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Hussein HE, Johnson WC, Taus NS, Ueti MW. Expression of sex-specific molecular markers by Babesia bovis gametes. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:75. [PMID: 38374075 PMCID: PMC10877833 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bovis is one of the most important tick-borne diseases of cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. Babesia bovis parasites have a complex lifecycle, including development within the mammalian host and tick vector. In the tick midgut, extracellular Babesia parasites transform into gametes that fuse to form zygotes. To date, little is known about genes and proteins expressed by male gametes. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed a method to separate male gametes from in vitro induced B. bovis culture. Separation enabled the validation of sex-specific markers. Collected male gametocytes were observed by Giemsa-stained smear and live-cell fluorescence microscopy. Babesia male gametes were used to confirm sex-specific markers by quantitative real-time PCR. Some genes were found to be male gamete specific genes including pka, hap2, α-tubulin II and znfp2. However, α-tubulin I and ABC transporter, trap2-4 and ccp1-3 genes were found to be upregulated in culture depleted of male gametes (female-enriched). Live immunofluorescence analysis using polyclonal antibodies confirmed surface expression of HAP2 by male and TRAP2-4 by female gametes. These results revealed strong markers to distinguish between B. bovis male and female gametes. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we describe the identification of sex-specific molecular markers essential for B. bovis sexual reproduction. These tools will enhance our understanding of the biology of sexual stages and, consequently, the development of additional strategies to control bovine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala E Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Wendell C Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Naomi S Taus
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
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2
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Silva MG, Bastos RG, Laughery JM, Alzan HF, Rathinasamy VA, Cooke BM, Suarez CE. Vaccination of cattle with the Babesia bovis sexual-stage protein HAP2 abrogates parasite transmission by Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:140. [PMID: 37758790 PMCID: PMC10533483 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Babesia bovis is responsible for bovine babesiosis, a poorly controlled tick-borne disease of global impact. The widely conserved gametocyte protein HAPLESS2/GCS1 (HAP2) is uniquely expressed on the surface of B. bovis sexual stage parasites and is a candidate for transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV). Here, we tested whether vaccination of calves with recombinant HAP2 (rHAP2) interferes with the transmission of B. bovis by competent ticks. Calves vaccinated with rHAP2 (n = 3), but not control animals (n = 3) developed antibodies specific to the vaccine antigen. Vaccinated and control animals were infested with Rhipicephalus microplus larvae and subsequently infected with virulent blood stage B. bovis parasites by needle inoculation, with all animals developing clinical signs of acute babesiosis. Engorged female ticks fed on the infected calves were collected for oviposition, hatching, and obtention of larvae. Transmission feeding was then conducted using pools of larvae derived from ticks fed on rHAP2-vaccinated or control calves. Recipient calves (n = 3) exposed to larvae derived from control animals, but none of the recipient calves (n = 3) challenged with larvae from ticks fed on rHAP2-vaccinated animals, developed signs of acute babesiosis within 11 days after tick infestation. Antibodies against B. bovis antigens and parasite DNA were found in all control recipient animals, but not in any of the calves exposed to larvae derived from HAP2-vaccinated animals, consistent with the absence of B. bovis infection via tick transmission. Overall, our results are consistent with the abrogation of parasite tick transmission in rHAP2-vaccinated calves, confirming this antigen as a prime TBV candidate against B. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta G Silva
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Reginaldo G Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jacob M Laughery
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Heba F Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Vignesh A Rathinasamy
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Brian M Cooke
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, USA.
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3
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Santos JHM, Siddle HV, Raza A, Stanisic DI, Good MF, Tabor AE. Exploring the landscape of Babesia bovis vaccines: progress, challenges, and opportunities. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:274. [PMID: 37563668 PMCID: PMC10413621 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05885-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis, caused by different Babesia spp. such as B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. major, is a global disease that poses a serious threat to livestock production. Babesia bovis infections are associated with severe disease and increased mortality in adult cattle, making it the most virulent agent of bovine babesiosis. Babesia bovis parasites undergo asexual reproduction within bovine red blood cells, followed by sexual reproduction within their tick vectors, which transmit the parasite transovarially. Current control methods, including therapeutic drugs (i.e., imidocarb) have been found to lead to drug resistance. Moreover, changing environmental factors add complexity to efficient parasite control. Understanding the fundamental biology, host immune responses, and host-parasite interactions of Babesia parasites is critical for developing next-generation vaccines to control acute disease and parasite transmission. This systematic review analyzed available research papers on vaccine development and the associated immune responses to B. bovis. We compiled and consolidated the reported vaccine strategies, considering the study design and rationale of each study, to provide a systematic review of knowledge and insights for further research. Thirteen studies published since 2014 (inclusive) represented various vaccine strategies developed against B. bovis such as subunit, live attenuated, and viral vector vaccines. Such strategies incorporated B. bovis proteins or whole live parasites with the latter providing the most effective prophylaxis against bovine babesiosis. Incorporating novel research approaches, such as "omics" will enhance our understanding of parasite vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Harvey M Santos
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Hannah V Siddle
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Ali Raza
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Danielle I Stanisic
- Griffith University, Institute for Glycomics, Southport, Qld, 4215, Australia
| | - Michael F Good
- Griffith University, Institute for Glycomics, Southport, Qld, 4215, Australia
| | - Ala E Tabor
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia.
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, St Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia.
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4
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Li H, Ji S, Galon EM, Zafar I, Ma Z, Do T, Amer MM, Ma Y, Yamagishi J, Liu M, Xuan X. Identification of three members of the multidomain adhesion CCp family in Babesia gibsoni. Acta Trop 2023; 241:106890. [PMID: 36907290 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106890] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasite transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis and causes canine babesiosis. Within the tick, the Babesia parasite undergoes sexual conjugation and the sporogony process of its life cycle. To control B. gibsoni infection, prompt and effective treatment of acute infections and curing chronic carriers are urgently needed. Gene disruption of Plasmodium CCps resulted in blocking the transition of sporozoites from the mosquito midgut to the salivary glands, showing that these proteins are potential targets for the development of a transmission-blocking vaccine. In this study, we described the identification and characterization of three members of the CCp family in B. gibsoni, named CCp1, CCp2, and CCp3. The B. gibsoni sexual stages were induced in vitro by exposing parasites to xanthurenic acid (XA), dithiothreitol (DTT), and tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine (TCEP) at serial concentrations. Among them, 100 µM XA-exposed and cultured at 27 °C without CO2B. gibsoni presented diverse morphologies, including parasites with long projections, gradually increased free merozoites, and aggregated and round forms, indicative of sexual stage induction. Then, the expression of CCp proteins of induced parasites was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot. The results showed that BgCCp genes were highly significantly increased at 24 h post-sexual stage induction (p < 0.01). The induced parasites were recognized by anti-CCp mouse antisera and anti-CCp 1, 2, and 3 antibodies weakly reacted with sexual stage proteins of expected molecular weights of 179.4, 169.8, and 140.0 KDa, respectively. Our observations on morphological changes and confirmation of sexual stage protein expression will advance elemental biological research and lay the foundation for the development of transmission-blocking vaccines against canine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Iqra Zafar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Zhuowei Ma
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Thom Do
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Moaz M Amer
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yihong Ma
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang 441053, China.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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5
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Hussein HE, Johnson WC, Ueti MW. Differential paired stage-specific expression of Babesia bovis cysteine-rich GCC2/GCC3 domain family proteins (BboGDP) during development within Rhipicephalus microplus. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:16. [PMID: 36650585 PMCID: PMC9843837 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05628-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia bovis, an intra-erythrocytic apicomplexan parasite, is one of the causative agents of bovine babesiosis, the most important tick-borne disease of cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. Babesia bovis has a complex life-cycle that includes sexual development within the tick vector. The development of a transmission blocking vaccine to control bovine babesiosis requires the identification of antigens displayed on the surface of the parasite during its development within tick vectors. Four B. bovis cysteine-rich GCC2/GCC3 domain protein (BboGDP) family members were previously identified and are differentially expressed as discrete pairs by either blood stages or kinetes. In this study we focused on two family members, BboGDP1 and -3, that are expressed by Babesia parasites during tick infection. METHODS AND RESULTS: Transcription analysis using quantitative PCR demonstrated that BboGDP1 and -3 were upregulated in in vitro-induced sexual stage parasites and during parasite development in the tick midgut. Moreover, protein expression analysis of BboGDP1 and -3 during the development of sexual stages in in vitro culture was consistent with their transcription profile. Live immunofluorescence analysis using polyclonal antibodies confirmed surface expression of BboGDP1 and -3 on in vitro-induced sexual stage parasites. In addition, fixed immunofluorescence analysis showed reactivity of anti-BboGDP1 and -3 polyclonal antibodies to kinetes. CONCLUSIONS The collective data indicate that BboGDP1 and -3 are expressed by kinetes and on the surface of sexual stages of the parasites. The identified parasite surface membrane proteins BboGDP1 and -3 are potential candidates for the development of a B. bovis transmission blocking vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala E. Hussein
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA USA
| | - Wendell C. Johnson
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA USA
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA USA ,grid.417548.b0000 0004 0478 6311Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA USA
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6
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Capelli-Peixoto J, Saelao P, Johnson WC, Kappmeyer L, Reif KE, Masterson HE, Taus NS, Suarez CE, Brayton KA, Ueti MW. Comparison of high throughput RNA sequences between Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis revealed consistent differential gene expression that is required for the Babesia life cycle in the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1093338. [PMID: 36601308 PMCID: PMC9806345 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1093338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis is an economically important disease that affects cattle worldwide. Both B. bigemina and B. bovis are transovarially transmitted by Rhipicephalus ticks. However, little is known regarding parasite gene expression during infection of the tick vector or mammalian host, which has limited the development of effective control strategies to alleviate the losses to the cattle industry. To understand Babesia gene regulation during tick and mammalian host infection, we performed high throughput RNA-sequencing using samples collected from calves and Rhipicephalus microplus ticks infected with B. bigemina. We evaluated gene expression between B. bigemina blood-stages and kinetes and compared them with previous B. bovis RNA-seq data. The results revealed similar patterns of gene regulation between these two tick-borne transovarially transmitted Babesia parasites. Like B. bovis, the transcription of several B. bigemina genes in kinetes exceeded a 1,000-fold change while a few of these genes had a >20,000-fold increase. To identify genes that may have important roles in B. bigemina and B. bovis transovarial transmission, we searched for genes upregulated in B. bigemina kinetes in the genomic datasets of B. bovis and non-transovarially transmitted parasites, Theileria spp. and Babesia microti. Using this approach, we identify genes that may be potential markers for transovarial transmission by B. bigemina and B. bovis. The findings presented herein demonstrate common Babesia genes linked to infection of the vector or mammalian host and may contribute to elucidating strategies used by the parasite to complete their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Capelli-Peixoto
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States,*Correspondence: Janaina Capelli-Peixoto,
| | - Perot Saelao
- Veterinary Pest Genetic Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | | | - Lowell Kappmeyer
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Reif
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Hayley E. Masterson
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Naomi S. Taus
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kelly A. Brayton
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
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7
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Bastos RG, Laughery JM, Ozubek S, Alzan HF, Taus NS, Ueti MW, Suarez CE. Identification of novel immune correlates of protection against acute bovine babesiosis by superinfecting cattle with in vitro culture attenuated and virulent Babesia bovis strains. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1045608. [PMID: 36466866 PMCID: PMC9716085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1045608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan tickborne parasites Babesia bovis and B. bigemina are the major causative agents of bovine babesiosis, a disease that negatively affects the cattle industry and food safety around the world. The absence of correlates of protection represents one major impediment for the development of effective and sustainable vaccines against bovine babesiosis. Herein we superinfected cattle with attenuated and virulent strains of B. bovis to investigate immune correlates of protection against acute bovine babesiosis. Three 6-month-old Holstein calves were infected intravenously (IV) with the in vitro culture attenuated Att-S74-T3Bo B. bovis strain (106 infected bovine red blood cells (iRBC)/calf) while three age-matched Holstein calves were inoculated IV with normal RBC as controls (106 RBC/calf). All Att-S74-T3Bo-infected calves showed a significant increase in temperature early after inoculation but recovered without treatment. Att-S74-T3Bo-infected calves also developed: (a) monocytosis, neutropenia, and CD4+ lymphopenia in peripheral blood on days 3 to 7 post-inoculation; (b) significant levels of TNFα, CXCL10, IFNγ, IL-4, and IL-10 in sera at day 6 after infection; and (c) IgM and IgG against B. bovis antigens, starting at days 10 and 30 post-inoculation, respectively. At 46 days post-Att-S74-T3Bo inoculation, all experimental calves were infected IV with the homologous virulent B. bovis strain Vir-S74-T3Bo (107 iRBC/calf). All Att-S74-T3Bo-infected calves survived superinfection with Vir-S74-T3Bo without displaying signs of acute babesiosis. In contrast, control animals showed signs of acute disease, starting at day 10 post-Vir-S74-T3Bo infection, and two of them were humanely euthanized at days 13 and 14 after inoculation due to the severity of their symptoms. Also, control calves showed higher (P<0.05) parasite load in peripheral blood compared to animals previously exposed to Att-S74-T3Bo. No significant alterations in the profile of leukocytes and cytokines were observed in Att-S74-T3Bo-inoculated after Vir-S74-T3Bo infection. In conclusion, data demonstrate novel changes in the profile of blood immune cells and cytokine expression in peripheral blood that are associated with protection against acute bovine babesiosis. These identified immune correlates of protection may be useful for designing effective and sustainable vaccines against babesiosis in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Heba F. Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Naomi S. Taus
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research, Pullman, WA, United States
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Roling L, Flammersfeld A, Pradel G, Bennink S. The WD40-Protein PfWLP1 Ensures Stability of the PfCCp-Based Adhesion Protein Complex in Plasmodium falciparum Gametocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:942364. [PMID: 35923798 PMCID: PMC9339629 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.942364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the WD40-repeat protein family can be found in all eukaryotic proteomes where they usually serve as interaction platforms for the assembly of large protein complexes and are therefore essential for the integrity of these complexes. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the WD40-repeat protein PfWLP1 has been shown to interact with members of distinct adhesion protein complexes in the asexual blood stages and gametocyte stages. In this study, we demonstrate that the presence of PfWLP1 is crucial for both the stability of these gametocyte-specific adhesion complexes as well as for gametocyte maturation and gametogenesis. Using reverse genetics, we generated a PfWLP1-knockdown parasite line for functional characterization of the protein. Knockdown of PfWLP1 resulted in a slight reduction of gametocyte numbers and significantly the impaired ability of the gametocytes to exflagellate. PfWLP1-knockdown further led to reduced protein levels of the Limulus coagulation factor C-like (LCCL)-domain proteins PfCCp1 and PfCCp2, which are key components of the adhesion complexes. These findings suggest that the interaction of PfWLP1 with members of the PfCCp-based adhesion complex ensures complex stability and thereby contributes to gametocyte viability and exflagellation.
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9
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Gallenti R, Hussein HE, Alzan HF, Suarez CE, Ueti M, Asurmendi S, Benitez D, Araujo FR, Rolls P, Sibeko-Matjila K, Schnittger L, Florin-Christensen M. Unraveling the Complexity of the Rhomboid Serine Protease 4 Family of Babesia bovis Using Bioinformatics and Experimental Studies. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030344. [PMID: 35335668 PMCID: PMC8956091 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia bovis, a tick-transmitted apicomplexan protozoon, infects cattle in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In the apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, rhomboid serine protease 4 (ROM4) fulfills an essential role in host cell invasion. We thus investigated B. bovis ROM4 coding genes; their genomic organization; their expression in in vitro cultured asexual (AS) and sexual stages (SS); and strain polymorphisms. B. bovis contains five rom4 paralogous genes in chromosome 2, which we have named rom4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5. There are moderate degrees of sequence identity between them, except for rom4.3 and 4.4, which are almost identical. RT-qPCR analysis showed that rom4.1 and rom4.3/4.4, respectively, display 18-fold and 218-fold significantly higher (p < 0.01) levels of transcription in SS than in AS, suggesting a role in gametogenesis-related processes. In contrast, transcription of rom4.4 and 4.5 differed non-significantly between the stages. ROM4 polymorphisms among geographic isolates were essentially restricted to the number of tandem repeats of a 29-amino acid sequence in ROM4.5. This sequence repeat is highly conserved and predicted as antigenic. B. bovis ROMs likely participate in relevant host−pathogen interactions and are possibly useful targets for the development of new control strategies against this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Gallenti
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; (R.G.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - Hala E. Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (H.F.A.); (C.E.S.); (M.U.)
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Heba F. Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (H.F.A.); (C.E.S.); (M.U.)
- Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Research Unit, National Research Center, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (H.F.A.); (C.E.S.); (M.U.)
- US Department of Agriculture, Animal Disease Research Unit, (USDA-ARS), Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Massaro Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (H.F.A.); (C.E.S.); (M.U.)
- US Department of Agriculture, Animal Disease Research Unit, (USDA-ARS), Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Sebastián Asurmendi
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (IABiMo), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham 1686, Argentina;
| | - Daniel Benitez
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA)-Mercedes, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mercedes 3470, Argentina;
| | | | - Peter Rolls
- Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Tick Fever Centre, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia;
| | - Kgomotso Sibeko-Matjila
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa;
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; (R.G.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - Mónica Florin-Christensen
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; (R.G.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
- Correspondence:
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10
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Ozubek S, Alzan HF, Bastos RG, Laughery JM, Suarez CE. Identification of CCp5 and FNPA as Novel Non-canonical Members of the CCp Protein Family in Babesia bovis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:833183. [PMID: 35242841 PMCID: PMC8886879 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.833183] [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: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis, caused by Babesia bovis, is an economically significant tick-borne disease that imposes restrictions to livestock production worldwide. Current methods to control bovine babesiosis have severe limitations and novel approaches, including transmission-blocking vaccines, are needed. Members of the widely conserved CCp family are multidomain adhesion proteins containing LCCL motifs, which are differentially expressed on gametocytes of apicomplexans, including Babesia spp. and Plasmodium spp. While Plasmodium parasites contain 6 distinct CCp genes, only three members (CCp 1-3) were previously identified in B. bovis. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of two novel non-canonical members of the CCp gene family in B. bovis, named CCp5 and FNPA. The genes were identified in silico by TBLASTN using P. falciparum CCp family domains as queries. Unlike CCp1-3, the B. bovis CCp5 and FNPA proteins lack the LCCL canonical domain but contain other typical multidomain adhesion motifs which are present in classical CCp proteins. In addition, the B. bovis CCp5 and FNPA are in synteny with known CCp genes in related apicomplexans. Sequence analysis of these two proteins demonstrated high sequence conservation among B. bovis different isolates. Transcription, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated expression of CCp5 and FNPA in blood and in vitro induced sexual stages of B. bovis. The FNPA, in contrast to CCp5, has a predicted transmembrane domain, suggesting that it might be expressed in the surface of sexual stage parasites. Altogether, finding of this study support FNPA as a possible target of a transmission-blocking vaccine against B. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elâzig, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Sezayi Ozubek ;
| | - Heba F. Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA, United States
- Carlos E. Suarez
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11
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He L, Bastos RG, Sun Y, Hua G, Guan G, Zhao J, Suarez CE. Babesiosis as a potential threat for bovine production in China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:460. [PMID: 34493328 PMCID: PMC8425137 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04948-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease with global impact caused by parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa, genus Babesia. Typically, acute bovine babesiosis (BB) is characterized by fever, anemia, hemoglobinuria, and high mortality. Surviving animals remain persistently infected and become reservoirs for parasite transmission. Bovids in China can be infected by one or more Babesia species endemic to the country, including B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. orientalis, B. ovata, B. major, B. motasi, B. U sp. Kashi and B. venatorum. The latter may pose a zoonotic risk. Occurrence of this wide diversity of Babesia species in China may be due to a combination of favorable ecological factors, such as the presence of multiple tick vectors, including Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma, the coexistence of susceptible bovid species, such as domestic cattle, yaks, and water buffalo, and the lack of efficient measures of tick control. BB is currently widespread in several regions of the country and a limiting factor for cattle production. While some areas appear to have enzootic stability, others have considerable cattle mortality. Research is needed to devise solutions to the challenges posed by uncontrolled BB. Critical research gaps include risk assessment for cattle residing in endemic areas, understanding factors involved in endemic stability, evaluation of parasite diversity and pathogenicity of regional Babesia species, and estimation of whether and how BB should be controlled in China. Research should allow the design of comprehensive interventions to improve cattle production, diminish the risk of human infections, and increase the availability of affordable animal protein for human consumption in China and worldwide. In this review, we describe the current state of BB with reference to the diversity of hosts, vectors, and parasite species in China. We also discuss the unique risks and knowledge gaps that should be taken into consideration for future Babesia research and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 People’s Republic of China
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Centre for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping, Lanzhou, 730046 China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
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12
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Hussein HE, Johnson WC, Taus NS, Capelli-Peixoto J, Suarez CE, Mousel MR, Ueti MW. Differential expression of calcium-dependent protein kinase 4, tubulin tyrosine ligase, and methyltransferase by xanthurenic acid-induced Babesia bovis sexual stages. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:395. [PMID: 34376245 PMCID: PMC8353865 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04902-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia bovis is one of the most significant tick-transmitted pathogens of cattle worldwide. Babesia bovis parasites have a complex lifecycle, including development within the mammalian host and tick vector. Each life stage has developmental forms that differ in morphology and metabolism. Differentiation between these forms is highly regulated in response to changes in the parasite’s environment. Understanding the mechanisms by which Babesia parasites respond to environmental changes and the transmission cycle through the biological vector is critically important for developing bovine babesiosis control strategies. Results In this study, we induced B. bovis sexual stages in vitro using xanthurenic acid and documented changes in morphology and gene expression. In vitro induced B. bovis sexual stages displayed distinctive protrusive structures and surface ruffles. We also demonstrated the upregulation of B. bovis calcium-dependent protein kinase 4 (cdpk4), tubulin-tyrosine ligase (ttl), and methyltransferase (mt) genes by in vitro induced sexual stages and during parasite development within tick midguts. Conclusions Similar to other apicomplexan parasites, it is likely that B. bovis upregulated genes play a vital role in sexual reproduction and parasite transmission. Herein, we document the upregulation of cdpk4, ttl, and mt genes by both B. bovis in vitro induced sexual stages and parasites developing in the tick vector. Understanding the parasite's biology and identifying target genes essential for sexual reproduction will enable the production of non-transmissible live vaccines to control bovine babesiosis. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04902-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala E Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. .,Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Wendell C Johnson
- The US Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Naomi S Taus
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,The US Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Janaina Capelli-Peixoto
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,The US Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michelle R Mousel
- The US Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA.,Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,The US Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
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13
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Couto J, Seixas G, Stutzer C, Olivier NA, Maritz-Olivier C, Antunes S, Domingos A. Probing the Rhipicephalusbursa Sialomes in Potential Anti-Tick Vaccine Candidates: A Reverse Vaccinology Approach. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040363. [PMID: 33807386 PMCID: PMC8067113 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the wake of the ‘omics’ explosion of data, reverse vaccinology approaches are being applied more readily as an alternative for the discovery of candidates for next generation diagnostics and vaccines. Promising protective antigens for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases can be discovered by mining available omics data for immunogenic epitopes. The present study aims to explore the previously obtained Rhipicephalus bursa sialotranscriptome during both feeding and Babesia infection, to select antigenic targets that are either membrane-associated or a secreted protein, as well as unique to the ectoparasite and not present in the mammalian host. Further, they should be capable of stimulating T and B cells for a potential robust immune response, and be non-allergenic or toxic to the host. From the R. bursa transcriptome, 5706 and 3025 proteins were identified as belonging to the surfaceome and secretome, respectively. Following a reverse genetics immunoinformatics pipeline, nine preferred candidates, consisting of one transmembrane-related and eight secreted proteins, were identified. These candidates showed a higher predicted antigenicity than the Bm86 antigen, with no homology to mammalian hosts and exposed regions. Only four were functionally annotated and selected for further in silico analysis, which examined their protein structure, surface accessibility, flexibility, hydrophobicity, and putative linear B and T-cell epitopes. Regions with overlapping coincident epitopes groups (CEGs) were evaluated to select peptides that were further analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics, potential allergenicity, toxicity, solubility, and potential propensity for crystallization. Following these procedures, a set of three peptides from the three R. bursa proteins were selected. In silico results indicate that the designed epitopes could stimulate a protective and long-lasting immune response against those tick proteins, reflecting its potential as anti-tick vaccines. The immunogenicity of these peptides was evaluated in a pilot immunization study followed by tick feeding to evaluate its impact on tick behavior and pathogen transmission. Combining in silico methods with in vivo immunogenicity evaluation enabled the screening of vaccine candidates prior to expensive infestation studies on the definitive ovine host animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Couto
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (G.S.); (A.D.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (S.A.); Tel.: +351-213-652-600 (J.C.); Fax: +351-213-652-105 (J.C.)
| | - Gonçalo Seixas
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (G.S.); (A.D.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Christian Stutzer
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (C.S.); (C.M.-O.)
| | - Nicholas A. Olivier
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa;
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Christine Maritz-Olivier
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (C.S.); (C.M.-O.)
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (G.S.); (A.D.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (S.A.); Tel.: +351-213-652-600 (J.C.); Fax: +351-213-652-105 (J.C.)
| | - Ana Domingos
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (G.S.); (A.D.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
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14
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A Comparative Genomic Study of Attenuated and Virulent Strains of Babesia bigemina. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030318. [PMID: 33800466 PMCID: PMC7999288 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle babesiosis is a socio-economically important tick-borne disease caused by Apicomplexa protozoa of the genus Babesia that are obligate intraerythrocytic parasites. The pathogenicity of Babesia parasites for cattle is determined by the interaction with the host immune system and the presence of the parasite’s virulence genes. A Babesia bigemina strain that has been maintained under a microaerophilic stationary phase in in vitro culture conditions for several years in the laboratory lost virulence for the bovine host and the capacity for being transmitted by the tick vector. In this study, we compared the virulome of the in vitro culture attenuated Babesia bigemina strain (S) and the virulent tick transmitted parental Mexican B. bigemina strain (M). Preliminary results obtained by using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) showed that out of 27 virulence genes described and analyzed in the B. bigemina virulent tick transmitted strain, only five were fully identified in the attenuated laboratory strain. In all cases, the identity and coverture of the identified genes of the wildtype strain were higher than those of the laboratory strain. This finding is putatively associated with the continuous partial loss of virulence genes in the laboratory strain after several passages of the parasite population under optimal in vitro growth conditions. The loss of virulence factors might be reflected in the absence of symptoms of the disease in cattle inoculated with the attenuated strain despite the presence of infection in the bovine host cells.
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15
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Elsworth B, Duraisingh MT. A framework for signaling throughout the life cycle of Babesia species. Mol Microbiol 2020; 115:882-890. [PMID: 33274587 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Babesia species are tick-borne intracellular parasites that infect the red blood cells of their mammalian host, leading to severe or fatal disease. Babesia spp. infect a wide range of mammalian species and cause a significant economic burden globally, predominantly through disease in cattle. Several Babesia spp. are increasingly being recognized as zoonotic pathogens of humans. Babesia spp. have complex life cycles involving multiple stages in the tick and the mammalian host. The parasite utilizes complex signaling pathways during replication, egress, and invasion in each of these stages. They must also rapidly respond to their environment when switching between the mammalian and tick stages. This review will focus on the signaling pathways and environmental stimuli that Babesia spp. utilize in the bloodstream and for transmission to the tick, with an emphasis on the role of phosphorylation- and calcium-based signaling during egress and invasion. The expanding availability of in vitro and in vivo culture systems, genomes, transcriptomes, and transgenic systems available for a range of Babesia spp. should encourage further biological and translational studies of these ubiquitous parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Elsworth
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manoj T Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Bovine Babesiosis in Turkey: Impact, Current Gaps, and Opportunities for Intervention. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121041. [PMID: 33322637 PMCID: PMC7763958 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis is a global tick-borne disease that causes important cattle losses and has potential zoonotic implications. The impact of bovine babesiosis in Turkey remains poorly characterized, but several Babesia spp., including B. bovis, B. bigemina, and B. divergens, among others and competent tick vectors, except Rhipicephalus microplus, have been recently identified in the country. Bovine babesiosis has been reported in all provinces but is more prevalent in central and highly humid areas in low and medium altitude regions of the country housing approximately 70% of the cattle population. Current control measures include acaricides and babesicidal drugs, but not live vaccines. Despite the perceived relevant impact of bovine babesiosis in Turkey, basic research programs focused on developing in vitro cultures of parasites, point-of-care diagnostic methods, vaccine development, “omics” analysis, and gene manipulation techniques of local Babesia strains are scarce. Additionally, no effective and coordinated control efforts managed by a central animal health authority have been established to date. Development of state-of-the-art research programs in bovine babesiosis to address current gaps in knowledge and implementation of long-term plans to control the disease will surely result in important economic, nutritional, and public health benefits for the country and the region.
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17
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Initiated Babesia ovata Sexual Stages under In Vitro Conditions Were Recognized by Anti-CCp2 Antibodies, Showing Changes in the DNA Content by Imaging Flow Cytometry. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030104. [PMID: 31319568 PMCID: PMC6789521 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual stage induction under in vitro conditions is useful for biological and molecular studies of Babesia parasites. Therefore, in the present study, we induced B. ovata tick stages using the chemical inducers: xanthurenic acid (XA), dithiothreitol (DTT) and tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine (TCEP) at 27 °C or 37 °C conditions. Cultures at low temperature (27 °C) or treated with XA/TCEP induced a large number of extra-erythrocytic merozoites, which transformed into round shape cells at 12-24 h post-induction (pi). However, typical forms of tick stages (aggregation forms and the spiky forms/ray bodies) were only observed in the cultures treated with 40 mM or 60 mM of DTT during 3-6 h pi. The induced cells were recognized by anti-CCp2 rabbit antisera. DNA content of the cell population treated with 40 mM of DTT was analyzed by imaging flow cytometry at 0, 12 and 48 h pi. The results indicated that the parasite population with diploid-like double DNA content increased at 48 h pi. Our observations on morphological and changes in the DNA content provide useful information for understanding the life cycle of B. ovata under in vitro conditions, which will facilitate further studies on basic biology and the development of transmission blocking vaccines against bovine babesiosis.
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18
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Babesiosis Vaccines: Lessons Learned, Challenges Ahead, and Future Glimpses. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:622-635. [PMID: 31281025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of babesiosis in animals and humans is increasing, yet prevention, control, or treatment measures remain limited and ineffective. Despite a growing body of new knowledge of the biology, pathogenicity, and virulence of Babesia parasites, there is still no well-defined, adequately effective and easily deployable vaccine. While numerous published studies suggest that the development of such anti-Babesia vaccines should be feasible, many others identify significant challenges that need to be overcome in order to succeed. Here, we review historic and recent attempts in babesiosis vaccine discovery to avoid past pitfalls, learn new lessons, and provide a roadmap to guide the development of next-generation babesiosis vaccines.
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19
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Bohaliga GAR, Johnson WC, Taus NS, Hussein HE, Bastos RG, Suarez CE, Scoles GA, Ueti MW. Identification of proteins expressed by Babesia bigemina kinetes. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:271. [PMID: 31138276 PMCID: PMC6537212 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia bigemina is an apicomplexan parasite transovarially transmitted via Rhipicephalus ticks that infect red blood cells and causes bovine babesiosis, a poorly controlled severe acute disease in cattle. New methods of control are urgently needed, including the development of transmission blocking vaccines (TBV). Babesia bigemina reproduces sexually in the gut of adult female R. microplus upon acquisition following a blood meal. Sexual reproduction results in zygotes that infect gut epithelial cells to transform into kinete stage parasites, which invade tick ovaries and infects the egg mass. The subsequent tick generation transmits B. bigemina upon feeding on bovine hosts. An important limitation for developing novel TBV is that the pattern of protein expression in B. bigemina tick stages, such as the kinete stage, remain essentially uncharacterized. Results We determined the protein expression profile of three B. bigemina putative tick stage candidates BbiKSP (BBBOND_0206730), CCp2 and CCp3. We found that BbiKSP expression was restricted to B. bigemina kinetes. CCp2 and CCp3, previously shown to be expressed by induced sexual stages, were also expressed by kinetes. Importantly, none of these proteins were expressed by B. bigemina blood stages. Conclusions Babesia bigemina kinetes express BbiKSP, CCp2 and CCp3 proteins, therefore, these proteins may play important roles during B. bigemina development within tick hemolymph and may serve as potential candidate targets for the development of TBV. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3531-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamila A R Bohaliga
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Wendell C Johnson
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, 99164-6630, USA
| | - Naomi S Taus
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, 99164-6630, USA
| | - Hala E Hussein
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Reginaldo G Bastos
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, 99164-6630, USA
| | - Glen A Scoles
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, 99164-6630, USA
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, 99164-6630, USA. .,The Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-70403, USA.
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Jalovecka M, Sojka D, Ascencio M, Schnittger L. Babesia Life Cycle - When Phylogeny Meets Biology. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:356-368. [PMID: 30733093 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although Babesia represents an important worldwide veterinary threat and an emerging risk to humans, this parasite has been poorly studied as compared to Plasmodium, its malaria-causing relative. In fact, Babesia employs highly specific survival strategies during its intraerythrocytic development and its intricate journey through the tick vector. This review introduces a substantially extended molecular phylogeny of the order Piroplasmida, challenging previous taxonomic classifications. The intriguing developmental proficiencies of Babesia are highlighted and compared with those of other haemoparasitic Apicomplexa. Molecular mechanisms associated with distinctive events in the Babesia life cycle are emphasized as potential targets for the development of Babesia-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jalovecka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, CZ-370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Mariano Ascencio
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), INTA-Castelar, Los Reseros y Nicolas Repetto s/n, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), INTA-Castelar, Los Reseros y Nicolas Repetto s/n, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
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21
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Suarez CE, Alzan HF, Silva MG, Rathinasamy V, Poole WA, Cooke BM. Unravelling the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of bovine babesiosis: is the sky the limit? Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:183-197. [PMID: 30690089 PMCID: PMC6988112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The global impact of bovine babesiosis caused by the tick-borne apicomplexan parasites Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Babesia divergens is vastly underappreciated. These parasites invade and multiply asexually in bovine red blood cells (RBCs), undergo sexual reproduction in their tick vectors (Rhipicephalus spp. for B. bovis and B. bigemina, and Ixodes ricinus for B. divergens) and have a trans-ovarial mode of transmission. Babesia parasites can cause acute and persistent infections to adult naïve cattle that can occur without evident clinical signs, but infections caused by B. bovis are associated with more severe disease and increased mortality, and are considered to be the most virulent agent of bovine babesiosis. In addition, babesiosis caused by B. divergens has an important zoonotic potential. The disease caused by B. bovis and B. bigemina can be controlled, at least in part, using therapeutic agents or vaccines comprising live-attenuated parasites, but these methods are limited in terms of their safety, ease of deployability and long-term efficacy, and improved control measures are urgently needed. In addition, expansion of tick habitats due to climate change and other rapidly changing environmental factors complicate efficient control of these parasites. While the ability to cause persistent infections facilitates transmission and persistence of the parasite in endemic regions, it also highlights their capacity to evade the host immune responses. Currently, the mechanisms of immune responses used by infected bovines to survive acute and chronic infections remain poorly understood, warranting further research. Similarly, molecular details on the processes leading to sexual reproduction and the development of tick-stage parasites are lacking, and such tick-specific molecules can be targets for control using alternative transmission blocking vaccines. In this review, we identify and examine key phases in the life-cycle of Babesia parasites, including dependence on a tick vector for transmission, sexual reproduction of the parasite in the midgut of the tick, parasite-dependent invasion and egression of bovine RBCs, the role of the spleen in the clearance of infected RBCs (IRBCs), and age-related disease resistance in cattle, as opportunities for developing improved control measures. The availability of integrated novel research approaches including "omics" (such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics), gene modification, cytoadhesion assays, RBC invasion assays and methods for in vitro induction of sexual-stage parasites will accelerate our understanding of parasite vulnerabilities. Further, producing new knowledge on these vulnerabilities, as well as taking full advantage of existing knowledge, by filling important research gaps should result in the development of next-generation vaccines to control acute disease and parasite transmission. Creative and effective use of current and future technical and computational resources are needed, in the face of the numerous challenges imposed by these highly evolved parasites, for improving the control of this disease. Overall, bovine babesiosis is recognised as a global disease that imposes a serious burden on livestock production and human livelihood, but it largely remains a poorly controlled disease in many areas of the world. Recently, important progress has been made in our understanding of the basic biology and host-parasite interactions of Babesia parasites, yet a good deal of basic and translational research is still needed to achieve effective control of this important disease and to improve animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States.
| | - Heba F Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marta G Silva
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Vignesh Rathinasamy
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - William A Poole
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Brian M Cooke
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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22
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Biochemical characterization of Plasmodium complement factors binding protein for its role in immune modulation. Biochem J 2018; 475:2877-2891. [PMID: 30049893 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Complement system is the first line of human defence against intruding pathogens and is recognized as a potentially useful therapeutic target. Human malaria parasite Plasmodium employs a series of intricate mechanisms that enables it to evade different arms of immune system, including the complement system. Here, we show the expression of a multi-domain Plasmodium Complement Control Protein 1, PfCCp1 at asexual blood stages and its binding affinity with C3b as well as C4b proteins of human complement cascade. Using a biochemical assay, we demonstrate that PfCCp1 binds with complement factors and inhibits complement activation. Active immunization of mice with PfCCp1 followed by challenge with Plasmodium berghei resulted in the loss of biphasic growth of parasites and early death in comparison to the control group. The study also showed a role of PfCCp1 in modulating Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated signalling and effector responses on antigen-presenting cells. PfCCp1 binds with dendritic cells that down-regulates the expression of signalling molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby dampening the TLR2-mediated signalling; hence acting as a potent immuno-modulator. In summary, PfCCp1 appears to be an important component of malaria parasite directed immuno-modulating strategies that promote the adaptive fitness of pathogens in the host.
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Bohaliga GAR, Johnson WC, Taus NS, Hussein HE, Bastos RG, Suarez CE, O’Connor R, Ueti MW. Identification of a putative methyltransferase gene of Babesia bigemina as a novel molecular biomarker uniquely expressed in parasite tick stages. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:480. [PMID: 30143025 PMCID: PMC6109354 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine babesiosis is caused by apicomplexan pathogens of the genus Babesia such as B. bigemina and B. bovis. These tick-borne pathogens have a complex life-cycle involving asexual multiplication in vertebrate hosts and sexual reproduction in invertebrate vectors. In the tick midgut, extracellular Babesia parasites transform into gametes that fuse to form zygotes. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie formation of extracellular Babesia tick stages is an important step towards developing control strategies for preventing tick infection and subsequent parasite transmission. RESULTS We induced B. bigemina sexual stages in vitro by exposing parasites to Tris 2-carboxyethyl phosphine (TCEP). Subsequently, we identified a novel putative methyltransferase gene (BBBOND_0204030) that is expressed uniquely in all B. bigemina tick stages but not in blood stages. In vitro TCEP-exposed B. bigemina presented diverse morphology including parasites with long projections, round forms and clusters of round forms indicative of sexual stage induction. We confirmed the development of sexual stages by detecting upregulation of previously defined B. bigemina sexual stage marker genes, ccp2 and 3, and their respective protein expression in TCEP-induced B. bigemina cultures. Next, transcription analysis of in vitro TCEP-induced B. bigemina culture based on an in silico derived list of homologs of Plasmodium falciparum gamete-specific genes demonstrated differential expression of the gene BBBOND_0204030 in induced cells. Further examination of ex vivo infected ticks demonstrated that BBBOND_0204030 is transcribed by multiple stages of B. bigemina during parasite development in tick midgut, ovary and hemolymph. Interestingly, ex vivo results confirmed our in vitro observation that blood stages of B. bigemina do not express BBBOND_0204030 and validated the in vitro system of inducing sexual stages. CONCLUSIONS Herein we describe the identification of a B. bigemina gene transcribed exclusively by parasites infecting ticks using a novel method of inducing B. bigemina sexual stages in vitro. We propose that this gene can be used as a marker for parasite development within the tick vector. Together, these tools will facilitate our understanding of parasite-tick interactions, the identification of novel vaccine targets and, consequently, the development of additional strategies to control bovine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamila A. R. Bohaliga
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164 USA
| | - Wendell C. Johnson
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, Washington, 99164-6630 USA
| | - Naomi S. Taus
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164 USA
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, Washington, 99164-6630 USA
| | - Hala E. Hussein
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164 USA
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613 Egypt
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164 USA
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, Washington, 99164-6630 USA
| | - Roberta O’Connor
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164 USA
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164 USA
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, Washington, 99164-6630 USA
- The Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164-70403 USA
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Jalovecka M, Hajdusek O, Sojka D, Kopacek P, Malandrin L. The Complexity of Piroplasms Life Cycles. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:248. [PMID: 30083518 PMCID: PMC6065256 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although apicomplexan parasites of the group Piroplasmida represent commonly identified global risks to both animals and humans, detailed knowledge of their life cycles is surprisingly limited. Such a discrepancy results from incomplete literature reports, nomenclature disunity and recently, from large numbers of newly described species. This review intends to collate and summarize current knowledge with respect to piroplasm phylogeny. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive view of developmental events of Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon representative species, focusing on uniform consensus of three consecutive phases: (i) schizogony and merogony, asexual multiplication in blood cells of the vertebrate host; (ii) gamogony, sexual reproduction inside the tick midgut, later followed by invasion of kinetes into the tick internal tissues; and (iii) sporogony, asexual proliferation in tick salivary glands resulting in the formation of sporozoites. However, many fundamental differences in this general consensus occur and this review identifies variables that should be analyzed prior to further development of specific anti-piroplasm strategies, including the attractive targeting of life cycle stages of Babesia or Theileria tick vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jalovecka
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Université Bretagne Loire, Nantes, France.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
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Assessment of Draxxin ® (tulathromycin) as an inhibitor of in vitro growth of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Theileria equi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2018; 8:265-270. [PMID: 29689532 PMCID: PMC6039354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Theileria equi are worldwide tick-borne hemoprotozoan that cause diseases characterized by fever, anemia, weight loss and abortion. A common feature of these diseases are transition from acute to chronic phases, in which parasites may persist in the host for life, and becoming a reservoir for tick transmission. The live-attenuated vaccines for B. bovis and B. bigemina are not available for worldwide use due to legal restrictions and other concerns such as potential erythrocyte antigen and pathogen contamination, and a vaccine for T. equi is not available. The use of chemotherapeutics is essential to treat and control these diseases, but several studies have shown the development of drug-resistance by these parasites, and safe and effective alternative drugs are needed. Tulathromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has proven to be effective against a vast range of bacteria and Plasmodium yoelli, a Babesia and Theileria related intra-erythrocytic apicomplexan. Draxxin® (tulathromycin) is currently licensed to treat infections that cause respiratory diseases in cattle in several countries. In this study, the activity of Draxxin® was tested in vitro on cultured B. bovis, B. bigemina and T. equi. Addition of the drug to in vitro cultures resulted in cessation of parasite replication of the three species tested, B. bovis, B. bigemina and T. equi, with estimated IC50 of 16.7 ± 0.6 nM; 6.2 ± 0.2 nM and 2.4 ± 0.1 nM, respectively, at 72 h. Furthermore, neither parasites nor parasite DNA were detectable in cultures treated with IC100, suggesting Draxxin® is a highly effective anti-Babesia/Theileria drug. Importantly, the IC50 calculated for Draxxin® for the Babesia/Theileria parasites tested is lower that the IC50 calculated for some drugs currently in use to control these parasites. Collectively, the data strongly support in vivo testing of Draxxin® for the treatment of bovine babesiosis and equine piroplasmosis. Chemotherapeutics are critical to treat bovine babesiosis and equine theileriosis. Study of the activity of Draxxin® in vitro B. bovis, B. bigemina, T. equi cultures. Addition of Draxxin® to the cultures resulted in cessation of parasite replication. IC50 (nM) of 16.7; 6.2 and 2.4 to B. bovis, B. bigemina and T. equi, respectively. Results suggests that Draxxin® is a highly effective anti-Babesia/Theileria drug.
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Margalit Levi M, Tirosh-Levy S, Dahan R, Berlin D, Steinman A, Edery N, Savitski I, Lebovich B, Knowles D, Suarez CE, Baneth G, Mazuz ML. First Detection of Diffuse and Cerebral Theileria equi Infection in Neonatal Filly. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Camacho-Nuez M, Hernández-Silva DJ, Castañeda-Ortiz EJ, Paredes-Martínez ME, Rocha-Martínez MK, Alvarez-Sánchez ME, Mercado-Curiel RF, Aguilar-Tipacamu G, Mosqueda J. Hap2, a novel gene in Babesia bigemina is expressed in tick stages, and specific antibodies block zygote formation. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:568. [PMID: 29132437 PMCID: PMC5683354 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2510-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. In their host vector, Babesia spp. undergo sexual reproduction. Therefore, the development of sexual stages and the subsequent formation of the zygote are essential for the parasite to invade the intestinal cells of the vector tick and continue its life-cycle. HAP2/GCS1 is a protein identified in plants, protozoan parasites and other organisms that has an important role during membrane fusion in fertilization processes. The identification and characterization of HAP-2 protein in Babesia would be very significant to understand the biology of the parasite and to develop a transmission-blocking vaccine in the future. Results To isolate and sequence the hap2 gene DNA from an infected bovine with Babesia bigemina was purified. The hap2 gene was amplified, cloned and sequenced. The sequences of hap2 from four geographically different strains showed high conservation at the amino acid level, including the typical structure with a signal peptide and the HAP2/GSC domain. Antisera anti-HAP2 against the conserved extracellular region of the HAP2 amino acid sequence were obtained from rabbits. The expression of hap2 in the host and vector tissues was analyzed by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the protein was examined by western blot and immunofluorescence. Based on the RT-PCR and WB results, HAP2 is expressed in both, sexual stages induced in vitro, and in infected ticks as well. We did not detect any expression in asexual erythrocytic stages of B. bigemina, relevantly anti-HAP2 specific antibodies were able to block zygotes formation in vitro. Conclusion Babesia bigemina HAP2 is expressed only in tick-infecting stages, and specific antibodies block zygote formation. Further studies regarding the function of HAP2 during tick infection may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of sexual reproduction of the parasite. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2510-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Camacho-Nuez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico
| | - Diego Josimar Hernández-Silva
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias s/n Col Juriquilla, C.P, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Jacqueline Castañeda-Ortiz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico
| | - María Elena Paredes-Martínez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico.,Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias s/n Col Juriquilla, C.P, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Marisol Karina Rocha-Martínez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico
| | - María Elizbeth Alvarez-Sánchez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico
| | | | - Gabriela Aguilar-Tipacamu
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias s/n Col Juriquilla, C.P, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias s/n Col Juriquilla, C.P, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico.
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Antunes S, Rosa C, Couto J, Ferrolho J, Domingos A. Deciphering Babesia-Vector Interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:429. [PMID: 29034218 PMCID: PMC5627281 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding host-pathogen-tick interactions remains a vitally important issue that might be better understood by basic research focused on each of the dyad interplays. Pathogens gain access to either the vector or host during tick feeding when ticks are confronted with strong hemostatic, inflammatory and immune responses. A prominent example of this is the Babesia spp.—tick—vertebrate host relationship. Babesia spp. are intraerythrocytic apicomplexan organisms spread worldwide, with a complex life cycle. The presence of transovarial transmission in almost all the Babesia species is the main difference between their life cycle and that of other piroplasmida. With more than 100 species described so far, Babesia are the second most commonly found blood parasite of mammals after trypanosomes. The prevalence of Babesia spp. infection is increasing worldwide and is currently classified as an emerging zoonosis. Babesia microti and Babesia divergens are the most frequent etiological agents associated with human babesiosis in North America and Europe, respectively. Although the Babesia-tick system has been extensively researched, the currently available prophylactic and control methods are not efficient, and chemotherapeutic treatment is limited. Studying the molecular changes induced by the presence of Babesia in the vector will not only elucidate the strategies used by the protozoa to overcome mechanical and immune barriers, but will also contribute toward the discovery of important tick molecules that have a role in vector capacity. This review provides an overview of the identified molecules involved in Babesia-tick interactions, with an emphasis on the fundamentally important ones for pathogen acquisition and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Rosa
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Couto
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Ferrolho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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29
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Suarez CE, Bishop RP, Alzan HF, Poole WA, Cooke BM. Advances in the application of genetic manipulation methods to apicomplexan parasites. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:701-710. [PMID: 28893636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites such as Babesia, Theileria, Eimeria, Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma greatly impact animal health globally, and improved, cost-effective measures to control them are urgently required. These parasites have complex multi-stage life cycles including obligate intracellular stages. Major gaps in our understanding of the biology of these relatively poorly characterised parasites and the diseases they cause severely limit options for designing novel control methods. Here we review potentially important shared aspects of the biology of these parasites, such as cell invasion, host cell modification, and asexual and sexual reproduction, and explore the potential of the application of relatively well-established or newly emerging genetic manipulation methods, such as classical transfection or gene editing, respectively, for closing important gaps in our knowledge of the function of specific genes and proteins, and the biology of these parasites. In addition, genetic manipulation methods impact the development of novel methods of control of the diseases caused by these economically important parasites. Transient and stable transfection methods, in conjunction with whole and deep genome sequencing, were initially instrumental in improving our understanding of the molecular biology of apicomplexan parasites and paved the way for the application of the more recently developed gene editing methods. The increasingly efficient and more recently developed gene editing methods, in particular those based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system and previous conceptually similar techniques, are already contributing to additional gene function discovery using reverse genetics and related approaches. However, gene editing methods are only possible due to the increasing availability of in vitro culture, transfection, and genome sequencing and analysis techniques. We envisage that rapid progress in the development of novel gene editing techniques applied to apicomplexan parasites of veterinary interest will ultimately lead to the development of novel and more efficient methods for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
| | - R P Bishop
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; The Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - H F Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - W A Poole
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - B M Cooke
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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Silva MG, Knowles DP, Suarez CE. Identification of interchangeable cross-species function of elongation factor-1 alpha promoters in Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:576. [PMID: 27835993 PMCID: PMC5106780 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1859-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne Babesia bigemina is responsible for acute and potentially lethal hemolytic disease in cattle. The development of genetic manipulation tools necessary to the better understanding of parasite biology is currently limited by the lack of a complete parasite genome and experimental tools such as transfection. Effective promoters, required to regulate expression of transgenes, such as the elongation factor-1 alpha (ef-1α), have been identified in other apicomplexans such as Babesia bovis and Plasmodium falciparum. Methods The B. bigemina ef-1a locus was defined by searching a partial genome library of B. bigemina (Sanger Institute). Presence of an intron in the 5’ untranslated region was determined by 5’ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) analysis. Promoter activity was determined by measurement of luciferase expression at several time points after electroporation, efficiency of transfections and normalization of data was determined by quantitative PCR and by the percentage of parasitized erythrocytes. Results The ef-1α locus contains two identical head to head ef-1α genes separated by a 1.425 kb intergenic (IG) region. Significant sequence divergence in the regions upstream of the inverted repeats on each side of the B. bigemina IG region suggest independent regulation mechanisms for controlling expression of each of the two ef-1α genes. Plasmid constructs containing the 5’ and 3’ halves of the IG regions controlling the expression of the luciferase gene containing a 3’ region of a B. bigemina rap-1a gene, were generated for the testing of luciferase activity in transiently transfected parasites. Both halves of the ef-1α IG region tested showed the ability to promote high level production of luciferase. Moreover, both B. bigemina ef-1α promoters are also active in transiently transfected B. bovis and conversely, a B. bovis ef-1α promoter is active in transiently transfected B. bigemina. Conclusions Collectively these data demonstrate the existence of two distinct promoters with homologous and heterologous promoter function in B. bigemina and B. bovis which is described for the first time in Babesia species. This study is of significance for development of interspecies stable transfection systems for B. bigemina and for B. bovis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1859-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta G Silva
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Donald P Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, WSU, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, WSU, Pullman, WA, USA
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Alzan HF, Lau AOT, Knowles DP, Herndon DR, Ueti MW, Scoles GA, Kappmeyer LS, Suarez CE. Expression of 6-Cys Gene Superfamily Defines Babesia bovis Sexual Stage Development within Rhipicephalus microplus. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163791. [PMID: 27668751 PMCID: PMC5036836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia bovis, an intra-erythrocytic tick-borne apicomplexan protozoan, is one of the causative agents of bovine babesiosis. Its life cycle includes sexual reproduction within cattle fever ticks, Rhipicephalus spp. Six B. bovis 6-Cys gene superfamily members were previously identified (A, B, C, D, E, F) where their orthologues in Plasmodium parasite have been shown to encode for proteins required for the development of sexual stages. The current study identified four additional 6-Cys genes (G, H, I, J) in the B. bovis genome. These four genes are described in the context of the complete ten 6-Cys gene superfamily. The proteins expressed by this gene family are predicted to be secreted or surface membrane directed. Genetic analysis comparing the 6-Cys superfamily among five distinct B. bovis strains shows limited sequence variation. Additionally, A, B, E, H, I and J genes were transcribed in B. bovis infected tick midgut while genes A, B and E were also transcribed in the subsequent B. bovis kinete stage. Transcription of gene C was found exclusively in the kinete. In contrast, transcription of genes D, F and G in either B. bovis infected midguts or kinetes was not detected. None of the 6-Cys transcripts were detected in B. bovis blood stages. Subsequent protein analysis of 6-Cys A and B is concordant with their transcript profile. The collective data indicate as in Plasmodium parasite, certain B. bovis 6-Cys family members are uniquely expressed during sexual stages and therefore, they are likely required for parasite reproduction. Within B. bovis specifically, proteins encoded by 6-Cys genes A and B are markers for sexual stages and candidate antigens for developing novel vaccines able to interfere with the development of B. bovis within the tick vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba F. Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Audrey O. T. Lau
- The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 5601 Fishers Lane, MSC 9823, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural—Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - David R. Herndon
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural—Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural—Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Glen A. Scoles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural—Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Lowell S. Kappmeyer
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural—Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural—Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Jalovecka M, Bonsergent C, Hajdusek O, Kopacek P, Malandrin L. Stimulation and quantification of Babesia divergens gametocytogenesis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:439. [PMID: 27502772 PMCID: PMC4977898 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia divergens is the most common blood parasite in Europe causing babesiosis, a tick-borne malaria-like disease. Despite an increasing focus on B. divergens, especially regarding veterinary and human medicine, the sexual development of Babesia is poorly understood. Development of Babesia sexual stages in the host blood (gametocytes) plays a decisive role in parasite acquisition by the tick vector. However, the exact mechanism of gametocytogenesis is still unexplained. METHODS Babesia divergens gametocytes are characterized by expression of bdccp1, bdccp2 and bdccp3 genes. Using previously described sequences of bdccp1, bdccp2 and bdccp3, we have established a quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay for detection and assessment of the efficiency of B. divergens gametocytes production in bovine blood. We analysed fluctuations in expression of bdccp genes during cultivation in vitro, as well as in cultures treated with different drugs and stimuli. RESULTS We demonstrated that all B. divergens clonal lines tested, originally derived from naturally infected cows, exhibited sexual stages. Furthermore, sexual commitment was stimulated during continuous growth of the cultures, by addition of specific stress-inducing drugs or by alternating cultivation conditions. Expression of bdccp genes was greatly reduced or even lost after long-term cultivation, suggesting possible problems in the artificial infections of ticks in feeding assays in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our research provides insight into sexual development of B. divergens and may facilitate the development of transmission models in vitro, enabling a more detailed understanding of Babesia-tick interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jalovecka
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307, Nantes, France. .,LUNAM University, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine and Food Sciences and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307, Nantes, France. .,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, CZ-370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Claire Bonsergent
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307, Nantes, France.,LUNAM University, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine and Food Sciences and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307, Nantes, France
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Laurence Malandrin
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307, Nantes, France.,LUNAM University, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine and Food Sciences and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307, Nantes, France
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Hussein HE, Scoles GA, Ueti MW, Suarez CE, Adham FK, Guerrero FD, Bastos RG. Targeted silencing of the Aquaporin 2 gene of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus reduces tick fitness. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:618. [PMID: 26626727 PMCID: PMC4667534 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1226-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are blood-feeding arthropods that can affect human and animal health both directly by blood-feeding and indirectly by transmitting pathogens. The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one of the most economically important ectoparasites of bovines worldwide and it is responsible for the transmission of the protozoan Babesia bovis, the etiological agent of bovine babesiosis. Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins implicated in physiological mechanisms of osmoregulation. Members of the AQP family are critical for blood-feeding arthropods considering the extreme osmoregulatory changes that occur during their feeding. We investigated the pattern of expression of a newly identified AQP2 gene of R. microplus (RmAQP2) in different tick tissues and stages. We also examined in vivo the biological implications of silencing expression of RmAQP2 silencing during tick feeding on either uninfected or B. bovis-infected cattle. METHODS In silico gene analyses were performed by multiple alignments of amino acid sequences and topology prediction. Levels of RmAQP2 transcripts in different tick tissues and stages were analyzed by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR. Patterns of expression of RmAQP2 protein were investigated by immunoblots. Gene silencing was performed by RNA interference and in vivo functional analyses carried out by feeding ticks on either uninfected or B. bovis-infected cattle. RESULTS RmAQP2 transcripts were found in unfed larvae, engorged nymphs, and salivary glands and guts of partially engorged females; however, of all tick tissues and stages examined, RmAQP2 protein was found only in salivary glands of partially engorged females. RmAQP2 silencing significantly reduced tick fitness and completely abrogated protein expression. The effect of RmAQP2 silencing on fitness was more pronounced in females fed on a B. bovis-infected calf than in ticks fed on an uninfected calf and none of their larval progeny survived. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, considering the gene expression and tick fitness data, we conclude that RmAQP2 is critical for tick blood feeding and may be a suitable candidate target for the development of novel strategies to control R. microplus and tick-borne parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala E Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Glen A Scoles
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Fatma K Adham
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Felix D Guerrero
- USDA-ARS, Knipling Bushland US Livestock Insect Research laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA. .,USDA-ARS Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, USA.
| | - Reginaldo G Bastos
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
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Simon N, Kuehn A, Williamson KC, Pradel G. Adhesion protein complexes of malaria gametocytes assemble following parasite transmission to the mosquito. Parasitol Int 2015; 65:27-30. [PMID: 26408859 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Simon
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2/D15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, 91052 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Kuehn
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2/D15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; ISGlobal, Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kim C Williamson
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 6525 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626, USA
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Florin-Christensen M, Suarez CE, Rodriguez AE, Flores DA, Schnittger L. Vaccines against bovine babesiosis: where we are now and possible roads ahead. Parasitology 2014; 141:1-30. [PMID: 25068315 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY Bovine babesiosis caused by the tick-transmitted haemoprotozoans Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Babesia divergens commonly results in substantial cattle morbidity and mortality in vast world areas. Although existing live vaccines confer protection, they have considerable disadvantages. Therefore, particularly in countries where large numbers of cattle are at risk, important research is directed towards improved vaccination strategies. Here a comprehensive overview of currently used live vaccines and of the status quo of experimental vaccine trials is presented. In addition, pertinent research fields potentially contributing to the development of novel non-live and/or live vaccines are discussed, including parasite antigens involved in host cell invasion and in pathogen-tick interactions, as well as the protective immunity against infection. The mining of available parasite genomes is continuously enlarging the array of potential vaccine candidates and, additionally, the recent development of a transfection tool for Babesia can significantly contribute to vaccine design. However, the complication and high cost of vaccination trials hinder Babesia vaccine research, and have so far seriously limited the systematic examination of antigen candidates and prevented an in-depth testing of formulations using different immunomodulators and antigen delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology,Washington State University,Pullman, WA 99164-7040,USA
| | - Anabel E Rodriguez
- Instituto de Patobiologia,CICVyA, INTA-Castelar, 1686 Hurlingham,Argentina
| | - Daniela A Flores
- Instituto de Patobiologia,CICVyA, INTA-Castelar, 1686 Hurlingham,Argentina
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