1
|
Gu X, Ge Y, Wang Y, Huang C, Yang G, Xie Y, Xu J, He R, Zhong Z, Yang D, He Z, Peng X. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Psoroptes ovis: Molecular Characterization and Potential Role in Eosinophil Accumulation of Skin in Rabbit and Its Implication in the Host-Parasite Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065985. [PMID: 36983058 PMCID: PMC10059829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065985] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoroptes ovis, a common surface-living mite of domestic and wild animals worldwide, results in huge economic losses and serious welfare issues in the animal industry. P. ovis infestation rapidly causes massive eosinophil infiltration in skin lesions, and increasing research revealed that eosinophils might play an important role in the pathogenesis of P. ovis infestation. Intradermal injection of P. ovis antigen invoked massive eosinophil infiltration, suggesting that this mite should contain some relative molecules involved in eosinophil accumulation in the skin. However, these active molecules have not yet been identified. Herein, we identified macrophage migration inhibitor factor (MIF) in P. ovis (PsoMIF) using bioinformatics and molecular biology methods. Sequence analyses revealed that PsoMIF appeared with high similarity to the topology of monomer and trimer formation with host MIF (RMSD = 0.28 angstroms and 2.826 angstroms, respectively) but with differences in tautomerase and thiol-protein oxidoreductase active sites. Reverse transcription PCR analysis (qRT-PCR) results showed that PsoMIF was expressed throughout all the developmental stages of P. ovis, particularly with the highest expression in female mites. Immunolocalization revealed that MIF protein located in the ovary and oviduct of female mites and also localized throughout the stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and even basal layers of the epidermis in skin lesions caused by P. ovis. rPsoMIF significantly upregulated eosinophil-related gene expression both in vitro (PBMC: CCL5, CCL11; HaCaT: IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, CCL5, CCL11) and in vivo (rabbit: IL-5, CCL5, CCL11, P-selectin, ICAM-1). Moreover, rPsoMIF could induce cutaneous eosinophil accumulation in a rabbit model and increased the vascular permeability in a mouse model. Our findings indicated that PsoMIF served as one of the key molecules contributing to skin eosinophil accumulation in P. ovis infection of rabbits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - You Ge
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Cuirui Huang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Deying Yang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhi He
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Molecular characterization of four novel serpins in Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi and their implications in the host-parasite interaction. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 182:1399-1408. [PMID: 34000318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi infestation rapidly causes skin lesion, cutaneous inflammatory and subsequent adaptive immune response in rabbits. To success feeding and survive on the host skin, this mite should product bioactive molecules to confront host tissue repair and immune defense, but these molecules of this mite remains mostly unknown. Serpins have been proved to involve in diverse biological functions including parasite reproduction, survival and modulating host defense. Limited information is currently available on serpins from Psoroptes mites. Herein, we identified four novel serpins (PsoSP3-PsoSP6) in P. ovis var. cuniculi using bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques. Sequence analysis revealed that PsoSP3-PsoSP6 comprised the common features of typical serpins superfamily including serpin domains, signature or the reactive centre loop (RCL) domain. The recombinant PsoSP4-PsoSP6 (rPsoSP4-rPsoSP6) revealed variable potency inhibition on trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase except for rPsoSP3 in inhibitory activity assays. By quantitative RT-PCR, the expressions of PsoSP3 and PsoSP4 were higher in juvenile mites (larva and nymph) than in adult mites, however, PsoSP5 and PsoSP6 appeared near-exclusive expression in adult female mites. Immunolocalization showed that native PsoSP4 protein was localized in uterus, whilst native PsoSP3, PsoSP5 and PsoSP6 were specifically localized in the ovarian nutritive cell (ONC) in ovary. Our findings indicated that PsoSP3-PsoSP6 might play critical roles in development and reproduction physiologies. rPsoSP4-rPsoSP6 might participate in modulating host inflammation, immune response and tissue repair.
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Z, Claerebout E, Chiers K, Pas M, Pardon B, van Mol W, Casaert S, De Wilde N, Duchateau L, Geldhof P. Dermal immune responses against Psoroptes ovis in two cattle breeds and effects of anti-inflammatory dexamethasone treatment on the development of psoroptic mange. Vet Res 2021; 52:1. [PMID: 33397469 PMCID: PMC7784294 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoroptic mange is a common disease of livestock, caused by Psoroptes ovis. Compared to Holstein–Friesian (HF) cattle, the Belgian Blue (BB) cattle breed is highly susceptible to the infestation. However, the mechanism for this difference is still unclear. To determine the factors responsible for this breed susceptibility, the immune response to P. ovis was studied in experimentally infested BB and HF cattle, using clinical signs, histology, immunohistochemical profiling and gene expression analysis of skin biopsies. The mite numbers and lesion area of BB cattle were greater than in HF during the whole study period. Significant influxes of eosinophils in the epidermis and dermis were detected in comparison with the pre-infestation samples in both breeds, with significantly higher eosinophils in BB at 6 weeks post infestation (wpi). Mast cell numbers were unaffected at all stages of infestation in HF, but were significantly elevated relative to pre-infestation in BB cattle at 2 and 6 wpi. The more pronounced cutaneous eosinophilia and higher IL-4 levels at 6 wpi in BB cattle suggest that a Th2-type immune response is underlying the higher susceptibility of the BB breed. In naturally infested BB cattle, development of the psoroptic mange lesions and eosinophils and CD3+ T cell areas were severely depressed after anti-inflammatory treatment with dexamethasone. Together, these results suggest that a stronger Th2-type immune response to P. ovis causes the skin lesions in psoroptic mange in BB cattle and that local anti-inflammatory treatment could potentially be an alternative to control the pathology caused by this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Chen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Koen Chiers
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mathilde Pas
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wouter van Mol
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Stijn Casaert
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nathalie De Wilde
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Biometrics Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gu X, Chen Y, Zhang C, Xie Y, Shen N, Wang C, Zhou X, Yang G, He R, Peng X, Yang D, He Z, Zhong Z. Molecular characterization and serodiagnostic potential of two serpin proteins in Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:620. [PMID: 33308317 PMCID: PMC7731772 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04501-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi is a common ectoparasite of wild and domestic rabbits worldwide that causes economically devastating losses in commercial rabbit husbandry and significantly affects the overall health of rabbits. Serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) is present in almost all organisms that are involved in host-pathogen interactions, inflammatory responses, and reproductive development, among others. However, very little research has been carried out on P. ovis var. cuniculi serpins. METHODS Two serpin genes of P. ovis var. cuniculi (Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 cDNAs) were cloned and molecularly characterized. The transcriptional profiles and tissue localization of these two serpins in P. ovis var. cuniculi were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The potential function of recombinant Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 (rPso c 27 and rPsoSP2) in the serodiagnosis of P. ovis var. cuniculi infestation in rabbits was evaluated using a newly devleoped indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Both the 523-residue Pso c 27 and the 240-residue PsoSP2 proteins contained typical serpin domains and signatures. Both Pso c 27and PsoSP2 cDNAs were expressed throughout the life-cycle; specifically, the cDNAs showed significantly higher expression in female mites than in larva, nymph, and male mites (Pso c 27: F(3, 8) = 1935.953, P < 0.0001; PsoSP2: F(3, 8) = 660.669, P < 0.0001). The native Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 proteins localized in the ovary and mouthparts of adult female mites, respectively. Compared to rPsoSP2, rPso c 27 showed better diagnostic efficiency, with higher values of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (rPso c 27 vs rPsoSP2: 96.0 vs 90.0%; 90.91 vs 78.18%; 0.988 vs 0.964, respectively). Moreover, rPso c 27 showed seropositivity in 80% of the rabbits as early as the 2 weeks post-infestation, prior to visible clinical signs and microscopy-positive of skin scrapings. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that these two serpins may play essential roles in reproductive development, serum-feeding, and pathogenicity of P. ovis var. cuniculi. Compared to PsoSP2, Pso c 27 appears to be a potential antigen for serodiagnosis of P. ovis var. cuniculi infestation in rabbits, especially at the early stage of infestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhang Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- Mianyang Animal Disease Control Center, Mianyang, 621000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Chongyang Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Nengxing Shen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ce Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, 625014 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, 625014 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Deying Yang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, 625014 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi He
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, 625014 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Burgess STG, Marr EJ, Bartley K, Nunn FG, Down RE, Weaver RJ, Prickett JC, Dunn J, Rombauts S, Van Leeuwen T, Van de Peer Y, Nisbet AJ. A genomic analysis and transcriptomic atlas of gene expression in Psoroptes ovis reveals feeding- and stage-specific patterns of allergen expression. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:756. [PMID: 31640546 PMCID: PMC6806590 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6082-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psoroptic mange, caused by infestation with the ectoparasitic mite, Psoroptes ovis, is highly contagious, resulting in intense pruritus and represents a major welfare and economic concern for the livestock industry Worldwide. Control relies on injectable endectocides and organophosphate dips, but concerns over residues, environmental contamination, and the development of resistance threaten the sustainability of this approach, highlighting interest in alternative control methods. However, development of vaccines and identification of chemotherapeutic targets is hampered by the lack of P. ovis transcriptomic and genomic resources. Results Building on the recent publication of the P. ovis draft genome, here we present a genomic analysis and transcriptomic atlas of gene expression in P. ovis revealing feeding- and stage-specific patterns of gene expression, including novel multigene families and allergens. Network-based clustering revealed 14 gene clusters demonstrating either single- or multi-stage specific gene expression patterns, with 3075 female-specific, 890 male-specific and 112, 217 and 526 transcripts showing larval, protonymph and tritonymph specific-expression, respectively. Detailed analysis of P. ovis allergens revealed stage-specific patterns of allergen gene expression, many of which were also enriched in “fed” mites and tritonymphs, highlighting an important feeding-related allergenicity in this developmental stage. Pair-wise analysis of differential expression between life-cycle stages identified patterns of sex-biased gene expression and also identified novel P. ovis multigene families including known allergens and novel genes with high levels of stage-specific expression. Conclusions The genomic and transcriptomic atlas described here represents a unique resource for the acarid-research community, whilst the OrcAE platform makes this freely available, facilitating further community-led curation of the draft P. ovis genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stewart T G Burgess
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
| | - Edward J Marr
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Kathryn Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Francesca G Nunn
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | | | | | | | - Jackie Dunn
- Fera Science Ltd, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - Stephane Rombauts
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.,VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.,Bioinformatics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.,VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.,Bioinformatics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Private bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Alasdair J Nisbet
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He ML, Xu J, He R, Shen NX, Gu XB, Peng XR, Yang GY. Preliminary analysis of Psoroptes ovis transcriptome in different developmental stages. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:570. [PMID: 27809902 PMCID: PMC5096302 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1856-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psoroptic mange is a chronic, refractory, contagious and infectious disease mainly caused by the mange mite Psoroptes ovis, which can infect horses, sheep, buffaloes, rabbits, other domestic animals, deer, wild camels, foxes, minks, lemurs, alpacas, elks and other wild animals. Features of the disease include intense pruritus and dermatitis, depilation and hyperkeratosis, which ultimately result in emaciation or death caused by secondary bacterial infections. The infestation is usually transmitted by close contact between animals. Psoroptic mange is widespread in the world. In this paper, the transcriptome of P. ovis is described following sequencing and analysis of transcripts from samples of larvae (i.e. the Pso_L group) and nymphs and adults (i.e. the Pso_N_A group). The study describes differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and genes encoding allergens, which help understanding the biology of P. ovis and lay foundations for the development of vaccine antigens and drug target screening. Methods The transcriptome of P. ovis was assembled and analyzed using bioinformatic tools. The unigenes of P. ovis from each developmental stage and the unigenes differentially between developmental stages were compared with allergen protein sequences contained in the allergen database website to predict potential allergens. Results We identified 38,836 unigenes, whose mean length was 825 bp. On the basis of sequence similarity with seven databases, a total of 17,366 unigenes were annotated. A total of 1,316 DEGs were identified, including 496 upregulated and 820 downregulated in the Pso_L group compared with the Pso_N_A group. We predicted 205 allergens genes in the two developmental stages similar to genes from other mites and ticks, of these, 14 were among the upregulated DEGs and 26 among the downregulated DEGs. Conclusion This study provides a reference transcriptome of P. ovis in absence of a reference genome. The analysis of DEGs and putative allergen genes may lay the foundation for studies of functional genomics, immunity and gene expression profiles of this parasitic mite species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1856-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man-Li He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Neng-Xing Shen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xue-Rong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guang-You Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nowland MH, Brammer DW, Garcia A, Rush HG. Biology and Diseases of Rabbits. LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE 2015. [PMCID: PMC7150064 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-409527-4.00010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Beginning in 1931, an inbred rabbit colony was developed at the Phipps Institute for the Study, Treatment and Prevention of Tuberculosis at the University of Pennsylvania. This colony was used to study natural resistance to infection with tuberculosis (Robertson et al., 1966). Other inbred colonies or well-defined breeding colonies were also developed at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Center for Genetics, the Laboratories of the International Health Division of The Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, and Jackson Laboratories. These colonies were moved or closed in the years to follow. Since 1973, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported the total number of certain species of animals used by registered research facilities (1997). In 1973, 447,570 rabbits were used in research. There has been an overall decrease in numbers of rabbits used. This decreasing trend started in the mid-1990s. In 2010, 210,172 rabbits were used in research. Despite the overall drop in the number used in research, the rabbit is still a valuable model and tool for many disciplines.
Collapse
|
8
|
Holt DC, Burgess STG, Reynolds SL, Mahmood W, Fischer K. Intestinal proteases of free-living and parasitic astigmatid mites. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 351:339-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1369-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
9
|
Burgess STG, Downing A, Watkins CA, Marr EJ, Nisbet AJ, Kenyon F, McNair C, Huntley JF. Development of a cDNA microarray for the measurement of gene expression in the sheep scab mite Psoroptes ovis. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:30. [PMID: 22316180 PMCID: PMC3296576 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sheep scab is caused by the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis which initiates a profound cutaneous inflammatory response, leading to the development of the skin lesions which are characteristic of the disease. Existing control strategies rely upon injectable endectocides and acaricidal dips but concerns over residues, eco-toxicity and the development of acaricide resistance limit the sustainability of this approach. In order to identify alternative means of disease control, a deeper understanding of both the parasite and its interaction with the host are required. Methods Herein we describe the development and utilisation of an annotated P. ovis cDNA microarray containing 3,456 elements for the measurement of gene expression in this economically important ectoparasite. The array consists of 981 P. ovis EST sequences printed in triplicate along with 513 control elements. Array performance was validated through the analysis of gene expression differences between fed and starved P. ovis mites. Results Sequences represented on the array include homologues of major house dust mite allergens and tick salivary proteins, along with factors potentially involved in mite reproduction and xenobiotic metabolism. In order to validate the performance of this unique resource under biological conditions we used the array to analyse gene expression differences between fed and starved P. ovis mites. These analyses identified a number of house dust mite allergen homologues up-regulated in fed mites and P. ovis transcripts involved in stress responses, autophagy and chemosensory perception up-regulated in starved mites. Conclusion The P. ovis cDNA microarray described here has been shown to be both robust and reproducible and will enable future studies to analyse gene expression in this important ectoparasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stewart T G Burgess
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Burgess STG, McNeilly TN, Watkins CA, Nisbet AJ, Huntley JF. Host transcription factors in the immediate pro-inflammatory response to the parasitic mite Psoroptes ovis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24402. [PMID: 21915322 PMCID: PMC3168495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sheep scab, caused by infestation with the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis, results in the rapid development of cutaneous inflammation and leads to the crusted skin lesions characteristic of the disease. We described previously the global host transcriptional response to infestation with P. ovis, elucidating elements of the inflammatory processes which lead to the development of a rapid and profound immune response. However, the mechanisms by which this response is instigated remain unclear. To identify novel methods of intervention a better understanding of the early events involved in triggering the immune response is essential. The objective of this study was to gain a clearer understanding of the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the instigation of the immediate pro-inflammatory response. Results Through a combination of transcription factor binding site enrichment and pathway analysis we identified key roles for a number of transcription factors in the instigation of cutaneous inflammation. In particular, defined roles were elucidated for the transcription factors NF-kB and AP-1 in the orchestration of the early pro-inflammatory response, with these factors being implicated in the activation of a suite of inflammatory mediators. Conclusions Interrogation of the host temporal response to P. ovis infestation has enabled the further identification of the mechanisms underlying the development of the immediate host pro-inflammatory response. This response involves key regulatory roles for the transcription factors NF-kB and AP-1. Pathway analysis demonstrated that the activation of these transcription factors may be triggered following a host LPS-type response, potentially involving TLR4-signalling and also lead to the intriguing possibility that this could be triggered by a P. ovis allergen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stewart T G Burgess
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Burgess STG, Nisbet AJ, Kenyon F, Huntley JF. Generation, analysis and functional annotation of expressed sequence tags from the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:145. [PMID: 21781297 PMCID: PMC3154158 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sheep scab is caused by Psoroptes ovis and is arguably the most important ectoparasitic disease affecting sheep in the UK. The disease is highly contagious and causes and considerable pruritis and irritation and is therefore a major welfare concern. Current methods of treatment are unsustainable and in order to elucidate novel methods of disease control a more comprehensive understanding of the parasite is required. To date, no full genomic DNA sequence or large scale transcript datasets are available and prior to this study only 484 P. ovis expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were accessible in public databases. Results In order to further expand upon the transcriptomic coverage of P. ovis thus facilitating novel insights into the mite biology we undertook a larger scale EST approach, incorporating newly generated and previously described P. ovis transcript data and representing the largest collection of P. ovis ESTs to date. We sequenced 1,574 ESTs and assembled these along with 484 previously generated P. ovis ESTs, which resulted in the identification of 1,545 unique P. ovis sequences. BLASTX searches identified 961 ESTs with significant hits (E-value < 1E-04) and 584 novel P. ovis ESTs. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis allowed the functional annotation of 880 ESTs and included predictions of signal peptide and transmembrane domains; allowing the identification of potential P. ovis excreted/secreted factors, and mapping of metabolic pathways. Conclusions This dataset currently represents the largest collection of P. ovis ESTs, all of which are publicly available in the GenBank EST database (dbEST) (accession numbers FR748230 - FR749648). Functional analysis of this dataset identified important homologues, including house dust mite allergens and tick salivary factors. These findings offer new insights into the underlying biology of P. ovis, facilitating further investigations into mite biology and the identification of novel methods of intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stewart T G Burgess
- Division of Parasitology, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Circulating oxidative stress status in dromedary camels infested with sarcoptic mange. Vet Res Commun 2010; 35:35-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s11259-010-9450-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Burgess STG, Frew D, Nunn F, Watkins CA, McNeilly TN, Nisbet AJ, Huntley JF. Transcriptomic analysis of the temporal host response to skin infestation with the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:624. [PMID: 21067579 PMCID: PMC3091762 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infestation of ovine skin with the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis results in a rapid cutaneous immune response, leading to the crusted skin lesions characteristic of sheep scab. Little is known regarding the mechanisms by which such a profound inflammatory response is instigated and to identify novel vaccine and drug targets a better understanding of the host-parasite relationship is essential. The main objective of this study was to perform a combined network and pathway analysis of the in vivo skin response to infestation with P. ovis to gain a clearer understanding of the mechanisms and signalling pathways involved. Results Infestation with P. ovis resulted in differential expression of 1,552 genes over a 24 hour time course. Clustering by peak gene expression enabled classification of genes into temporally related groupings. Network and pathway analysis of clusters identified key signalling pathways involved in the host response to infestation. The analysis implicated a number of genes with roles in allergy and inflammation, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1A, IL1B, IL6, IL8 and TNF) and factors involved in immune cell activation and recruitment (SELE, SELL, SELP, ICAM1, CSF2, CSF3, CCL2 and CXCL2). The analysis also highlighted the influence of the transcription factors NF-kB and AP-1 in the early pro-inflammatory response, and demonstrated a bias towards a Th2 type immune response. Conclusions This study has provided novel insights into the signalling mechanisms leading to the development of a pro-inflammatory response in sheep scab, whilst providing crucial information regarding the nature of mite factors that may trigger this response. It has enabled the elucidation of the temporal patterns by which the immune system is regulated following exposure to P. ovis, providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying lesion development. This study has improved our existing knowledge of the host response to P. ovis, including the identification of key parallels between sheep scab and other inflammatory skin disorders and the identification of potential targets for disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stewart T G Burgess
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Sheep scab is one of the oldest known diseases of sheep. It is caused by either of the mange mites Psoroptes ovis (Fig. 1 and cover) or Sarcoptes scabiei. P. ovis causes irritation so intense that sheep become preoccupied with scratching, cease to feed and rapidly become emaciated. It should be eradicated on welfare grounds alone (Fig. 2).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Kirkwood
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Central Veterinary Laboratory Weybridge Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Siegfried E, Ochs H, Deplazes P. Clinical development and serological antibody responses in sheep and rabbits experimentally infested with Psoroptes ovis and Psoroptes cuniculi. Vet Parasitol 2004; 124:109-24. [PMID: 15350666 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2004] [Revised: 05/24/2004] [Accepted: 06/04/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Psoroptes ovis of sheep origin, and Psoroptes cuniculi of rabbit origin were used in experimental infestations. In experiment I, groups of four rabbits and four sheep were infested with 50-100 mites of each isolate on the skin of the back (skin infestation, SI) or in the external auditory canal (aural infestation, AI). In rabbits, SI and AI with P. cuniculi and AI with P. ovis induced in all animals typical ear lesions and pronounced antibody reactions to P. cuniculi antigens in ELISA. After SI of rabbits with P. ovis no clinical signs were detected, no mites could be reisolated and no specific antibodies were detected. In sheep, P. ovis SI induced mange whereas AI did not induce typical clinical signs and mites could not be reisolated. In both these animal groups, ELISA revealed pronounced and comparable specific antibody reactions. After SI and AI with P. cuniculi no clinical symptoms were observed and no mites could be reisolated. Nevertheless, low levels of specific antibody were detected. In experiment II, clinical progression and antibody reactions to P. ovis SI in naive sheep were compared with sheep previously exposed to P. ovis or P. cuniculi. In both pre-exposed groups of animals, clinical signs appeared within 2 days after challenge infestation and three days earlier than in primarily infested sheep. Subsequently, no obvious difference in the clinical progression was observed between the three groups of animals. The results of this study document antigenetic crossreactivity of the two morphologically and genetically distinguishable Psoroptes species but differences in their biological behaviour and virulence which both are of epidemiological and taxonomic relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Siegfried
- Institute of Parasitology, VetSuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-805 7 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Suckow MA, Brammer DW, Rush HG, Chrisp CE. Biology and Diseases of Rabbits. LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE 2002. [PMCID: PMC7150213 DOI: 10.1016/b978-012263951-7/50012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
|
17
|
O'Brien DJ, Robinson AB, Gray JS, O'Reilly PF. Haematology and blood biochemistry during the course of psoroptic scabies in sheep. Vet Res Commun 1995; 19:39-48. [PMID: 7762139 DOI: 10.1007/bf01839250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Haematology and blood biochemistry were monitored during the development and regression of psoroptic scabies in sheep. There were rises in numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils and in the fibrinogen concentrations, with lowered haemoglobin concentrations any lymphocyte numbers. The only biochemical parameters that were affected were the estimated serum globulin concentration, which rose during the disease process, and the serum albumin concentration, which fell. All of these changes reverted to normal soon after treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J O'Brien
- Veterinary Research Laboratory, Abbotstown, Dublin
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sinclair AN, Filan SJ. Lipid ingestion from sheep epidermis by Psoroptes ovis (Acari: Psoroptidae). Vet Parasitol 1989; 31:149-64. [PMID: 2472699 DOI: 10.1016/0304-4017(89)90030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Skin biopsies from three groups of sheep infested with Psoroptes ovis were cryofixed in liquid nitrogen to preserve outer epidermis with its lipid. From one group of five sheep (Group A), biopsies were taken from relatively healthy skin near the edge of scab lesions where mites had congregated. Frozen vertical sections from these biopsies were stained with Oil Red O and haematoxylin before mounting. Red lipid globules were plentiful within the body cavity of sectioned mites, but ingested lipid could not be distinguished from endogenous mite body stores by this technique. In a second group of five sheep (Group B), enclosed lumbar skin areas were coloured red with the lipophilic stains Oil Red O or Sudan IV. These enclosed coloured skin areas were inoculated with P. ovis and sampled by skin biopsy 1 or 4 days later. Cryofixed biopsies were cut into vertical frozen sections and mounted without staining for examination. Red-coloured lipid within mites, matching red-coloured lipid on outer epidermis, was evidence for the epidermal origin of P. ovis ingesta in the early stages of an infestation. From two other sheep (Group C), cryofixed biopsies were examined by scanning electron microscope and mites were seen with mouthparts embedded in abraded outer epidermis, but the precise depth of epidermal penetration was not determined. A light microscope survey of 3198 frozen vertical skin sections from the first 10 sheep (Groups A and B) showed that inner stratum corneum of the epidermis was the deepest penetration recorded for gnathosomes of P. ovis cryofixed in situ by liquid nitrogen. No structure of P. ovis was identified in dermal tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A N Sinclair
- Department of Wool and Animal Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
An in vitro feeding test is described for Psoroptes ovis. The criterion for feeding response was established on the basis of coloration of mites by a red dye or by red blood cells. Feeding response was about 85% for female mites held off host cattle for 1 day. Mites preferred water plasma or serum and low-salt diets over whole blood. Feeding response was detected within 5 min of exposure to the diet, and maximum response was observed within 30 min of contact. Mites ingested an average 0.29 microliter of diet/100 mites in a single feeding. At temperatures between 10 degrees and 42 degrees C, feeding response was not significantly different.
Collapse
|