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Yarlett N, Morada M, Schaefer DA, Ackman K, Carranza E, Baptista RDP, Riggs MW, Kissinger JC. Genomic and virulence analysis of in vitro cultured Cryptosporidium parvum. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011992. [PMID: 38416794 PMCID: PMC10927135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the in vitro cultivation of Cryptosporidium parvum using hollow fiber bioreactor technology (HFB) have permitted continuous growth of parasites that complete all life cycle stages. The method provides access to all stages of the parasite and provides a method for non-animal production of oocysts for use in clinical trials. Here we examined the effect of long-term (>20 months) in vitro culture on virulence-factors, genome conservation, and in vivo pathogenicity of the host by in vitro cultured parasites. We find low-level sequence variation that is consistent with that observed in calf-passaged parasites. Further using a calf model infection, oocysts obtained from the HFB caused diarrhea of the same volume, duration and oocyst shedding intensity as in vivo passaged parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Yarlett
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mary Morada
- Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Deborah A. Schaefer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kevin Ackman
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Carranza
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo de Paula Baptista
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Riggs
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jessica C. Kissinger
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
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Ali M, Xu C, Nawaz S, Ahmed AE, Hina Q, Li K. Anti-Cryptosporidial Drug-Discovery Challenges and Existing Therapeutic Avenues: A "One-Health" Concern. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:80. [PMID: 38255695 PMCID: PMC10820218 DOI: 10.3390/life14010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is the leading cause of life-threatening diarrheal infection, especially in infants. Oocysts contaminate the environment, and also, being a zoonotic disease, cryptosporidiosis is a threat to One Health. Nitazoxanide is the only FDA-approved drug, effective only in immunocompetent adults, and is not safe for infants. The absence of mitochondria and apicoplast, the presence of an electron-dense band (ED band), hindrances in its genetic and phenotypic manipulations, and its unique position inside the host cell are some challenges to the anti-cryptosporidial drug-discovery process. However, many compounds, including herbal products, have shown efficacy against Cryptosporidium during in vitro and in vivo trials. Still, the "drug of choice" against this protozoan parasite, especially in immunocompromised individuals and infants, has not yet been explored. The One-Health approach addresses this issue, focusing on the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. The objective of this review is to provide knowledge about novel anti-cryptosporidial drug targets, available treatment options with associated limitations, and possible future shifts toward natural products to treat cryptosporidiosis. The current review is organized to address the treatment and prevention of cryptosporidiosis. An anti-cryptosporidial drug that is effective in immunocompromised individuals and infants is a necessity of our time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munwar Ali
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shah Nawaz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Qazal Hina
- Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Kun Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (M.A.); (C.X.)
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Greigert V, Saraav I, Son J, Zhu Y, Dayao D, Antia A, Tzipori S, Witola WH, Stappenbeck TS, Ding S, Sibley LD. Cryptosporidium infection of human small intestinal epithelial cells induces type III interferon and impairs infectivity of Rotavirus. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2297897. [PMID: 38189373 PMCID: PMC10793699 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2297897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants from resource poor settings. The majority of infections are caused by the human-specific pathogen C. hominis and absence of in vitro growth platforms has limited our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and development of effective treatments. To address this problem, we developed a stem cell-derived culture system for C. hominis using human enterocytes differentiated under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions. Human ALI cultures supported robust growth and complete development of C. hominis in vitro including all life cycle stages. Cryptosporidium infection induced a strong interferon response from enterocytes, possibly driven, in part, by an endogenous dsRNA virus in the parasite. Prior infection with Cryptosporidium induced type III IFN secretion and consequently blunted infection with Rotavirus, including live attenuated vaccine strains. The development of hALI provides a platform for further studies on human-specific pathogens, including clinically important coinfections that may alter vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Iti Saraav
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Juhee Son
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yinxing Zhu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Denise Dayao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | - Avan Antia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Saul Tzipori
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | - William H. Witola
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Thaddeus S. Stappenbeck
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Siyuan Ding
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Liu M, Zhang D, Wang D, Wu X, Zhang Y, Yin J, Zhu G. Cost-effective In Vivo and In Vitro Mouse Models for Evaluating Anticryptosporidial Drug Efficacy: Assessing Vorinostat, Docetaxel, and Baicalein. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1430-1440. [PMID: 37418629 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidiosis is a significant diarrheal disease in humans and animals. Immunodeficient mice are the primary small animal models, but their high costs and specialized breeding/housing requirements limit in vivo drug testing. Numerous anticryptosporidial lead compounds identified in vitro remain untested in vivo. METHODS Cryptosporidium tyzzeri, a natural mouse parasite closely related to Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis, was isolated to establish an infection model in immunocompetent mice. The model was validated using classic anticryptosporidial drugs (paromomycin and nitazoxanide) and then employed to assess the efficacy of 3 new leads (vorinostat, docetaxel, and baicalein). An in vitro culture of C. tyzzeri was also developed to complement the animal model. RESULTS Chronic C. tyzzeri infection was established in chemically immunosuppressed wild-type mice. Paromomycin (1000 mg/kg/d) and nitazoxanide (100 mg/kg/d) demonstrated efficacy against C. tyzzeri. Vorinostat (30 mg/kg/d), docetaxel (25 mg/kg/d), and baicalein (50 mg/kg/d) were highly effective against C. tyzzeri infection. In vitro, nitazoxanide, vorinostat, docetaxel, and baicalein exhibited low to submicromolar efficacy against C. tyzzeri. CONCLUSIONS Novel in vivo and in vitro models have been developed for cost-effective anticryptosporidial drug testing. Vorinostat, docetaxel, and baicalein show potential for repurposing and/or optimization for developing new anticryptosporidial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Dongqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jigang Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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5
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Greigert V, Saraav I, Son J, Dayao D, Antia A, Tzipori S, Witola WH, Stappenbeck TS, Ding S, Sibley LD. Cryptosporidium infection of human small intestinal epithelial cells induces type III interferon and impairs infectivity of Rotavirus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.30.555581. [PMID: 37693422 PMCID: PMC10491271 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.30.555581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants from resource poor settings. The majority of infections are caused by the human-specific pathogen C. hominis and absence of in vitro growth platforms has limited our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and development of effective treatments. To address this problem, we developed a stem cell-derived culture system for C. hominis using human enterocytes differentiated under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions. Human ALI cultures supported robust growth and complete development of C. hominis in vitro including all life cycle stages. C. hominis infection induced a strong interferon response from enterocytes, likely driven by an endogenous dsRNA virus in the parasite. Prior infection with Cryptosporidium induced type III IFN secretion and consequently blunted infection with Rotavirus, including live attenuated vaccine strains. The development of hALI provides a platform for further studies on human-specific pathogens, including clinically important coinfections that may alter vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Iti Saraav
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Juhee Son
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Denise Dayao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Avan Antia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Saul Tzipori
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - William H. Witola
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Thaddeus S. Stappenbeck
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Siyuan Ding
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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6
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Dayao DAE, Jaskiewicz JJ, Sheoran AS, Widmer G, Tzipori S. A highly antigenic fragment within the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum Gp900 glycoprotein (Domain 3) is absent in human restricted Cryptosporidium species. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287997. [PMID: 37590269 PMCID: PMC10434960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified a fragment (Domain 3-D3) of the immunodominant sporozoite surface glycoprotein of the zoonotic parasite Cryptosporidium gp900, which is absent C. hominis and C. parvum anthroponosum. The fragment is highly antigenic and is able to effectively differentiate between zoonotic C. parvum and species/genotypes that infect preferentially humans. D3 detection provides a serological tool to determine whether the source of human cryptosporidiosis is of animal or human origin. We demonstrate this in experimentally challenged piglets, mice, rats, and alpaca. We speculate that the absence of this fragment from the C. hominis and C. parvum anthroponosum gp900 protein may play a key role in their host restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Ann E. Dayao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States of America
| | - Justyna J. Jaskiewicz
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States of America
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Abhineet S. Sheoran
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States of America
| | - Giovanni Widmer
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States of America
| | - Saul Tzipori
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States of America
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Jaskiewicz JJ, Dayao DAE, Girouard D, Sevenler D, Widmer G, Toner M, Tzipori S, Sandlin RD. Scalable cryopreservation of infectious Cryptosporidium hominis oocysts by vitrification. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011425. [PMID: 37289815 PMCID: PMC10284403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium hominis is a serious cause of childhood diarrhea in developing countries. The development of therapeutics is impeded by major technical roadblocks including lack of cryopreservation and simple culturing methods. This impacts the availability of optimized/standardized singular sources of infectious parasite oocysts for research and human challenge studies. The human C. hominis TU502 isolate is currently propagated in gnotobiotic piglets in only one laboratory, which limits access to oocysts. Streamlined cryopreservation could enable creation of a biobank to serve as an oocyst source for research and distribution to other investigators requiring C. hominis. Here, we report cryopreservation of C. hominis TU502 oocysts by vitrification using specially designed specimen containers scaled to 100 μL volume. Thawed oocysts exhibit ~70% viability with robust excystation and 100% infection rate in gnotobiotic piglets. The availability of optimized/standardized sources of oocysts may streamline drug and vaccine evaluation by enabling wider access to biological specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna J. Jaskiewicz
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Children`s Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Denise Ann E. Dayao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Donald Girouard
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Derin Sevenler
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Children`s Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Giovanni Widmer
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mehmet Toner
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Children`s Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Saul Tzipori
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rebecca D. Sandlin
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Children`s Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Dayao DA, Jaskiewcz J, Lee S, Oliveira BC, Sheoran A, Widmer G, Tzipori S. Development of Two Mouse Models for Vaccine Evaluation against Cryptosporidiosis. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0012722. [PMID: 35735982 PMCID: PMC9302090 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00127-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis was shown a decade ago to be a major contributor to morbidity and mortality of diarrheal disease in children in low-income countries. A serious obstacle to develop and evaluate immunogens and vaccines to control this disease is the lack of well-characterized immunocompetent rodent models. Here, we optimized and compared two mouse models for the evaluation of vaccines: the Cryptosporidium tyzzeri model, which is convenient for screening large numbers of potential mixtures of immunogens, and the Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mouse pretreated with interferon gamma-neutralizing monoclonal antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Ann Dayao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justyna Jaskiewcz
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sangun Lee
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruno Cesar Oliveira
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
- União das Faculdades dos Grandes Lagos, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Abhineet Sheoran
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Giovanni Widmer
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Saul Tzipori
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
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Dhal AK, Panda C, Yun SIL, Mahapatra RK. An update on Cryptosporidium biology and therapeutic avenues. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:923-939. [PMID: 35755159 PMCID: PMC9215156 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species has been identified as an important pediatric diarrheal pathogen in resource-limited countries, particularly in very young children (0–24 months). However, the only available drug (nitazoxanide) has limited efficacy and can only be prescribed in a medical setting to children older than one year. Many drug development projects have started to investigate new therapeutic avenues. Cryptosporidium’s unique biology is challenging for the traditional drug discovery pipeline and requires novel drug screening approaches. Notably, in recent years, new methods of oocyst generation, in vitro processing, and continuous three-dimensional cultivation capacities have been developed. This has enabled more physiologically pertinent research assays for inhibitor discovery. In a short time, many great strides have been made in the development of anti-Cryptosporidium drugs. These are expected to eventually turn into clinical candidates for cryptosporidiosis treatment in the future. This review describes the latest development in Cryptosporidium biology, genomics, transcriptomics of the parasite, assay development, and new drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Kumar Dhal
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024 India
| | - Chinmaya Panda
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024 India
| | - Soon-IL Yun
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896 Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896 Republic of Korea
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10
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Baptista RP, Cooper GW, Kissinger JC. Challenges for Cryptosporidium Population Studies. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:894. [PMID: 34200631 PMCID: PMC8229070 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is ranked sixth in the list of the most important food-borne parasites globally, and it is an important contributor to mortality in infants and the immunosuppressed. Recently, the number of genome sequences available for this parasite has increased drastically. The majority of the sequences are derived from population studies of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis, the most important species causing disease in humans. Work with this parasite is challenging since it lacks an optimal, prolonged, in vitro culture system, which accurately reproduces the in vivo life cycle. This obstacle makes the cloning of isolates nearly impossible. Thus, patient isolates that are sequenced represent a population or, at times, mixed infections. Oocysts, the lifecycle stage currently used for sequencing, must be considered a population even if the sequence is derived from single-cell sequencing of a single oocyst because each oocyst contains four haploid meiotic progeny (sporozoites). Additionally, the community does not yet have a set of universal markers for strain typing that are distributed across all chromosomes. These variables pose challenges for population studies and require careful analyses to avoid biased interpretation. This review presents an overview of existing population studies, challenges, and potential solutions to facilitate future population analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo P. Baptista
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Garrett W. Cooper
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Jessica C. Kissinger
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
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11
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Zhu G, Yin J, Cuny GD. Current status and challenges in drug discovery against the globally important zoonotic cryptosporidiosis. ANIMAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s44149-021-00002-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe zoonotic cryptosporidiosis is globally distributed, one of the major diarrheal diseases in humans and animals. Cryptosporidium oocysts are also one of the major environmental concerns, making it a pathogen that fits well into the One Health concept. Despite its importance, fully effective drugs are not yet available. Anti-cryptosporidial drug discovery has historically faced many unusual challenges attributed to unique parasite biology and technical burdens. While significant progresses have been made recently, anti-cryptosporidial drug discovery still faces a major obstacle: identification of systemic drugs that can be absorbed by patients experiencing watery diarrhea and effectively pass through electron-dense (ED) band at the parasite-host cell interface to act on the epicellular parasite. There may be a need to develop an in vitro assay to effectively screen hits/leads for their capability to cross ED band. In the meantime, non-systemic drugs with strong mucoadhesive properties for extended gastrointestinal exposure may represent another direction in developing anti-cryptosporidial therapeutics. For developing both systemic and non-systemic drugs, a non-ruminant animal model exhibiting diarrheal symptoms suitable for routine evaluation of drug absorption and anti-cryptosporidial efficacy may be very helpful.
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Käser T. Swine as biomedical animal model for T-cell research-Success and potential for transmittable and non-transmittable human diseases. Mol Immunol 2021; 135:95-115. [PMID: 33873098 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Swine is biologically one of the most relevant large animal models for biomedical research. With its use as food animal that can be exploited as a free cell and tissue source for research and its high susceptibility to human diseases, swine additionally represent an excellent option for both the 3R principle and One Health research. One of the previously most limiting factors of the pig model was its arguably limited immunological toolbox. Yet, in the last decade, this toolbox has vastly improved including the ability to study porcine T-cells. This review summarizes the swine model for biomedical research with focus on T cells. It first contrasts the swine model to the more commonly used mouse and non-human primate model before describing the current capabilities to characterize and extend our knowledge on porcine T cells. Thereafter, it not only reflects on previous biomedical T-cell research but also extends into areas in which more in-depth T-cell analyses could strongly benefit biomedical research. While the former should inform on the successes of biomedical T-cell research in swine, the latter shall inspire swine T-cell researchers to find collaborations with researchers working in other areas - such as nutrition, allergy, cancer, transplantation, infectious diseases, or vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Käser
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, 27607 Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Cryptosporidium spp. (C. hominis and C. parvum) are a major cause of diarrhea-associated morbidity and mortality in young children globally. While C. hominis only infects humans, C. parvum is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans. There are no treatment or control measures to fully treat cryptosporidiosis or prevent the infection in humans and animals. Our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of Cryptosporidium-host interactions and the underlying factors that govern infectivity and disease pathogenesis is very limited. Recent Findings Recent development of genetics and new animal models of infection, along with progress in cell culture platforms to complete the parasite lifecycle in vitro, is greatly advancing the Cryptosporidium field. Summary In this review, we will discuss our current knowledge of host-parasite interactions and how genetic manipulation of Cryptosporidium and promising infection models are opening the doors towards an improved understanding of parasite biology and disease pathogenesis.
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Bhalchandra S, Lamisere H, Ward H. Intestinal organoid/enteroid-based models for Cryptosporidium. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:124-129. [PMID: 33113480 PMCID: PMC7758878 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of diarrhea and death in young children and untreated AIDS patients in resource-poor settings, and of waterborne outbreaks of disease in developed countries. However, there is no consistently effective treatment for vulnerable populations. Progress towards development of therapeutics for cryptosporidiosis has been hampered by lack of optimal culture systems to study it. New advances in organoid/enteroid technology have contributed to improved platforms to culture and propagate Cryptosporidium. Here we discuss recent breakthroughs in the field and highlight different models for functional ex vivo organoid or enteroidderived culture systems. These systems will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of host-parasite interactions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Bhalchandra
- Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hymlaire Lamisere
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Honorine Ward
- Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
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Vinayak S. Recent advances in genetic manipulation of Cryptosporidium. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:146-152. [PMID: 33161368 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of diarrhea-associated morbidity and mortality in young children. Currently, there is no fully effective drug to treat cryptosporidiosis and a complete lack of vaccine to prevent disease. For a long time, progress in the field of Cryptosporidium research has been hindered due to unavailability of methods to propagate the parasite, lack of efficient animal infection models and most importantly, the absence of technology to genetically manipulate the parasite. The recent advent of molecular genetics has been transformative for Cryptosporidium research, and is facilitating our fundamental understanding of parasite biology, and accelerating the pace of drug discovery. This review summarizes recent advancements in genetic manipulation and its applications for studying parasite gene function, host-parasite interactions and discovery of anti-cryptosporidial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiti Vinayak
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States.
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Love MS, McNamara CW. Phenotypic screening techniques for Cryptosporidium drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:59-74. [PMID: 32892652 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1812577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Two landmark epidemiological studies identified Cryptosporidium spp. as a significant cause of diarrheal disease in pediatric populations in resource-limited countries. Notably, nitazoxanide is the only approved drug for treatment of cryptosporidiosis but shows limited efficacy. As a result, many drug discovery efforts have commenced to find improved treatments. The unique biology of Cryptosporidium presents challenges for traditional drug discovery methods, which has inspired new assay platforms to study parasite biology and drug screening. Areas covered: The authors review historical advancements in phenotypic-based assays and techniques for Cryptosporidium drug discovery, as well as recent advances that will define future drug discovery. The reliance on phenotypic-based screens and repositioning of phenotypic hits from other pathogens has quickly created a robust pipeline of potential cryptosporidiosis therapeutics. The latest advances involve new in vitro culture methods for oocyst generation, continuous culturing capabilities, and more physiologically relevant assays for testing compounds. Expert opinion: Previous phenotypic screening techniques have laid the groundwork for recent cryptosporidiosis drug discovery efforts. The resulting improved methodologies characterize compound activity, identify, and validate drug targets, and prioritize new compounds for drug development. The most recent improvements in phenotypic assays are poised to help advance compounds into clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Love
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Case W McNamara
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla, CA, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani Cohen
- a Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Khitam Muhsen
- a Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
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Innes EA, Chalmers RM, Wells B, Pawlowic MC. A One Health Approach to Tackle Cryptosporidiosis. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:290-303. [PMID: 31983609 PMCID: PMC7106497 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a significant diarrhoeal disease in both people and animals across the world and is caused by several species of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium. Recent research has highlighted the longer-term consequences of the disease for malnourished children, involving growth stunting and cognitive deficits, and significant growth and production losses for livestock. There are no vaccines currently available to prevent the disease and few treatment options in either humans or animals, which has been a significant limiting factor in disease control to date. A One Health approach to tackle zoonotic cryptosporidiosis looking at new advances in veterinary, public, and environmental health research may offer several advantages and new options to help control the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh EH26 OPZ, UK.
| | - Rachel M Chalmers
- National Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales, Microbiology and Health Protection, Singleton Hospital, Swansea SA2 8QA, UK; Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Beth Wells
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh EH26 OPZ, UK
| | - Mattie C Pawlowic
- Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
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