboratory of Hepatic Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry, State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Bruno Ambrósio da Rocha
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Franciele Queiroz Ames
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Roberto Kenji Nakamura Cuman
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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Iqbal J, Al-Awadhi MA, Raghupathy RG. TGF-β1 levels and intraocular tissue alterations in mice infected with a virulent type I RH Toxoplasma gondii strain. Exp Parasitol 2016; 162:57-63. [PMID: 26773166 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is generally self-limiting in healthy adults but it may cause toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in cases of congenital infection leading to blindness. The importance of host genetics in determining disease severity in ocular toxoplasmosis has been shown in different inbred mouse strains using low-virulence toxoplasma strain. In this study, we studied intraocular immune response and tissue alterations in the genetically resistant BALB/c and susceptible MF1 mice infected with a virulent type I RH Toxoplasma gondii strain by intravitreal route. We observed a significant up-regulation of IFN-γ and TNF-α to >2200 pg/ml and >300 pg/ml respectively in the blood of both BALB/c and MF1mice during the early stages of post intraocular infection (p < 0.01) but the levels dropped sharply to normal during the late stages of the infection on day 26. The cytokine levels detected were higher in the MF1 mice compared with the BALB/c mice and a relatively higher levels were observed in the aqueous humour (AqH) than in the blood of both group of mice. The TGF-β1 level in the blood and AqH of BALB/c mice remained low throughout the infection period compared with MF1 mice which showed gradual increase to 50 pg/ml in the blood and AqH during the early stages of infection which then further increased 2-fold-132 pg/ml on day 11 (p < 0.01) and remained high till the last day of observation on day 26 except that the TGF-β1 level in AqH dropped sharply to normal level. In summary, our results support that TGF-β1 may down-regulate the effector functions of anti-Toxoplasma cellular immunity during acute toxoplasmosis. We document that a mild Th1 pro-inflammatory response in the BALB/c mice with high IFN-γ and TNF-α and, low TGF-β1 levels during the early stages of infection may have contributed to an effective cellular immune response leading to lower morbidity, mortality and less ocular tissue damage. However in the MF1 mice, a significantly high TGF-β1 level in the blood as well as in the AqH during the acute intra-ocular toxoplasma infection may have adversely interfered with an effective cellular immune response leading to an increased mortality and extensive ocular tissue damage with parasite tachyzoites observed in the pigment epithelium layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshaid Iqbal
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Mohammad Ahmed Al-Awadhi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Raj Gopal Raghupathy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
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Jesus EEV, Pinheiro AM, Santos AB, Freire SM, Tardy MB, El-Bachá RS, Costa SL, Costa MFD. Effects of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and TGF-β on Neospora caninum infection in rat glial cells. Exp Parasitol 2012; 133:269-74. [PMID: 23262170 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum causes abortion in cattle and neurological disorders in dogs. The immunological response to this parasite has been described as predominantly of the Th1 type. However, infected primary glial cell cultures release IL-10 and IL-6 but not IFN-γ. This suggests a rather protective response of the glia to avoid inflammatory damage of the nervous tissue. In this study, we investigated the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines in primary mixed cultures of rat astrocytes and microglia infected with N. caninum. The cells were treated with either IFN-γ, TNF-α, anti-IL-10 or anti-TGF-β antibodies and were infected with parasite tachyzoites 24h later. Trypan Blue exclusion and MTT assays were performed to test cell viability. It was observed that cytokines, antibody treatment and in vitro infection did not reveal significant cell death in the various culture conditions. Treatment with 50, 150 and 300 IU/mL of either IFN-γ or TNF-α reduced tachyzoites numbers in cultures by 36.7%, 54.8% and 63.8% for IFN-γ and by 27.6%, 38.4% and 29.7% for TNF-α, respectively. In the absence of IL-10 and TGF-β, tachyzoite numbers were reduced by 52.8% and 41.5%, respectively. While IFN-γ (150 and 300 IU/mL) increased the nitrite levels in uninfected cells, parasite infection seemed to reduce the nitrite levels, and this reduction was more expressive in IFN-γ-infected cells, thereby suggesting an inhibitory effect on its production. However, TNF-α, IL-10 and TGF-β did not affect the nitrite levels. Basal PGE(2) levels also increased by 17% and 25%; 78% and 13% in uninfected and infected cells treated with IFN-γ or anti-TGF-β, respectively. Nevertheless, the antibody neutralization of IL-10 reduced PGE(2) release significantly. These results highlight the possibility of a combined effect between the IFN-γ and parasite evasion strategies and show that the IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and TGF-β cytokines participate in parasite proliferation control mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- E E V Jesus
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia - UFBA, Av. Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Vale do Canela, CEP 41100-100 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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Rezende-Oliveira K, Silva NM, Mineo JR, Rodrigues Junior V. Cytokines and chemokines production by mononuclear cells from parturient women after stimulation with live Toxoplasma gondii. Placenta 2012; 33:682-7. [PMID: 22742727 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Revised: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can cause variable clinical symptoms or can even be asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. More severe symptoms are observed in immunocompromised patients and congenital transmission of the parasite has been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in parturient and non-pregnant women exposed to live tachyzoites of T. gondii strain RH or ME49. PBMC were isolated from parturient and non-pregnant women with negative or positive serology for toxoplasmosis and cultured with live tachyzoites of the two T. gondii strains for 24 h. Next, the cell culture supernatants were collected and levels of CCL2, CCL5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α produced by PBMC after tachyzoite exposure were measured. Live tachyzoite forms of T. gondii significantly inhibited the synthesis of CCL2 in seropositive parturient women, whereas a stimulatory effect on CCL5 was observed in seronegative parturient women. Cells from T. gondii-seronegative non-pregnant women produced significantly higher levels of TNF-α and IL-12, demonstrating the proinflammatory profile induced by the presence of the parasite in culture. The results suggest that the immunomodulation seen during pregnancy contributes to the development of an environment that facilitates escape of the parasite from the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rezende-Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculdade de Ciências Integradas do Pontal, Rua 20, 1600, Bairro Tupã, Ituiutaba 38304-402, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Jung BK, Pyo KH, Shin KY, Hwang YS, Lim H, Lee SJ, Moon JH, Lee SH, Suh YH, Chai JY, Shin EH. Toxoplasma gondii infection in the brain inhibits neuronal degeneration and learning and memory impairments in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33312. [PMID: 22470449 PMCID: PMC3310043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression is a characteristic feature of Toxoplasma gondii-infected murine hosts. The present study aimed to determine the effect of the immunosuppression induced by T. gondii infection on the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Tg2576 AD mice. Mice were infected with a cyst-forming strain (ME49) of T. gondii, and levels of inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ and nitric oxide), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), neuronal damage, and β-amyloid plaque deposition were examined in brain tissues and/or in BV-2 microglial cells. In addition, behavioral tests, including the water maze and Y-maze tests, were performed on T. gondii-infected and uninfected Tg2576 mice. Results revealed that whereas the level of IFN-γ was unchanged, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in T. gondii-infected mice than in uninfected mice, and in BV-2 cells treated with T. gondii lysate antigen. Furthermore, nitrite production from primary cultured brain microglial cells and BV-2 cells was reduced by the addition of T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA), and β-amyloid plaque deposition in the cortex and hippocampus of Tg2576 mouse brains was remarkably lower in T. gondii-infected AD mice than in uninfected controls. In addition, water maze and Y-maze test results revealed retarded cognitive capacities in uninfected mice as compared with infected mice. These findings demonstrate the favorable effects of the immunosuppression induced by T. gondii infection on the pathogenesis and progression of AD in Tg2576 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong-Kwang Jung
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sang Hwang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungsub Lim
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joong Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Moon
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyung Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Hun Suh
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Shin
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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11
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John B, Weninger W, Hunter CA. Advances in imaging the innate and adaptive immune response to Toxoplasma gondii. Future Microbiol 2011; 5:1321-8. [PMID: 20860479 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.10.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that infects a wide variety of warm-blooded hosts and can have devastating effects in the developing fetus as well as the immunocompromised host. An appreciation of how this organism interacts with the host immune system is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of this disease. The last decade has been marked by the application of various imaging techniques, such as bioluminescent imaging as well as confocal and multiphoton microscopy to study toxoplasmosis. The ability to manipulate parasites to express fluorescent/bioluminescent markers or model antigens/enzymes combined with the development of reporter mice that allow the detection of distinct immune populations have been crucial to the success of many of these studies. These approaches have permitted the visualization of parasites and immune cells in real-time and provided new insights into the nature of host-pathogen interactions. This article highlights some of the advances in imaging techniques, their strengths and weaknesses, and how these techniques have impacted our understanding of the interaction between parasites and various immune populations during toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beena John
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, USA
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12
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Machado FS, Aliberti J. Role of lipoxin in the modulation of immune response during infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2008; 8:1316-9. [PMID: 18687293 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2008.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2007] [Accepted: 01/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-12, IFN-gamma and TNF are essential in controlling parasite growth during Toxoplasma gondii infection. However, it is clear that the exacerbate production of these cytokines results in the host tissue damage. Investigation into the immune response modulation during infectious disease, has revealed that lipoxin (LXA), an anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, plays an important role in regulation of immune response to different pathogens, including T. gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we review the pro-resolution pathways triggered by LXA that are responsible for control of pro-inflammatory response during chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana S Machado
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
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13
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Dzierszinski FS, Hunter CA. Advances in the use of genetically engineered parasites to study immunity to Toxoplasma gondii. Parasite Immunol 2008; 30:235-44. [PMID: 18194347 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2007.01016.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Studying in vivo biology and the host immune response to Toxoplasma gondii has yielded many insights into the pathogenesis of this parasitic organism. It is recognized that this infection in immune competent hosts elicits a strong Th1-type response, which is characterized by the generation of parasite-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that produce IFN-gamma and provide protective immunity. One of the problems associated with studying resistance to Toxoplasma has been the lack of reagents to track parasite-specific T cell responses with a high degree of specificity. To overcome this difficulty, it is possible to use a combination of transgenic parasites that are engineered to express well-characterized heterologous reporters or antigens, and T cell hybridomas or naïve T cells that express a T cell receptor specific for the processed peptide. These approaches have provided new insights into parasite dissemination, antigen presentation, as well as immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F S Dzierszinski
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Canada.
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14
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Authier H, Cassaing S, Bans V, Batigne P, Bessières MH, Pipy B. IL-13 pre-treatment of murine peritoneal macrophages increases their anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity induced by lipopolysaccharides. Int J Parasitol 2007; 38:341-52. [PMID: 17923133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Revised: 08/01/2007] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Th1 cytokines and microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) activate macrophages to produce inflammatory mediators and effector molecules. Althrough Th2 cytokines often have an opposite action to Th1 cytokines and down-modulate the inflammatory response of macrophages, they can induce a distinct alternative activation that is beneficial in host defence. In this study, we report that IL-13 enhances the anti-Toxoplasma activity of LPS-activated murine macrophages. The inhibition of parasite proliferation was not related to reduced Toxoplasma gondii penetration into the cells, nor to the conversion of tachyzoites into bradyzoites. Used alone, IL-13 triggers the polarisation of macrophages towards type 2. However, in LPS-activated macrophages, we show the priming capacity of this cytokine to enhance the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a major marker of type 1 macrophages. This effect of IL-13 was not dependent on the activation state of macrophages (resident versus thioglycolate-elicited) or the timing of pre-treatment. We demonstrate a correlation between the enhancement of NO production and upgrading of the microbicidal effectiveness of the macrophages. Thus, both Th2 and Th1 cytokines could activate macrophages to control infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Authier
- Laboratoire des macrophages, Médiateurs de l'Inflammation et Interactions Cellulaires, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, EA2405, INSERM IFR31 BP84225, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
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15
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Aliberti J, Bafica A. Anti-inflammatory pathways as a host evasion mechanism for pathogens. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2005; 73:283-8. [PMID: 15982863 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2005.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipoxins play a key role in controlling potent pro-inflammatory responses triggered by infection with pathogens, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In order to contain microbial dissemination, infected hosts must mount a powerful immune response to prevent mortality. The onset of the chronic phase of infection is characterized by continuous cell-mediated immunity. Such potent responses are kept under tight control by a class of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, the lipoxins. Here, we review such immune-containment strategies from the host's perspective, to keep pro-inflammatory responses under control during chronic disease, as well as from the perspective of the pathogen, which pirates the host's lipoxygenase machinery to its own advantage as a probable immune-escape mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Aliberti
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
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16
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Wilson EH, Wille-Reece U, Dzierszinski F, Hunter CA. A critical role for IL-10 in limiting inflammation during toxoplasmic encephalitis. J Neuroimmunol 2005; 165:63-74. [PMID: 16005735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
IL-10 plays a vital role in controlling the inflammatory response during acute Toxoplasma gondii infection, however the production of IL-10 during the chronic phase of toxoplasmosis has been associated with parasite persistence. To address this paradox, the production and effect of IL-10 in the brain during toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) was investigated. Analysis of brain mononuclear cells (BMNC) from chronically infected mice revealed that infiltrating macrophages and CD4(+) T cells were the major sources of IL-10. Endogenous levels of IL-10 inhibited the production of IL-12, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 from both hematopoetic and non-hematopoetic cells in the brain, as well as anti-microbial activity of astrocytes. Furthermore, IL-10-/- mice that progressed to the chronic phase of infection had equivalent parasite burden to WT mice but developed a lethal inflammatory response within the brain characterized by increased numbers of CD4(+) T cells and macrophages, and elevated production of inflammatory cytokines. Finally, partial depletion of CD4(+) T cells decreased the severity of the inflammation in the brain and allowed IL-10-/- mice to survive infection. Together these results point to a vital role for IL-10 in the control of CD4(+) T cell mediated inflammation in the brain during TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma H Wilson
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6008, USA
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17
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Aliberti J. Host persistence: exploitation of anti-inflammatory pathways by Toxoplasma gondii. Nat Rev Immunol 2005; 5:162-70. [PMID: 15662369 DOI: 10.1038/nri1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hosts that are infected with Toxoplasma gondii must mount a powerful immune response to contain dissemination of the parasite and to prevent mortality. After parasite proliferation has been contained by interferon-gamma-dependent responses, the onset of the chronic phase of infection is characterized by continuous cell-mediated immunity. Such potent responses are kept under tight control by a class of anti-inflammatory eicosanoid, the lipoxins. Here, we review such immune-containment strategies from the perspective of the host, which attempts to keep pro-inflammatory responses under control during chronic disease, as well as from the perspective of the pathogen, which hijacks the lipoxygenase machinery of the host for its own advantage, probably as an immune-escape mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Aliberti
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA.
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18
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Wille U, Nishi M, Lieberman L, Wilson EH, Roos DS, Hunter CA. IL-10 is not required to prevent immune hyperactivity during memory responses to Toxoplasma gondii. Parasite Immunol 2004; 26:229-36. [PMID: 15491472 DOI: 10.1111/j.0141-9838.2004.00704.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Primary infection of IL-10 knockout (KO) mice with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii leads to a CD4(+)-T-cell dependent shock-like reaction with high systemic levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma, severe liver pathology and death of mice. In the present study, this immune-mediated pathology was prevented by treatment of IL-10 KO mice with the anti-parasitic drug sulfadiazine, allowing these mice to progress to the chronic phase of infection. To address the role of endogenous IL-10 in the regulation of secondary immune responses to T. gondii, IL-10 KO mice were infected with the avirulent Me49 strain of this parasite, treated with sulfadiazine for 2 weeks starting at day 3 p.i., and were rechallenged 6 weeks p.i. with RH, a highly virulent strain of T. gondii. In these studies, chronically infected IL-10 KO mice survived secondary infection with RH and controlled parasite load. Although serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma were higher in IL-10 KO mice than in wild type (WT) mice 8 days after RH rechallenge, these levels were well controlled in the absence of endogenous IL-10, suggesting that IL-10 is not required to down-regulate cytokine production during the memory response. Antigen-specific ex vivo recall responses further revealed that splenocytes from chronically infected WT and IL-10 KO mice responded to parasite antigen with similar production of IL-12 and IFN-gamma, and there was also no significant difference in ex vivo production of these cytokines by splenocytes in response to parasite antigen 7 days after secondary infection with T. gondii. Furthermore, IL-10 KO mice immunized with the Ts-4 vaccine-strain of T. gondii were protected when rechallenged with the virulent RH strain. Together, these studies demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of IL-10, which is required to prevent immune-mediated pathology during primary infection, is not required to prevent immune hyperactivity during a secondary response to T. gondii, and a highly effective memory response is generated in the absence of endogenous IL-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Wille
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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19
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Abstract
To understand the role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in ocular toxoplasmosis, we compared C57BL/6 (B6) and BALB/c background mice lacking a functional IL-10 gene (IL-10(-/-)) and B6 transgenic mice expressing IL-10 under the control of the IL-2 promoter. Increased cellular infiltration and necrosis were observed in the eye tissue of IL-10(-/-) mice of both the B6 and BALB/c backgrounds with associated changes in the levels of cytokines in serum. In contrast, there was no evidence of necrosis in the eye tissue from IL-10 transgenic mice following parasite exposure. Our results demonstrate that IL-10 is important in the regulation of inflammation during acute ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangli Lu
- Department of Medicine and Microbiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA
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20
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Nguyen TD, Bigaignon G, Markine-Goriaynoff D, Heremans H, Nguyen TN, Warnier G, Delmee M, Warny M, Wolf SF, Uyttenhove C, Van Snick J, Coutelier JP. Virulent Toxoplasma gondii strain RH promotes T-cell-independent overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines IL12 and gamma-interferon. J Med Microbiol 2003; 52:869-876. [PMID: 12972580 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.04860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the analysis of the cytokine response in BALB/c mice infected with the highly virulent RH or the weakly virulent Beverley strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Analysis of cytokine messages showed increased expression of IL12, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, but not IL4 mRNAs in spleen cells after infection with the T. gondii strains RH and Beverley. High levels of circulating IL12 and IFN-gamma were detected in the serum of mice infected with strain RH, although TNF-alpha levels remained low. In contrast, the same cytokines were detected at only low levels in the serum of mice infected with the Beverley strain. Administration of antibody against IL12 or IFN-gamma significantly delayed time to death of mice infected with strain RH compared to controls. T-Cell-deficient as well as normal mice were equally infected by strain RH, suggesting that T lymphocytes do not contribute to the response. Depletion of natural killer cells from the splenocyte population abolished the in vitro production of IFN-gamma. Together, our data suggest that the virulent strain RH induces in BALB/c mice a type 1 cytokine pattern with T-cell-independent overproduction of IL12 and IFN-gamma that may be involved in the pathogenesis of this micro-organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Nguyen
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - G Bigaignon
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - D Markine-Goriaynoff
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - H Heremans
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - T N Nguyen
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - G Warnier
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - M Delmee
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - M Warny
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - S F Wolf
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - C Uyttenhove
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - J Van Snick
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - J-P Coutelier
- Microbiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc1 and Experimental Medicine Unit2, Christian de Duve Institute of Cellular Pathology, Catholic University of Louvain and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research3, Brussels, Belgium 4Laboratory Immunobiol, REGA Institute, K. U. Leuven, Belgium 5Gastroenterology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 6Wyeth Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
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21
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Rozenfeld C, Martinez R, Figueiredo RT, Bozza MT, Lima FRS, Pires AL, Silva PM, Bonomo A, Lannes-Vieira J, De Souza W, Moura-Neto V. Soluble factors released by Toxoplasma gondii-infected astrocytes down-modulate nitric oxide production by gamma interferon-activated microglia and prevent neuronal degeneration. Infect Immun 2003; 71:2047-57. [PMID: 12654825 PMCID: PMC152043 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.4.2047-2057.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of a benign chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection is mainly dependent on the persistent presence of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in the central nervous system (CNS). However, IFN-gamma-activated microglia are paradoxically involved in parasitism control and in tissue damage during a broad range of CNS pathologies. In this way, nitric oxide (NO), the main toxic metabolite produced by IFN-gamma-activated microglia, may cause neuronal injury during T. gondii infection. Despite the potential NO toxicity, neurodegeneration is not a common finding during chronic T. gondii infection. In this work, we describe a significant down-modulation of NO production by IFN-gamma-activated microglia in the presence of conditioned medium of T. gondii-infected astrocytes (CMi). The inhibition of NO production was paralleled with recovery of neurite outgrowth when neurons were cocultured with IFN-gamma-activated microglia in the presence of CMi. Moreover, the modulation of NO secretion and the neuroprotective effect were shown to be dependent on prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production by T. gondii-infected astrocytes and autocrine secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10) by microglia. These events were partially eliminated when infected astrocytes were treated with aspirin and cocultures were treated with anti-IL-10 neutralizing antibodies and RP-8-Br cyclic AMP (cAMP), a protein kinase A inhibitor. Further, the modulatory effects of CMi were mimicked by the presence of exogenous PGE(2) and by forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator. Altogether, these data point to a T. gondii-triggered regulatory mechanism involving PGE(2) secretion by astrocytes and cAMP-dependent IL-10 secretion by microglia. This may reduce host tissue inflammation, thus avoiding neuron damage during an established Th1 protective immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rozenfeld
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Departamento de Anatomia, ICB, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21944-590, Brazil.
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22
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Abstract
We urgently need animal models to study infectious disease. Mice are susceptible to a similar range of microbial infections as humans. Marked differences between inbred strains of mice in their response to pathogen infection can be exploited to analyse the genetic basis of infections. In addition, the genetic tools that are available in the laboratory mouse, and new techniques to monitor the expression of bacterial genes in vivo, make it the principal experimental animal model for studying mechanisms of infection and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Buer
- German Research Centre for Biotechnology (GBF), Mascheroder Weg 1, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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23
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Wille U, Villegas EN, Craig L, Peach R, Hunter CA. Contribution of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and the CD28/B7 and CD40/CD40 ligand pathways to the development of a pathological T-cell response in IL-10-deficient mice. Infect Immun 2002; 70:6940-7. [PMID: 12438373 PMCID: PMC133089 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.12.6940-6947.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of interleukin-10 (IL-10) to suppress accessory cell functions required for optimal T-cell activation makes it an important inhibitor of cell-mediated immunity. Thus, after infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, IL-10 knockout (KO) mice develop a CD4(+)-T-cell-dependent shock-like reaction with high levels of IL-12 and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in serum, leading to death of mice during the acute phase of infection. Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that simultaneous blockade of CD28 and CD40 can prevent this lethal reaction by inhibiting the production of IFN-gamma. However, the blockade of costimulation did not affect systemic levels of IL-12. To better understand the relationship between IL-12 and the CD28 and CD40 pathways in mediating immune hyperactivity, antagonists of these factors were used to determine their effects on the development of a pathological T-cell response in IL-10 KO mice. Blockade of IL-12 or the CD28/B7 interaction alone did not affect survival; however, the combined blockade of both pathways resulted in decreased production of IFN-gamma and the survival of IL-10 KO mice. To assess the role of the two ligands for CD28, B7.1 and B7.2, IL-10 KO mice were treated with alphaIL-12 plus alphaB7.1 or alphaB7.2 or the combination of all three antibodies. These studies revealed that blockade of both B7 molecules is required for decreased production of IFN-gamma and survival of infected IL-10 KO mice, suggesting that B7.1 and B7.2 can contribute to the lethal shock-like reaction in IL-10 KO mice. In contrast, neutralization of IL-12 and blockade of the CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) interaction in vivo did not alter the production of IFN-gamma and only resulted in a small delay in time to death of mice. Together, these data suggest that the CD28/B7 interaction has a central role in the development of a pathological T-cell response in IL-10 KO mice, which is distinct from the role of the CD40/CD40L and IL-12 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Wille
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA
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