Immunization with the Entamoeba histolytica surface metalloprotease EhMSP-1 protects hamsters from amebic liver abscess

Extracellular Cysteine Proteases of Key Intestinal Protozoan Pathogens-Factors Linked to Virulence and Pathogenicity

Intestinal diseases caused by protistan parasites of the genera Giardia (giardiasis), Entamoeba (amoebiasis), Cryptosporidium (cryptosporidiosis) and Blastocystis (blastocystosis) represent a major burden in human and animal populations worldwide due to the severity of diarrhea and/or inflammation in susceptible hosts. These pathogens interact with epithelial cells, promoting increased paracellular permeability and enterocyte cell death (mainly apoptosis), which precede physiological and immunological disorders. Some cell-surface-anchored and molecules secreted from these parasites function as virulence markers, of which peptide hydrolases, particularly cysteine proteases (CPs), are abundant and have versatile lytic activities. Upon secretion, CPs can affect host tissues and immune responses beyond the site of parasite colonization, thereby increasing the pathogens' virulence. The four intestinal protists considered here are known to secrete predominantly clan A (C1- and C2-type) CPs, some of which have been characterized. CPs of Giardia duodenalis (e.g., Giardipain-1) and Entamoeba histolytica (EhCPs 1-6 and EhCP112) degrade mucin and villin, cause damage to intercellular junction proteins, induce apoptosis in epithelial cells and degrade immunoglobulins, cytokines and defensins. In Cryptosporidium, five Cryptopains are encoded in its genome, but only Cryptopains 4 and 5 are likely secreted. In Blastocystis sp., a legumain-activated CP, called Blastopain-1, and legumain itself have been detected in the extracellular medium, and the former has similar adverse effects on epithelial integrity and enterocyte survival. Due to their different functions, these enzymes could represent novel drug targets. Indeed, some promising results with CP inhibitors, such as vinyl sulfones (K11777 and WRR605), the garlic derivative, allicin, and purified amoebic CPs have been obtained in experimental models, suggesting that these enzymes might be useful drug targets.

Evaluation of the PEΔIII-LC3-KDEL3 Chimeric Protein of Entamoeba histolytica-Lectin as a Vaccine Candidate against Amebic Liver Abscess

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal parasite that causes dysentery and amebic liver abscess. E. histolytica has the capability to invade host tissue by union of virulence factor Gal/GalNAc lectin; this molecule induces an adherence-inhibitory antibody response as well as to protect against amebic liver abscess (ALA). The present work showed the effect of the immunization with PEΔIII-LC3-KDEL3 recombinant protein. In vitro, this candidate vaccine inhibited adherence of E. histolytica trophozoites to HepG2 cell monolayer, avoiding the cytolysis, and in a hamster model, we observed a vaccine-induced protection against the damage to tissue liver and the inhibition of uncontrolled inflammation. PEΔIII-LC3-KDEL3 reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB in all immunized groups at 4- and 7-day postinfection. The levels of IL-10, FOXP3, and IFN-γ were elevated at 7 days. The immunohistochemistry assay confirmed this result, revealing an elevated quantity of +IFN-γ cells in the liver tissue. ALA formation in hamsters immunized was minimal, and few trophozoites were identified. Hence, immunization with PEΔIII-LC3-KDEL3 herein prevented invasive amebiasis, avoided an acute proinflammatory response, and activated a protective response within a short time. Finally, this recombinant protein induced an increase of serum IgG.

Human intestinal parasitic infection: a narrative review on global prevalence and epidemiological insights on preventive, therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) is a global health concern among socioeconomically deprived communities in many developing countries. Many preventative strategies have been deployed to control IPI, however, there is a lack in standards on the techniques used to diagnose and monitor the prevalence of IPI.

AREAS COVERED

The present article will review the diseases associated with IPI and discuss the current IPI control strategies such as the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, community-led total sanitation (CLTS) approach, and regular anthelminthic treatments. For the first time, this review will also evaluate all currently practised diagnostic techniques for the detection of intestinal parasites and provide insights on future IPI control strategies.

EXPERT OPINION

Advanced and improved diagnostic methods such as qPCR coupled with a high-resolution melting curve, aptamers, biosensors, and detection of extracellular vesicles can be used for detection of IPI. Vaccination against intestinal parasites can be made available to increase antibodies to interfere with the blood-feeding process by the parasites, which subsequently reduces the reproductive rates of the parasites. These methods collectively can serve as future management strategies for intestinal parasitic infections.

Host Protective Mechanisms to Intestinal Amebiasis

The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amebiasis, an infection that manifests as colitis and, in some cases, liver abscess. A better understanding of host protective factors is key to developing an effective remedy. Recently, significant advances have been made in understanding the mechanisms of MUC2 production by goblet cells upon amebic infection, regulation of antimicrobial peptide production by Paneth cells, the interaction of commensal microbiota with immune stimulation, and host genetics in conferring protection from amebiasis. In addition to host pathways that may serve as potential therapeutic targets, significant progress has also been made with respect to development of a vaccine against amebiasis. Here, we aim to highlight the current understanding and knowledge gaps critically.

Syrian Hamster as an Animal Model for the Study on Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases still remain one of the biggest challenges for human health. In order to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and develop effective diagnostic tools, therapeutic agents, and preventive vaccines, a suitable animal model which can represent the characteristics of infectious is required. The Syrian hamster immune responses to infectious pathogens are similar to humans and as such, this model is advantageous for studying pathogenesis of infection including post-bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens, along with assessing the efficacy and interactions of medications and vaccines for those pathogens. This review summarizes the current status of Syrian hamster models and their use for understanding the underlying mechanisms of pathogen infection, in addition to their use as a drug discovery platform and provides a strong rationale for the selection of Syrian hamster as animal models in biomedical research. The challenges of using Syrian hamster as an alternative animal model for the research of infectious diseases are also addressed.

Environmental adaptation of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Entamoeba histolytica at genome level as seen by comparative genomic analysis

Amoebozoans are in many aspects interesting research objects, as they combine features of single-cell organisms with complex signaling and defense systems, comparable to multicellular organisms. Acanthamoeba castellanii is a cosmopolitan species and developed diverged feeding abilities and strong anti-bacterial resistance; Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic amoeba, who underwent massive gene loss and its genome is almost twice smaller than that of A. castellanii. Nevertheless, both species prosper, demonstrating fitness to their specific environments. Here we compare transcriptomes of A. castellanii and E. histolytica with application of orthologs' search and gene ontology to learn how different life strategies influence genome evolution and restructuring of physiology. A. castellanii demonstrates great metabolic activity and plasticity, while E. histolytica reveals several interesting features in its translational machinery, cytoskeleton, antioxidant protection, and nutritional behavior. In addition, we suggest new features in E. histolytica physiology that may explain its successful colonization of human colon and may facilitate medical research.

Nanoformulation of synergistic TLR ligands to enhance vaccination against Entamoeba histolytica

Diarrheal infectious diseases represent a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need for vaccines against diarrheal pathogens, especially parasites. Modern subunit vaccines rely on combining a highly purified antigen with an adjuvant to increase their efficacy. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of a nanoliposome adjuvant system to trigger a strong mucosal immune response to the Entamoeba histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin LecA antigen. CBA/J mice were immunized with alum, emulsion or liposome based formulations containing synthetic TLR agonists. A liposome formulation containing TLR4 and TLR7/8 agonists was selected based on its ability to generate intestinal IgA, plasma IgG2a/IgG1, IFN-γ and IL-17A. Immunization with a mucosal prime followed by a parenteral boost generated a high mucosal IgA response that inhibited adherence of parasites to mammalian cells. Inclusion of the immune potentiator all-trans retinoic acid in the regimen further improved the mucosal IgA response. Immunization protected from infection with up to 55% efficacy. Our results show that a nanoliposome delivery system containing TLR agonists is a promising prospect for the development of vaccines against enteric pathogens, especially when a multifaceted immune response is desired.

Evaluation of the C-Terminal Fragment of Entamoeba histolytica Gal/GalNAc Lectin Intermediate Subunit as a Vaccine Candidate against Amebic Liver Abscess

Background

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis, including amebic dysentery and liver abscesses. E. histolytica invades host tissues by adhering onto cells and phagocytosing them depending on the adaptation and expression of pathogenic factors, including Gal/GalNAc lectin. We have previously reported that E. histolytica possesses multiple CXXC sequence motifs, with the intermediate subunit of Gal/GalNAc lectin (i.e., Igl) as a key factor affecting the amoeba's pathogenicity. The present work showed the effect of immunization with recombinant Igl on amebic liver abscess formation and the corresponding immunological properties.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A prokaryotic expression system was used to prepare the full-length Igl and the N-terminal, middle, and C-terminal fragments (C-Igl) of Igl. Vaccine efficacy was assessed by challenging hamsters with an intrahepatic injection of E. histolytica trophozoites. Hamsters intramuscularly immunized with full-length Igl and C-Igl were found to be 92% and 96% immune to liver abscess formation, respectively. Immune-response evaluation revealed that C-Igl can generate significant humoral immune responses, with high levels of antibodies in sera from immunized hamsters inhibiting 80% of trophozoites adherence to mammalian cells and inducing 80% more complement-mediated lysis of trophozoites compared with the control. C-Igl was further assessed for its cellular response by cytokine-gene qPCR analysis. The productions of IL-4 (8.4-fold) and IL-10 (2-fold) in the spleen cells of immunized hamsters were enhanced after in vitro stimulation. IL-4 expression was also supported by increased programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 gene.

Conclusions/Significance

Immunobiochemical characterization strongly suggests the potential of recombinant Igl, especially the C-terminal fragment, as a vaccine candidate against amoebiasis. Moreover, protection through Th2-cell participation enabled effective humoral immunity against amebic liver abscesses.

Amebiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, is the second leading cause of death from protozoan diseases. Vaccination is considered as an effective strategy against amebiasis; however, clinical vaccines have yet to be developed. We previously reported that the intermediate subunit of Gal/GalNAc lectin (Igl) of E. histolytica is a key factor related to the adherence and cytotoxicity of this parasite to host cells. This study focused on the immune efficacy and immunological characterization of recombinant Igl and its fragments. Highly effective protection was observed in the hamsters immunized intramuscularly with the C-terminal fragment of Igl (C-Igl). C-Igl was further assessed to determine the immunological basis of protection. The immunized hamsters generated high levels of specific antibodies; these hamsters also showed an enhanced complementary-mediated lysis. The spleen cells from the immunized hamsters produced the cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 after these cells were stimulated by C-Igl in vitro. These results demonstrate that recombinant Igl, particularly the C-terminal fragment, is a candidate vaccine for amebiasis. Nevertheless, further studies on Igl should be conducted to explore the preliminary steps of the development of vaccines for human amebiasis.