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Iribarren PA, Di Marzio LA, Berazategui MA, Saura A, Coria L, Cassataro J, Rojas F, Navarro M, Alvarez VE. Depolymerization of SUMO chains induces slender to stumpy differentiation in T. brucei bloodstream parasites. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012166. [PMID: 38635823 PMCID: PMC11060531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012166] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei are protozoan parasites that cause sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. Inside the mammalian host, a quorum sensing-like mechanism coordinates its differentiation from a slender replicative form into a quiescent stumpy form, limiting growth and activating metabolic pathways that are beneficial to the parasite in the insect host. The post-translational modification of proteins with the Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO) enables dynamic regulation of cellular metabolism. SUMO can be conjugated to its targets as a monomer but can also form oligomeric chains. Here, we have investigated the role of SUMO chains in T. brucei by abolishing the ability of SUMO to polymerize. We have found that parasites able to conjugate only SUMO monomers are primed for differentiation. This was demonstrated for monomorphic lines that are normally unable to produce stumpy forms in response to quorum sensing signaling in mice, and also for pleomorphic cell lines in which stumpy cells were observed at unusually low parasitemia levels. SUMO chain mutants showed a stumpy compatible transcriptional profile and better competence to differentiate into procyclics. Our study indicates that SUMO depolymerization may represent a coordinated signal triggered during stumpy activation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Ana Iribarren
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde”–IIBIO (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Ayelén Di Marzio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde”–IIBIO (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Agustina Berazategui
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde”–IIBIO (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andreu Saura
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina “López-Neyra”, CSIC (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Lorena Coria
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde”–IIBIO (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juliana Cassataro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde”–IIBIO (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Rojas
- Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Navarro
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina “López-Neyra”, CSIC (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Vanina Eder Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde”–IIBIO (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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2
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Ewald S, Nasuhidehnavi A, Feng TY, Lesani M, McCall LI. The intersection of host in vivo metabolism and immune responses to infection with kinetoplastid and apicomplexan parasites. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0016422. [PMID: 38299836 PMCID: PMC10966954 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00164-22] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYProtozoan parasite infection dramatically alters host metabolism, driven by immunological demand and parasite manipulation strategies. Immunometabolic checkpoints are often exploited by kinetoplastid and protozoan parasites to establish chronic infection, which can significantly impair host metabolic homeostasis. The recent growth of tools to analyze metabolism is expanding our understanding of these questions. Here, we review and contrast host metabolic alterations that occur in vivo during infection with Leishmania, trypanosomes, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, and Cryptosporidium. Although genetically divergent, there are commonalities among these pathogens in terms of metabolic needs, induction of the type I immune responses required for clearance, and the potential for sustained host metabolic dysbiosis. Comparing these pathogens provides an opportunity to explore how transmission strategy, nutritional demand, and host cell and tissue tropism drive similarities and unique aspects in host response and infection outcome and to design new strategies to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Azadeh Nasuhidehnavi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tzu-Yu Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mahbobeh Lesani
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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3
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Silva Pereira S, Brás D, Porqueddu T, Nascimento AM, De Niz M. Investigation of Trypanosoma-induced vascular damage sheds insights into Trypanosoma vivax sequestration. Cell Surf 2023; 10:100113. [PMID: 37954640 PMCID: PMC10632540 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2023.100113] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple blood-borne pathogens infecting mammals establish close interactions with the host vascular endothelium as part of their life cycles. In this work, we investigate differences in the interactions of three Trypanosoma species: T. brucei, T. congolense and T. vivax with the blood vasculature. Infection with these species results in vastly different pathologies, including different effects on vascular homeostasis, such as changes in vascular permeability and microhemorrhages. While all three species are extracellular parasites, T. congolense is strictly intravascular, while T. brucei is capable of surviving both extra- and intravascularly. Our knowledge regarding T. vivax tropism and its capacity of migration across the vascular endothelium is unknown. In this work, we show for the first time that T. vivax parasites sequester to the vascular endothelium of most organs, and that, like T. congolense, T. vivax Y486 is largely incapable of extravasation. Infection with this parasite species results in a unique effect on vascular endothelium receptors including general downregulation of ICAM1 and ESAM, and upregulation of VCAM1, CD36 and E-selectin. Our findings on the differences between the two sequestering species (T. congolense and T. vivax) and the non-sequestering, but extravasating, T. brucei raise important questions on the relevance of sequestration to the parasite's survival in the mammalian host, and the evolutionary relevance of both sequestration and extravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Católica Biomedical Research Centre, Católica Medical School, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Brás
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Teresa Porqueddu
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Nascimento
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Center for Advanced Microscopy and Nikon Imaging Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
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4
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Machado H, Temudo A, Niz MD. The lymphatic system favours survival of a unique T. brucei population. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059992. [PMID: 37870927 PMCID: PMC10651106 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059992] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei colonise and multiply in the blood vasculature, as well as in various organs of the host's body. Lymph nodes have been previously shown to harbour large numbers of parasites, and the lymphatic system has been proposed as a key site that allows T. brucei distribution through, and colonization of the mammalian body. However, visualization of host-pathogen interactions in the lymphatic system has never captured dynamic events with high spatial and temporal resolution throughout infection. In our work, we used a mixture of tools including intravital microscopy and ex vivo imaging to study T. brucei distribution in 20 sets of lymph nodes. We demonstrate that lymph node colonization by T. brucei is different across lymph node sets, with the most heavily colonised being the draining lymph nodes of main tissue reservoirs: the gonadal white adipose tissue and pancreas. Moreover, we show that the lymphatic vasculature is a pivotal site for parasite dispersal, and altering this colonization by blocking LYVE-1 is detrimental for parasite survival. Additionally, parasites within the lymphatic vasculature have unique morphological and behavioural characteristics, different to those found in the blood, demonstrating that across both types of vasculature, these environments are physically separated. Finally, we demonstrate that the lymph nodes and the lymphatic vasculature undergo significant alterations during T. brucei infection, resulting in oedema throughout the host's body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Machado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - António Temudo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
- Bioimaging Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
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5
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Machado H, Hofer P, Zechner R, Smith TK, Figueiredo LM. Adipocyte lipolysis protects mice against Trypanosoma brucei infection. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:2020-2032. [PMID: 37828246 PMCID: PMC10627827 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01496-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei causes African trypanosomiasis, colonizing adipose tissue and inducing weight loss. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for adipose mass loss and its impact on disease pathology. We found that lipolysis is activated early in infection. Mice lacking B and T lymphocytes fail to upregulate adipocyte lipolysis, resulting in higher fat mass retention. Genetic ablation of the rate-limiting adipose triglyceride lipase specifically from adipocytes (AdipoqCre/+-Atglfl/fl) prevented the stimulation of adipocyte lipolysis during infection, reducing fat mass loss. Surprisingly, these mice succumbed earlier and presented a higher parasite burden in the gonadal adipose tissue, indicating that host lipolysis limits parasite growth. Consistently, free fatty acids comparable with those of adipose interstitial fluid induced loss of parasite viability. Adipocyte lipolysis emerges as a mechanism controlling local parasite burden and affecting the loss of fat mass in African trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Machado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Peter Hofer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Zechner
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Terry K Smith
- School of Biology, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Luísa M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular-João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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6
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Hernández-Rivera JL, Espinoza-Hicks JC, Chacón-Vargas KF, Carrillo-Campos J, Sánchez-Torres LE, Camacho-Dávila AA. Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of prenylated chalcones ethers as promising antileishmanial compounds. Mol Divers 2023; 27:2073-2092. [PMID: 36306047 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10542-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug therapy for leishmaniasis remains a major challenge as currently available drugs have limited efficacy, induce serious side-effects and are not accessible to everyone. Thus, the discovery of affordable drugs is urgently needed. Chalcones present a great potential as bioactive agents due to simple structure and functionalization capacity. The antileishmanial activity of different natural and synthetic chalcones have been reported. Here we report the synthesis of twenty-five novel prenylated chalcones that displayed antiparasitic activity in Leishmania mexicana. All the chalcones were evaluated at 5 µg/mL and eleven compounds exhibited a metabolic inhibition close to or exceeding 50%. Compounds 49, 30 and 55 were the three most active with IC50 values < 10 μM. These chalcones also showed the highest selectivity index (SI) values. Interestingly 49 and 55 possessing a substituent at a meta position in the B ring suggests that the substitution pattern influences antileishmanial activity. Additionally, a tridimensional model of fumarate reductase of L. mexicana was obtained by homology modeling. Docking studies suggest that prenylated chalcones could modulate fumarate reductase activity by binding with good affinity to two binding sites that are critical for the target. In conclusion, the novel prenylated chalcones could be considered as promising antileishmanial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lizbeth Hernández-Rivera
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario S/N, Campus Universitario II, 31125, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - José C Espinoza-Hicks
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario S/N, Campus Universitario II, 31125, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Karla F Chacón-Vargas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario S/N, Campus Universitario II, 31125, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, s/n, 11340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Javier Carrillo-Campos
- Departamento de Investigación Científica, Universidad Tecnológica de Parras de la Fuente, Calle 20 de Noviembre #100, Colonia José G. Madero, CP 27989, Parras de la Fuente, Coah., Mexico
| | - Luvia Enid Sánchez-Torres
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, s/n, 11340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Alejandro A Camacho-Dávila
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario S/N, Campus Universitario II, 31125, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico.
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HARAGUCHI A, TAKANO M, HAKOZAKI J, NAKAYAMA K, NAKAMURA S, YOSHIKAWA Y, FUKUMOTO S, KUSAKISAKO K, IKADAI H. Formation of free oocysts in Anopheles mosquitoes injected with Plasmodium ookinetes. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:921-928. [PMID: 37407494 PMCID: PMC10539829 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0099] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria needs new strategies for its control. Plasmodium spp., the causative agent of malaria, is transmitted by mosquitoes. These parasites develop into oocysts and sporozoites in the body of the mosquitoes. A deeper understanding of oocysts that produce the infectious form of the parasite, sporozoites, can facilitate the development of novel countermeasures. However, the isolation of Plasmodium oocysts is challenging as these are formed between midgut epithelial cells and basal lamina after gametocytes enter the mosquito's body through blood feeding. Further research on oocysts has been impeded by issues related to oocyst isolation. Therefore, in this study, we injected Plasmodium into mosquitoes-an artificial and unique method-and aimed to clarify how oocysts were formed in mosquitoes after Plasmodium injection and whether free oocysts were formed from the mosquito tissue. Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) ookinetes cultured in vitro were injected into the thoracic body cavity (hemocoel) of female and male Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. Oocysts were formed in the body of female and male mosquitoes at 14 days post injection. In addition, oocysts formed as a result of injection developed into sporozoites, which were infectious to mice. These findings suggest that P. berghei can complete its developmental stage in mosquitoes by injection. Some of the oocysts formed were free from mosquito tissue, and it was possible to collect oocysts with minimal contamination of mosquito tissue. These free oocysts can be used for investigating oocyst proteins and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako HARAGUCHI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Makoto TAKANO
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Jun HAKOZAKI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko NAKAYAMA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Sakure NAKAMURA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yasunaga YOSHIKAWA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Shinya FUKUMOTO
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kodai KUSAKISAKO
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Hiromi IKADAI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
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Jamabo M, Mahlalela M, Edkins AL, Boshoff A. Tackling Sleeping Sickness: Current and Promising Therapeutics and Treatment Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12529. [PMID: 37569903 PMCID: PMC10420020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the lengthening of the proposed time frame for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis as control programs were interrupted. Armed with extensive antigenic variation and the depletion of the B cell population during an infectious cycle, attempts to develop a vaccine have remained unachievable. With the absence of a vaccine, control of the disease has relied heavily on intensive screening measures and the use of drugs. The chemotherapeutics previously available for disease management were plagued by issues such as toxicity, resistance, and difficulty in administration. The approval of the latest and first oral drug, fexinidazole, is a major chemotherapeutic achievement for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis in the past few decades. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, while poor compliance and resistance remain outstanding challenges. Drug discovery is on-going, and herein we review the recent advances in anti-trypanosomal drug discovery, including novel potential drug targets. The numerous challenges associated with disease eradication will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miebaka Jamabo
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
| | - Maduma Mahlalela
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
| | - Adrienne L. Edkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Biotechnology Research Centre (BioBRU), Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa;
| | - Aileen Boshoff
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
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9
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Aminu S, Danazumi AU, Alhafiz ZA, Gorna MW, Ibrahim MA. β-Sitosterol could serve as a dual inhibitor of Trypanosoma congolense sialidase and phospholipase A 2: in vitro kinetic analyses and molecular dynamic simulations. Mol Divers 2023; 27:1645-1660. [PMID: 36042119 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10517-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of Trypanosoma congolense sialidase alongside phospholipase A2 has been widely accepted as the major contributing factor to anemia during African animal trypanosomiasis. The enzymes aid the parasite in scavenging sialic acid and fatty acids necessary for survival in the infected host, but there are no specific drug candidates against the two enzymes. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of β-sitosterol on the partially purified T. congolense sialidase and phospholipase A2. Purification of the enzymes using DEAE cellulose column led to fractions with highest specific activities of 8016.41 and 39.26 µmol/min/mg for sialidase and phospholipase A2, respectively. Inhibition kinetics studies showed that β-sitosterol is non-competitive and an uncompetitive inhibitor of sialidase and phospholipase A2 with inhibition binding constants of 0.368 and 0.549 µM, respectively. Molecular docking of the compound revealed binding energies of - 8.0 and - 8.6 kcal/mol against the sialidase and phospholipase A2, respectively. Furthermore, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation using GROMACS revealed stable interaction of β-sitosterol with both enzymes. Hydrogen bond interactions between the ligand and Glu284 and Leu102 residues of the sialidase and phospholipase A2, respectively, were found to be the major stabilizing forces. In conclusion, β-sitosterol could serve as a dual inhibitor of T. congolense sialidase and phospholipase A2; hence, the compound could be exploited further in the search for newer trypanocides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleiman Aminu
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ammar Usman Danazumi
- Biological and Chemical Research Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zainab Aliyu Alhafiz
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University, Gusau, Nigeria
| | - Maria Wiktoria Gorna
- Biological and Chemical Research Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Cutshaw MK, Sciaudone M, Bowman NM. Risk Factors for Progression to Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:791-800. [PMID: 36848894 PMCID: PMC10076993 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0630] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-third of people with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection develop Chagas cardiomyopathy, which carries a poor prognosis. Accurate prediction of which individuals will go on to develop Chagas cardiomyopathy remains elusive. We performed a systematic review of literature comparing characteristics of individuals with chronic Chagas disease with or without evidence of cardiomyopathy. Studies were not excluded on the basis of language or publication date. Our review yielded a total of 311 relevant publications. We further examined the subset of 170 studies with data regarding individual age, sex, or parasite load. A meta-analysis of 106 eligible studies indicated that male sex was associated with having Chagas cardiomyopathy (Hedge's g: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.07-2.04), and a meta-analysis of 91 eligible studies indicated that older age was associated with having Chagas cardiomyopathy (Hedge's g: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.41-0.91). A meta-analysis of four eligible studies did not find an association between parasite load and disease state. This study provides the first systematic review to assess whether age, sex, and parasite load are associated with Chagas cardiomyopathy. Our findings suggest that older and male patients with Chagas disease are more likely to have cardiomyopathy, although we are unable to identify causal relationships due to the high heterogeneity and predominantly retrospective study designs in the current literature. Prospective, multidecade studies are needed to better characterize the clinical course of Chagas disease and identify risk factors for progression to Chagas cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Sciaudone
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Natalie M. Bowman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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11
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VSGs Expressed during Natural T. b. gambiense Infection Exhibit Extensive Sequence Divergence and a Subspecies-Specific Bias towards Type B N-Terminal Domains. mBio 2022; 13:e0255322. [PMID: 36354333 PMCID: PMC9765701 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02553-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is the primary causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), a vector-borne disease endemic to West and Central Africa. The extracellular parasite evades antibody recognition within the host bloodstream by altering its variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat through a process of antigenic variation. The serological tests that are widely used to screen for HAT use VSG as one of the target antigens. However, the VSGs expressed during human infection have not been characterized. Here, we use VSG sequencing (VSG-seq) to analyze the VSGs expressed in the blood of patients infected with T. b. gambiense and compared them to VSG expression in Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infections in humans as well as Trypanosoma brucei brucei infections in mice. The 44 VSGs expressed during T. b. gambiense infection revealed a striking bias toward expression of type B N termini (82% of detected VSGs). This bias is specific to T. b. gambiense, which is unique among T. brucei subspecies in its chronic clinical presentation and anthroponotic nature. The expressed T. b. gambiense VSGs also share very little similarity to sequences from 36 T. b. gambiense whole-genome sequencing data sets, particularly in areas of the VSG protein exposed to host antibodies, suggesting the antigen repertoire is under strong selective pressure to diversify. Overall, this work demonstrates new features of antigenic variation in T. brucei gambiense and highlights the importance of understanding VSG repertoires in nature. IMPORTANCE Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease primarily caused by the extracellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. To avoid elimination by the host, these parasites repeatedly replace their variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat. Despite the important role of VSGs in prolonging infection, VSG expression during human infections is poorly understood. A better understanding of natural VSG gene expression dynamics can clarify the mechanisms that T. brucei uses to alter its VSG coat. We analyzed the expressed VSGs detected in the blood of patients with trypanosomiasis. Our findings indicate that there are features of antigenic variation unique to human-infective T. brucei subspecies and that natural VSG repertoires may vary more than previously expected.
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12
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Slow growing behavior in African trypanosomes during adipose tissue colonization. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7548. [PMID: 36481558 PMCID: PMC9732351 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34622-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
When Trypanosoma brucei parasites, the causative agent of sleeping sickness, colonize the adipose tissue, they rewire gene expression. Whether this adaptation affects population behavior and disease treatment remained unknown. By using a mathematical model, we estimate that the population of adipose tissue forms (ATFs) proliferates slower than blood parasites. Analysis of the ATFs proteome, measurement of protein synthesis and proliferation rates confirm that the ATFs divide on average every 12 h, instead of 6 h in the blood. Importantly, the population of ATFs is heterogeneous with parasites doubling times ranging between 5 h and 35 h. Slow-proliferating parasites remain capable of reverting to the fast proliferation profile in blood conditions. Intravital imaging shows that ATFs are refractory to drug treatment. We propose that in adipose tissue, a subpopulation of T. brucei parasites acquire a slow growing behavior, which contributes to disease chronicity and treatment failure.
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13
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Smithson L, Ihuoma Akazue P, Findlater L, Gwira TM, Vaughan S, Sunter JD. Diversity in new flagellum tip attachment in bloodstream form African trypanosomes. Mol Microbiol 2022; 118:510-525. [PMID: 36056717 PMCID: PMC9826329 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The closely related parasites Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense, and T. vivax cause neglected tropical diseases collectively known as African Trypanosomiasis. A characteristic feature of bloodstream form T. brucei is the flagellum that is laterally attached to the side of the cell body. During the cell cycle, the new flagellum is formed alongside the old flagellum, with the new flagellum tip embedded within a mobile transmembrane junction called the groove. The molecular composition of the groove is currently unknown, which limits the analysis of this junction and assessment of its conservation in related trypanosomatids. Here, we identified 13 proteins that localize to the flagellar groove through a small-scale tagging screen. Functional analysis of a subset of these proteins by RNAi and gene deletion revealed three proteins, FCP4/TbKin15, FCP7, and FAZ45, that are involved in new flagellum tip attachment to the groove. Despite possessing orthologues of all 13 groove proteins, T. congolense and T. vivax did not assemble a canonical groove around the new flagellum tip according to 3D electron microscopy. This diversity in new flagellum tip attachment points to the rapid evolution of membrane-cytoskeleton structures that can occur without large changes in gene complement and likely reflects the niche specialization of each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Smithson
- Department of Biological and Medical SciencesOxford Brookes UniversityOxfordUK
| | - Pearl Ihuoma Akazue
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life SciencesUniversity of BeninBenin CityNigeria
| | - Lucy Findlater
- Sir William Dunn School of PathologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Theresa Manful Gwira
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
| | - Sue Vaughan
- Department of Biological and Medical SciencesOxford Brookes UniversityOxfordUK
| | - Jack D. Sunter
- Department of Biological and Medical SciencesOxford Brookes UniversityOxfordUK
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Silva Pereira S, De Niz M, Serre K, Ouarné M, Coelho JE, Franco CA, Figueiredo L. Immunopathology and Trypanosoma congolense parasite sequestration cause acute cerebral trypanosomiasis. eLife 2022; 11:77440. [PMID: 35787830 PMCID: PMC9307270 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77440] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma congolense causes a syndrome of variable severity in animals in Africa. Cerebral trypanosomiasis is a severe form, but the mechanism underlying this severity remains unknown. We developed a mouse model of acute cerebral trypanosomiasis and characterized the cellular, behavioral, and physiological consequences of this infection. We show large parasite sequestration in the brain vasculature for long periods of time (up to 8 hr) and extensive neuropathology that associate with ICAM1-mediated recruitment and accumulation of T cells in the brain parenchyma. Antibody-mediated ICAM1 blocking and lymphocyte absence reduce parasite sequestration in the brain and prevent the onset of cerebral trypanosomiasis. Here, we establish a mouse model of acute cerebral trypanosomiasis and we propose a mechanism whereby parasite sequestration, host ICAM1, and CD4+ T cells play a pivotal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Karine Serre
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marie Ouarné
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana E Coelho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudio A Franco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luisa Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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15
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Giulietti L, Nedberg HJ, Karlsbakk E, Marathe NP, Storesund JE, Mæhle S, Fiksdal IU, Ghebretnsae DB, Levsen A. Distribution of Kudoa thyrsites (Cnidaria, Myxozoa) myoliquefactive stages in Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) inferred from qPCR and histology. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2325-2336. [PMID: 35716177 PMCID: PMC9279243 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07575-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Kudoa thyrsites is a myxosporean parasite (Cnidaria, Myxozoa) that infects the skeletal and cardiac muscle of Northeast Atlantic (NEA) mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Heavy infections are associated with post-mortem myoliquefaction of the host skeletal muscle which reduces the quality of the fish product. The biological infection characteristics of the parasite in NEA mackerel are poorly known. This study examined the distribution of K. thyrsites in various organs of NEA mackerel from the northern North Sea, and elucidates the relationship between density of infection, developmental stage and parasite distribution in the musculature, and the extent of visible flesh myoliquefaction. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) data showed that K. thyrsites is unevenly distributed in the somatic musculature of the fish host, with highest density in the anterior ventral muscle sections—the belly flaps. A weak positive correlation was observed between the level of myoliquefaction and the parasite density in the fish host muscle. This relationship was also reflected by the amount and distribution of parasite developmental stages seen during histological examinations. Histological findings indicate an association between the dispersion of free myxospores and the level of myoliquefaction of the fish host muscle. Visceral organs were also found infected using qPCR, although at lower densities compared to the musculature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Johansen Nedberg
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway.,Department of Biological Sciences (BIO), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Egil Karlsbakk
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway.,Department of Biological Sciences (BIO), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Stig Mæhle
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Arne Levsen
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway
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16
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Martín-Escolano J, Marín C, Rosales MJ, Tsaousis AD, Medina-Carmona E, Martín-Escolano R. An Updated View of the Trypanosoma cruzi Life Cycle: Intervention Points for an Effective Treatment. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1107-1115. [PMID: 35652513 PMCID: PMC9194904 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Chagas disease (CD)
is a parasitic, systemic, chronic, and often
fatal illness caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma
cruzi. The World Health Organization classifies CD as the
most prevalent of poverty-promoting neglected tropical diseases, the
most important parasitic one, and the third most infectious disease
in Latin America. Currently, CD is a global public health issue that
affects 6–8 million people. However, the current approved treatments
are limited to two nitroheterocyclic drugs developed more than 50
years ago. Many efforts have been made in recent decades to find new
therapies, but our limited understanding of the infection process,
pathology development, and long-term nature of this disease has made
it impossible to develop new drugs, effective treatment, or vaccines.
This Review aims to provide a comprehensive update on our understanding
of the current life cycle, new morphological forms, and genetic diversity
of T. cruzi, as well as identify intervention points
in the life cycle where new drugs and treatments could achieve a parasitic
cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martín-Escolano
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, E41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María J. Rosales
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
| | - Encarnación Medina-Carmona
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
| | - Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, U.K
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17
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Kent RS, Briggs EM, Colon BL, Alvarez C, Silva Pereira S, De Niz M. Paving the Way: Contributions of Big Data to Apicomplexan and Kinetoplastid Research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:900878. [PMID: 35734575 PMCID: PMC9207352 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.900878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the age of big data an important question is how to ensure we make the most out of the resources we generate. In this review, we discuss the major methods used in Apicomplexan and Kinetoplastid research to produce big datasets and advance our understanding of Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Trypanosoma and Leishmania biology. We debate the benefits and limitations of the current technologies, and propose future advancements that may be key to improving our use of these techniques. Finally, we consider the difficulties the field faces when trying to make the most of the abundance of data that has already been, and will continue to be, generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn S. Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Emma M. Briggs
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrice L. Colon
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Catalina Alvarez
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Mariana De Niz,
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18
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Ohiolei JA, Yan HB, Odeniran PO, Li L, Shumuye NA, Qurishi SA, Isaac C, Fu BQ, Jia WZ. Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in animal intermediate hosts: what is with the organ location? Vet Parasitol 2022; 304:109695. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Toontong P, Sunantaraporn S, Tiawsirisup S, Pengsakul T, Boonserm R, Phumee A, Siriyasatien P, Preativatanyou K. First Report of Anuran Trypanosoma DNA in Flat-Tailed House Geckos (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) Collected from Southern Thailand: No Evidence as a Reservoir for Human Trypanosomatids. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020247. [PMID: 35215190 PMCID: PMC8877104 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020247] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, cases of autochthonous leishmaniasis have been dramatically increasing in Thailand. Recently, several publications have claimed certain species of the phlebotomine sand flies and biting midges potentially serve as natural vectors of Leishmania and Trypanosoma species in this country. However, more information regarding the vector–parasite relationships, as well as their natural reservoirs in the country, still needs to be explored. Herein, we hypothesized that synanthropic reptiles in the leishmaniasis-affected area might be a natural reservoir for these parasites. In this present study, a total of nineteen flat-tailed house geckos were collected from the house of a leishmaniasis patient in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, and then dissected for their visceral organs for parasite detection. Small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1)-specific amplifications were conducted to verify the presence of Trypanosoma and Leishmania parasites, respectively. Only Trypanosoma DNA was screened positive in eight gecko individuals by SSU rRNA-PCR in at least one visceral organ (4, 4, and 6 of the heart, liver, and spleen, respectively) and phylogenetically related to the anuran Trypanosoma spp. (An04/Frog1 clade) previously detected in three Asian sand fly species (Phlebotomus kazeruni, Sergentomyia indica, and Se. khawi). Hence, our data indicate the first detection of anuran Trypanosoma sp. in the flat-tailed house geckos from southern Thailand. Essentially, it can be inferred that there is no evidence for the flat-tailed house gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) as a natural reservoir of human pathogenic trypanosomatids in the leishmaniasis-affected area of southern Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapimporn Toontong
- Medical Parasitology Program, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Sakone Sunantaraporn
- Medical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Sonthaya Tiawsirisup
- Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Theerakamol Pengsakul
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand;
| | - Rungfar Boonserm
- Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Atchara Phumee
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80610, Thailand;
- Excellent Center for Dengue and Community Public Health (EC for DACH), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80610, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Kanok Preativatanyou
- Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.B.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +662-256-4387
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20
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Medina-Rincón GJ, Gallo-Bernal S, Jiménez PA, Cruz-Saavedra L, Ramírez JD, Rodríguez MJ, Medina-Mur R, Díaz-Nassif G, Valderrama-Achury MD, Medina HM. Molecular and Clinical Aspects of Chronic Manifestations in Chagas Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111493. [PMID: 34832648 PMCID: PMC8619182 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic manifestations of Chagas disease present as disabling and life-threatening conditions affecting mainly the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Although meaningful research has outlined the different molecular mechanisms underlying Trypanosoma cruzi’s infection and the host-parasite interactions that follow, prompt diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge, particularly in developing countries and also in those where the disease is considered non-endemic. This review intends to present an up-to-date review of the parasite’s life cycle, genetic diversity, virulence factors, and infective mechanisms, as well as the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options of the main chronic complications of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán J. Medina-Rincón
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (S.G.-B.); (M.D.V.-A.); (H.M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-310-817-2369
| | - Sebastián Gallo-Bernal
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (S.G.-B.); (M.D.V.-A.); (H.M.M.)
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Paula A. Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (P.A.J.); (L.C.-S.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (P.A.J.); (L.C.-S.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (P.A.J.); (L.C.-S.); (J.D.R.)
| | - María Juliana Rodríguez
- Division of Cardiology, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 110131, Colombia; (M.J.R.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Ramón Medina-Mur
- Division of Cardiology, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 110131, Colombia; (M.J.R.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Gustavo Díaz-Nassif
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 111221, Colombia;
| | | | - Héctor M. Medina
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (S.G.-B.); (M.D.V.-A.); (H.M.M.)
- Division of Cardiology, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 110131, Colombia; (M.J.R.); (R.M.-M.)
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21
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Roche SM, Holbert S, Le Vern Y, Rossignol C, Rossignol A, Velge P, Virlogeux-Payant I. A large panel of chicken cells are invaded in vivo by Salmonella Typhimurium even when depleted of all known invasion factors. Open Biol 2021; 11:210117. [PMID: 34784793 PMCID: PMC8596019 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Poultry are the main source of human infection by Salmonella. As infected poultry are asymptomatic, identifying infected poultry farms is difficult, thus controlling animal infections is of primary importance. As cell tropism is known to govern disease, our aim was therefore to identify infected host-cell types in the organs of chicks known to be involved in Salmonella infection and investigate the role of the three known invasion factors in this process (T3SS-1, Rck and PagN). Chicks were inoculated with wild-type or isogenic fluorescent Salmonella Typhimurium mutants via the intracoelomic route. Our results show that liver, spleen, gall bladder and aortic vessels could be foci of infection, and that phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells, including immune, epithelial and endothelial cells, are invaded in vivo in each organ. Moreover, a mutant defective for the T3SS-1, Rck and PagN remained able to colonize organs like the wild-type strain and invaded non-phagocytic cells in each organ studied. As the infection of the gall bladder had not previously been described in chicks, invasion of gall bladder cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and infection was shown to last several weeks after inoculation. Altogether, for the first time these findings provide insights into cell tropism of Salmonella in relevant organs involved in Salmonella infection in chicks and also demonstrate that the known invasion factors are not required for entry into these cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Roche
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - S. Holbert
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Y. Le Vern
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - C. Rossignol
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - A. Rossignol
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - P. Velge
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France
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22
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Time-Dependent Testicular and Epididymal Damage in Rabbit Bucks Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei. MACEDONIAN VETERINARY REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/macvetrev-2021-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This study was designed to determine the progressive pathological changes in the testis and epididymis of rabbit bucks experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. brucei). Fifteen local rabbit bucks were divided into 2 groups comprising 8 bucks in group A and 7 bucks in group B. Bucks in group A were infected intraperitoneally with approximately 1.0×106 of T. brucei while bucks in group B served as the uninfected control. The bucks were closely monitored for clinical signs of trypanosomosis from the time of infection till the end of the study. One buck from each group was humanely sacrificed on days 9, 19, 29 and 38 post-infection (pi) and its testis and epididymis were examined for pathological changes. At post mortem, no gross lesions were observed in the infected bucks except for adhesion of the testis and epididymis to the scrotum on days 29 and 38 pi. There were no histological changes in the testis and epididymis of the infected buck sacrificed on day 9 pi apart from mild depletion of the epididymal sperm reserve. The buck infected on day 19 pi had moderate testicular degeneration but the epididymis was devoid of sperm reserve. Severe testicular and epididymal degeneration was observed in the buck on days 29 and 38 pi. The testis and epididymis of bucks from the control group were normal with evidence of spermatogenic activities and full epididymal sperm reserve throughout. The study shows that infected bucks were unfit for breeding from day 19 pi.
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De Niz M, Brás D, Ouarné M, Pedro M, Nascimento AM, Henao Misikova L, Franco CA, Figueiredo LM. Organotypic endothelial adhesion molecules are key for Trypanosoma brucei tropism and virulence. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109741. [PMID: 34551286 PMCID: PMC8480282 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei is responsible for lethal diseases in humans and cattle in Sub-Saharan Africa. These extracellular parasites extravasate from the blood circulation into several tissues. The importance of the vasculature in tissue tropism is poorly understood. Using intravital imaging and bioluminescence, we observe that gonadal white adipose tissue and pancreas are the two main parasite reservoirs. We show that reservoir establishment happens before vascular permeability is compromised, suggesting that extravasation is an active mechanism. Blocking endothelial surface adhesion molecules (E-selectin, P-selectins, or ICAM2) significantly reduces extravascular parasite density in all organs and delays host lethality. Remarkably, blocking CD36 has a specific effect on adipose tissue tropism that is sufficient to delay lethality, suggesting that establishment of the adipose tissue reservoir is necessary for parasite virulence. This work demonstrates the importance of the vasculature in a T. brucei infection and identifies organ-specific adhesion molecules as key players for tissue tropism. Our study investigates the blood vasculature for T. brucei reservoir establishment We show the pancreas is a large extravascular reservoir We establish that T. brucei tropism is linked to organotypic adhesion molecules Interfering with adhesion molecules impacts parasite virulence and host survival
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana De Niz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Daniela Brás
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Marie Ouarné
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Pedro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal; Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica 2825-149, Portugal
| | - Ana M Nascimento
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal; Bioimaging Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Lenka Henao Misikova
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Claudio A Franco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Luisa M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal.
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Machado H, Bizarra-Rebelo T, Costa-Sequeira M, Trindade S, Carvalho T, Rijo-Ferreira F, Rentroia-Pacheco B, Serre K, Figueiredo LM. Trypanosoma brucei triggers a broad immune response in the adipose tissue. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009933. [PMID: 34525131 PMCID: PMC8476018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue is one of the major reservoirs of Trypanosoma brucei parasites, the causative agent of sleeping sickness, a fatal disease in humans. In mice, the gonadal adipose tissue (AT) typically harbors 2–5 million parasites, while most solid organs show 10 to 100-fold fewer parasites. In this study, we tested whether the AT environment responds immunologically to the presence of the parasite. Transcriptome analysis of T. brucei infected adipose tissue revealed that most upregulated host genes are involved in inflammation and immune cell functions. Histochemistry and flow cytometry confirmed an increasingly higher number of infiltrated macrophages, neutrophils and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes upon infection. A large proportion of these lymphocytes effectively produce the type 1 effector cytokines, IFN-γ and TNF-α. Additionally, the adipose tissue showed accumulation of antigen-specific IgM and IgG antibodies as infection progressed. Mice lacking T and/or B cells (Rag2-/-, Jht-/-), or the signature cytokine (Ifng-/-) displayed a higher parasite load both in circulation and in the AT, demonstrating the key role of the adaptive immune system in both compartments. Interestingly, infections of C3-/- mice showed that while complement system is dispensable to control parasite load in the blood, it is necessary in the AT and other solid tissues. We conclude that T. brucei infection triggers a broad and robust immune response in the AT, which requires the complement system to locally reduce parasite burden. African trypanosomiasis is a neglected disease with significant socio-economic burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, a causative agent of African trypanosomiasis, can be found in the blood and extra-vascular spaces of the infected host. For an unknown reason, T. brucei accumulates in adipose tissue (AT) in very high numbers. Here we used a multidisciplinary approach to assess whether an immune response was mounted in AT during a T. brucei infection. We found that as infection progresses, a broad variety of immune cells and antibodies accumulate in the AT. We also found that this broad immune response is partially able to control parasite numbers in the AT. Our study provides evidence that T. brucei parasites present in the AT are subjected to immune surveillance. The reason why T. brucei accumulates to such a high extent in AT remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Machado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago Bizarra-Rebelo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana Costa-Sequeira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra Trindade
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tânia Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa Rijo-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Barbara Rentroia-Pacheco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Karine Serre
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail: (KS); (LMF)
| | - Luisa M. Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail: (KS); (LMF)
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25
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Gahura O, Hierro-Yap C, Zíková A. Redesigned and reversed: architectural and functional oddities of the trypanosomal ATP synthase. Parasitology 2021; 148:1151-1160. [PMID: 33551002 PMCID: PMC8311965 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial F-type adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthases are commonly introduced as highly conserved membrane-embedded rotary machines generating the majority of cellular ATP. This simplified view neglects recently revealed striking compositional diversity of the enzyme and the fact that in specific life stages of some parasites, the physiological role of the enzyme is to maintain the mitochondrial membrane potential at the expense of ATP rather than to produce ATP. In addition, mitochondrial ATP synthases contribute indirectly to the organelle's other functions because they belong to major determinants of submitochondrial morphology. Here, we review current knowledge about the trypanosomal ATP synthase composition and architecture in the context of recent advances in the structural characterization of counterpart enzymes from several eukaryotic supergroups. We also discuss the physiological function of mitochondrial ATP synthases in three trypanosomatid parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania, with a focus on their disease-causing life cycle stages. We highlight the reversed proton-pumping role of the ATP synthase in the T. brucei bloodstream form, the enzyme's potential link to the regulation of parasite's glycolysis and its role in generating mitochondrial membrane potential in the absence of mitochondrial DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Gahura
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Carolina Hierro-Yap
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Zíková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
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26
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Abstract
African trypanosomes are responsible for important diseases of humans and animals in sub-Saharan Africa. The best-studied species is Trypanosoma brucei, which is characterized by development in the mammalian host between morphologically slender and stumpy forms. The latter are adapted for transmission by the parasite's vector, the tsetse fly. The development of stumpy forms is driven by density-dependent quorum-sensing (QS), the molecular basis for which is now coming to light. In this review, I discuss the historical context and biological features of trypanosome QS and how it contributes to the parasite's infection dynamics within its mammalian host. Also, I discuss how QS can be lost in different trypanosome species, such as T. brucei evansi and T. brucei equiperdum, or modulated when parasites find themselves competing with others of different genotypes or of different trypanosome species in the same host. Finally, I consider the potential to exploit trypanosome QS therapeutically. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R Matthews
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, United Kingdom;
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Prevalence of Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax in Lira District, Uganda. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:7284042. [PMID: 34222483 PMCID: PMC8219416 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7284042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomes are the causative agents of animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), the former affecting domestic animals prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. The main species causing AAT in cattle are T. congolense, T. vivax, and T. b. brucei. Northern Uganda has been politically unstable with no form of vector control in place. The return of displaced inhabitants led to the restocking of cattle from AAT endemic areas. It was thus important to estimate the burden of trypanosomiasis in the region. This study was designed to compare the prevalence of animal African trypanosomes in cattle in Lira District using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction amplification (PCR) methods. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 254 cattle from the three villages of Acanakwo A, Barropok, and Acungkena in Lira District, Uganda, were selected by simple random sampling technique and screened for trypanosomiasis using microscopy and PCR methods. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis according to microscopic results was 5/254 (2.0%) as compared to 11/254 (4.3%) trypanosomiasis prevalence according to PCR analysis. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis infection in the animal studied is 11/254 (4.3%). Trypanosoma congolense was the most dominant trypanosome species with a proportion of 9/11 (81.8%), followed by T. vivax 1/11 (9.1%) and mixed infection of T. congolense/T. vivax1/11 (9.1%). Barropok village had the highest prevalence of trypanosomiasis with 6/11 (54.5%). There is a statistically significant relationship (OR = 6.041; 95% CI: 1.634-22.331; p < 0.05) between abnormal PCV and trypanosome infection. Polymerase reaction amplification was the most reliable diagnostic method due to its high sensitivity and specificity as compared to the conventional microscopic method. Polymerase reaction amplification appears to have adequate accuracy to substitute the use of a microscope where facilities allow. This study, therefore, underscores the urgent need for local surveillance schemes more especially at the grassroots in Uganda to provide data for reference guideline development needed for the control of trypanosomiasis in Uganda.
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Matthews DJ, Saunders AB, Meyers AC, Gordon SG, Hamer SA. Cardiac diagnostic test results and outcomes in 44 dogs naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1800-1809. [PMID: 33993542 PMCID: PMC8295658 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16166] [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: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes myocarditis in dogs. Objectives To describe the cardiac diagnostic test results and outcomes of dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi. Animals Forty‐four client‐owned dogs. Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs with an indirect fluorescent antibody test result for T. cruzi ≥1 : 80. Data collected included signalment, cardiac diagnostic test results (ECG, echocardiography, cardiac troponin I) and outcome. Outcomes were categorized as alive, dead (cardiac or noncardiac) or lost to follow up. Results ECG abnormalities were present in 41 dogs with ventricular arrhythmias (n = 28) and atrioventricular block (AVB) (n = 15) most commonly identified. Echocardiographic chamber enlargement was present in 28 dogs and most often included the right ventricle (RV) (n = 15) and left atrium (n = 12). Troponin was ≥2 times the reference range in 20/36 (56%) dogs. In univariate analysis using nonparametric Kaplan‐Meier, ventricular arrhythmias with a modified Lown score ≥2 (P = .02), presence of AVB (P = .04), and RV enlargement (P = .006) were associated with decreased survival times. Right ventricular enlargement (HR 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4‐9.3; P = .007) and higher body weight at presentation (HR 1.0; 95% CI 1.0‐1.1; P = .04) were associated with decreased time to death in the final explanatory multivariable model. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Cardiac abnormalities were common and variable, and RV enlargement was associated with shorter survival time. A diagnostic evaluation that includes screening for arrhythmias, echocardiography, and cTnI can provide useful information related to the characterization of heart disease in dogs seropositive for T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Matthews
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sonya G Gordon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Chagas Cardiomyopathy: From Romaña Sign to Heart Failure and Sudden Cardiac Death. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050505. [PMID: 33922366 PMCID: PMC8145478 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050505] [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: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite nearly a century of research and accounting for the highest disease burden of any parasitic disease in the Western Hemisphere, Chagas disease (CD) is still a challenging diagnosis, primarily due to its poor recognition outside of Latin America. Although initially considered endemic to Central and South America, globalization, urbanization, and increased migration have spread the disease worldwide in the last few years, making it a significant public health threat. The international medical community’s apparent lack of interest in this disease that was previously thought to be geographically restricted has delayed research on the complex host–parasite relationship that determines myocardial involvement and its differential behavior from other forms of cardiomyopathy, particularly regarding treatment strategies. Multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to degenerative, inflammatory, and fibrotic myocardial responses have been identified and warrant further research to expand the therapeutic arsenal and impact the high burden attributed to CD. Altogether, cardiac dysautonomia, microvascular disturbances, parasite-mediated myocardial damage, and chronic immune-mediated injury are responsible for the disease’s clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic disease to severe cardiac and gastrointestinal involvement. It is crucial for healthcare workers to better understand CD transmission and disease dynamics, including its behavior on both its acute and chronic phases, to make adequate and evidence-based decisions regarding the disease. This review aims to summarize the most recent information on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, screening, and treatment of CD, emphasizing on Chagasic cardiomyopathy’s (Ch-CMP) clinical presentation and pathobiological mechanisms leading to sudden cardiac death.
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30
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Ding Z. Lipid metabolism disorders contribute to the pathogenesis of Hepatospora eriocheir in the crab Eriocheir sinensis. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2021; 44:305-313. [PMID: 33105037 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The microsporidia Hepatospora eriocheir has been identified as an emerging pathogenic agent in the commercial crab Eriocheir sinensis. Histology analysis indicated that hepatopancreas was a significant target for H. eriocheir infection. However, the functional consequences of such tissue tropism remain poorly studied. Considering that hepatopancreas was a centre for lipid metabolism and energy supply, we furtherly investigated the comparative lipid metabolism profiles between the control and H. eriocheir-infected hepatopancreas by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based lipidomics approach. Results confirmed that H. eriocheir induced apparent alterations of lipid metabolic phenotypes in hepatopancreas. Sixty-seven lipids, including triglyceride (TG), diglyceride (DG), sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylinositol (PI), ceramide (CER), hexosyl ceramide (HEX CER) and (o-acyl)-1-hydroxy fatty acid (OAHFA), were significantly changed and could be determined as effective biomarkers. TG and DG accounted for the largest proportion (58.2% and 11.9%, respectively). Notably, over 94% of the distinguished lipids presented a similar modified trend with profoundly reduced contents, implying blatant energy exploitation of the parasite. These lipids were involved in pathways of energy and lipid metabolism and signal regulation. Such information suggests that H. eriocheir possibly "starves" the host via destructing hepatopancreas tissue together with appropriate host energy resources, leading to the corresponding alterations of lipid metabolism and a decrease in the colour of the hepatopancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfeng Ding
- Institute of Aquatic Biology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biofunctional Molecules, College of Life Science and Chemistry, Jiangsu Second Normal University, Nanjing, China
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31
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Hzounda Fokou JB, Dize D, Etame Loe GM, Nko'o MHJ, Ngene JP, Ngoule CC, Boyom FF. Anti-leishmanial and anti-trypanosomal natural products from endophytes. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:785-796. [PMID: 33409640 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi are parasites belonging to the Trypanosomatidae family and the causative agents for two very important neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), namely leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis, respectively. Together, they affect millions of people worldwide and the number of cases is constantly rising; thus, further effort on identifying and developing non-toxic, affordable and effective new drug is urgently needed to overcome this alarming situation. Exploring natural products from fungal and bacterial origin remains hitherto a valuable approach to find new hits and candidates for the development of new drugs against these protozoal human infections. Endophytes, which are microorganisms (fungal and bacterial) inhabiting plant tissues, represent a promising source, as they hold potential to produce a high number of distinct chemical scaffolds. These structurally diverse natural products have previously been successfully tested against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. The present review provides an update of endophytic compounds exerting anti-trypanosomal and anti-leishmanial effects and their predicted pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Baptiste Hzounda Fokou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon.
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Darline Dize
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Gisele Marguerite Etame Loe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Moise Henri Julien Nko'o
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Jean Pierre Ngene
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Charles Christian Ngoule
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Fabrice Fekam Boyom
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Rijo-Ferreira F, Takahashi JS. Sleeping Sickness: A Tale of Two Clocks. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:525097. [PMID: 33134186 PMCID: PMC7562814 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.525097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleeping sickness is caused by a eukaryotic unicellular parasite known to infect wild animals, cattle, and humans. It causes a fatal disease that disrupts many rhythmic physiological processes, including daily rhythms of hormonal secretion, temperature regulation, and sleep, all of which are under circadian (24-h) control. In this review, we summarize research on sleeping sickness parasite biology and the impact it has on host health. We also consider the possible evolutionary advantages of sleep and circadian deregulation for the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Rijo-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Joseph S Takahashi
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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Motility patterns of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes correlate with the efficiency of parasite invasion in vitro. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15894. [PMID: 32985548 PMCID: PMC7522242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous works have demonstrated that trypanosomatid motility is relevant for parasite replication and sensitivity. Nonetheless, although some findings indirectly suggest that motility also plays an important role during infection, this has not been extensively investigated. This work is aimed at partially filling this void for the case of Trypanosoma cruzi. After recording swimming T. cruzi trypomastigotes (CL Brener strain) and recovering their individual trajectories, we statistically analyzed parasite motility patterns. We did this with parasites that swim alone or above monolayer cultures of different cell lines. Our results indicate that T. cruzi trypomastigotes change their motility patterns when they are in the presence of mammalian cells, in a cell-line dependent manner. We further performed infection experiments in which each of the mammalian cell cultures were incubated for 2 h together with trypomastigotes, and measured the corresponding invasion efficiency. Not only this parameter varied from cell line to cell line, but it resulted to be positively correlated with the corresponding intensity of the motility pattern changes. Together, these results suggest that T. cruzi trypomastigotes are capable of sensing the presence of mammalian cells and of changing their motility patterns accordingly, and that this might increase their invasion efficiency.
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34
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Brivio MF, Mastore M. When Appearance Misleads: The Role of the Entomopathogen Surface in the Relationship with Its Host. INSECTS 2020; 11:E387. [PMID: 32585858 PMCID: PMC7348879 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Currently, potentially harmful insects are controlled mainly by chemical synthetic insecticides, but environmental emergencies strongly require less invasive control techniques. The use of biological insecticides in the form of entomopathogenic organisms is undoubtedly a fundamental resource for the biological control of insect pests in the future. These infectious agents and endogenous parasites generally act by profoundly altering the host's physiology to death, but their success is closely related to the neutralization of the target insect's immune response. In general, entomopathogen parasites, entomopathogenic bacteria, and fungi can counteract immune processes through the effects of secretion/excretion products that interfere with and damage the cells and molecules typical of innate immunity. However, these effects are observed in the later stages of infection, whereas the risk of being recognized and neutralized occurs very early after penetration and involves the pathogen surface components and molecular architecture; therefore, their role becomes crucial, particularly in the earliest pathogenesis. In this review, we analyze the evasion/interference strategies that entomopathogens such as the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, fungi, nematocomplexes, and wasps implement in the initial stages of infection, i.e., the phases during which body or cell surfaces play a key role in the interaction with the host receptors responsible for the immunological discrimination between self and non-self. In this regard, these organisms demonstrate evasive abilities ascribed to their body surface and cell wall; it appears that the key process of these mechanisms is the capability to modify the surface, converting it into an immunocompatible structure, or interaction that is more or less specific to host factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Francesco Brivio
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology and Parasitology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
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35
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Identifying Cattle Breed-Specific Partner Choice of Transcription Factors during the African Trypanosomiasis Disease Progression Using Bioinformatics Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020246. [PMID: 32456126 PMCID: PMC7350023 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020246] [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] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a disease caused by pathogenic trypanosomes which affects millions of livestock every year causing huge economic losses in agricultural production especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is spread by the tsetse fly which carries the parasite in its saliva. During the disease progression, the cattle are prominently subjected to anaemia, weight loss, intermittent fever, chills, neuronal degeneration, congestive heart failure, and finally death. According to their different genetic programs governing the level of tolerance to AAT, cattle breeds are classified as either resistant or susceptible. In this study, we focus on the cattle breeds N’Dama and Boran which are known to be resistant and susceptible to trypanosomiasis, respectively. Despite the rich literature on both breeds, the gene regulatory mechanisms of the underlying biological processes for their resistance and susceptibility have not been extensively studied. To address the limited knowledge about the tissue-specific transcription factor (TF) cooperations associated with trypanosomiasis, we investigated gene expression data from these cattle breeds computationally. Consequently, we identified significant cooperative TF pairs (especially DBP−PPARA and DBP−THAP1 in N’Dama and DBP−PAX8 in Boran liver tissue) which could help understand the underlying AAT tolerance/susceptibility mechanism in both cattle breeds.
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Romero-Meza G, Mugnier MR. Trypanosoma brucei. Trends Parasitol 2019; 36:571-572. [PMID: 31757771 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Romero-Meza
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Monica R Mugnier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Sima N, McLaughlin EJ, Hutchinson S, Glover L. Escaping the immune system by DNA repair and recombination in African trypanosomes. Open Biol 2019; 9:190182. [PMID: 31718509 PMCID: PMC6893398 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomes escape the mammalian immune response by antigenic variation-the periodic exchange of one surface coat protein, in Trypanosoma brucei the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), for an immunologically distinct one. VSG transcription is monoallelic, with only one VSG being expressed at a time from a specialized locus, known as an expression site. VSG switching is a predominantly recombination-driven process that allows VSG sequences to be recombined into the active expression site either replacing the currently active VSG or generating a 'new' VSG by segmental gene conversion. In this review, we describe what is known about the factors that influence this process, focusing specifically on DNA repair and recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Sima
- Trypanosome Molecular Biology, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Emilia Jane McLaughlin
- Trypanosome Molecular Biology, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sebastian Hutchinson
- Trypanosome Cell Biology and INSERM U1201, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Lucy Glover
- Trypanosome Molecular Biology, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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De Niz M, Meehan GR, Tavares J. Intravital microscopy: Imaging host-parasite interactions in lymphoid organs. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e13117. [PMID: 31512335 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13117] [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: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intravital microscopy allows imaging of biological phenomena within living animals, including host-parasite interactions. This has advanced our understanding of both, the function of lymphoid organs during parasitic infections, and the effect of parasites on such organs to allow their survival. In parasitic research, recent developments in this technique have been crucial for the direct study of host-parasite interactions within organs at depths, speeds and resolution previously difficult to achieve. Lymphoid organs have gained more attention as we start to understand their function during parasitic infections and the effect of parasites on them. In this review, we summarise technical and biological findings achieved by intravital microscopy with respect to the interaction of various parasites with host lymphoid organs, namely the bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen and the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, and present a view into possible future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana De Niz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Heussler Lab, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gavin R Meehan
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joana Tavares
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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