1
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Farrukh A, Musabyimana JP, Distler U, Mahlich VJ, Mueller J, Bick F, Tenzer S, Pradel G, Ngwa CJ. The Plasmodium falciparum CCCH zinc finger protein MD3 regulates male gametocytogenesis through its interaction with RNA-binding proteins. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:543-564. [PMID: 38148574 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of malaria parasites to mosquitoes is dependent on the formation of gametocytes. Once fully matured, gametocytes are able to transform into gametes in the mosquito's midgut, a process accompanied with their egress from the enveloping erythrocyte. Gametocyte maturation and gametogenesis require a well-coordinated gene expression program that involves a wide spectrum of regulatory proteins, ranging from histone modifiers to transcription factors to RNA-binding proteins. Here, we investigated the role of the CCCH zinc finger protein MD3 in Plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis. MD3 was originally identified as an epigenetically regulated protein of immature gametocytes and recently shown to be involved in male development in a barcode-based screen in P. berghei. We report that MD3 is mainly present in the cytoplasm of immature male P. falciparum gametocytes. Parasites deficient of MD3 are impaired in gametocyte maturation and male gametocytogenesis. BioID analysis in combination with co-immunoprecipitation assays unveiled an interaction network of MD3 with RNA-binding proteins like PABP1 and ALBA3, with translational initiators, regulators and repressors like elF4G, PUF1, NOT1 and CITH, and with further regulators of gametocytogenesis, including ZNF4, MD1 and GD1. We conclude that MD3 is part of a regulator complex crucial for post-transcriptional fine-tuning of male gametocytogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afia Farrukh
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jean Pierre Musabyimana
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ute Distler
- Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Immunology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa Jil Mahlich
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julius Mueller
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Bick
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Immunology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Che Julius Ngwa
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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2
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Sassmannshausen J, Bennink S, Distler U, Küchenhoff J, Minns AM, Lindner SE, Burda PC, Tenzer S, Gilberger TW, Pradel G. Comparative proteomics of vesicles essential for the egress of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes from red blood cells. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:431-452. [PMID: 37492994 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of malaria parasites to the mosquito is mediated by sexual precursor cells, the gametocytes. Upon entering the mosquito midgut, the gametocytes egress from the enveloping erythrocyte while passing through gametogenesis. Egress follows an inside-out mode during which the membrane of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) ruptures prior to the erythrocyte membrane. Membrane rupture requires exocytosis of specialized egress vesicles of the parasites; that is, osmiophilic bodies (OBs) involved in rupturing the PV membrane, and vesicles that harbor the perforin-like protein PPLP2 (here termed P-EVs) required for erythrocyte lysis. While some OB proteins have been identified, like G377 and MDV1/Peg3, the majority of egress vesicle-resident proteins is yet unknown. Here, we used high-resolution imaging and BioID methods to study the two egress vesicle types in Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. We show that OB exocytosis precedes discharge of the P-EVs and that exocytosis of the P-EVs, but not of the OBs, is calcium sensitive. Both vesicle types exhibit distinct proteomes with the majority of proteins located in the OBs. In addition to known egress-related proteins, we identified novel components of OBs and P-EVs, including vesicle-trafficking proteins. Our data provide insight into the immense molecular machinery required for the inside-out egress of P. falciparum gametocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Sassmannshausen
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sandra Bennink
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ute Distler
- Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Immunology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Juliane Küchenhoff
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Allen M Minns
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Huck Center for Malaria Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott E Lindner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Huck Center for Malaria Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul-Christian Burda
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Immunology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tim W Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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3
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Gowda DC, Miller LH. Glycosylation in malaria parasites: what do we know? Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:131-146. [PMID: 38262838 PMCID: PMC10923157 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
In malaria parasites, although post-translational modification of proteins with N-. O-, and C-glycosidic bond-linked glycans is limited, it is confined to relatively fewer proteins in which the glycans are present at significant levels and may have important functions. Furthermore, several proteins are modified with glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) which represent the predominant glycan synthesized by parasites. Modification of proteins with GPIs is obligatory for parasite survival as GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) play essential roles in all life cycle stages of the parasites, including development, egress, gametogenesis, motility, and host cell adhesion and invasion. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the structures and potential functions of the glycan moieties of parasite proteins. The knowledge has important implications for the development of drugs and vaccines for malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Channe Gowda
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20852, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Louis H Miller
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
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4
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Maharjan S, Kirk RS, Lawton SP, Walker AJ. Human growth factor-mediated signalling through lipid rafts regulates stem cell proliferation, development and survival of Schistosoma mansoni. Open Biol 2024; 14:230262. [PMID: 38195062 PMCID: PMC10776228 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the mechanisms by which schistosomes grow and develop in humans are poorly defined, their unique outer tegument layer, which interfaces with host blood, is considered vital to homeostasis of the parasite. Here, we investigated the importance of tegument lipid rafts to the biology of Schistosoma mansoni in the context of host-parasite interactions. We demonstrate the temporal clustering of lipid rafts in response to human epidermal growth factor (EGF) during early somule development, concomitant with the localization of anteriorly orientated EGF receptors (EGFRs) and insulin receptors, mapped using fluorescent EGF/insulin ligand. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD)-mediated depletion of cholesterol from lipid rafts abrogated the EGFR/IR binding at the parasite surface and led to modulation of protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signalling pathways within the parasite. Furthermore, MβCD-mediated lipid raft disruption, and blockade of EGFRs using canertinib, profoundly reduced somule motility and survival, and attenuated stem cell proliferation and somule growth and development particularly to the fast-growing liver stage. These findings provide a novel paradigm for schistosome development and vitality in the host, driven through host-parasite interactions at the tegument, that might be exploitable for developing innovative therapeutic approaches to combat human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Maharjan
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Ruth S. Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Scott P. Lawton
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, SRUC School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland's Rural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
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Mohammed M, Dziedziech A, Sekar V, Ernest M, Alves E Silva TL, Balan B, Emami SN, Biryukova I, Friedländer MR, Jex A, Jacobs-Lorena M, Henriksson J, Vega-Rodriguez J, Ankarklev J. Single-Cell Transcriptomics To Define Plasmodium falciparum Stage Transition in the Mosquito Midgut. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0367122. [PMID: 36847501 PMCID: PMC10100735 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03671-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria inflicts the highest rate of morbidity and mortality among the vector-borne diseases. The dramatic bottleneck of parasite numbers that occurs in the gut of the obligatory mosquito vector provides a promising target for novel control strategies. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we analyzed Plasmodium falciparum development in the mosquito gut, from unfertilized female gametes through the first 20 h after blood feeding, including the zygote and ookinete stages. This study revealed the temporal gene expression of the ApiAP2 family of transcription factors and of parasite stress genes in response to the harsh environment of the mosquito midgut. Further, employing structural protein prediction analyses, we found several upregulated genes predicted to encode intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), a category of proteins known for their importance in regulation of transcription, translation, and protein-protein interactions. IDPs are known for their antigenic properties and may serve as suitable targets for antibody- or peptide-based transmission suppression strategies. In total, this study uncovers the P. falciparum transcriptome from early to late parasite development in the mosquito midgut, inside its natural vector, which provides an important resource for future malaria transmission-blocking initiatives. IMPORTANCE The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes more than half a million deaths per year. The current treatment regimen targets the symptom-causing blood stage inside the human host. However, recent incentives in the field call for novel interventions to block parasite transmission from humans to the mosquito vector. Therefore, we need to better understand the parasite biology during its development inside the mosquito, including a deeper understanding of the expression of genes controlling parasite progression during these stages. Here, we have generated single-cell transcriptome data, covering P. falciparum's development, from gamete to ookinete inside the mosquito midgut, uncovering previously untapped parasite biology, including a repertoire of novel biomarkers to be explored in future transmission-blocking efforts. We anticipate that our study provides an important resource, which can be further explored to improve our understanding of the parasite biology as well as aid in guiding future malaria intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubasher Mohammed
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexis Dziedziech
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vaishnovi Sekar
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Medard Ernest
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Thiago Luiz Alves E Silva
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Balu Balan
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - S. Noushin Emami
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inna Biryukova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marc R. Friedländer
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aaron Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Johan Henriksson
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Joel Vega-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Johan Ankarklev
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Microbial Single Cell Genomics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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6
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Brenda CT, Norma RF, Marcela RL, Nelly LV, Teresa I F. Action mechanisms of metallic compounds on Plasmodium spp. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 73:127028. [PMID: 35797926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a parasitic disease with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, during the last decades, the causal agent, Plasmodium spp., has developed resistance to chloroquine and artemisinin. For this reason, metallic compounds have been proposed as an optional treatment since they have shown a potential antimalarial effect with diverse action mechanisms in the parasite and the host. OBJECTIVE To show the possible targets of metallic compounds in Plasmodium spp. CONCLUSION The metallic compounds are an option attractive to treatment for the malaria, for its low cost and its great activity to reduce parasitemia; however is necessary more studies principally in vivo in order to know the interactions that it can have in an experimental model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casarrubias-Tabarez Brenda
- Departamento de Biología Celular y TIsular, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Av. Ciudad Universitaria 3000, Coyoacan, C.P. 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Rivera-Fernández Norma
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, UNAM, Av. Ciudad Universitaria 3000, Coyoacan, C.P. 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Rojas-Lemus Marcela
- Departamento de Biología Celular y TIsular, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Av. Ciudad Universitaria 3000, Coyoacan, C.P. 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - López-Valdez Nelly
- Departamento de Biología Celular y TIsular, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Av. Ciudad Universitaria 3000, Coyoacan, C.P. 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Fortoul Teresa I
- Departamento de Biología Celular y TIsular, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Av. Ciudad Universitaria 3000, Coyoacan, C.P. 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
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7
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Lyons FMT, Gabriela M, Tham WH, Dietrich MH. Plasmodium 6-Cysteine Proteins: Functional Diversity, Transmission-Blocking Antibodies and Structural Scaffolds. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:945924. [PMID: 35899047 PMCID: PMC9309271 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.945924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 6-cysteine protein family is one of the most abundant surface antigens that are expressed throughout the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. Many members of the 6-cysteine family have critical roles in parasite development across the life cycle in parasite transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion. The common feature of the family is the 6-cysteine domain, also referred to as s48/45 domain, which is conserved across Aconoidasida. This review summarizes the current approaches for recombinant expression for 6-cysteine proteins, monoclonal antibodies against 6-cysteine proteins that block transmission and the growing collection of crystal structures that provide insights into the functional domains of this protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie M. T. Lyons
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie H. Dietrich
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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8
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Dietrich MH, Chan LJ, Adair A, Boulet C, O'Neill MT, Tan LL, Keremane S, Mok YF, Lo AW, Gilson P, Tham WH. Structure of the Pf12 and Pf41 heterodimeric complex of Plasmodium falciparum 6-cysteine proteins. FEMS MICROBES 2022; 3:xtac005. [PMID: 35308105 PMCID: PMC8930183 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During the different stages of the Plasmodium life cycle, surface-associated proteins establish key interactions with the host and play critical roles in parasite survival. The 6-cysteine (6-cys) protein family is one of the most abundant surface antigens and expressed throughout the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. This protein family is conserved across Plasmodium species and plays critical roles in parasite transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion. Several 6-cys proteins are present on the parasite surface as hetero-complexes but it is not known how two 6-cys proteins interact together. Here, we present a crystal structure of Pf12 bound to Pf41 at 2.85 Å resolution, two P. falciparum proteins usually found on the parasite surface of late schizonts and merozoites. Our structure revealed two critical interfaces required for complex formation with important implications on how different 6-cysteine proteins may interact with each other. Using structure-function analyses, we identified important residues for Pf12-Pf41 complex formation. In addition, we generated 16 nanobodies against Pf12 and Pf41 and showed that several Pf12-specific nanobodies inhibit Pf12-Pf41 complex formation. Using X-ray crystallography, we were able to describe the structural mechanism of an inhibitory nanobody in blocking Pf12-Pf41 complex formation. Future studies using these inhibitory nanobodies will be useful to determine the functional role of these two 6-cys proteins in malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie H Dietrich
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Li-Jin Chan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Adair
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Matthew T O'Neill
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Li Lynn Tan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sravya Keremane
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yee-Foong Mok
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alvin W Lo
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Structural organization of erythrocyte membrane microdomains and their relation with malaria susceptibility. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1375. [PMID: 34880413 PMCID: PMC8655059 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol-rich microdomains are membrane compartments characterized by specific lipid and protein composition. These dynamic assemblies are involved in several biological processes, including infection by intracellular pathogens. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of the composition of human erythrocyte membrane microdomains. Based on their floating properties, we also categorized the microdomain-associated proteins into clusters. Interestingly, erythrocyte microdomains include the vast majority of the proteins known to be involved in invasion by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We show here that the Ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase 4 (ART4) and Aquaporin 1 (AQP1), found within one specific cluster, containing the essential host determinant CD55, are recruited to the site of parasite entry and then internalized to the newly formed parasitophorous vacuole membrane. By generating null erythroid cell lines, we showed that one of these proteins, ART4, plays a role in P. falciparum invasion. We also found that genetic variants in both ART4 and AQP1 are associated with susceptibility to the disease in a malaria-endemic population.
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10
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Koudatsu S, Masatani T, Konishi R, Asada M, Hakimi H, Kurokawa Y, Tomioku K, Kaneko O, Fujita A. Glycosphingolipid GM3 is localized in both exoplasmic and cytoplasmic leaflets of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite plasma membrane. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14890. [PMID: 34290278 PMCID: PMC8295280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94037-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid rafts, sterol-rich and sphingolipid-rich microdomains on the plasma membrane are important in processes like cell signaling, adhesion, and protein and lipid transport. The virulence of many eukaryotic parasites is related to raft microdomains on the cell membrane. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins, which are important for invasion and are possible targets for vaccine development, are localized in the raft. However, rafts are poorly understood. We used quick-freezing and freeze-fracture immuno-electron microscopy to examine the localization of monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) and monosialodihexosylganglioside (GM3), putative raft microdomain components in P. falciparum and infected erythrocytes. This method immobilizes molecules in situ, minimizing artifacts. GM3 was localized in the exoplasmic (EF) and cytoplasmic leaflets (PF) of the parasite and the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) membranes, but solely in the EF of the infected erythrocyte membrane, as in the case for uninfected erythrocytes. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) was localized solely in the PF of erythrocyte, parasite, and PV membranes. This is the first time that GM3, the major component of raft microdomains, was found in the PF of a biological membrane. The unique localization of raft microdomains may be due to P. falciparum lipid metabolism and its unique biological processes, like protein transport from the parasite to infected erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiomi Koudatsu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Basic Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Masatani
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.,Laboratory of Zoonotic Diseases, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Rikako Konishi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Basic Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Masahito Asada
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hassan Hakimi
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yuna Kurokawa
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Basic Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kanna Tomioku
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Basic Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Osamu Kaneko
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Akikazu Fujita
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Basic Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.
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Nanobody generation and structural characterization of Plasmodium falciparum 6-cysteine protein Pf12p. Biochem J 2021; 478:579-595. [PMID: 33480416 PMCID: PMC7886318 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Surface-associated proteins play critical roles in the Plasmodium parasite life cycle and are major targets for vaccine development. The 6-cysteine (6-cys) protein family is expressed in a stage-specific manner throughout Plasmodium falciparum life cycle and characterized by the presence of 6-cys domains, which are β-sandwich domains with conserved sets of disulfide bonds. Although several 6-cys family members have been implicated to play a role in sexual stages, mosquito transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion, the precise function of many family members is still unknown and structural information is only available for four 6-cys proteins. Here, we present to the best of our knowledge, the first crystal structure of the 6-cys protein Pf12p determined at 2.8 Å resolution. The monomeric molecule folds into two domains, D1 and D2, both of which adopt the canonical 6-cys domain fold. Although the structural fold is similar to that of Pf12, its paralog in P. falciparum, we show that Pf12p does not complex with Pf41, which is a known interaction partner of Pf12. We generated 10 distinct Pf12p-specific nanobodies which map into two separate epitope groups; one group which binds within the D2 domain, while several members of the second group bind at the interface of the D1 and D2 domain of Pf12p. Characterization of the structural features of the 6-cys family and their associated nanobodies provide a framework for generating new tools to study the diverse functions of the 6-cys protein family in the Plasmodium life cycle.
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Miyazaki S, Chitama BYA, Kagaya W, Lucky AB, Zhu X, Yahata K, Morita M, Takashima E, Tsuboi T, Kaneko O. Plasmodium falciparum SURFIN 4.1 forms an intermediate complex with PTEX components and Pf113 during export to the red blood cell. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102358. [PMID: 33901679 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites export several hundred proteins to the cytoplasm of infected red blood cells (RBCs) to modify the cell environment suitable for their growth. A Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins (PTEX) is necessary for both soluble and integral membrane proteins to cross the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) membrane surrounding the parasite inside the RBC. However, the molecular composition of the translocation complex for integral membrane proteins is not fully characterized, especially at the parasite plasma membrane. To examine the translocation complex, here we used mini-SURFIN4.1, consisting of a short N-terminal region, a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic region of an exported integral membrane protein SURFIN4.1. We found that mini-SURFIN4.1 forms a translocation intermediate complex with core PTEX components, EXP2, HSP101, and PTEX150. We also found that several proteins are exposed to the PV space, including Pf113, an uncharacterized PTEX-associated protein. We determined that Pf113 localizes in dense granules at the merozoite stage and on the parasite periphery after RBC invasion. Using an inducible translocon-clogged mini-SURFIN4.1, we found that a stable translocation intermediate complex forms at the parasite plasma membrane and contains EXP2 and a processed form of Pf113. These results suggest a potential role of Pf113 for the translocation step of mini-SURFIN4.1, providing further insights into the translocation mechanisms for parasite integral membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Miyazaki
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ben-Yeddy Abel Chitama
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Wataru Kagaya
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; Department of Environmental Parasitology, Graduate School of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Amuza Byaruhanga Lucky
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Yahata
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Osamu Kaneko
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
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Ramaprasad A, Klaus S, Douvropoulou O, Culleton R, Pain A. Plasmodium vinckei genomes provide insights into the pan-genome and evolution of rodent malaria parasites. BMC Biol 2021; 19:69. [PMID: 33888092 PMCID: PMC8063448 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00995-5] [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: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rodent malaria parasites (RMPs) serve as tractable tools to study malaria parasite biology and host-parasite-vector interactions. Among the four RMPs originally collected from wild thicket rats in sub-Saharan Central Africa and adapted to laboratory mice, Plasmodium vinckei is the most geographically widespread with isolates collected from five separate locations. However, there is a lack of extensive phenotype and genotype data associated with this species, thus hindering its use in experimental studies. Results We have generated a comprehensive genetic resource for P. vinckei comprising of five reference-quality genomes, one for each of its subspecies, blood-stage RNA sequencing data for five P. vinckei isolates, and genotypes and growth phenotypes for ten isolates. Additionally, we sequenced seven isolates of the RMP species Plasmodium chabaudi and Plasmodium yoelii, thus extending genotypic information for four additional subspecies enabling a re-evaluation of the genotypic diversity and evolutionary history of RMPs. The five subspecies of P. vinckei have diverged widely from their common ancestor and have undergone large-scale genome rearrangements. Comparing P. vinckei genotypes reveals region-specific selection pressures particularly on genes involved in mosquito transmission. Using phylogenetic analyses, we show that RMP multigene families have evolved differently across the vinckei and berghei groups of RMPs and that family-specific expansions in P. chabaudi and P. vinckei occurred in the common vinckei group ancestor prior to speciation. The erythrocyte membrane antigen 1 and fam-c families in particular show considerable expansions among the lowland forest-dwelling P. vinckei parasites. The subspecies from the highland forests of Katanga, P. v. vinckei, has a uniquely smaller genome, a reduced multigene family repertoire and is also amenable to transfection making it an ideal parasite for reverse genetics. We also show that P. vinckei parasites are amenable to genetic crosses. Conclusions Plasmodium vinckei isolates display a large degree of phenotypic and genotypic diversity and could serve as a resource to study parasite virulence and immunogenicity. Inclusion of P. vinckei genomes provide new insights into the evolution of RMPs and their multigene families. Amenability to genetic crossing and transfection make them also suitable for classical and functional genetics to study Plasmodium biology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-00995-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinay Ramaprasad
- Pathogen Genomics Group, BESE Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Present address: Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Severina Klaus
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olga Douvropoulou
- Pathogen Genomics Group, BESE Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Richard Culleton
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan. .,Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, 454 Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan. .,Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Group, BESE Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. .,Center for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, N20 W10 Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan.
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14
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A Chimeric Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein Antibody Recognizes and Blocks Erythrocytic P. cynomolgi Berok Merozoites In Vitro. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00645-20. [PMID: 33199351 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00645-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on erythrocytic Plasmodium vivax merozoite antigens is critical for identifying potential vaccine candidates in reducing P. vivax disease. However, many P. vivax studies are constrained by its inability to undergo long-term culture in vitro Conserved across all Plasmodium spp., merozoite surface proteins are essential for invasion into erythrocytes and highly expressed on erythrocytic merozoites, thus making it an ideal vaccine candidate. In clinical trials, the P. vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (PvMSP1-19) vaccine candidate alone has shown to have limited immunogenicity in patients; hence, we incorporate the highly conserved and immunogenic C terminus of both P. vivax merozoite surface protein 8 (PvMSP8) and PvMSP1-19 to develop a multicomponent chimeric protein rPvMSP8+1 for immunization of mice. The resulted chimeric rPvMSP8+1 antibody was shown to recognize native protein MSP8 and MSP1-19 of mature P. vivax schizonts. In the immunized mice, an elevated antibody response was observed in the rPvMSP8+1-immunized group compared to that immunized with single-antigen components. In addition, we examined the growth inhibition of these antibodies against Plasmodium cynomolgi (Berok strain) parasites, which is phylogenetically close to P. vivax and sustains long-term culture in vitro Similarly, the chimeric anti-rPvMSP8+1 antibodies recognize P. cynomolgi MSP8 and MSP1-19 on mature schizonts and showed strong inhibition in vitro via growth inhibition assay. This study provides support for a new multiantigen-based paradigm rPvMSP8+1 to explore potential chimeric vaccine candidates against P. vivax malaria using sister species P. cynomolgi.
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15
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Ito D, Chen JH, Takashima E, Hasegawa T, Otsuki H, Takeo S, Thongkukiatkul A, Han ET, Tsuboi T. Identification of a Novel RAMA/RON3 Rhoptry Protein Complex in Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:605367. [PMID: 33537242 PMCID: PMC7848174 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.605367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria causes a half a million deaths annually. The parasite intraerythrocytic lifecycle in the human bloodstream is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Apical organelles of merozoite stage parasites are involved in the invasion of erythrocytes. A limited number of apical organellar proteins have been identified and characterized for their roles during erythrocyte invasion or subsequent intraerythrocytic parasite development. To expand the repertoire of identified apical organellar proteins we generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum schizont-rich parasites and screened the antibodies using immunofluorescence assays. Out of 164 hybridoma lines, 12 clones produced monoclonal antibodies yielding punctate immunofluorescence staining patterns in individual merozoites in late schizonts, suggesting recognition of merozoite apical organelles. Five of the monoclonal antibodies were used to immuno-affinity purify their target antigens and these antigens were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Two known apical organelle protein complexes were identified, the high-molecular mass rhoptry protein complex (PfRhopH1/Clags, PfRhopH2, and PfRhopH3) and the low-molecular mass rhoptry protein complex (rhoptry-associated proteins complex, PfRAP1, and PfRAP2). A novel complex was additionally identified by immunoprecipitation, composed of rhoptry-associated membrane antigen (PfRAMA) and rhoptry neck protein 3 (PfRON3) of P. falciparum. We further identified a region spanning amino acids Q221-E481 within the PfRAMA that may associate with PfRON3 in immature schizonts. Further investigation will be required as to whether PfRAMA and PfRON3 interact directly or indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ito
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.,Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Jun-Hu Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hasegawa
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Otsuki
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Satoru Takeo
- Division of Tropical Diseases and Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka, Japan
| | | | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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16
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Collins CR, Hackett F, Howell SA, Snijders AP, Russell MRG, Collinson LM, Blackman MJ. The malaria parasite sheddase SUB2 governs host red blood cell membrane sealing at invasion. eLife 2020; 9:e61121. [PMID: 33287958 PMCID: PMC7723409 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Red blood cell (RBC) invasion by malaria merozoites involves formation of a parasitophorous vacuole into which the parasite moves. The vacuole membrane seals and pinches off behind the parasite through an unknown mechanism, enclosing the parasite within the RBC. During invasion, several parasite surface proteins are shed by a membrane-bound protease called SUB2. Here we show that genetic depletion of SUB2 abolishes shedding of a range of parasite proteins, identifying previously unrecognized SUB2 substrates. Interaction of SUB2-null merozoites with RBCs leads to either abortive invasion with rapid RBC lysis, or successful entry but developmental arrest. Selective failure to shed the most abundant SUB2 substrate, MSP1, reduces intracellular replication, whilst conditional ablation of the substrate AMA1 produces host RBC lysis. We conclude that SUB2 activity is critical for host RBC membrane sealing following parasite internalisation and for correct functioning of merozoite surface proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Collins
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Fiona Hackett
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Steven A Howell
- Protein Analysis and Proteomics Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ambrosius P Snijders
- Protein Analysis and Proteomics Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Matthew RG Russell
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Lucy M Collinson
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael J Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
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17
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Discovery of four new B-cell protective epitopes for malaria using Q beta virus-like particle as platform. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:92. [PMID: 33083027 PMCID: PMC7546618 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-00242-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the world’s most urgent global health problems, with almost half a million deaths and hundreds of millions of clinical cases each year. Existing interventions by themselves will not be enough to tackle infection in high-transmission areas. The best new intervention would be an effective vaccine; but the leading P. falciparum and P. vivax vaccine candidates, RTS,S and VMP001, show only modest to low field efficacy. New antigens and improved ways for screening antigens for protective efficacy will be required. This study exploits the potential of Virus-Like Particles (VLP) to enhance immune responses to antigens, the ease of coupling peptides to the Q beta (Qβ) VLP and the existing murine malaria challenge to screen B-cell epitopes for protective efficacy. We screened P. vivax TRAP (PvTRAP) immune sera against individual 20-mer PvTRAP peptides. The most immunogenic peptides associated with protection were loaded onto Qβ VLPs to assess protective efficacy in a malaria sporozoite challenge. A second approach focused on identifying conserved regions within known sporozoite invasion proteins and assessing them as part of the Qβ. Using this VLP as a peptide scaffold, four new protective B-cell epitopes were discovered: three from the disordered region of PvTRAP and one from Thrombospondin-related sporozoite protein (TRSP). Antigenic interference between these and other B-cell epitopes was also explored using the virus-like particle/peptide platform. This approach demonstrates the utility of VLPs to help identifying new B-cell epitopes for inclusion in next-generation malaria vaccines.
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18
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Phosphorylation of Rhoptry Protein RhopH3 Is Critical for Host Cell Invasion by the Malaria Parasite. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.00166-20. [PMID: 33024030 PMCID: PMC7542355 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00166-20] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Host cell invasion by the malaria parasite is critical for establishing infection in human host and is dependent on discharge of key ligands from organelles like rhoptry and microneme, and these ligands interact with host RBC receptors. In the present study, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of a key rhoptry protein, RhopH3, is critical for host invasion. Phosphorylation regulates its localization to rhoptries and discharge from the parasite. Merozoites formed after asexual division of the malaria parasite invade the host red blood cells (RBCs), which is critical for initiating malaria infection. The process of invasion involves specialized organelles like micronemes and rhoptries that discharge key proteins involved in interaction with host RBC receptors. RhopH complex comprises at least three proteins, which include RhopH3. RhopH3 is critical for the process of red blood cell (RBC) invasion as well as intraerythrocytic development of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It is phosphorylated at serine 804 (S804) in the parasite; however, it is unclear if phosphorylation regulates its function. To address this, a CRISPR-CAS9-based approach was used to mutate S804 to alanine (A) in P. falciparum. Using this phosphomutant (R3_S804A) of RhopH3, we demonstrate that the phosphorylation of S804 is critical for host RBC invasion by the parasite but not for its intraerythrocytic development. Importantly, the phosphorylation of RhopH3 regulates its localization to the rhoptries and discharge from the parasite, which is critical for RBC invasion. We also identified P. falciparum CDPK1 (PfCDPK1) as a possible candidate kinase for RhopH3-S804 phosphorylation and found that it regulates RhopH3 secretion from the parasite. These findings provide novel insights into the role of phosphorylation in rhoptry release and invasion, which is poorly understood.
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19
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Varela-Aramburu S, Ghosh C, Goerdeler F, Priegue P, Moscovitz O, Seeberger PH. Targeting and Inhibiting Plasmodium falciparum Using Ultra-small Gold Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:43380-43387. [PMID: 32875786 PMCID: PMC7586288 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c09075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium species, claims more than 400,000 lives globally each year. The increasing drug resistance of the parasite renders the development of new anti-malaria drugs necessary. Alternatively, better delivery systems for already marketed drugs could help to solve the resistance problem. Herein, we report glucose-based ultra-small gold nanoparticles (Glc-NCs) that bind to cysteine-rich domains of Plasmodium falciparum surface proteins. Microscopy shows that Glc-NCs bind specifically to extracellular and all intra-erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum. Glc-NCs may be used as drug delivery agents as illustrated for ciprofloxacin, a poorly soluble antibiotic with low antimalarial activity. Ciprofloxacin conjugated to Glc-NCs is more water-soluble than the free drug and is more potent. Glyco-gold nanoparticles that target cysteine-rich domains on parasites may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Varela-Aramburu
- Department of Biomolecular
Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids
and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Biology,
Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität
Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Chandradhish Ghosh
- Department of Biomolecular
Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids
and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Felix Goerdeler
- Department of Biomolecular
Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids
and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Biology,
Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität
Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Priegue
- Department of Biomolecular
Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids
and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Biology,
Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität
Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oren Moscovitz
- Department of Biomolecular
Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids
and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Biology,
Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität
Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter H. Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular
Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids
and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Biology,
Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität
Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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20
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The Structure of the Cysteine-Rich Domain of Plasmodium falciparum P113 Identifies the Location of the RH5 Binding Site. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.01566-20. [PMID: 32900802 PMCID: PMC7482062 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01566-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a deadly infectious disease primarily caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It remains a major global health problem, and there is no highly effective vaccine. A parasite protein called RH5 is centrally involved in the invasion of host red blood cells, making it—and the other parasite proteins it interacts with—promising vaccine targets. We recently identified a protein called P113 that binds RH5, suggesting that it anchors RH5 to the parasite surface. In this paper, we use structural biology to locate and characterize the RH5 binding region on P113. These findings will be important to guide the development of new antimalarial vaccines to ultimately prevent this disease, which affects some of the poorest people on the planet. Plasmodium falciparum RH5 is a secreted parasite ligand that is essential for erythrocyte invasion through direct interaction with the host erythrocyte receptor basigin. RH5 forms a tripartite complex with two other secreted parasite proteins, CyRPA and RIPR, and is tethered to the surface of the parasite through membrane-anchored P113. Antibodies against RH5, CyRPA, and RIPR can inhibit parasite invasion, suggesting that vaccines containing these three components have the potential to prevent blood-stage malaria. To further explore the role of the P113-RH5 interaction, we selected monoclonal antibodies against P113 that were either inhibitory or noninhibitory for RH5 binding. Using a Fab fragment as a crystallization chaperone, we determined the crystal structure of the RH5 binding region of P113 and showed that it is composed of two domains with structural similarities to rhamnose-binding lectins. We identified the RH5 binding site on P113 by using a combination of hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis. We found that a monoclonal antibody to P113 that bound to this interface and inhibited the RH5-P113 interaction did not inhibit parasite blood-stage growth. These findings provide further structural information on the protein interactions of RH5 and will be helpful in guiding the development of blood-stage malaria vaccines that target RH5.
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21
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Pamplona A, Silva-Santos B. γδ T cells in malaria: a double-edged sword. FEBS J 2020; 288:1118-1129. [PMID: 32710527 PMCID: PMC7983992 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains a devastating global health problem, resulting in many annual deaths due to the complications of severe malaria. However, in endemic regions, individuals can acquire ‘clinical immunity’ to malaria, characterized by a decrease in severe malaria episodes and an increase of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections. Recently, it has been reported that tolerance to ‘clinical malaria’ and reduced disease severity correlates with a decrease in the numbers of circulating Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, the major subset of γδ T cells in the human peripheral blood. This is particularly interesting as this population typically undergoes dramatic expansions during acute Plasmodium infections and was previously shown to play antiparasitic functions. Thus, regulated γδ T‐cell responses may be critical to balance immune protection with severe pathology, particularly as both seem to rely on the same pro‐inflammatory cytokines, most notably TNF and IFN‐γ. This has been clearly demonstrated in mouse models of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) based on Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection. Furthermore, our recent studies suggest that the natural course of Plasmodium infection, mimicked in mice through mosquito bite or sporozoite inoculation, includes a major pathogenic component in ECM that depends on γδ T cells and IFN‐γ production in the asymptomatic liver stage, where parasite virulence is seemingly set and determines pathology in the subsequent blood stage. Here, we discuss these and other recent advances in our understanding of the complex—protective versus pathogenic—functions of γδ T cells in malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pamplona
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bruno Silva-Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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22
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Roller RF, Malik A, Carillo MA, Garg M, Rella A, Raulf M, Lepenies B, Seeberger PH, Varón Silva D. Semisynthesis of Functional Glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐Anchored Proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202002479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renée F. Roller
- Department of Biomolecular Systems Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces 14424 Potsdam Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 22 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Ankita Malik
- Department of Biomolecular Systems Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces 14424 Potsdam Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 22 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Maria A. Carillo
- Department of Biomolecular Systems Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces 14424 Potsdam Germany
| | - Monika Garg
- Department of Biomolecular Systems Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces 14424 Potsdam Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 22 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Antonella Rella
- Department of Biomolecular Systems Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces 14424 Potsdam Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 22 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Marie‐Kristin Raulf
- Immunology Unit and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Bünteweg 17 30559 Hannover Germany
- Institute for Parasitology, Center for infection Medicine University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Bünteweg 17 30559 Hannover Germany
| | - Bernd Lepenies
- Immunology Unit and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Bünteweg 17 30559 Hannover Germany
| | - Peter H. Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular Systems Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces 14424 Potsdam Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 22 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Daniel Varón Silva
- Department of Biomolecular Systems Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces 14424 Potsdam Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 22 14195 Berlin Germany
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Genetic diversity and immunogenicity analysis of 6-cysteine protein family members in Plasmodium ovale curtisi importess from Africa to China: P12, P38 and P41. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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24
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Roller RF, Malik A, Carillo MA, Garg M, Rella A, Raulf MK, Lepenies B, Seeberger PH, Varón Silva D. Semisynthesis of Functional Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:12035-12040. [PMID: 32307806 PMCID: PMC7383966 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202002479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Glypiation is a common posttranslational modification of eukaryotic proteins involving the attachment of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) glycolipid. GPIs contain a conserved phosphoglycan that is modified in a cell‐ and tissue‐specific manner. GPI complexity suggests roles in biological processes and effects on the attached protein, but the difficulties to get homogeneous material have hindered studies. We disclose a one‐pot intein‐mediated ligation (OPL) to obtain GPI‐anchored proteins. The strategy enables the glypiation of folded and denatured proteins with a natural linkage to the glycolipid. Using the strategy, glypiated eGFP, Thy1, and the Plasmodium berghei protein MSP119 were prepared. Glypiation did not alter the structure of eGFP and MSP119 proteins in solution, but it induced a strong pro‐inflammatory response in vitro. The strategy provides access to glypiated proteins to elucidate the activity of this modification and for use as vaccine candidates against parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée F Roller
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424, Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ankita Malik
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424, Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria A Carillo
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Monika Garg
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424, Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonella Rella
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424, Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin Raulf
- Immunology Unit and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany.,Institute for Parasitology, Center for infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bernd Lepenies
- Immunology Unit and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter H Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424, Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Varón Silva
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424, Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Pritam M, Singh G, Swaroop S, Singh AK, Pandey B, Singh SP. A cutting-edge immunoinformatics approach for design of multi-epitope oral vaccine against dreadful human malaria. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 158:159-179. [PMID: 32360460 PMCID: PMC7189201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human malaria is a pathogenic disease mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which was responsible for about 405,000 deaths globally in the year 2018. To date, several vaccine candidates have been evaluated for prevention, which failed to produce optimal output at various preclinical/clinical stages. This study is based on designing of polypeptide vaccines (PVs) against human malaria that cover almost all stages of life-cycle of Plasmodium and for the same 5 genome derived predicted antigenic proteins (GDPAP) have been used. For the development of a multi-immune inducer, 15 PVs were initially designed using T-cell epitope ensemble, which covered >99% human population as well as linear B-cell epitopes with or without adjuvants. The immune simulation of PVs showed higher levels of T-cell and B-cell activities compared to positive and negative vaccine controls. Furthermore, in silico cloning of PVs and codon optimization followed by enhanced expression within Lactococcus lactis host system was also explored. Although, the study has sound theoretical and in silico findings, the in vitro/in vivo evaluation seems imperative to warrant the immunogenicity and safety of PVs towards management of P. falciparum infection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Pritam
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow 226028, India
| | - Garima Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow 226028, India
| | - Suchit Swaroop
- Experimental & Public Health Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar 845401, India
| | - Brijesh Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar 845401, India
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26
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Sit WY, Chen YA, Chen YL, Lai CH, Wang WC. Cellular evasion strategies of Helicobacter pylori in regulating its intracellular fate. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 101:59-67. [PMID: 32033828 PMCID: PMC7102552 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori colonizes human stomach mucosa and its infection causes gastrointestinal diseases with variable severity. Bacterial infection stimulates autophagy, which is a part of innate immunity used to eliminate intracellular pathogens. Several intracellular bacteria have evolved multipronged strategies to circumvent this conserved system and thereby enhance their chance of intracellular survival. Nonetheless, studies on H. pylori have produced inconsistent results, showing either elevated or reduced clearance efficiency of intracellular bacteria through autophagy. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the mechanisms involved in autophagy induced by H. pylori and the fate of intracellular bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang Sit
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-An Chen
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lun Chen
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ho Lai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkuo, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Ching Wang
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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27
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Dobbs KR, Crabtree JN, Dent AE. Innate immunity to malaria-The role of monocytes. Immunol Rev 2020; 293:8-24. [PMID: 31840836 PMCID: PMC6986449 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Monocytes are innate immune cells essential for host protection against malaria. Upon activation, monocytes function to help reduce parasite burden through phagocytosis, cytokine production, and antigen presentation. However, monocytes have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of severe disease through production of damaging inflammatory cytokines, resulting in systemic inflammation and vascular dysfunction. Understanding the molecular pathways influencing the balance between protection and pathology is critical. In this review, we discuss recent data regarding the role of monocytes in human malaria, including studies of innate sensing of the parasite, immunometabolism, and innate immune training. Knowledge gained from these studies may guide rational development of novel antimalarial therapies and inform vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Dobbs
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Juliet N. Crabtree
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Arlene E. Dent
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
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28
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Nagaoka H, Kanoi BN, Jinoka K, Morita M, Arumugam TU, Palacpac NMQ, Egwang TG, Horii T, Tsuboi T, Takashima E. The N-Terminal Region of Plasmodium falciparum MSP10 Is a Target of Protective Antibodies in Malaria and Is Important for PfGAMA/PfMSP10 Interaction. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2669. [PMID: 31824483 PMCID: PMC6880778 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical manifestation of malaria is mainly due to intra-erythrocytic development of Plasmodium parasites. Plasmodium falciparum merozoites, the invasive form of the blood-stage parasite, invade human erythrocytes in a complex but rapid process. This multi-step progression involves interactions between parasite and human host proteins. Here we show that antibodies against a vaccine antigen, PfGAMA, co-immunoprecipitate with PfMSP10. This interaction was validated as direct by surface plasmon resonance analysis. We then demonstrate that antibodies against PfMSP10 have growth inhibitory activity against cultured parasites, with the region PfMSP10 R1 that is critical for its interaction with PfGAMA being the key target. We also observe that the PfMSP10 R1 region is highly conserved among African field isolates. Lastly, we show that high levels of antibodies against PfMSP10 R1 associate with reduced risk to clinical malaria in children resident in a malaria endemic region in northern Uganda. Put together, these findings provide for the first time the functional context of the important role of PfGAMA/PfMSP10 interaction in erythrocyte invasion and unveil a novel asexual blood-stage malaria vaccine target for attenuating P. falciparum merozoite invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Bernard N Kanoi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Kana Jinoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Thangavelu U Arumugam
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Nirianne M Q Palacpac
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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29
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Togiri J, Segireddy RR, Mastan BS, Singh D, Kolli SK, Ghosh A, Al-Nihmi FMA, Maruthi M, Choudhary HH, Dey S, Mishra S, Kumar KA. Plasmodium berghei sporozoite specific genes- PbS10 and PbS23/SSP3 are required for the development of exo-erythrocytic forms. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 232:111198. [PMID: 31251952 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.111198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium sporozoites are infective forms of the parasite to mammalian hepatocytes. Sporozoite surface or secreted proteins likely play an important role in recognition, invasion and successful establishment of hepatocyte infection. By approaches of reverse genetics, we report the functional analysis of two Plasmodium berghei (Pb) sporozoite specific genes- PbS10 and PbS23/SSP3 that encode for proteins with a putative signal peptide. The expression of both genes was high in oocyst and salivary gland sporozoite stages as compared to other life cycle stages and PbS23/SSP3 protein was detected in salivary gland sporozoites. Both mutants were indistinguishable to wild-type parasites with regard to asexual growth in RBC, ability to complete sexual reproduction and form sporozoites in vector host. While the sporozoite stage of both mutants were able to glide and invade hepatocytes normally in vitro and in vivo, PbS10 mutants suffered growth attenuation at an early stage while PbS23/SSP3 mutants manifested defect during late exo-erythrocytic form maturation. Interestingly, both mutants gave rare breakthrough infections, suggesting that while both were critical for liver stage development, their depletion did not completely abrogate blood stage infection. These findings have important implications for weakening sporozoites by multiple gene attenuation towards the generation of a safe whole organism vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothi Togiri
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Rameswara Reddy Segireddy
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Babu S Mastan
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Dipti Singh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Surendra Kumar Kolli
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Ankit Ghosh
- Division of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | | | - Mulaka Maruthi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Hadi Hasan Choudhary
- Division of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Sandeep Dey
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Satish Mishra
- Division of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Kota Arun Kumar
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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30
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Illingworth JJ, Alanine DG, Brown R, Marshall JM, Bartlett HE, Silk SE, Labbé GM, Quinkert D, Cho JS, Wendler JP, Pattinson DJ, Barfod L, Douglas AD, Shea MW, Wright KE, de Cassan SC, Higgins MK, Draper SJ. Functional Comparison of Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Vaccine Candidate Antigens. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1254. [PMID: 31214195 PMCID: PMC6558156 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria genome encodes over 5,000 proteins and many of these have also been proposed to be potential vaccine candidates, although few of these have been tested clinically. RH5 is one of the leading blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine antigens and Phase I/II clinical trials of vaccines containing this antigen are currently underway. Its likely mechanism of action is to elicit antibodies that can neutralize merozoites by blocking their invasion of red blood cells (RBC). However, many other antigens could also elicit neutralizing antibodies against the merozoite, and most of these have never been compared directly to RH5. The objective of this study was to compare a range of blood-stage antigens to RH5, to identify any antigens that outperform or synergize with anti-RH5 antibodies. We selected 55 gene products, covering 15 candidate antigens that have been described in the literature and 40 genes selected on the basis of bioinformatics functional prediction. We were able to make 20 protein-in-adjuvant vaccines from the original selection. Of these, S-antigen and CyRPA robustly elicited antibodies with neutralizing properties. Anti-CyRPA IgG generally showed additive GIA with anti-RH5 IgG, although high levels of anti-CyRPA-specific rabbit polyclonal IgG were required to achieve 50% GIA. Our data suggest that further vaccine antigen screening efforts are required to identify a second merozoite target with similar antibody-susceptibility to RH5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca Brown
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Sarah E Silk
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Doris Quinkert
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jee Sun Cho
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jason P Wendler
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lea Barfod
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael W Shea
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine E Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matthew K Higgins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Draper
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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31
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Ebrahimzadeh Z, Mukherjee A, Crochetière MÈ, Sergerie A, Amiar S, Thompson LA, Gagnon D, Gaumond D, Stahelin RV, Dacks JB, Richard D. A pan-apicomplexan phosphoinositide-binding protein acts in malarial microneme exocytosis. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e47102. [PMID: 31097469 PMCID: PMC6549027 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201847102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasion of human red blood cells by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is an essential step in the development of the disease. Consequently, the molecular players involved in host cell invasion represent important targets for inhibitor design and vaccine development. The process of merozoite invasion is a succession of steps underlined by the sequential secretion of the organelles of the apical complex. However, little is known with regard to how their contents are exocytosed. Here, we identify a phosphoinositide-binding protein conserved in apicomplexan parasites and show that it is important for the attachment and subsequent invasion of the erythrocyte by the merozoite. Critically, removing the protein from its site of action by knock sideways preferentially prevents the secretion of certain types of micronemes. Our results therefore provide evidence for a role of phosphoinositide lipids in the malaria invasion process and provide further insight into the secretion of microneme organelle populations, which is potentially applicable to diverse apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ebrahimzadeh
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Angana Mukherjee
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Crochetière
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Audrey Sergerie
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Souad Amiar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - L Alexa Thompson
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Dominic Gagnon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - David Gaumond
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Robert V Stahelin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Dave Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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32
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γδ-T cells promote IFN-γ-dependent Plasmodium pathogenesis upon liver-stage infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9979-9988. [PMID: 31028144 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814440116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a major cause of death due to Plasmodium infection. Both parasite and host factors contribute to the onset of CM, but the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to its pathogenesis remain poorly characterized. Unlike conventional αβ-T cells, previous studies on murine γδ-T cells failed to identify a nonredundant role for this T cell subset in experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). Here we show that mice lacking γδ-T cells are resistant to ECM when infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA sporozoites, the liver-infective form of the parasite and the natural route of infection, in contrast with their susceptible phenotype if challenged with P. berghei ANKA-infected red blood cells that bypass the liver stage of infection. Strikingly, the presence of γδ-T cells enhanced the expression of Plasmodium immunogenic factors and exacerbated subsequent systemic and brain-infiltrating inflammatory αβ-T cell responses. These phenomena were dependent on the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ, which was required during liver stage for modulation of the parasite transcriptome, as well as for downstream immune-mediated pathology. Our work reveals an unanticipated critical role of γδ-T cells in the development of ECM upon Plasmodium liver-stage infection.
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33
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Cheng Y, Wang B, Lu F, Ahmed MA, Han JH, Na SH, Ha KS, Park WS, Hong SH, Han ET. Identification and characterization of Pv50, a novel Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:176. [PMID: 30999945 PMCID: PMC6474066 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3434-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium vivax contains approximately 5400 coding genes, more than 40% of which code for hypothetical proteins that have not been functionally characterized. In a previous preliminary screening using pooled serum samples, numerous hypothetical proteins were selected from among those that were highly transcribed in the schizont-stage of parasites, and highly antigenic P. vivax candidates including hypothetical proteins were identified. However, their immunological and functional activities in P. vivax remain unclear. From these candidates, we investigated a P. vivax 50-kDa protein (Pv50, PVX_087140) containing a highly conserved signal peptide that shows high transcription levels in blood-stage parasites. Results Recombinant Pv50 was expressed in a cell-free expression system and used for IgG prevalence analysis of patients with vivax malaria and healthy individuals. Immune responses were analyzed in immunized mice and mouse antibodies were used to detect the subcellular localization of the protein in blood-stage parasites by immunofluorescence assay. A protein array method was used to evaluate protein-protein interactions to predict protein functional activities during the invasion of parasites into erythrocytes. Recombinant Pv50 showed IgG prevalence in patient samples with a sensitivity of 42.9% and specificity of 93.8% compared to that in healthy individuals. The non-cytophilic antibodies IgG1 and IgG3 were the major components involved in the antibody response in Pv50-immunized mice. Pv50 localized on the surface of merozoites and a specific interaction between Pv50 and PvMSP1 was detected, suggesting that Pv50-PvMSP1 forms a heterodimeric complex in P. vivax. Conclusions Increased immune responses caused by native P. vivax parasites were detected, confirming its immunogenic effects. This study provides a method for detecting new malaria antigens, and Pv50 may be a vivax malaria vaccine candidate with PvMSP1. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3434-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Cheng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Md Atique Ahmed
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hun Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, South Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
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Beeson JG, Kurtovic L, Dobaño C, Opi DH, Chan JA, Feng G, Good MF, Reiling L, Boyle MJ. Challenges and strategies for developing efficacious and long-lasting malaria vaccines. Sci Transl Med 2019; 11:11/474/eaau1458. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau1458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although there has been major recent progress in malaria vaccine development, substantial challenges remain for achieving highly efficacious and durable vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria. Greater knowledge of mechanisms and key targets of immunity are needed to accomplish this goal, together with new strategies for generating potent, long-lasting, functional immunity against multiple antigens. Implementation considerations in endemic areas will ultimately affect vaccine effectiveness, so innovations to simplify and enhance delivery are also needed. Whereas challenges remain, recent exciting progress and emerging knowledge promise hope for the future of malaria vaccines.
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Gowda DC, Wu X. Parasite Recognition and Signaling Mechanisms in Innate Immune Responses to Malaria. Front Immunol 2018; 9:3006. [PMID: 30619355 PMCID: PMC6305727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by the Plasmodium family of parasites, especially P.falciparum and P. vivax, is a major health problem in many countries in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The disease presents a wide array of systemic clinical conditions and several life-threatening organ pathologies, including the dreaded cerebral malaria. Like many other infectious diseases, malaria is an inflammatory response-driven disease, and positive outcomes to infection depend on finely tuned regulation of immune responses that efficiently clear parasites and allow protective immunity to develop. Immune responses initiated by the innate immune system in response to parasites play key roles both in protective immunity development and pathogenesis. Initial pro-inflammatory responses are essential for clearing infection by promoting appropriate cell-mediated and humoral immunity. However, elevated and prolonged pro-inflammatory responses owing to inappropriate cellular programming contribute to disease conditions. A comprehensive knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that initiate immune responses and how these responses contribute to protective immunity development or pathogenesis is important for developing effective therapeutics and/or a vaccine. Historically, in efforts to develop a vaccine, immunity to malaria was extensively studied in the context of identifying protective humoral responses, targeting proteins involved in parasite invasion or clearance. The innate immune response was thought to be non-specific. However, during the past two decades, there has been a significant progress in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of host-parasite interactions and the associated signaling in immune responses to malaria. Malaria infection occurs at two stages, initially in the liver through the bite of a mosquito, carrying sporozoites, and subsequently, in the blood through the invasion of red blood cells by merozoites released from the infected hepatocytes. Soon after infection, both the liver and blood stage parasites are sensed by various receptors of the host innate immune system resulting in the activation of signaling pathways and production of cytokines and chemokines. These immune responses play crucial roles in clearing parasites and regulating adaptive immunity. Here, we summarize the knowledge on molecular mechanisms that underlie the innate immune responses to malaria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Channe Gowda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Xianzhu Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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36
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Swearingen KE, Lindner SE. Plasmodium Parasites Viewed through Proteomics. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:945-960. [PMID: 30146456 PMCID: PMC6204299 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early sequencing efforts that produced the genomes of several species of malaria parasites (Plasmodium genus) propelled transcriptomic and proteomic efforts. In this review, we focus upon some of the exciting proteomic advances from studies of Plasmodium parasites over approximately the past decade. With improvements to both instrumentation and data-processing capabilities, long-standing questions about the forms and functions of these important pathogens are rapidly being answered. In particular, global and subcellular proteomics, quantitative proteomics, and the detection of post-translational modifications have all revealed important features of the parasite's regulatory mechanisms. Finally, we provide our perspectives on future applications of proteomics to Plasmodium research, as well as suggestions for further improvement through standardization of data deposition, analysis, and accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian E Swearingen
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Scott E Lindner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Malaria Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Yepes-Pérez Y, López C, Suárez CF, Patarroyo MA. Plasmodium vivax Pv12 B-cell epitopes and HLA-DRβ1*-dependent T-cell epitopes in vitro antigenicity. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203715. [PMID: 30199554 PMCID: PMC6130872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites from the genus Plasmodium (P. falciparum and P. vivax are responsible for 90% of all clinical cases); it is widely distributed throughout the world’s tropical and subtropical regions. The P. vivax Pv12 protein is involved in invasion, is expressed on merozoite surface and has been recognised by antibodies from individuals exposed to the disease. In this study, B- and T-cell epitopes from Pv12 were predicted and characterised to advance in the design of a peptide-based vaccine against malaria. For evaluating the humoral response of individuals exposed to natural P. vivax infection from two endemic areas in Colombia, BepiPred-1.0 software was used for selecting B-cell epitopes. B-cell epitope 39038 displayed the greatest recognition by naturally-acquired antibodies and induced an IgG2/IgG4 response. NetMHCIIpan-3.1 prediction software was used for selecting peptides having high affinity binding for HLA-DRβ1* allele lineages and this was confirmed by in-vitro binding assays. T-epitopes 39113 and 39117 triggered a memory T-cell response (Stimulation Index≥2) and significant cytokine production. Combining in-silico, in-vitro and functional assays, two Pv12 protein regions (containing peptides 39038, 39040, 39113 and 39117) have thus been characterised as promising vaccine candidates against P. vivax malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoelis Yepes-Pérez
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- MSc Programme in Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Carolina López
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- PhD Programme in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Carlos Fernando Suárez
- Bio-mathematics Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- Basic Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- * E-mail:
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Cheng Y, Wang B, Lu F, Han JH, Ahmed MA, Han ET. Immunological characterization of Plasmodium vivax Pv32, a novel predicted GPI-anchored merozoite surface protein. Malar J 2018; 17:273. [PMID: 30053874 PMCID: PMC6062930 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2401-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The development of an effective malarial vaccine is an urgent need. Most glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins of Plasmodium parasites are exposed to neutralizing antibodies, and several are advanced vaccine candidates. In the present study, Plasmodium vivax Pv32 (PVX_084815) as a hypothetical, predicted GPI-anchored and cysteine-rich motif was identified from our previous findings with a focus on its antigenic profiling. The orthologue gene pv32, a predicted GPI anchor of P. falciparum PF3D7_1434400, has still not been well studied. Methods The gene information of pv32 was obtained from PlasmoDB. Recombinant Pv32 protein was expressed and purified using a wheat germ cell-free expression system and a glutathione-Sepharose column. Naturally acquired immune response to recombinant Pv32 protein was evaluated using a protein microarray with 96 parasite-infected patients and 96 healthy individuals. Antibodies against recombinant Pv32 proteins from immune animals were produced, used and analyzed for the subcellular localization of native Pv32 protein by an immunofluorescence assay. A total of 48 pv32 sequences from 11 countries retrieved from PlasmoDB were used to determine the genetic diversity, polymorphisms and genealogical relationships with DNAsp and NETWORK software packages. Results Pv32 is encoded by a conserved gene with two introns that are located on chromosome 13 and expressed as a 32 kDa protein in mature asexual stage parasites. Immunofluorescence data showed that Pv32 localized on the merozoite surface in schizont-stage parasites. The recombinant Pv32 was recognized by 39.6% of antibodies from P. vivax-infected individuals compared with healthy individuals. Low levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0028) and polymorphisms of pv32 were detected within worldwide isolates. Conclusions This study shows the identification and characterization of the hypothetical protein, Pv32. Pv32 provides important characteristics, including a merozoite surface protein, a predicted GPI motif and Cysteine-rich motif among Plasmodium species. These results suggested that Pv32 is immunogenic with a merozoite surface pattern to antibodies during natural infection in humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2401-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Cheng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine; Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Atique Ahmed
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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The Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Transamidase Complex Subunit PbGPI16 of Plasmodium berghei Is Important for Inducing Experimental Cerebral Malaria. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00929-17. [PMID: 29784863 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00929-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In animal models of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), the glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) and GPI anchors are the major factors that induce nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and proinflammatory responses, which contribute to malaria pathogenesis. GPIs and GPI anchors are transported to the cell surface via a process called GPI transamidation, which involves the GPI transamidase (GPI-T) complex. In this study, we showed that GPI16, one of the GPI-T subunits, is highly conserved among Plasmodium species. Genetic knockout of pbgpi16 (Δpbgpi16) in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA led to a significant reduction of the amounts of GPIs in the membranes of merozoites, as well as surface display of several GPI-anchored merozoite surface proteins. Compared with the wild-type parasites, Δpbgpi16 parasites in C57BL/6 mice caused much less NF-κB activation and elicited a substantially attenuated T helper type 1 response. As a result, Δpbgpi16 mutant-infected mice displayed much less severe brain pathology, and considerably fewer Δpbgpi16 mutant-infected mice died from ECM. This study corroborated the GPI toxin as a significant inducer of ECM and further suggested that vaccines against parasite GPIs may be a promising strategy to limit the severity of malaria.
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Kinetics of antibody responses to PfRH5-complex antigens in Ghanaian children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198371. [PMID: 29883485 PMCID: PMC5993283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum PfRH5 protein binds Ripr, CyRPA and Pf113 to form a complex that is essential for merozoite invasion of erythrocytes. The inter-genomic conservation of the PfRH5 complex proteins makes them attractive blood stage vaccine candidates. However, little is known about how antibodies to PfRH5, CyRPA and Pf113 are acquired and maintained in naturally exposed populations, and the role of PfRH5 complex proteins in naturally acquired immunity. To provide such data, we studied 206 Ghanaian children between the ages of 1–12 years, who were symptomatic, asymptomatic or aparasitemic and healthy. Plasma levels of antigen-specific IgG and IgG subclasses were measured by ELISA at several time points during acute disease and convalescence. On the day of admission with acute P. falciparum malaria, the prevalence of antibodies to PfRH5-complex proteins was low compared to other merozoite antigens (EBA175, GLURP-R0 and GLURP-R2). At convalescence, the levels of RH5-complex-specific IgG were reduced, with the decay of PfRH5-specific IgG being slower than the decay of IgG specific for CyRPA and Pf113. No correlation between IgG levels and protection against P. falciparum malaria was observed for any of the PfRH5 complex proteins. From this we conclude that specific IgG was induced against proteins from the PfRH5-complex during acute P. falciparum malaria, but the prevalence was low and the IgG levels decayed rapidly after treatment. These data indicate that the levels of IgG specific for PfRH5-complex proteins in natural infections in Ghanaian children were markers of recent exposure only.
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Abstract
Plasmodium species cause malaria by proliferating in human erythrocytes. Invasion of immunologically privileged erythrocytes provides a relatively protective niche as well as access to a rich source of nutrients. Plasmodium spp. target erythrocytes of different ages, but share a common mechanism of invasion. Specific engagement of erythrocyte receptors defines target cell tropism, activating downstream events and resulting in the physical penetration of the erythrocyte, powered by the parasite's actinomyosin-based motor. Here we review the latest in our understanding of the molecular composition of this highly complex and fascinating biological process.
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42
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Simon N, Friedrich O, Kappes B. Quantification of human complement factor H binding to asexual malaria blood stages by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vaccine 2018; 36:1545-1547. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ajibaye O, Osuntoki AA, Ebuehi AO, Iwalokun BA, Balogun EO, Egbuna KN. Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Response and Genetic Diversity in Merozoite Surface Protein 2 of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Nigeria. Adv Biomed Res 2017; 6:142. [PMID: 29279840 PMCID: PMC5698975 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.192631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-2 (msp-2) and associated parasite genetic diversity which varies between malaria-endemic regions remain a limitation in malaria vaccine development. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are important in immunity against malaria, understanding the influence of genetic diversity on cytokine response is important for effective vaccine design. Methods P. falciparum isolates obtained from 300 Nigerians with uncomplicated falciparum malaria at Ijede General Hospital, Ijede (IJE), General Hospital Ajeromi, Ajeromi (AJE) and Saint Kizito Mission Hospital, Lekki, were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reaction of msp-2 block 3 while ELISA was used to determine the pro-inflammatory cytokine response to describe the genetic diversity of P. falciparum. Results Eighteen alleles were observed for msp-2 loci. Of the 195 isolates, 61 (31.0%) had only FC27-type alleles, 38 (19.7%) had only 3D7-type alleles, and 49.3% had multiple parasite lines with both alleles. Band sizes were 275-625 bp for FC27 and 150-425 bp for 3D7. Four alleles were observed from LEK, 2 (375-425 bp) and 2 (275-325 bp) of FC27-and 3D7-types, respectively; 12 alleles from AJE, 9 (275-625 bp) and 3 (325-425 bp) of FC27-types and 3D7-types, respectively; while IJE had a total of 12 alleles, 9 (275-625 bp) and 3 (325-425 bp) of FC27-types and 3D7-types, respectively. Mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1.54. Heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.77 to 0.87 and was highest for IJE (0.87). Cytokine response was higher among <5 years and was significantly associated with MOI (P > 0.05) but with neither parasite density nor infection type. Conclusion P. falciparum genetic diversity is extensive in Nigeria, protection via pro-inflammatory cytokines have little or no interplay with infection multiplicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusola Ajibaye
- Biochemistry and Nutrition Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Akinniyi A Osuntoki
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Albert Ot Ebuehi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bamidele A Iwalokun
- Biochemistry and Nutrition Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel O Balogun
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 2222, Nigeria
| | - Kathleen N Egbuna
- Biochemistry and Nutrition Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
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Kumar K, Srinivasan P, Nold MJ, Moch JK, Reiter K, Sturdevant D, Otto TD, Squires RB, Herrera R, Nagarajan V, Rayner JC, Porcella SF, Geromanos SJ, Haynes JD, Narum DL. Profiling invasive Plasmodium falciparum merozoites using an integrated omics approach. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17146. [PMID: 29215067 PMCID: PMC5719419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The symptoms of malaria are brought about by blood-stage parasites, which are established when merozoites invade human erythrocytes. Our understanding of the molecular events that underpin erythrocyte invasion remains hampered by the short-period of time that merozoites are invasive. To address this challenge, a Plasmodium falciparum gamma-irradiated long-lived merozoite (LLM) line was developed and investigated. Purified LLMs invaded erythrocytes by an increase of 10–300 fold compared to wild-type (WT) merozoites. Using an integrated omics approach, we investigated the basis for the phenotypic difference. Only a few single nucleotide polymorphisms within the P. falciparum genome were identified and only marginal differences were observed in the merozoite transcriptomes. By contrast, using label-free quantitative mass-spectrometry, a significant change in protein abundance was noted, of which 200 were proteins of unknown function. We determined the relative molar abundance of over 1100 proteins in LLMs and further characterized the major merozoite surface protein complex. A unique processed MSP1 intermediate was identified in LLM but not observed in WT suggesting that delayed processing may be important for the observed phenotype. This integrated approach has demonstrated the significant role of the merozoite proteome during erythrocyte invasion, while identifying numerous unknown proteins likely to be involved in invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Prakash Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA. .,Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - J Kathleen Moch
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Karine Reiter
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Dan Sturdevant
- Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - R Burke Squires
- Computational Biology Section, Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raul Herrera
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Vijayaraj Nagarajan
- Computational Biology Section, Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen F Porcella
- Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | | | - J David Haynes
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - David L Narum
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA.
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Identification of Heparin Modifications and Polysaccharide Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Invasion That Have Potential for Novel Drug Development. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.00709-17. [PMID: 28893781 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00709-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent successful control efforts, malaria remains a leading global health burden. Alarmingly, resistance to current antimalarials is increasing and the development of new drug families is needed to maintain malaria control. Current antimalarials target the intraerythrocytic developmental stage of the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. However, the invasive extracellular parasite form, the merozoite, is also an attractive target for drug development. We have previously demonstrated that heparin-like molecules, including those with low molecular weights and low anticoagulant activities, are potent and specific inhibitors of merozoite invasion and blood-stage replication. Here we tested a large panel of heparin-like molecules and sulfated polysaccharides together with various modified chemical forms for their inhibitory activity against P. falciparum merozoite invasion. We identified chemical modifications that improve inhibitory activity and identified several additional sulfated polysaccharides with strong inhibitory activity. These studies have important implications for the further development of heparin-like molecules as antimalarial drugs and for understanding merozoite invasion.
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46
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Tuju J, Kamuyu G, Murungi LM, Osier FHA. Vaccine candidate discovery for the next generation of malaria vaccines. Immunology 2017; 152:195-206. [PMID: 28646586 PMCID: PMC5588761 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although epidemiological observations, IgG passive transfer studies and experimental infections in humans all support the feasibility of developing highly effective malaria vaccines, the precise antigens that induce protective immunity remain uncertain. Here, we review the methodologies applied to vaccine candidate discovery for Plasmodium falciparum malaria from the pre- to post-genomic era. Probing of genomic and cDNA libraries with antibodies of defined specificities or functional activity predominated the former, whereas reverse vaccinology encompassing high throughput in silico analyses of genomic, transcriptomic or proteomic parasite data sets is the mainstay of the latter. Antibody-guided vaccine design spanned both eras but currently benefits from technological advances facilitating high-throughput screening and downstream applications. We make the case that although we have exponentially increased our ability to identify numerous potential vaccine candidates in a relatively short space of time, a significant bottleneck remains in their validation and prioritization for evaluation in clinical trials. Longitudinal cohort studies provide supportive evidence but results are often conflicting between studies. Demonstration of antigen-specific antibody function is valuable but the relative importance of one mechanism over another with regards to protection remains undetermined. Animal models offer useful insights but may not accurately reflect human disease. Challenge studies in humans are preferable but prohibitively expensive. In the absence of reliable correlates of protection, suitable animal models or a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying protective immunity in humans, vaccine candidate discovery per se may not be sufficient to provide the paradigm shift necessary to develop the next generation of highly effective subunit malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Tuju
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine CoastKilifiKenya
- Department of BiochemistryPwani UniversityKilifiKenya
| | - Gathoni Kamuyu
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine CoastKilifiKenya
| | - Linda M. Murungi
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine CoastKilifiKenya
| | - Faith H. A. Osier
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine CoastKilifiKenya
- Centre for Infectious DiseasesHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
- Department of Biomedical SciencesPwani UniversityKilifiKenya
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47
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Fratini F, Raggi C, Sferra G, Birago C, Sansone A, Grasso F, Currà C, Olivieri A, Pace T, Mochi S, Picci L, Ferreri C, Di Biase A, Pizzi E, Ponzi M. An Integrated Approach to Explore Composition and Dynamics of Cholesterol-rich Membrane Microdomains in Sexual Stages of Malaria Parasite. Mol Cell Proteomics 2017; 16:1801-1814. [PMID: 28798222 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m117.067041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane microdomains that include lipid rafts, are involved in key physiological and pathological processes and participate in the entry of endocellular pathogens. These assemblies, enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids, form highly dynamic, liquid-ordered phases that can be separated from the bulk membranes thanks to their resistance to solubilization by nonionic detergents. To characterize complexity and dynamics of detergent-resistant membranes of sexual stages of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei, here we propose an integrated study of raft components based on proteomics, lipid analysis and bioinformatics. This analysis revealed unexpected heterogeneity and unexplored pathways associated with these specialized assemblies. Protein-protein relationships and protein-lipid co-occurrence were described through multi-component networks. The proposed approach can be widely applied to virtually every cell type in different contexts and perturbations, under physiological and/or pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fratini
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Carla Raggi
- §Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Neuroscienze
| | - Gabriella Sferra
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Cecilia Birago
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Anna Sansone
- ¶Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, I.S.O.F. - Bio Free Radicals
| | - Felicia Grasso
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Chiara Currà
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate.,From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Anna Olivieri
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Tomasino Pace
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Stefania Mochi
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Leonardo Picci
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Carla Ferreri
- ¶Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, I.S.O.F. - Bio Free Radicals
| | - Antonella Di Biase
- ‖Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Alimentare
| | - Elisabetta Pizzi
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate
| | - Marta Ponzi
- From the ‡Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate;
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48
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Khosh-Naucke M, Becker J, Mesén-Ramírez P, Kiani P, Birnbaum J, Fröhlke U, Jonscher E, Schlüter H, Spielmann T. Identification of novel parasitophorous vacuole proteins in P. falciparum parasites using BioID. Int J Med Microbiol 2017; 308:13-24. [PMID: 28784333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria blood stage parasites develop within red blood cells where they are contained in a vacuolar compartment known as the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). This compartment holds a key role in the interaction of the parasite with its host cell. However, the proteome of this compartment has so far not been comprehensively analysed. Here we used BioID in asexual blood stages of the most virulent human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum to identify new proteins of the PV. The resulting proteome contained many of the already known PV proteins and validation by GFP-knock-in of 10 previously in P. falciparum uncharacterised hits revealed 5 new PV proteins and two with a partial PV localisation. This included proteins peripherally attached to the inner face of the PV membrane as well as proteins anchored in the parasite plasma membrane that protrude into the PV. Using selectable targeted gene disruption we generated mutants for 2 of the 10 candidates. In contrast we could not select parasites with disruptions for another 3 candidates, strongly suggesting that they are important for parasite growth. Interestingly, one of these included the orthologue of UIS2, a protein previously proposed to regulate protein translation in the parasite cytoplasm but here shown to be an essential PV protein. This work extends the number of known PV proteins and provides a starting point for further functional analyses of this compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Khosh-Naucke
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology Section, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Becker
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology Section, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paolo Mesén-Ramírez
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology Section, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Parnian Kiani
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometric Proteomics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Birnbaum
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology Section, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Fröhlke
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology Section, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ernst Jonscher
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology Section, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometric Proteomics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Spielmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Parasitology Section, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
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49
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Parker ML, Ramaswamy R, van Gordon K, Powell CJ, Bosch J, Boulanger MJ. The structure of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7_0606800 reveals a bi-lobed architecture that supports re-annotation as a Venus Flytrap protein. Protein Sci 2017; 26:1878-1885. [PMID: 28681555 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, employs a diverse array of surface displayed proteins to promote dissemination and establish infection in the human host. Of these, Pf3D7_0606800 is highly immunogenic and has been designated a potential top 10 candidate for inclusion in a multicomponent malarial vaccine. The role of Pf3D7_0606800 in parasite biology, however, is unknown and its characterization has been complicated by a lack of sequence identity with proteins of known structure or function. Towards elucidating Pf3D7_0606800 function, we determined its structure to a resolution of 2.35 Å using selenium single wavelength anomalous dispersion. A bi-lobed architecture displays the core structural hallmarks of Venus Flytrap (VFT) proteins prompting us to re-annotate Pf3D7_0606800 as PfVFT1. Structural analysis further revealed an extended inter-lobe groove that, when interrogated by molecular docking, appears well suited to bind peptide-based ligands. Collectively, our structural characterization of the highly antigenic P. falciparum surface protein PfVFT1 provides intriguing functional insight and establishes a structural template that could prove valuable for malaria vaccine engineering studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Parker
- Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Raghavendran Ramaswamy
- Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Kyle van Gordon
- Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Cameron J Powell
- Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Jürgen Bosch
- Pediatric Pulmonology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.,InterRayBio, LLC, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Martin J Boulanger
- Biochemistry & Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 3P6, Canada
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50
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PfCDPK1 mediated signaling in erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Nat Commun 2017; 8:63. [PMID: 28680058 PMCID: PMC5498596 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00053-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium Dependent Protein Kinases are key effectors of calcium signaling in malaria parasite. PfCDPK1 is critical for asexual development of Plasmodium falciparum, but its precise function and substrates remain largely unknown. Using a conditional knockdown strategy, we here establish that this kinase is critical for the invasion of host erythrocytes. Furthermore, using a multidisciplinary approach involving comparative phosphoproteomics we gain insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. We identify substrates of PfCDPK1, which includes proteins of Inner Membrane Complex and glideosome-actomyosin motor assembly. Interestingly, PfCDPK1 phosphorylates PfPKA regulatory subunit (PfPKA-R) and regulates PfPKA activity in the parasite, which may be relevant for the process of invasion. This study delineates the signaling network of PfCDPK1 and sheds light on mechanisms via which it regulates invasion.Calcium dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) plays an important role in asexual development of Plasmodium falciparum. Using phosphoproteomics and conditional knockdown of CDPK1, the authors here identify CDPK1 substrates and a cross-talk between CDPK1 and PKA, and show the role of CDPK1 in parasite invasion.
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