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Yang X, Zhou Y, Tan S, Tian X, Meng X, Li Y, Zhou B, Zhao G, Ge X, He C, Cheng W, Zhang Y, Zheng K, Yin K, Yu Y, Pan W. Alterations in gut microbiota contribute to cognitive deficits induced by chronic infection of Toxoplasma gondii. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:394-407. [PMID: 38608743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) emerges as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate whether gut microbiota and its metabolites play a role in T. gondii-induced cognitive deficits. We found that T. gondii infection induced cognitive deficits in mice, which was characterized by synaptic ultrastructure impairment and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. Moreover, the infection led to gut microbiota dysbiosis, barrier integrity impairment, and inflammation in the colon. Interestingly, broad-spectrum antibiotic ablation of gut microbiota attenuated the adverse effects of the parasitic infection on the cognitive function in mice; cognitive deficits and hippocampal pathological changes were transferred from the infected mice to control mice by fecal microbiota transplantation. In addition, the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and the production of serum butyrate were decreased in infected mice. Interestingly, dietary supplementation of butyrate ameliorated T. gondii-induced cognitive impairment in mice. Notably, compared to the healthy controls, decreased butyrate production was observed in the serum of human subjects with high levels of anti-T. gondii IgG. Overall, this study demonstrates that gut microbiota is a key regulator of T. gondii-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yuying Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Shimin Tan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiaokang Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xianran Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Beibei Zhou
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China
| | - Guihua Zhao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China
| | - Xing Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Cheng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Wanpeng Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Kun Yin
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China.
| | - Yinghua Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Wei Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
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2
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Hong S, Choi JH, Oh S, Yi MH, Kim SL, Kim M, Lee CW, Yang HJ, Chai JY, Yong TS, Jung BK, Kim JY. Gut microbiota differences induced by Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in stray cats in South Korea. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2413-2421. [PMID: 37596434 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07943-y] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
T. gondii is a highly prevalent parasite worldwide, with cats serving as its final host. However, few studies have investigated the impact of T. gondii infection on cat gut microbiota. Therefore, this study examined the influence of T. gondii infection on the gut microbiota of stray cats and identified potential pathogens in their feces. This study examined T. gondii infection through blood of stray cats and the influence of microbiota in their feces using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results revealed significant differences in gut microbiota composition and diversity between the T. gondii seropositive and seronegative groups. Seropositive samples displayed a lower number of operational taxonomic units and reduced Shannon index than the seronegative samples. The seropositive and seronegative groups exhibited enrichment of taxa, including Escherichia and Enterobacteriaceae and Collinsella, Bifidobacterium, and Roseburia, respectively. Furthermore, potential pathogen species, including Campylobacter, Escherichia, and Streptococcus, were identified in the fecal samples. These findings suggest that T. gondii infection significantly impacts gut microbiota composition and diversity in stray cats. Additionally, an increased potential pathogen load, represented by Escherichia spp., was observed. These results underscore the importance of monitoring the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in stray cats, as they can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooji Hong
- MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, 07649, Korea
- Department of Parasitology and Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, 07084, Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Singeun Oh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Myung-Hee Yi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Soo Lim Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Myungjun Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | | | - Hyun-Jong Yang
- Department of Parasitology and Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, 07084, Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Bong-Kwang Jung
- MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, 07649, Korea.
| | - Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
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3
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Meng JX, Wei XY, Guo H, Chen Y, Wang W, Geng HL, Yang X, Jiang J, Zhang XX. Metagenomic insights into the composition and function of the gut microbiota of mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1156397. [PMID: 37090719 PMCID: PMC10118048 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1156397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite Toxoplasma gondii infection leading to dysbiosis and enteritis, the function of gut microbiota in toxoplasmosis has not been explored. Methods Here, shotgun metagenomics was employed to characterize the composition and function of mouse microbial community during acute and chronic T. gondii infection, respectively. Results The results revealed that the diversity of gut bacteria was decreased immediately after T. gondii infection, and was increased with the duration of infection. In addition, T. gondii infection led to gut microbiota dysbiosis both in acute and chronic infection periods. Therein, several signatures, including depression of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and infection-enriched Proteobacteria, were observed in the chronic period, which may contribute to aggravated gut inflammation and disease severity. Functional analysis showed that a large amount of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) family displayed distinct variation in abundance between infected and healthy mice. The lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis related pathways were activated in the chronic infection period, which might lead to immune system imbalance and involve in intestinal inflammation. Moreover, microbial and functional spectrums were more disordered in chronic than acute infection periods, thus implying gut microbiota was more likely to participate in disease process in the chronically infected mice, even exacerbated immunologic derangement and disease progression. Discussion Our data indicate that the gut microbiota plays a potentially important role in protecting mice from T. gondii infection, and contributes to better understand the association between gut microbiota and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xin Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wei
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Huanping Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hong-Li Geng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiang Jiang
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Xuan Zhang,
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4
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Yan X, Sun Y, Yu X, Gao J, Wang H, Liang R, Han W, Jin X, Guo W, Liu P, Chen J. Study on the effect of koumiss on reactivation of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1032271. [PMID: 36337653 PMCID: PMC9630357 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1032271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects nucleated cells of all warm-blooded animals, and most patients have latent infections. The latent infection will be reactivated in the immunocompromised or immunocompromised individuals, which will lead to severe toxoplasmosis. At present, less research has been focused on the reactivation of T. gondii infection. Koumiss is a kind of fermented milk made from fresh mare’s milk through natural fermentation that can be applied to clinical and rehabilitation medicine to mitigate the development of various diseases due to its unique functional characteristics. In this study, we explored the antagonistic effect of koumiss on reactivation of T. gondii infection. Mice were treated with dexamethasone to establish a reactivation model after infection with T. gondii and then treated with koumiss. The survival rate, SHIRPA test, serum cytokine levels, organ parasite burden and intestinal microbiota were measured, respectively. Our results showed that koumiss treatment improved the clinical symptoms of mice, significantly reduced the organ parasite burden of mice, and improved the composition and structure of intestinal flora. This study provides new evidence for the alleviation and treatment of toxoplasmosis and provides a novel idea for the development and utilization of koumiss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Yan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- *Correspondence: Xinlei Yan,
| | - Yufei Sun
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiuli Yu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jialu Gao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hejing Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ru Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Inner Mongolia Maternal, Child Health Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenying Han
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xindong Jin
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenhui Guo
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Pufang Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jia Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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5
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French T, Steffen J, Glas A, Osbelt L, Strowig T, Schott BH, Schüler T, Dunay IR. Persisting Microbiota and Neuronal Imbalance Following T. gondii Infection Reliant on the Infection Route. Front Immunol 2022; 13:920658. [PMID: 35898505 PMCID: PMC9311312 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.920658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly successful parasite capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals. The natural way of infection in intermediate hosts is the oral ingestion of parasite-contaminated water or food. In murine experimental models, oral infection (p.o.) of mice with T. gondii is applied to investigate mucosal and peripheral immune cell dynamics, whereas intraperitoneal infection (i.p.) is frequently used to study peripheral inflammation as well as immune cell – neuronal interaction in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the two infection routes have not yet been systematically compared along the course of infection. Here, C57BL/6 mice were infected p.o. or i.p. with a low dose of T. gondii cysts, and the acute and chronic stages of infection were compared. A more severe course of infection was detected following i.p. challenge, characterized by an increased weight loss and marked expression of proinflammatory cytokines particularly in the CNS during the chronic stage. The elevated proinflammatory cytokine expression in the ileum was more prominent after p.o. challenge that continued following the acute phase in both i.p. or p.o. infected mice. This resulted in sustained microbial dysbiosis, especially after p.o. challenge, highlighted by increased abundance of pathobionts from the phyla proteobacteria and a reduction of beneficial commensal species. Further, we revealed that in the CNS of i.p. infected mice CD4 and CD8 T cells displayed higher IFNγ production in the chronic stage. This corresponded with an increased expression of C1q and CD68 in the CNS and reduced expression of genes involved in neuronal signal transmission. Neuroinflammation-associated synaptic alterations, especially PSD-95, VGLUT, and EAAT2 expression, were more pronounced in the cortex upon i.p. infection highlighting the profound interplay between peripheral inflammation and CNS homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy French
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Steffen
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Albert Glas
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Osbelt
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Till Strowig
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Björn H. Schott
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schüler
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ildiko Rita Dunay,
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6
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Taggart PL, Liddicoat C, Tong WH, Breed MF, Weinstein P, Wheeler D, Vyas A. Gut microbiota composition does not associate with Toxoplasma infection in rats. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3963-3970. [PMID: 35621391 PMCID: PMC9546062 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma infection in intermediate host species closely associates with inflammation. This association has led to suggestions that the behavioural changes associated with infection may be indirectly driven by the resulting sustained inflammation rather than a direct behavioural manipulation by the parasite. If this is correct, sustained inflammation in chronically infected rodents should present as widespread differences in the gastrointestinal microbiota due to the dependency between the composition of these microbiota and sustained inflammation. We conducted a randomized controlled experiment in rats that were assigned to a Toxoplasma‐treatment, placebo‐treatment or negative control group. We euthanised rats during the chronic phase of infection, collected their caecal stool samples and sequenced the V3‐V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the bacterial community in these samples. Toxoplasma infection did not induce widespread differences in the bacterial community composition of the gastrointestinal tract of rats. Rather, we found sex differences in the bacterial community composition of rats. We conclude that it is unlikely that sustained inflammation is the mechanism driving the highly specific behavioural changes observed in Toxoplasma‐positive rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia, 2620.,School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 2033
| | - Craig Liddicoat
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.,School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Wen Han Tong
- Chief Scientist Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - David Wheeler
- Chief Scientist Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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7
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Sun HC, Huang J, Fu Y, Hao LL, Liu X, Shi TY. Enhancing Immune Responses to a DNA Vaccine Encoding Toxoplasma gondii GRA7 Using Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles as an Adjuvant. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:787635. [PMID: 34976863 PMCID: PMC8716823 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.787635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. DNA vaccines are an effective strategy against T. gondii infection, but these vaccines have often been poorly immunogenic due to the poor distribution of plasmids or degradation by lysosomes. It is necessary to evaluate the antigen delivery system for optimal vaccination strategy. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to modulate and enhance the cellular humoral immune response. Here, we studied the immunological properties of calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs) as nanoadjuvants to enhance the protective effect of T. gondii dense granule protein (GRA7). BALB/c mice were injected three times and then challenged with T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites. Mice vaccinated with GRA7-pEGFP-C2+nano-adjuvant (CaPNs) showed a strong cellular immune response, as monitored by elevated levels of anti-T. gondii-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), a higher IgG2a-to-IgG1 ratio, elevated interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ production, and low IL-4 levels. We found that a significantly higher level of splenocyte proliferation was induced by GRA7-pEGFP-C2+nano-adjuvant (CaPNs) immunization, and a significantly prolonged survival time and decreased parasite burden were observed in vaccine-immunized mice. These data indicated that CaPN-based immunization with T. gondii GRA7 is a promising approach to improve vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Chao Sun
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Animal Epidemic Surveillance, Zhejiang Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Fu
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Hao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tuan-Yuan Shi
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
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8
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Saraav I, Cervantes-Barragan L, Olias P, Fu Y, Wang Q, Wang L, Wang Y, Mack M, Baldridge MT, Stappenbeck T, Colonna M, Sibley LD. Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection enhances susceptibility to colitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2106730118. [PMID: 34462359 PMCID: PMC8433586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106730118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii results in dysbiosis and enteritis, both of which revert to normal during chronic infection. However, whether infection leaves a lasting impact on mucosal responses remains uncertain. Here we examined the effect of the chemical irritant dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) on intestinal damage and wound healing in chronically infected mice. Our findings indicate that prior infection with T. gondii exacerbates damage to the colon caused by DSS and impairs wound healing by suppressing stem cell regeneration of the epithelium. Enhanced tissue damage was attributable to inflammatory monocytes that emerge preactivated from bone marrow, migrate to the intestine, and release inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide. Tissue damage was reversed by neutralization of inflammatory monocytes or nitric oxide, revealing a causal mechanism for tissue damage. Our findings suggest that chronic infection with T. gondii enhances monocyte activation to increase inflammation associated with a secondary environmental insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iti Saraav
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Luisa Cervantes-Barragan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Philipp Olias
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yong Fu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Qiuling Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Leran Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Matthias Mack
- Department of Nephrology, University of Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Megan T Baldridge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Thaddeus Stappenbeck
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110;
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9
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Yang J, Yang C, Qian J, Li F, Zhao J, Fang R. Toxoplasma gondii α-amylase deletion mutant is a promising vaccine against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:2057-2069. [PMID: 32959958 PMCID: PMC7533317 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with inhibited immunity may develop lethal toxoplasmosis; thus, a safe and effective vaccine is urged to be developed. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) α-amylase (α-AMY) is one of the enzymes responsible for starch digestion. In the present study, we first generated a ME49Δα-amy mutant and discovered that loss of α-AMY robustly grew in vitro but contributed to significant virulence attenuation in vivo. Therefore, we established a mouse model to explore the protective immunity of Δα-amy mutant against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. The results indicated that the survival rates of short-term or long-term immunized mice re-infected with the tachyzoites of multiple T. gondii strains were nearly 100%. ME49Δα-amy not only could provide protective immunity against tachyzoites infection but also could resist the infection of tissue cysts. Furthermore, we detected that ME49Δα-amy vaccination could effectively eliminate the proliferation of parasites in mice and prevent the formation of cysts. The significant increases of Th1-type cytokines, Th2-type cytokines and specific total IgG and IgG subclasses (IgG2a and IgG1) confirmed efficiency of a combination of cellular and humoral immunity against infection. In conclusion, ME49Δα-amy attenuated strain can produce strong immune responses to provide efficient protection against toxoplasmosis, which signifies that ME49Δα-amy mutant may be a potential vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Chenghang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Jiahui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Facai Li
- College of Animal Science and TechnologySouthwest UniversityChongqing400715China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubei430070China
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10
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Kraeuter AK, Phillips R, Sarnyai Z. The Gut Microbiome in Psychosis From Mice to Men: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:799. [PMID: 32903683 PMCID: PMC7438757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome is rapidly becoming the focus of interest as a possible factor involved in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia emphasizes the role of systemic components, including immune/inflammatory and metabolic processes, which are influenced by and interacting with the gut microbiome. Here we systematically review the current literature on the gut microbiome in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and in their animal models. We found that the gut microbiome is altered in psychosis compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we identified potential factors related to psychosis, which may contribute to the gut microbiome alterations. However, further research is needed to establish the disease-specificity and potential causal relationships between changes of the microbiome and disease pathophysiology. This can open up the possibility of. manipulating the gut microbiome for improved symptom control and for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Katrin Kraeuter
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Riana Phillips
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Zoltán Sarnyai
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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11
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Corona CC, Zhang M, Wadhawan A, Daue ML, Groer MW, Dagdag A, Lowry CA, Hoisington AJ, Ryan KA, Stiller JW, Fuchs D, Mitchell BD, Postolache TT. Toxoplasma gondii IgG associations with sleep-wake problems, sleep duration and timing. Pteridines 2019; 30:1-9. [PMID: 30918422 PMCID: PMC6433149 DOI: 10.1515/pteridines-2019-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence links Toxoplasmagondii (T. gondii), a neurotropic parasite, with schizophrenia, mood disorders and suicidal behavior, all of which are associated and exacerbated by disrupted sleep. Moreover, low-grade immune activation and dopaminergic overstimulation, which are consequences of T. gondii infection, could alter sleep patterns and duration. Methods: Sleep data on 833 Amish participants [mean age (SD) = 44.28 (16.99) years; 59.06% women] were obtained via self-reported questionnaires that assessed sleep problems, duration and timing. T. gondii IgG was measured with ELISA. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regressions and linear mixed models, with adjustment for age, sex and family structure. Results: T. gondii seropositives reported less sleep problems (p < 0.005) and less daytime problems due to poor sleep (p < 0.005). Higher T. gondii titers were associated with longer sleep duration (p < 0.05), earlier bedtime (p< 0.005) earlier mid-sleep time (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It seems unlikely that sleep mediates the previously reported associations between T. gondii and mental illness. Future longitudinal studies with objective measures are necessary to replicate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine C Corona
- Mood and Anxiety Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Man Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimers, MD 21201, USA
| | - Abhishek Wadhawan
- Mood and Anxiety Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Psychiatry Residency Program, Washington, DC 20032, USA
| | - Melanie L Daue
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimers, MD 21201, USA, Program for Personalized and Genomic Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA, Geriatrics Research and Education Clinical Center, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Maureen W Groer
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida College of Nursing, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Aline Dagdag
- Mood and Anxiety Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA, Psychiatry Adult Inpatient & Behavioral Health, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO80045, USA, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, Military and Veteran. Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO80 045, USA
| | - Andrew J Hoisington
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, Military and Veteran. Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO80 045, USA, Department of Systems Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | - Kathleen A Ryan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimers, Md 21201, USA, Program for Personalized and Genomic Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - John W Stiller
- Mood and Anxiety Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Department of Neurology, Washington DC 20032, USA; Maryland State Athletic Commission, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Braxton D Mitchell
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimers, MD 21201, USA, Program for Personalized and Genomic Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA, Geriatrics Research and Education Clinical Center, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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