Synthetic Plasmodium-like hemozoin activates the immune response: a morphology - function study

Role of inflammasomes in Toxoplasma and Plasmodium infections

BACKGROUND

The detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by multimeric protein complexes, known as inflammasomes, triggers an inflammatory response, which is a critical component of the innate immune system. This inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in host resistance against parasitic infections, presenting a significant global health challenge.

METHODS

We systematically searched for relevant articles from the Pubmed and the Web of Science database to summarize current insights into how inflammasomes function in preventing infections caused by the apicomplexan parasites Toxoplasma and Plasmodium.

RESULTS

In vivo and in vitro studies have extensively explored inflammasomes such as the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), NLR family pyrin-containing protein 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3, and NLRP12 inflammasomes, alongside noncanonical inflammasomes, with particular emphasis on the NLRP1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome during Toxoplasma gondii infection or the AIM2 and the NLRP3 inflammasome at various stages of Plasmodium infection. Toxoplasma gondii interacts with inflammasomes to activate or inhibit immune responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammasomes control parasite burden and parasite-induced cell death, contribute to immune recognition and inflammatory responses and thus influence apicomplexan parasite-associated pathogenesis and the severity of clinical outcomes. Hence, inflammasomes play crucial roles in the progression and outcomes of toxoplasmosis and malaria. A comprehensive understanding of how parasitic infections modulate inflammasome activity enhances insight into host immune responses against parasites.

Magneto-optical assessment of Plasmodium parasite growth via hemozoin crystal size

Hemozoin is a natural biomarker formed during the hemoglobin metabolism of Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria. The rotating-crystal magneto-optical detection (RMOD) has been developed for its rapid and sensitive detection both in cell cultures and patient samples. In the current article we demonstrate that, besides quantifying the overall concentration of hemozoin produced by the parasites, RMOD can also track the size distribution of the hemozoin crystals. We establish the relations between the magneto-optical signal, the mean parasite age and the median crystal size throughout one erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium falciparum parasites, where the latter two are determined by optical and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The significant correlation between the magneto-optical signal and the stage distribution of the parasites indicates that the RMOD method can be utilized for species-specific malaria diagnosis and for the quick assessment of drug efficacy.

Function and regulation of cGAS-STING signaling in infectious diseases

The efficacious detection of pathogens and prompt induction of innate immune signaling serve as a crucial component of immune defense against infectious pathogens. Over the past decade, DNA-sensing receptor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its downstream signaling adaptor stimulator of interferon genes (STING) have emerged as key mediators of type I interferon (IFN) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) responses in health and infection diseases. Moreover, both cGAS-STING pathway and pathogens have developed delicate strategies to resist each other for their survival. The mechanistic and functional comprehension of the interplay between cGAS-STING pathway and pathogens is opening the way for the development and application of pharmacological agonists and antagonists in the treatment of infectious diseases. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge of DNA sensing through the cGAS-STING pathway, and emphatically highlight the potent undertaking of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the host against infectious pathogenic organisms.

A previously unknown way of heme detoxification in the digestive tract of cats

Free heme is a highly toxic molecule for a living organism and its detoxification is a very important process, especially for carnivorous animals. Here we report the discovery of a previously unknown process for neutralizing free heme in the digestive tract of domestic cats. The cornerstone of this process is the encapsulation of heme into carbonated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, followed by their excretion with faeces. This way of heme neutralization resembles the formation of insoluble heme-containing particles in the digestive tracts of other hematophagous species (for example, the formation of insoluble hemozoin crystals in malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites). Our findings suggest that the encapsulation of heme molecules into a hydroxyapatite matrix occurs during the transition from the acidic gastric juice to the small intestine with neutral conditions. The formation of these particles and their efficiency to include heme depends on the bone content in a cat's diet. In vitro experiments with heme-hydroxyapatite nanoparticles confirm the proposed scenario.

Type I Interferons and Malaria: A Double-Edge Sword Against a Complex Parasitic Disease

Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are important cytokines playing critical roles in various infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Studies have also shown that IFN-Is exhibit 'conflicting' roles in malaria parasite infections. Malaria parasites have a complex life cycle with multiple developing stages in two hosts. Both the liver and blood stages of malaria parasites in a vertebrate host stimulate IFN-I responses. IFN-Is have been shown to inhibit liver and blood stage development, to suppress T cell activation and adaptive immune response, and to promote production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in animal models. Different parasite species or strains trigger distinct IFN-I responses. For example, a Plasmodium yoelii strain can stimulate a strong IFN-I response during early infection, whereas its isogenetic strain does not. Host genetic background also greatly influences IFN-I production during malaria infections. Consequently, the effects of IFN-Is on parasitemia and disease symptoms are highly variable depending on the combination of parasite and host species or strains. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7, TLR9, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) coupled with stimulator of interferon genes (STING) are the major receptors for recognizing parasite nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) to trigger IFN-I responses. IFN-I levels in vivo are tightly regulated, and various novel molecules have been identified to regulate IFN-I responses during malaria infections. Here we review the major findings and progress in ligand recognition, signaling pathways, functions, and regulation of IFN-I responses during malaria infections.

The C-type Lectin Receptor CLEC12A Recognizes Plasmodial Hemozoin and Contributes to Cerebral Malaria Development

Malaria represents a major cause of death from infectious disease. Hemozoin is a Plasmodium-derived product that contributes to progression of cerebral malaria. However, there is a gap of knowledge regarding how hemozoin is recognized by innate immunity. Myeloid C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) encompass a family of carbohydrate-binding receptors that act as pattern recognition receptors in innate immunity. In the present study, we identify the CLR CLEC12A as a receptor for hemozoin. Dendritic cell-T cell co-culture assays indicate that the CLEC12A/hemozoin interaction enhances CD8⁺ T cell cross-priming. Using the Plasmodium berghei Antwerpen-Kasapa (ANKA) mouse model of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), we find that CLEC12A deficiency protects mice from ECM, illustrated by reduced ECM incidence and ameliorated clinical symptoms. In conclusion, we identify CLEC12A as an innate sensor of plasmodial hemozoin.

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CLEC12A recognizes plasmodial hemozoin

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The CLEC12A/hemozoin interaction enhances CD8⁺ T cell cross-priming in vitro

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CLEC12A^−/− mice are protected from experimental cerebral malaria

Correlation between anti-malarial and anti-haemozoin activities of anti-malarial compounds

Background

Despite noticeable improvement in anti-malarial treatment, rapid growth of resistant malaria strains points out the need for continuous development of novel anti-malarials to fight the disastrous infection. Haemozoin is considered as a novel inhibitory pathway for new anti-malarial drugs, therefore, this study aimed to systematically review all articles investigating the correlation between anti-malarial and anti-haemozoin activities of anti-malarial compounds.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on 22 October 2017 in eight databases for relevant in vitro articles reporting the correlation between anti-malarial and anti-haemozoin of anti-malarial compounds, based on the constructed search terms and inclusion criteria. ToxRtool was used to assess quality of each study.

Results

A total of ten articles were included in the review. In vitro anti-malarial and anti-haemozoin activity had a good correlation for quinolines for sensitive strains (R² ranging from 0.66 to 0.95) and xanthones (Spearman ρ = 0.886). However, these correlations were reached after removing some compounds which had non-detectable anti-malarial or anti-haemozoin effects. Other structures (acridines, pyrolidines) showed negligible correlation with Spearman ρ ranging from 0.095 to 0.381 for acridines, and r varying from 0.54 to 0.62 for pyrolidines. Some good correlations were only shown in a logarithmic manner or when the anti-malarial activity was normalized.

Conclusion

The results raised a relative relationship between anti-haemozoin and in vitro anti-malarial activities. Some studies reported compounds that were effective in the inhibition of haemozoin formation, but failed to inhibit the parasite survival and vice versa. The correlation results in these studies were calculated after these compounds were removed from their analysis. The ability of anti-malarial compounds to accumulate inside the reaction site might strengthen their anti-malarial activity.

Synthesis and in vitro characterization of the genotoxic, mutagenic and cell-transforming potential of nitrosylated heme

Data from epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of red and processed meat is a factor contributing to colorectal carcinogenesis. Red meat contains high amounts of heme, which in turn can be converted to its nitrosylated form, NO-heme, when adding nitrite-containing curing salt to meat. NO-heme might contribute to colorectal cancer formation by causing gene mutations and could thereby be responsible for the association of (processed) red meat consumption with intestinal cancer. Up to now, neither in vitro nor in vivo studies characterizing the mutagenic and cell transforming potential of NO-heme have been published due to the fact that the pure compound is not readily available. Therefore, in the present study, an already existing synthesis protocol was modified to yield, for the first time, purified NO-heme. Thereafter, newly synthesized NO-heme was chemically characterized and used in various in vitro approaches at dietary concentrations to determine whether it can lead to DNA damage and malignant cell transformation. While NO-heme led to a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of DNA strand breaks in the comet assay and was mutagenic in the HPRT assay, this compound tested negative in the Ames test and failed to induce malignant cell transformation in the BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay. Interestingly, the non-nitrosylated heme control showed similar effects, but was additionally able to induce malignant transformation in BALB/c 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Taken together, these results suggest that it is the heme molecule rather than the NO moiety which is involved in driving red meat-associated carcinogenesis.

Plasma levels of interleukin 27 in falciparum malaria is increased independently of co-infection with HIV: potential immune-regulatory role during malaria

Background

The immune response during falciparum malaria mediates both harmful and protective effects on the host; however the participating molecules have not been fully defined. Interleukin (IL)-27 is a pleiotropic cytokine exerting both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, but data on IL-27 in malaria patients are scarce.

Methods

Clinical data and blood samples were collected from adults in Mozambique with P. falciparum infection, with (n = 70) and without (n = 61) HIV-1 co-infection, from HIV-infected patients with similar symptoms without malaria (n = 58) and from healthy controls (n = 52). In vitro studies were performed in endothelial cells and PBMC using hemozoin crystals. Samples were analyzed using enzyme immunoassays and quantitative PCR.

Results

(i) IL-27 was markedly up-regulated in malaria patients compared with controls and HIV-infected patients without malaria, showing no relation to HIV co-infection. (ii) IL-27 was correlated with P. falciparum parasitemia and von Willebrand factor as a marker of endothelial activation, but not with disease severity. (iii) In vitro, IL-27 modulated the hemozoin-mediated cytokine response in endothelial cells and PBMC with enhancing effects on IL-6 and attenuating effects on IL-8.

Conclusion

Our findings show that IL-27 is regulated during falciparum malaria, mediating both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially playing an immune-regulatory role during falciparum malaria.

Portable Device for Optical Quantification of Hemozoin in Diluted Blood Samples

OBJECTIVE

This paper focuses on a novel and portable device prototype with optical detectors to quickly and efficiently detect hemozoin (Hz) in blood, aiming at malaria diagnostics.

METHODS

Taking advantage of the particular features of malaria parasite in infected blood, particularly the Hz formation, the main innovation described is a portable device for the optical quantification of parasitic Hz in blood, through optical absorbance spectrophotometry. This device comprises detection chambers for fluidic samples, an optical emission and detection system, and a power supply system to provide autonomy. The working principle is based on colorimetric detection, by absorbance, at six specific wavelengths. A detection algorithm relates the absorbance values at all wavelengths to quantify the Hz concentration, thus working as a biomarker of malaria presence and stage.

RESULTS

Under the tested conditions, e.g., in fluidic samples containing synthetic Hz, hemoglobin, and diluted whole blood, the device detected Hz above 1 μg/mL concentrations with 100% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity.

CONCLUSION

This paper features an autonomous, portable, 1-min analysis time, and low-cost per test device, without the need for samples, centrifugation, allowing the use of whole blood.

SIGNIFICANCE

The presented device is a step ahead for meeting the growing clinical demands for reliable, rapid, portable, and quantitative malaria diagnosis.

Diamond Magnetic Microscopy of Malarial Hemozoin Nanocrystals

Magnetic microscopy of malarial hemozoin nanocrystals is performed by optically detected magnetic resonance imaging of near-surface diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers. Hemozoin crystals are extracted from Plasmodium falciparum-infected human blood cells and studied alongside synthetic hemozoin crystals. The stray magnetic fields produced by individual crystals are imaged at room temperature as a function of the applied field up to 350 mT. More than 100 nanocrystals are analyzed, revealing the distribution of their magnetic properties. Most crystals (96%) exhibit a linear dependence of the stray-field magnitude on the applied field, confirming hemozoin's paramagnetic nature. A volume magnetic susceptibility of 3.4 × 10-4 is inferred with use of a magnetostatic model informed by correlated scanning-electron-microscopy measurements of crystal dimensions. A small fraction of nanoparticles (4/82 for Plasmodium falciparum-produced nanoparticles and 1/41 for synthetic nanoparticles) exhibit a saturation behavior consistent with superparamagnetism. Translation of this platform to the study of living Plasmodium-infected cells may shed new light on hemozoin formation dynamics and their interaction with antimalarial drugs.

The paramagnetic properties of malaria pigment, hemozoin, yield clues to a low-cost system for its trapping and determination

The binding of malaria pigment, hemozoin, by a gradient magnetic field has been investigated in a manual trapping column system. Two types of magnetic filling have been tested to produce field gradients: nickel-plated steel wires, wrapped around a steel core, and superparamagnetic microbeads. The latter system allows an efficient trapping (> 80%) of β-hematin (a synthetic pigment with physical and paramagnetic properties analogous to those of hemozoin). Tests with a Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 culture indicate that hemozoin is similarly trapped. Off-line optical spectroscopy measurements present limited sensitivity as the hemozoin we detected from in vitro cultured parasites would correspond to only a theoretical 0.02% parasitemia (1000 parasites/µL). Further work needs to be undertaken to reduce this threshold to a practical detectability level. Based on these data, a magneto-chromatographic on-line system with reduced dead volumes is proposed as a possible low-cost instrument to be tested as a malaria diagnosis system.

Rapid Diagnostic for Point-of-Care Malaria Screening

Despite significant success in therapeutic development, malaria remains a widespread and deadly infectious disease in the developing world. Given the nearly 100% efficacy of current malaria therapeutics, the primary barrier to eradication is lack of early diagnosis of the infected population. However, there are multiple strains of malaria. Although significant efforts and resources have been invested in developing antibody-based diagnostic methods for Plasmodium falciparum, a rapid and easy to use screening method capable of detecting all malaria strains has not been realized. Yet, until the entire malaria-infected population receives treatment, the disease will continue to impact society. Here, we report the development of a portable, magneto-optic technology for early stage malaria diagnosis based on the detection of the malaria pigment, hemozoin. Using β-hematin, a hemozoin mimic, we demonstrate detection limits of <0.0081 μg/mL in 500 μL of whole rabbit blood with no additional reagents required. This level corresponds to <26 parasites/μL, a full order of magnitude below clinical relevance and comparable to or less than existing technologies.

The Emerging Role of Pattern Recognition Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Malaria

Despite a global effort to develop an effective vaccine, malaria is still a significant health problem. Much of the pathology of malaria is immune mediated. This suggests that host immune responses have to be finely regulated. The innate immune system initiates and sets the threshold of the acquired immune response and determines the outcome of the disease. Yet, our knowledge of the regulation of innate immune responses during malaria is limited. Theoretically, inadequate activation of the innate immune system could result in unrestrained parasite growth. Conversely, hyperactivation of the innate immune system, is likely to cause excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines and severe pathology. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have emerged as essential receptors which detect signature molecules and shape the complex host response during malaria infection. This review will highlight the mechanisms by which Plasmodium components are recognized by innate immune receptors with particular emphasis on TLRs. A thorough understanding of the complex roles of TLRs in malaria may allow the delineation of pathological versus protective host responses and enhance the efficacy of anti-malarial treatments and vaccines.

Multispectral Atomic Force Microscopy-Infrared Nano-Imaging of Malaria Infected Red Blood Cells

Atomic force microscopy-infrared (AFM-IR) spectroscopy is a powerful new technique that can be applied to study molecular composition of cells and tissues at the nanoscale. AFM-IR maps are acquired using a single wavenumber value: they show either the absorbance plotted against a single wavenumber value or a ratio of two absorbance values. Here, we implement multivariate image analysis to generate multivariate AFM-IR maps and use this approach to resolve subcellular structural information in red blood cells infected with Plasmodium falciparum at different stages of development. This was achieved by converting the discrete spectral points into a multispectral line spectrum prior to multivariate image reconstruction. The approach was used to generate compositional maps of subcellular structures in the parasites, including the food vacuole, lipid inclusions, and the nucleus, on the basis of the intensity of hemozoin, hemoglobin, lipid, and DNA IR marker bands, respectively. Confocal Raman spectroscopy was used to validate the presence of hemozoin in the regions identified by the AFM-IR technique. The high spatial resolution of AFM-IR combined with hyperspectral modeling enables the direct detection of subcellular components, without the need for cell sectioning or immunological/biochemical staining. Multispectral-AFM-IR thus has the capacity to probe the phenotype of the malaria parasite during its intraerythrocytic development. This enables novel approaches to studying the mode of action of antimalarial drugs and the phenotypes of drug-resistant parasites, thus contributing to the development of diagnostic and control measures.

NMR relaxation properties of the synthetic malaria pigment β-hematin

200 million patients suffer from malaria, a parasitic disease caused by protozoans of the genus Plasmodium. Reliable diagnosis is crucial since it allows the early detection of the disease. The development of rapid, sensitive and low-cost diagnosis tools is an important research area. Different studies focused on the detection of hemozoin, a major by-product of hemoglobin detoxification by the parasite. Hemozoin and its synthetic analog, β-hematin, form paramagnetic crystals. A new detection method of malaria takes advantage of the paramagnetism of hemozoin through the effect that such magnetic crystals have on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxation of water protons. Indeed, magnetic microparticles cause a shortening of the relaxation times. In this work, the magnetic properties of two types of β-hematin are assessed at different temperatures and magnetic fields. The pure paramagnetism of β-hematin is confirmed. The NMR relaxation of β–hematin suspensions is also studied at different magnetic fields and for different echo-times. Our results help to identify the best conditions for β–hematin detection by NMR: T₂ must be selected, at large magnetic fields and for long echo-times. However, the effect of β-hematin on relaxation does not seem large enough to achieve accurate detection of malaria without any preliminary sample preparation, as microcentrifugation.

Nanocrystallography measurements of early stage synthetic malaria pigment

The recent availability of extremely intense, femtosecond X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) sources has spurred the development of serial femtosecond nanocrystallography (SFX). Here, SFX is used to analyze nanoscale crystals of β-hematin, the synthetic form of hemozoin which is a waste by-product of the malaria parasite. This analysis reveals significant differences in β-hematin data collected during SFX and synchrotron crystallography experiments. To interpret these differences two possibilities are considered: structural differences between the nanocrystal and larger crystalline forms of β-hematin, and radiation damage. Simulation studies show that structural inhomogeneity appears at present to provide a better fit to the experimental data. If confirmed, these observations will have implications for designing compounds that inhibit hemozoin formation and suggest that, for some systems at least, additional information may be gained by comparing structures obtained from nanocrystals and macroscopic crystals of the same molecule.

Dysregulation of pulmonary endothelial protein C receptor and thrombomodulin in severe falciparum malaria-associated ARDS relevant to hemozoin

To investigate the role of the protein C system, endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and thrombomodulin (TM) in the pathogenesis of malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in relation to hemozoin and proinflammatory cytokines-induced type II pneumocyte injury and -aggravated pulmonary resolution. A total of 29 left-over lung specimens that were obtained from patients who died from severe falciparum malaria were examined. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analyses revealed that ARDS coexisted with pulmonary edema and systemic bleeding; the severity was dependent on the level of hemozoin deposition in the lung and internal alveolar hemorrhaging. The loss of EPCR and TM was primarily identified in ARDS patients and was related to the level of hemozoin, parasitized red blood cell (PRBC) and white blood cell accumulation in the lung. Moreover, an in vitro analysis demonstrated that interleukin-13 and -31 and hemozoin induced pneumocytic cell injury and apoptosis, as assessed by EB/AO staining, electron microscopy and the up-regulation of CARD-9 mRNA (caspase recruitment domain-9 messenger-ribonucleic acid). The dysregulation of EPCR and TM in the lung, especially in those with increased levels of hemozoin, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of malaria-associated ARDS through an apoptotic pathway.

Impact of heme on specific antibody production in mice: promotive, inhibitive or null outcome is determined by its concentration

Free heme is an endogenous danger signal that provokes innate immunity. Active innate immunity provides a precondition of an effective adaptive immune response. However, heme catabolites, CO, biliverdin and bilirubin trigger immunosuppression. Furthermore, free heme induces expression of heme oxygenase-1 to increase production of CO, biliverdin and bilirubin. As such, free heme can play a paradoxical role in adaptive immunity. What is the outcome of the animal immune response to an antigen in the presence of free heme? This question remains to be explored. Here, we report the immunization results of rats and mice after intraperitoneal injection of formulations containing BSA and heme. When the heme concentrations were below 1 μM, between 1 μM and 5 μM and above 5 μM, production of anti-BSA IgG and IgM was unaffected, enhanced and suppressed, respectively. The results suggest that heme can influence adaptive immunity by double concentration-thresholds. If the heme concentrations are less than the first threshold, there is no effect on adaptive immunity; if the concentrations are more than the first but less than the second threshold, there is promotion effect; and if the concentrations are more than the second threshold, there is an inhibitory effect. A hypothesis is also presented here to explain the mechanism.

Hemozoin Regulates iNOS Expression by Modulating the Transcription Factor NF-κB in Macrophages

Hemozoin (Hz) is released from ruptured erythrocytes during malaria infection caused by Plasmodium sp., in addition the malaria infected individuals are prone to bacterial sepsis. The molecular interactions between Hz, bacterial components and macrophages remains poorly investigated. In this report, we investigated the combinatorial immune-modulatory effects of phagocytosed Hz, Interferon gamma (IFNγ) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in macrophages. Macrophages were treated with various concentrations of commercial synthetic Hz, and surprisingly it did not result in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. However, when macrophages were pretreated with Hz and then challenged with IFNγ or LPS, there was a differential impact on iNOS expression. There was an increase in iNOS expression when macrophages were pre-treated with Hz and subsequently treated with IFNγ when compared to IFNγ alone. Whereas iNOS expression was reduced when Hz phagocytosed macrophages were stimulated with LPS compared to LPS alone. Furthermore, there was an increased activation of NF-κB in Hz phagocytosed macrophages that were challenged with IFNγ. The interaction between Hz and macrophages has an impact on iNOS expression.

Surface Characterization of Hematin Anhydride: A Comparison between Two Different Synthesis Methods

During the intraerythrocytic stage of malaria, the parasite digests hemoglobin and aggregates the released heme as an insoluble crystalline material called hemozoin. This detoxification step is an excellent drug target for developing new antimalarials, which can bind to hemozoin surface to inhibit further growth. Although the bulk crystalline properties of hemozoin are well-known, the surface properties remain poorly defined. Here, we use a combination of spectroscopic and adsorption techniques to study the surface of synthetic hemozoin, hematin anhydride, produced by two different methods. We show that the two synthetic methods produce crystals with major differences, such as the amount of water adsorbed on the surface and surface carboxylate groups. These results imply that the methodology to produce hematin anhydride affects its surface reactivity; this information needs to be considered whenever hematin anhydride is used as a model to study host immune response or to design new antimalarials.

Label-free Raman imaging of the macrophage response to the malaria pigment hemozoin

Hemozoin, the 'malaria pigment', is engulfed by phagocytic cells, such as macrophages, during malaria infection. This biocrystalline substance is difficult to degrade and often accumulates in phagocytes. The macrophage response to hemozoin relates to the severity of the disease and the potential for malaria-related disease complications. In this study we have used Raman spectroscopy as a label-free method to investigate the biochemical changes occurring in macrophages during the first few hours of hemozoin uptake. We found a number of distinct spectral groups, spectrally or spatially related to the presence of the hemozoin inside the cell. Intracellular hemozoin was spectrally identical to extracellular hemozoin, regardless of the location in the cell. A small proportion of hemozoin was found to be associated with lipid-based components, consistent with the uptake of hemozoin into vesicles such as phagosomes and lysosomes. The spatial distribution of the hemozoin was observed to be inhomogeneous, and its presence largely excluded that of proteins and lipids, demonstrating that cells were not able to break down the biocrystals on the time scales studied here. These results show that Raman imaging can be used to answer some of the open questions regarding the role of hemozoin in the immune response. How different combinations of hemozoin and other molecules are treated by macrophages, whether hemozoin can be broken down by the cell, and more importantly, which co-factors or products are involved in the subsequent cell reaction are the expected issues to be elucidated by this technique.

Macrophage biology and their activation by protozoan-derived glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors and hemozoin

Despite recent advances in medical technology and a global effort to improve public health and hygiene, parasitic infections remain a major health and economic burden worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that about 1/3 of the world's population is currently infected with a soil-transmitted helminth, and millions more suffer from diseases caused by protozoan parasites including Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania species. Due to the selective pressure applied by parasitic and other infections, animals have evolved an intricate immune system; however, the current worldwide prevalence of parasitic infections clearly indicates that these pathogens have adapted equally well. Thus, developing a better understanding of the host-parasite relationship, particularly by focusing on the host immune response and the mechanisms by which parasites evade this response, is a critical first step in mitigating the detrimental effects of parasitic diseases. Macrophages are critical contributors during the host response to protozoan parasites, and the success or failure of these cells often tips the balance in favor of the host or parasite. Herein, we briefly discuss macrophage biology and provide an update on our current understanding of how these cells recognize glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors from protozoan parasites as well as malarial hemozoin.

Hemozoin activates the innate immune system and reduces Plasmodium berghei infection in Anopheles gambiae

BACKGROUND

Malaria is a worldwide infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. The malaria vector mosquito Anopheles can trigger effective mechanisms to control completion of the Plasmodium lifecycle; the mosquito immune response to the parasite involves several pathways which are not yet well characterized. Plasmodium metabolite hemozoin has emerged as a potent immunostimulator of mammalian tissues. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of this parasite's by-product as stimulator of Anopheles gambiae immunity to Plasmodium berghei.

METHODS

Female mosquitoes were inoculated with hemozoin and the Plasmodium infection rate and intensity were measured. Differences between treatments were detected by Zero-inflated models. Microarray transcription analysis was performed to assess gene expression response to hemozoin. Genome-wide analysis results were confirmed by stimulation of Anopheles gambiae tissues and cells with hemozoin and silencing of REL2-F and its negative regulator Caspar.

RESULTS

Gene expression profiles revealed that hemozoin activates several immunity genes, including pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Importantly, we found that the Immune deficiency (Imd) pathway Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-κB) transcription factor REL2, in its full-length form REL2-F, was induced upon hemozoin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We have for the first time shown the impact of hemozoin treatment in Plasmodium infection, reducing both rate and intensity of the infection. We propose that hemozoin boosts the innate immunity in Anopheles, activating key effector genes involved in mosquito resistance to Plasmodium, and this activation is REL2-mediated.

Hemozoin induces hepatic inflammation in mice and is differentially associated with liver pathology depending on the Plasmodium strain

Malaria is a global disease that clinically affects more than two hundred million people annually. Despite the availability of effective antimalarials, mortality rates associated with severe complications are high. Hepatopathy is frequently observed in patients with severe malarial disease and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Previously, we observed high amounts of hemozoin or malaria pigment in livers from infected mice. In this study, we investigated whether hemozoin is associated with liver injury in different mouse malaria models. C57BL/6J mice infected with the rodent parasites Plasmodium berghei ANKA, P. berghei NK65 or P. chabaudi AS had elevated serum liver enzymes without severe histological changes in the liver, in line with the observations in most patients. Furthermore, liver enzymes were significantly higher in serum of P. chabaudi AS-infected mice compared to mice infected with the P. berghei parasite strains and a strong positive correlation was found between hepatic hemozoin levels, hepatocyte damage and inflammation in the liver with P. chabaudi AS. The observed liver injury was only marginally influenced by the genetic background of the host, since similar serum liver enzyme levels were measured in infected C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice. Intravenous injection of P. falciparum-derived hemozoin in malaria-free C57BL/6J mice induced inflammatory gene transcription in the liver, suggesting that hemozoin may be involved in the pathogenesis of malaria hepatopathy by inducing inflammation.

Innate sensing of malaria parasites

Innate immune receptors have a key role in immune surveillance by sensing microorganisms and initiating protective immune responses. However, the innate immune system is a classic 'double-edged sword' that can overreact to pathogens, which can have deleterious effects and lead to clinical manifestations. Recent studies have unveiled the complexity of innate immune receptors that function as sensors of Plasmodium spp. in the vertebrate host. This Review highlights the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Plasmodium infection is sensed by different families of innate immune receptors. We also discuss how these events mediate both host resistance to infection and the pathogenesis of malaria.

A multifactorial role for P. falciparum malaria in endemic Burkitt's lymphoma pathogenesis

Endemic Burkitt's lymphoma (eBL) arises from the germinal center (GC). It is a common tumor of young children in tropical Africa and its occurrence is closely linked geographically with the incidence of P. falciparum malaria. This association was noted more than 50 years ago. Since then we have learned that eBL contains the oncogenic herpes virus Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and a defining translocation that activates the c-myc oncogene. However the link to malaria has never been explained. Here we provide evidence for a mechanism arising in the GC to explain this association. Accumulated evidence suggests that eBL arises in the GC when deregulated expression of AID (Activation-induced cytidine deaminase) causes a c-myc translocation in a cell latently infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Here we show that P. falciparum targets GC B cells via multiple pathways to increase the risk of eBL. 1. It causes deregulated expression of AID, thereby increasing the risk of a c-myc translocation. 2. It increases the number of B cells transiting the GC. 3. It dramatically increases the frequency of these cells that are infected with EBV and therefore protected from c-myc induced apoptosis. We propose that these activities combine synergistically to dramatically increase the incidence of eBL in individuals infected with malaria.

Endemic Burkitt's lymphoma (eBL) is a common tumor of young children in tropical Africa that is closely linked geographically with P. falciparum malaria. This association was noted more than 50 years ago. Since then we have learned that eBL contains the oncogenic herpes virus Epstein-Barr virus and a defining translocation that activates the c-myc oncogene. However the link to malaria has never been explained. Here we show that malaria has multiple effects that all focus on germinal center (GC) B cells that are known to be the origin of eBL. Together these effects of malaria act synergistically to dramatically increase the risk of developing eBL in individuals infected with the parasite. Clinical interventions that lessen the impact of malaria on GC B cells should dramatically decrease the incidence eBL.

Evaluation of a novel magneto-optical method for the detection of malaria parasites

Improving the efficiency of malaria diagnosis is one of the main goals of current malaria research. We have recently developed a magneto-optical (MO) method which allows high-sensitivity detection of malaria pigment (hemozoin crystals) in blood via the magnetically induced rotational motion of the hemozoin crystals. Here, we evaluate this MO technique for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum in infected erythrocytes using in-vitro parasite cultures covering the entire intraerythrocytic life cycle. Our novel method detected parasite densities as low as ∼ 40 parasites per microliter of blood (0.0008% parasitemia) at the ring stage and less than 10 parasites/µL (0.0002% parasitemia) in the case of the later stages. These limits of detection, corresponding to approximately 20 pg/µL of hemozoin produced by the parasites, exceed that of rapid diagnostic tests and compete with the threshold achievable by light microscopic observation of blood smears. The MO diagnosis requires no special training of the operator or specific reagents for parasite detection, except for an inexpensive lysis solution to release intracellular hemozoin. The devices can be designed to a portable format for clinical and in-field tests. Besides testing its diagnostic performance, we also applied the MO technique to investigate the change in hemozoin concentration during parasite maturation. Our preliminary data indicate that this method may offer an efficient tool to determine the amount of hemozoin produced by the different parasite stages in synchronized cultures. Hence, it could eventually be used for testing the susceptibility of parasites to antimalarial drugs.

Malarial hemozoin: from target to tool

BACKGROUND

Malaria is an extremely devastating disease that continues to affect millions of people each year. A distinctive attribute of malaria infected red blood cells is the presence of malarial pigment or the so-called hemozoin. Hemozoin is a biocrystal synthesized by Plasmodium and other blood-feeding parasites to avoid the toxicity of free heme derived from the digestion of hemoglobin during invasion of the erythrocytes.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Hemozoin is involved in several aspects of the pathology of the disease as well as in important processes such as the immunogenicity elicited. It is known that the once best antimalarial drug, chloroquine, exerted its effect through interference with the process of hemozoin formation. In the present review we explore what is known about hemozoin, from hemoglobin digestion, to its final structural analysis, to its physicochemical properties, its role in the disease and notions of the possible mechanisms that could kill the parasite by disrupting the synthesis or integrity of this remarkable crystal.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

The importance and peculiarities of this biocrystal have given researchers a cause to consider it as a target for new antimalarials and to use it through unconventional approaches for diagnostics and therapeutics against the disease.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Hemozoin plays an essential role in the biology of malarial disease. Innovative ideas could use all the existing data on the unique chemical and biophysical properties of this macromolecule to come up with new ways of combating malaria.

Hemozoin inhibition and control of clinical malaria

Malaria has a negative impact on health and social and economic life of residents of endemic countries. The ultimate goals of designing new treatment for malaria are to prevent clinical infection, reduce morbidity, and decrease mortality. There are great advances in the understanding of the parasite-host interaction through studies by various scientists. In some of these studies, attempts were made to evaluate the roles of malaria pigment or toxins in the pathogenesis of malaria. Hemozoin is a key metabolite associated with severe malaria anemia (SMA), immunosuppression, and cytokine dysfunction. Targeting of this pigment may be necessary in the design of new therapeutic products against malaria. In this review, the roles of hemozoin in the morbidity and mortality of malaria are highlighted as an essential target in the quest for effective control of clinical malaria.

Malarial pigment hemozoin and the innate inflammatory response

Malaria is a deadly infectious disease caused by the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Plasmodium. The four species of Plasmodium known to affect humans all produce an inorganic crystal called hemozoin (HZ) during the heme detoxification process. HZ is released from the food vacuole into circulation during erythrocyte lysis, while the released parasites further infect additional naive red blood cells. Once in circulation, HZ is rapidly taken up by circulating monocytes and tissue macrophages, inducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Over the last few years, it has been reported that HZ, similar to uric acid crystals, asbestos, and silica, is able to trigger IL-1β production via the activation of the NOD-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex. Additionally, recent findings have shown that host factors, such as fibrinogen, have the ability to adhere to free HZ and modify its capacity to activate host immune cells. Although much has been discovered regarding NLRP3 inflammasome induction, the mechanism through which this intracellular multimolecular complex is activated remains unclear. In the present review, the most recent discoveries regarding the capacity of HZ to trigger this innate immune complex as well as the impact of HZ on several other inflammatory signaling pathways will be discussed.

Dual engagement of the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes by plasmodium-derived hemozoin and DNA during malaria

Hemozoin (Hz) is the crystalline detoxification product of hemoglobin in Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes. We previously proposed that Hz can carry plasmodial DNA into a subcellular compartment that is accessible to Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), inducing an inflammatory signal. Hz also activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in primed cells. We found that Hz appears to colocalize with DNA in infected erythrocytes, even before RBC rupture or phagolysosomal digestion. Using synthetic Hz coated in vitro with plasmodial genomic DNA (gDNA) or CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, we observed that DNA-complexed Hz induced TLR9 translocation, providing a priming and an activation signal for inflammasomes. After phagocytosis, Hz and DNA dissociate. Hz subsequently induces phagolysosomal destabilization, allowing phagolysosomal contents access to the cytosol, where DNA receptors become activated. Similar observations were made with Plasmodium-infected RBCs. Finally, infected erythrocytes activated both the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes. These observations suggest that Hz and DNA work together to induce systemic inflammation during malaria.

Immunopathological effects of malaria pigment or hemozoin and other crystals

Blood-stage malaria parasites produce insoluble hemozoin (Hz) crystals that are released in the blood circulation upon schizont rupture. In general, endogenous crystal formation or inhalation of crystalline materials is often associated with pathology. As the immune system responds differently to crystalline particles than to soluble molecules, in this review, the properties, immunological recognition, and pathogenic responses of Hz are discussed, and compared with two other major pathogenic crystals, monosodium urate (MSU) and asbestos. Because of the size and shape of MSU crystals and asbestos fibers, phagolysosomal formation is inefficient and often results in leakage of lysosomal content in the cell cytoplasm and/or in the extracellular environment with subsequent cell damage and cell death. Phagolysosomal formation after Hz ingestion is normal, but Hz remains stored inside these cells for months or even longer without any detectable degradation. Nonetheless, the different types of crystals are recognized by similar immune receptors, involving Toll-like receptors, the inflammasome, antibodies, and/or complement factors, and through similar signaling cascades, they activate both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses that contribute to inflammation-associated pathology.

Malaria pigment crystals as magnetic micro-rotors: key for high-sensitivity diagnosis

The need to develop new methods for the high-sensitivity diagnosis of malaria has initiated a global activity in medical and interdisciplinary sciences. Most of the diverse variety of emerging techniques are based on research-grade instruments, sophisticated reagent-based assays or rely on expertise. Here, we suggest an alternative optical methodology with an easy-to-use and cost-effective instrumentation based on unique properties of malaria pigment reported previously and determined quantitatively in the present study. Malaria pigment, also called hemozoin, is an insoluble microcrystalline form of heme. These crystallites show remarkable magnetic and optical anisotropy distinctly from any other components of blood. As a consequence, they can simultaneously act as magnetically driven micro-rotors and spinning polarizers in suspensions. These properties can gain importance not only in malaria diagnosis and therapies, where hemozoin is considered as drug target or immune modulator, but also in the magnetic manipulation of cells and tissues on the microscopic scale.

Plasmodium products contribute to severe malarial anemia by inhibiting erythropoietin-induced proliferation of erythroid precursors

Low reticulocytosis, indicating reduced red blood cell (RBC) output, is an important feature of severe malarial anemia. Evidence supports a role for Plasmodium products, especially hemozoin (Hz), in suppressed erythropoiesis during malaria, but the mechanism(s) involved remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that low reticulocytosis and suppressed erythropoietin (Epo)-induced erythropoiesis are features of malarial anemia in Plasmodium yoelii- and Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected mice, similar to our previous observations in Plasmodium chabaudi AS-infected mice. The magnitude of decreases in RBC was a reflection of parasitemia level, but low reticulocytosis was evident despite differences in parasitemia, clinical manifestation, and infection outcome. Schizont extracts and Hz from P. falciparum and P. yoelii and synthetic Hz suppressed Epo-induced proliferation of erythroid precursors in vitro but did not inhibit RBC maturation. To determine whether Hz contributes to malarial anemia, P. yoelii-derived or synthetic Hz was administered to naive mice, and the development of anemia, reticulocytosis, and RBC turnover was determined. Parasite-derived Hz induced significant decreases in RBC and increased RBC turnover with compensatory reticulocytosis, but anemia was not as severe as that in infected mice. Our findings suggest that parasite factors, including Hz, contribute to severe malarial anemia by suppressing Epo-induced proliferation of erythroid precursors.

Protein complex directs hemoglobin-to-hemozoin formation in Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria parasites use hemoglobin (Hb) as a major nutrient source in the intraerythrocytic stage, during which heme is converted to hemozoin (Hz). The formation of Hz is essential for parasite survival, but to date, the underlying mechanisms of Hb degradation and Hz formation are poorly understood. We report the presence of a ∼200-kDa protein complex in the food vacuole that is required for Hb degradation and Hz formation. This complex contains several parasite proteins, including falcipain 2/2', plasmepsin II, plasmepsin IV, histo aspartic protease, and heme detoxification protein. The association of these proteins is evident from coimmunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, coelution from a gel filtration column, cosedimentation on a glycerol gradient, and in vitro protein interaction analyses. To functionally characterize this complex, we developed an in vitro assay using two of the proteins present in the complex. Our results show that falcipain 2 and heme detoxification protein associate with each other to efficiently convert Hb to Hz. We also used this in vitro assay to elucidate the modes of action of chloroquine and artemisinin. Our results reveal that both chloroquine and artemisinin act during the heme polymerization step, and chloroquine also acts at the Hb degradation step. These results may have important implications in the development of previously undefined antimalarials.

Schistosoma mansoni hemozoin modulates alternative activation of macrophages via specific suppression of Retnla expression and secretion

The trematode Schistosoma mansoni is one of the etiological agents of schistosomiasis, a key neglected tropical disease responsible for an estimated annual loss of 70 million disability-adjusted life years. Hematophagy represents the primary nutrient acquisition pathway of this parasite, but digestion of hemoglobin also liberates toxic heme. Schistosomes detoxify heme via crystallization into hemozoin, which is subsequently regurgitated into the host's circulation. Here we demonstrate that during experimental schistosomiasis, hemozoin accumulating in the mouse liver is taken up by phagocytes at a time coincident with the development of the egg-induced T-helper 2 (Th2) granulomatous immune response. Furthermore, the uptake of hemozoin also coincides with the hepatic expression of markers of alternative macrophage activation. Alternatively activated macrophages are a key effector cell population associated with protection against schistosomiasis, making hemozoin well placed to play an important immunomodulatory role in this disease. To systematically explore this hypothesis, S. mansoni hemozoin was purified and added to in vitro bone marrow-derived macrophage cultures concurrently exposed to cytokines chosen to reflect the shifting state of macrophage activation in vivo. Macrophages undergoing interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced alternative activation in the presence of hemozoin developed a phenotype specifically lacking in Retnla, a characteristic alternatively activated macrophage product associated with regulation of Th2 inflammatory responses. As such, in addition to its important detoxification role during hematophagy, we propose that schistosome hemozoin also provides a potent immunomodulatory function in the coevolved network of host-parasite relationships during schistosomiasis.

A novel way to grow hemozoin-like crystals in vitro and its use to screen for hemozoin inhibiting antimalarial compounds

BACKGROUND

Hemozoin crystals are normally formed in vivo by Plasmodium parasites to detoxify free heme released after hemoglobin digestion during its intraerythrocytic stage. Inhibition of hemozoin formation by various drugs results in free heme concentration toxic for the parasites. As a consequence, in vitro assays have been developed to screen and select candidate antimalarial drugs based on their capacity to inhibit hemozoin formation. In this report we describe new ways to form hemozoin-like crystals that were incidentally discovered during research in the field of prion inactivation.

METHODS

We investigated the use of a new assay based on naturally occurring "self-replicating" particles and previously described as presenting resistance to decontamination comparable to prions. The nature of these particles was determined using electron microscopy, Maldi-Tof analysis and X-ray diffraction. They were compared to synthetic hemozoin and to hemozoin obtained from Plasmodium falciparum. We then used the assay to evaluate the capacity of various antimalarial and anti-prion compounds to inhibit "self-replication" (crystallisation) of these particles.

RESULTS

We identified these particles as being similar to ferriprotoporphyrin IX crystal and confirmed the ability of these particles to serve as nuclei for growth of new hemozoin-like crystals (HLC). HLC are morphologically similar to natural and synthetic hemozoin. Growth of HLC in a simple assay format confirmed inhibition by quinolines antimalarials at potencies described in the literature. Interestingly, artemisinins and tetracyclines also seemed to inhibit HLC growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The described HLC assay is simple and easy to perform and may have the potential to be used as an additional tool to screen antimalarial drugs for their hemozoin inhibiting activity. As already described by others, drugs that inhibit hemozoin crystal formation have also the potential to inhibit misfolded proteins assemblies formation.

Nuclear magnetic resonance: a tool for malaria diagnosis?

Malaria control can be improved by rapid, sensitive, low-cost detection of infection. Several such strategies are being pursued. Rapid diagnostic tests can detect infections at parasite densities above 200 μL(-1). Polymerase chain reaction methods can detect low parasite densities, but are slow and prone to contamination under field conditions. Methods that detect hemozoin presence in blood have been proposed as alternatives for rapid detection of infection. In this study, we used a benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device to detect hemozoin. This device could be deployed in malaria-endemic settings. We measured synthetic hemozoin in phosphate-buffered saline and malaria parasites in human blood. The NMR detected hemozoin in suspensions of 4 ng μL(-1) and parasites at densities of 8,000-10,000 μL(-1) (0.2% parasitemia). Thus, our preliminary NMR approach, although providing very rapid measurements, is unlikely to achieve the required sensitivity and specificity for malaria diagnosis, unless a preliminary concentration step is performed.

Matrix metalloproteinases as therapeutic targets in protozoan parasitic infections

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with processes of tissue remodeling and are expressed in all infections with protozoan parasites. We here report the status of MMP research in malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis. In all these infections, the balances between MMPs and endogenous MMP inhibitors are disturbed, mostly in favor of active proteolysis. When the infection is associated with leukocyte influx into specific organs, immunopathology and collateral tissue damage may occur. These pathologies include cerebral malaria, sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis), Chagas disease (human American trypanosomiasis), leishmaniasis and toxoplasmic encephalitis in immunocompromised hosts. Destruction of the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a common denominator that may be executed by leukocytic MMPs under the control of host cytokines and chemokines as well as influenced by parasite products. Mechanisms by which parasite-derived products alter host expression of MMP and endogenous MMP inhibitors, have only been described for hemozoin (Hz) in malaria. Hence, understanding these interactions in other parasitic infections remains an important challenge. Furthermore, the involved parasites are also known to produce their own metalloproteinases, and this forms an extra stimulus to investigate MMP inhibitory drugs as therapeutics. MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) may dampen collateral tissue damage, as is anecdotically reported for tetracyclines as MMP regulators in parasite infections.

New inflammation-related biomarkers during malaria infection

Malaria is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide with more than 250 million cases and one million deaths each year. One of the well-characterized malarial-related molecules is hemozoin (HZ), which is a dark-brown crystal formed by the parasite and released into the host during the burst of infected red blood cells. HZ has a stimulatory effect on the host immune system such as its ability to induce pro-inflammatory mediators responsible for some of the malaria related clinical symptoms such as fever. However, the host serum proteins interacting with malarial HZ as well as how this interaction modifies its recognition by phagocytes remained elusive. In the actual study, using proteomic liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and immunochemical approaches, we compared the serum protein profiles of malaria patients and healthy individuals. Particularly, we utilized the malarial HZ itself to capture serum proteins capable to bind to HZ, enabling us to identify several proteins such as apolipoprotein E (ApoE), serum amyloid A (SAA), gelsolin, complement factor H and fibrinogen that were found to differ among healthy and malaria individual. Of particular interest is LPS binding protein (LBP), which is reported herein for the first time in the context of malaria. LBP is usually produced during innate inflammatory response to gram-negative bacterial infections. The exact role of these biomarkers and acute phase responses in malaria in general and HZ in particular remains to be investigated. The identification of these inflammation-related biomarkers in malaria paves the way to potentially utilize them as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Plasmodium falciparum: effect of antimalarial drugs, malaria pigment (β-haematin) and Plasmodium falciparum lysate on monocyte GTP-cyclohydrolase 1 gene expression

In interferon-γ activated human macrophages, GTP-cyclohydrolase 1 catalyses the conversion of guanosine triphosphate to 7,8-dihydroneopterin triphosphate, which is dephosphorylated and oxidized to form neopterin. Elevated levels of neopterin have been detected in the urine and serum of malaria-infected patients. In this study, U937 cells were treated with interferon-γ and one of the following antimalarial drugs: amodiaquine, artemisinin, chloroquine, doxycycline, primaquine, pyrimethamine or quinine. The effects of treating the U937 cells with malaria pigment (β-haematin), latex beads, or Plasmodium falciparum-infected-red blood cell lysates were also investigated. U937 GTP-cyclohydrolase 1 mRNA expression was monitored using reverse-transcriptase-quantitative PCR. Artemisinin, primaquine, and quinine down-regulated GTP-cyclohydrolase 1 gene expression 1.26-, 1.29-, and 1.63-fold, respectively. The remaining drugs had insignificant effects. β-haematin up-regulated GTP-cyclohydrolase 1 mRNA expression 1.18-fold, whereas P. falciparum-infected red blood cell lysate down-regulated expression 1.56-fold. These results show the differing immunomodulatory actions of antimalarial drugs and malaria pigment taking place in monocytes.

Natural hemozoin stimulates syncytiotrophoblast to secrete chemokines and recruit peripheral blood mononuclear cells

BACKGROUND

Placental malaria is associated with local accumulation of parasitized erythrocytes, deposition of the parasite hemoglobin metabolite, hemozoin, and accumulation of mononuclear cells in the intervillous space. Fetal syncytiotrophoblast cells in contact with maternal blood are known to respond immunologically to cytoadherent Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes, but their responsiveness to hemozoin, a potent pro-inflammatory stimulator of monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, is not known.

METHODS

The biochemical and immunological changes induced in primary syncytiotrophoblast by natural hemozoin was assessed. Changes in syncytiotrophoblast mitogen-activated protein kinase activation was assessed by immunoblotting and secreted cytokine and chemokine proteins were assayed by ELISA. Chemotaxis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed using a two-chamber assay system and flow cytometry was used to assess the activation of primary monocytes by hemozoin-stimulated syncytiotrophoblast conditioned medium.

RESULTS

Hemozoin stimulation induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Treated cells secreted CXCL8, CCL3, CCL4, and tumor necrosis factor and released soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Furthermore, the dependence of the hemozoin responses on ERK1/2 stimulation was confirmed by inhibition of chemokine release in syncytiotrophoblast treated with an ERK pathway inhibitor. Hemozoin-stimulated cells elicited the specific migration of PBMCs, and conditioned medium from the cells induced the upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on primary monocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm an immunostimulatory role for hemozoin and expand the cell types known to be responsive to hemozoin to include fetal syncytiotrophoblast. The results provide further evidence that syncytiotrophoblast cells can influence the local maternal immune response to placental malaria.

How do malaria parasites activate dendritic cells?

Evaluation of: Wu X, Gowda NM, Kumar S, Gowda S: Protein-DNA complex is the exclusive malaria parasite component that activates dendritic cells and triggers innate immune responses. J. Immunol. 184(8), 4338-4348 (2010). Malaria parasites induce strong proinflammatory immune responses upon infection. These responses, driven largely by CD4+ Th1 cells, help the body to control malaria parasitemia. When excessive, inflammatory responses contribute to the pathology observed in malaria infection. Dendritic cells (DCs) are innate immune cells that activate Th1 cells in malaria infection via the secretion of the cytokine IL-12. It remains unclear precisely which components of malaria-infected red blood cells are responsible for activating DCs. In this study, Wu et al. set out to deconstruct malaria-infected red blood cells to determine the immunogenic components that induce production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-12 and TNF-alpha from DCs. The authors suggest that parasite DNA complexed with protein is the main trigger for activation of DCs in malaria-infected red blood cells.

Innate inflammatory response to the malarial pigment hemozoin

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. This intraerythrocytic protozoan produces hemozoin (HZ), an insoluble crystalline metabolite resulting from the heme detoxification mechanism. This review will focus on HZ biosynthesis and synthetic preparation, but in particular on its effect on host's innate inflammatory responses.