1
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Florini F, Visone JE, Hadjimichael E, Malpotra S, Nötzel C, Kafsack BF, Deitsch KW. Transcriptional plasticity of virulence genes provides malaria parasites with greater adaptive capacity for avoiding host immunity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.584127. [PMID: 38496509 PMCID: PMC10942408 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.584127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Chronic, asymptomatic malaria infections contribute substantially to disease transmission and likely represent the most significant impediment preventing malaria elimination and eradication. Plasmodium falciparum parasites evade antibody recognition through transcriptional switching between members of the var gene family, which encodes the major virulence factor and surface antigen on infected red blood cells. This process can extend infections for up to a year; however, infections have been documented to last for over a decade, constituting an unseen reservoir of parasites that undermine eradication and control efforts. How parasites remain immunologically "invisible" for such lengthy periods is entirely unknown. Here we show that in addition to the accepted paradigm of mono-allelic var gene expression, individual parasites can simultaneously express multiple var genes or enter a state in which little or no var gene expression is detectable. This unappreciated flexibility provides parasites with greater adaptive capacity than previously understood and challenges the dogma of mutually exclusive var gene expression. It also provides an explanation for the antigenically "invisible" parasites observed in chronic asymptomatic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evi Hadjimichael
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shivali Malpotra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Björn F.C. Kafsack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kirk W. Deitsch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Kaur S, Roberts DD. Emerging functions of thrombospondin-1 in immunity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 155:22-31. [PMID: 37258315 PMCID: PMC10684827 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Thrombospondin-1 is a secreted matricellular glycoprotein that modulates cell behavior by interacting with components of the extracellular matrix and with several cell surface receptors. Its presence in the extracellular matrix is induced by injuries that cause thrombospondin-1 release from platelets and conditions including hyperglycemia, ischemia, and aging that stimulate its expression by many cell types. Conversely, rapid receptor-mediated clearance of thrombospondin-1 from the extracellular space limits its sustained presence in the extracellular space and maintains sub-nanomolar physiological concentrations in blood plasma. Roles for thrombospondin-1 signaling, mediated by specific cellular receptors or by activation of latent TGFβ, have been defined in T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. In addition to regulating physiological nitric oxide signaling and responses of cells to stress, studies in mice lacking thrombospondin-1 or its receptors have revealed important roles for thrombospondin-1 in regulating immune responses in infectious and autoimmune diseases and antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhbir Kaur
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David D Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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3
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Deb B, Das A, Vilvadrinath R, Jangra A, Shukla MS, Akhouri RR, Goel S. Glycophorin B-PfEMP1 interaction mediates robust rosetting in Plasmodium falciparum. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:129868. [PMID: 38309398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129868] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
P. falciparumerythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is the major parasite protein responsible for rosetting by binding to host receptors such as heparan sulfate, CR1 on RBC surface. Usually monomeric protein-carbohydrate interactions are weak [1], therefore PfEMP1 binds to plasma proteins like IgM or α2-macroglobulin that facilitate its clustering on parasitized RBC surface and augment rosetting [2,3]. We show that 3D7A expresses PfEMP1, PF3D7_0412900, and employs its CIDRγ2 domain to interact with glycophorin B on uninfected RBC to form large rosettes but more importantly even in the absence of plasma proteins. Overall, we established the role of PF3D7_0412900 in rosetting as antibodies against CIDRγ2 domain reduced rosetting and also identified its receptor, glycophorin B which could provide clue why glycophorin B null phenotype, S-s-U- RBCs prevalent in malaria endemic areas is protective against severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijayeeta Deb
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, India
| | - Adrita Das
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, India
| | - Ramya Vilvadrinath
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, India
| | - Arvind Jangra
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, India
| | | | | | - Suchi Goel
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, India.
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4
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Najer A, Kim J, Saunders C, Che J, Baum J, Stevens MM. Enhanced Antimalarial and Antisequestration Activity of Methoxybenzenesulfonate-Modified Biopolymers and Nanoparticles for Tackling Severe Malaria. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:732-745. [PMID: 38271991 PMCID: PMC10862538 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00564] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Severe malaria is a life-threatening condition that is associated with a high mortality. Severe Plasmodium falciparum infections are mediated primarily by high parasitemia and binding of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) to the blood vessel endothelial layer, a process known as sequestration. Here, we show that including the 5-amino-2-methoxybenzenesulfonate (AMBS) chemical modification in soluble biopolymers (polyglutamic acid and heparin) and poly(acrylic acid)-exposing nanoparticles serves as a universal tool to introduce a potent parasite invasion inhibitory function in these materials. Importantly, the modification did not add or eliminated (for heparin) undesired anticoagulation activity. The materials protected RBCs from invasion by various parasite strains, employing both major entry pathways. Two further P. falciparum strains, which either expose ligands for chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) or intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on iRBCs, were tested in antisequestration assays due to their relevance in placental and cerebral malaria, respectively. Antisequestration activity was found to be more efficacious with nanoparticles vs gold-standard soluble biopolymers (CSA and heparin) against both strains, when tested on receptor-coated dishes. The nanoparticles also efficiently inhibited and reversed the sequestration of iRBCs on endothelial cells. First, the materials described herein have the potential to reduce the parasite burden by acting at the key multiplication stage of reinvasion. Second, the antisequestration ability could help remove iRBCs from the blood vessel endothelium, which could otherwise cause vessel obstruction, which in turn can lead to multiple organ failure in severe malaria infections. This approach represents a further step toward creation of adjunctive therapies for this devastating condition to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Najer
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Junyoung Kim
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Catherine Saunders
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Junyi Che
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Jake Baum
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Department
of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Department of Engineering Science,
and Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K.
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5
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Walker IS, Rogerson SJ. Pathogenicity and virulence of malaria: Sticky problems and tricky solutions. Virulence 2023; 14:2150456. [PMID: 36419237 PMCID: PMC9815252 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cause over 600,000 deaths each year, concentrated in Africa and in young children, but much of the world's population remain at risk of infection. In this article, we review the latest developments in the immunogenicity and pathogenesis of malaria, with a particular focus on P. falciparum, the leading malaria killer. Pathogenic factors include parasite-derived toxins and variant surface antigens on infected erythrocytes that mediate sequestration in the deep vasculature. Host response to parasite toxins and to variant antigens is an important determinant of disease severity. Understanding how parasites sequester, and how antibody to variant antigens could prevent sequestration, may lead to new approaches to treat and prevent disease. Difficulties in malaria diagnosis, drug resistance, and specific challenges of treating P. vivax pose challenges to malaria elimination, but vaccines and other preventive strategies may offer improved disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel S Walker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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6
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Othman B, Zeef L, Szestak T, Rchiad Z, Storm J, Askonas C, Satyam R, Madkhali A, Haley M, Wagstaff S, Couper K, Pain A, Craig A. Different PfEMP1-expressing Plasmodium falciparum variants induce divergent endothelial transcriptional responses during co-culture. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295053. [PMID: 38033133 PMCID: PMC10688957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of mortality and morbidity caused by malaria infection and differs from other human malaria species in the degree of accumulation of parasite-infected red blood cells in the microvasculature, known as cytoadherence or sequestration. In P. falciparum, cytoadherence is mediated by a protein called PfEMP1 which, due to its exposure to the host immune system, undergoes antigenic variation resulting in the expression of different PfEMP1 variants on the infected erythrocyte membrane. These PfEMP1s contain various combinations of adhesive domains, which allow for the differential engagement of a repertoire of endothelial receptors on the host microvasculature, with specific receptor usage associated with severe disease. We used a co-culture model of cytoadherence incubating human brain microvascular endothelial cells with erythrocytes infected with two parasite lines expressing different PfEMP1s that demonstrate different binding profiles to vascular endothelium. We determined the transcriptional profile of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) following different incubation periods with infected erythrocytes, identifying different transcriptional profiles of pathways previously found to be involved in the pathology of severe malaria, such as inflammation, apoptosis and barrier integrity, induced by the two PfEMP1 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basim Othman
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Zeef
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tadge Szestak
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Zineb Rchiad
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA
| | - Janet Storm
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Askonas
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA
| | - Rohit Satyam
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA
| | - Aymen Madkhali
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Haley
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Wagstaff
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Couper
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA
| | - Alister Craig
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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7
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Wichers-Misterek JS, Krumkamp R, Held J, von Thien H, Wittmann I, Höppner YD, Ruge JM, Moser K, Dara A, Strauss J, Esen M, Fendel R, Sulyok Z, Jeninga MD, Kremsner PG, Sim BKL, Hoffman SL, Duffy MF, Otto TD, Gilberger TW, Silva JC, Mordmüller B, Petter M, Bachmann A. The exception that proves the rule: Virulence gene expression at the onset of Plasmodium falciparum blood stage infections. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011468. [PMID: 37384799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled human malaria infections (CHMI) are a valuable tool to study parasite gene expression in vivo under defined conditions. In previous studies, virulence gene expression was analyzed in samples from volunteers infected with the Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) NF54 isolate, which is of African origin. Here, we provide an in-depth investigation of parasite virulence gene expression in malaria-naïve European volunteers undergoing CHMI with the genetically distinct Pf 7G8 clone, originating in Brazil. Differential expression of var genes, encoding major virulence factors of Pf, PfEMP1s, was assessed in ex vivo parasite samples as well as in parasites from the in vitro cell bank culture that was used to generate the sporozoites (SPZ) for CHMI (Sanaria PfSPZ Challenge (7G8)). We report broad activation of mainly B-type subtelomeric located var genes at the onset of a 7G8 blood stage infection in naïve volunteers, mirroring the NF54 expression study and suggesting that the expression of virulence-associated genes is generally reset during transmission from the mosquito to the human host. However, in 7G8 parasites, we additionally detected a continuously expressed single C-type variant, Pf7G8_040025600, that was most highly expressed in both pre-mosquito cell bank and volunteer samples, suggesting that 7G8, unlike NF54, maintains expression of some previously expressed var variants during transmission. This suggests that in a new host, the parasite may preferentially express the variants that previously allowed successful infection and transmission. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT02704533; 2018-004523-36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Stephan Wichers-Misterek
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Krumkamp
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg/Borstel/Lübeck/Riems, Germany
| | - Jana Held
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heidrun von Thien
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irene Wittmann
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yannick Daniel Höppner
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg/Borstel/Lübeck/Riems, Germany
| | - Julia M Ruge
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg/Borstel/Lübeck/Riems, Germany
| | - Kara Moser
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Antoine Dara
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jan Strauss
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Meral Esen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence: EXC 2124: Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Fendel
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zita Sulyok
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Myriam D Jeninga
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - B Kim Lee Sim
- Sanaria Inc., Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Michael F Duffy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas D Otto
- School of Infection & Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Tim-Wolf Gilberger
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joana C Silva
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michaela Petter
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Bachmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Hamburg/Borstel/Lübeck/Riems, Germany
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8
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Joof F, Hartmann E, Jarvis A, Colley A, Cross JH, Avril M, Prentice AM, Cerami C. Genetic variations in human ATP2B4 gene alter Plasmodium falciparum in vitro growth in RBCs from Gambian adults. Malar J 2023; 22:5. [PMID: 36604655 PMCID: PMC9817369 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polymorphisms in ATP2B4 coding for PMCA4b, the primary regulator of erythrocyte calcium concentration, have been shown by GWAS and cross-sectional studies to protect against severe malaria but the mechanism remains unknown. METHODS Using a recall-by-genotype design, we investigated the impact of a common haplotype variant in ATP2B4 using in vitro assays that model erythrocyte stage malaria pathogenesis. Ninety-six donors representing homozygote (carriers of the minor allele, C/C), heterozygote (T/C) and wildtype (T/T) carriers of the tagging SNP rs1541252 were selected from a cohort of over 12,000 participants in the Keneba Biobank. RESULTS Red blood cells (RBCs) from homozygotes showed reduced PMCA4b protein expression (mean fluorescence intensities (MFI = 2428 ± 124, 3544 ± 159 and 4261 ± 283], for homozygotes, heterozygotes and wildtypes respectively, p < 0.0001) and slower rates of calcium expulsion (calcium t½ ± SD = 4.7 ± 0.5, 1.8 ± 0.3 and 1.9 ± 0.4 min, p < 0.0001). Growth of a Plasmodium falciparum laboratory strain (FCR3) and two Gambian field isolates was decreased in RBCs from homozygotes compared to heterozygotes and wildtypes (p < 0.01). Genotype group did not affect parasite adhesion in vitro or var-gene expression in malaria-infected RBCs. Parasite growth was inhibited by a known inhibitor of PMCA4b, aurintricarboxylic acid (IC50 = 122uM CI: 110-134) confirming its sensitivity to calcium channel blockade. CONCLUSION The data support the hypothesis that this ATP2B4 genotype, common in The Gambia and other malaria-endemic areas, protects against severe malaria through the suppression of parasitaemia during an infection. Reduction in parasite density plays a pivotal role in disease outcome by minimizing all aspects of malaria pathogenesis. Follow up studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanism of protection and to determine if this ATP2B4 genotype carries a fitness cost or increases susceptibility to other human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatou Joof
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | | | | | - Alhassan Colley
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - James H Cross
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | | | - Andrew M Prentice
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Carla Cerami
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia.
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9
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Storm J, Camarda G, Haley MJ, Brough D, Couper KN, Craig AG. Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocyte co-culture with the monocyte cell line THP-1 does not trigger production of soluble factors reducing brain microvascular barrier function. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285323. [PMID: 37141324 PMCID: PMC10159134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocytes contribute to the pro-inflammatory immune response during the blood stage of a Plasmodium falciparum infection, but their precise role in malaria pathology is not clear. Besides phagocytosis, monocytes are activated by products from P. falciparum infected erythrocytes (IE) and one of the activation pathways is potentially the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a multi-protein complex that leads to the production of interleukin (IL)-1β. In cerebral malaria cases, monocytes accumulate at IE sequestration sites in the brain microvascular and the locally produced IL-1β, or other secreted molecules, could contribute to leakage of the blood-brain barrier. To study the activation of monocytes by IE within the brain microvasculature in an in vitro model, we co-cultured IT4var14 IE and the monocyte cell line THP-1 for 24 hours and determined whether generated soluble molecules affect barrier function of human brain microvascular endothelial cells, measured by real time trans-endothelial electrical resistance. The medium produced after co-culture did not affect endothelial barrier function and similarly no effect was measured after inducing oxidative stress by adding xanthine oxidase to the co-culture. While IL-1β does decrease barrier function, barely any IL-1β was produced in the co- cultures, indicative of a lack of or incomplete THP-1 activation by IE in this co-culture model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Storm
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Grazia Camarda
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Haley
- Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Brough
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin N Couper
- Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alister G Craig
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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10
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CD36-A Host Receptor Necessary for Malaria Parasites to Establish and Maintain Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122356. [PMID: 36557610 PMCID: PMC9785914 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (PfIEs) present P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 proteins (PfEMP1s) on the cell surface, via which they cytoadhere to various endothelial cell receptors (ECRs) on the walls of human blood vessels. This prevents the parasite from passing through the spleen, which would lead to its elimination. Each P. falciparum isolate has about 60 different PfEMP1s acting as ligands, and at least 24 ECRs have been identified as interaction partners. Interestingly, in every parasite genome sequenced to date, at least 75% of the encoded PfEMP1s have a binding domain for the scavenger receptor CD36 widely distributed on host endothelial cells and many other cell types. Here, we discuss why the interaction between PfIEs and CD36 is optimal to maintain a finely regulated equilibrium that allows the parasite to multiply and spread while causing minimal harm to the host in most infections.
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11
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Chew M, Ye W, Omelianczyk RI, Pasaje CF, Hoo R, Chen Q, Niles JC, Chen J, Preiser P. Selective expression of variant surface antigens enables Plasmodium falciparum to evade immune clearance in vivo. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4067. [PMID: 35831417 PMCID: PMC9279368 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31741-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum has developed extensive mechanisms to evade host immune clearance. Currently, most of our understanding is based on in vitro studies of individual parasite variant surface antigens and how this relates to the processes in vivo is not well-understood. Here, we have used a humanized mouse model to identify parasite factors important for in vivo growth. We show that upregulation of the specific PfEMP1, VAR2CSA, provides the parasite with protection from macrophage phagocytosis and clearance in the humanized mice. Furthermore, parasites adapted to thrive in the humanized mice show reduced NK cell-mediated killing through interaction with the immune inhibitory receptor, LILRB1. Taken together, these findings reveal new insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that the parasite utilizes to coordinate immune escape in vivo. Identification and targeting of these specific parasite variant surface antigens crucial for immune evasion provides a unique approach for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Chew
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weijian Ye
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Charisse Flerida Pasaje
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Regina Hoo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB101SA, UK
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Humanized Mouse Unit, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jacquin C Niles
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore, Singapore. .,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Peter Preiser
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore. .,Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore, Singapore.
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12
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Zelter T, Strahilevitz J, Simantov K, Yajuk O, Adams Y, Ramstedt Jensen A, Dzikowski R, Granot Z. Neutrophils impose strong immune pressure against PfEMP1 variants implicated in cerebral malaria. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53641. [PMID: 35417070 PMCID: PMC9171683 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of human malaria, remains one of the major threats to human health in endemic regions. Its virulence is attributed to its ability to modify infected red blood cells (iRBC) to adhere to endothelial receptors by placing variable antigens known as PfEMP1 on the iRBC surface. PfEMP1 expression determines the cytoadhesive properties of the iRBCs and is implicated in severe malaria. To evade antibody‐mediated responses, the parasite undergoes continuous switches of expression between different PfEMP1 variants. Recently, it became clear that in addition to antibody‐mediated responses, PfEMP1 triggers innate immune responses; however, the role of neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells in the human circulation, in malaria remains elusive. Here, we show that neutrophils recognize and kill blood‐stage P. falciparum isolates. We identify neutrophil ICAM‐1 and specific PfEMP1 implicated in cerebral malaria as the key molecules involved in this killing. Our data provide mechanistic insight into the interactions between neutrophils and iRBCs and demonstrate the important influence of PfEMP1 on the selective innate response to cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamir Zelter
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada and Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jacob Strahilevitz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Karina Simantov
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada and Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Olga Yajuk
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yvonne Adams
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Ramstedt Jensen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ron Dzikowski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada and Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zvi Granot
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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13
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Ortolan LS, Avril M, Xue J, Seydel KB, Zheng Y, Smith JD. Plasmodium falciparum Parasite Lines Expressing DC8 and Group A PfEMP1 Bind to Brain, Intestinal, and Kidney Endothelial Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:813011. [PMID: 35155278 PMCID: PMC8831842 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.813011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoadhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells is a virulence determinant associated with microvascular obstruction and organ complications. The gastrointestinal tract is a major site of sequestration in fatal cerebral malaria cases and kidney complications are common in severe malaria, but parasite interactions with these microvascular sites are poorly characterized. To study parasite tropism for different microvascular sites, we investigated binding of parasite lines to primary human microvascular endothelial cells from intestine (HIMEC) and peritubular kidney (HKMEC) sites. Of the three major host receptors for P. falciparum, CD36 had low or negligible expression; endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) had the broadest constitutive expression; and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was weakly expressed on resting cells and was strongly upregulated by TNF-α on primary endothelial cells from the brain, intestine, and peritubular kidney sites. By studying parasite lines expressing var genes linked to severe malaria, we provide evidence that both the DC8 and Group A EPCR-binding subsets of the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family encodes binding affinity for brain, intestinal, and peritubular kidney endothelial cells, and that DC8 parasite adhesion was partially dependent on EPCR. Collectively, these findings raise the possibility of a brain-gut-kidney binding axis contributing to multi-organ complications in severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana S. Ortolan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Marion Avril
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jun Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Karl B. Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Joseph D. Smith
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Joseph D. Smith,
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14
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Lee WC, Shahari S, Nguee SYT, Lau YL, Rénia L. Cytoadherence Properties of Plasmodium knowlesi-Infected Erythrocytes. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:804417. [PMID: 35069511 PMCID: PMC8767020 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.804417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium knowlesi is responsible for zoonotic malaria infections that are potentially fatal. While the severe pathology of falciparum malaria is associated with cytoadherence phenomena by Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IRBC), information regarding cytoadherence properties of P. knowlesi-IRBC remained scarce. Here, we characterized the cytoadherence properties of RBC infected with the laboratory-adapted P. knowlesi A1-H.1 strain. We found that late-stage IRBC formed rosettes in a human serum-dependent manner, and rosettes hampered IRBC phagocytosis. IRBC did not adhere much to unexposed (unstimulated) human endothelial cell lines derived from the brain (hCMEC/D3), lungs (HPMEC), and kidneys (HRGEC). However, after being "primed" with P. knowlesi culture supernatant, the IRBC-endothelial cytoadherence rate increased in HPMEC and HRGEC, but not in hCMEC/D3 cells. Both endothelial cytoadherence and rosetting phenomena were abrogated by treatment of P. knowlesi-IRBC with trypsin. We also found that different receptors were involved in IRBC cytoadherence to different types of endothelial cells. Although some of the host receptors were shared by both P. falciparum- and P. knowlesi-IRBC, the availability of glycoconjugates on the receptors might influence the capacity of P. knowlesi-IRBC to cytoadhere to these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenn-Chyau Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,ASTAR Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shahhaziq Shahari
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Samantha Yee Teng Nguee
- ASTAR Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee-Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Laurent Rénia
- ASTAR Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Zhang X, Florini F, Visone JE, Lionardi I, Gross MR, Patel V, Deitsch KW. A coordinated transcriptional switching network mediates antigenic variation of human malaria parasites. eLife 2022; 11:83840. [PMID: 36515978 PMCID: PMC9833823 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites avoid immune clearance through their ability to systematically alter antigens exposed on the surface of infected red blood cells. This is accomplished by tightly regulated transcriptional control of individual members of a large, multicopy gene family called var and is the key to both the virulence and chronic nature of malaria infections. Expression of var genes is mutually exclusive and controlled epigenetically, however how large populations of parasites coordinate var gene switching to avoid premature exposure of the antigenic repertoire is unknown. Here, we provide evidence for a transcriptional network anchored by a universally conserved gene called var2csa that coordinates the switching process. We describe a structured switching bias that shifts overtime and could shape the pattern of var expression over the course of a lengthy infection. Our results provide an explanation for a previously mysterious aspect of malaria infections and shed light on how parasites possessing a relatively small repertoire of variant antigen-encoding genes can coordinate switching events to limit antigen exposure, thereby maintaining chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Francesca Florini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Joseph E Visone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Irina Lionardi
- Jill Roberts Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Mackensie R Gross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Valay Patel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Kirk W Deitsch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
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16
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Storm J, Craig AG. Static Adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes to Purified and Recombinant Receptors. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2470:527-536. [PMID: 35881372 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_40] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pathology of Plasmodium falciparum malaria syndromes, such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia, respiratory distress, and malaria in pregnancy are associated with the cytoadherence of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) to host receptors. To investigate binding of laboratory strains or patient isolates to specific receptors, a relatively simple but informative method is a static binding assay. Purified protein receptors are absorbed onto polystyrene dishes, overlaid with a trophozoite IE suspension and incubated for a fixed time. After washing to remove unbound cells, the plates are fixed, stained, and adherent IEs counted by microscopy. Although simple, this assay requires careful implementation to provide reproducible results, but it is deliverable in relatively low-resource settings and so well matched to using fresh patient isolates for adhesion assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Storm
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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17
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Azasi Y, Rowe JA. Selecting Plasmodium falciparum Infected Erythrocytes for Adhesion to Cell Lines. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2470:91-100. [PMID: 35881341 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_9] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum expresses variant surface antigens on the surface of mature infected erythrocytes (IEs) for binding to various receptors on host cells (cytoadhesion) to evade host immunity. This enables IEs to sequester in the microvasculature of different organs and tissues of the host, contributing to different outcomes of disease. The in vitro study of cytoadhesion involves the use of IEs and human endothelial cells or other cell lines that express host cell receptors. To enrich for IE populations that bind to certain cell types or receptors, we describe a method for panning mature pigmented trophozoite IEs on cell lines. The method enables coculturing of IEs with cells of interest and the selection of IEs that cytoadhere for continuous culturing. The method serves as a tool for generating IEs with specific cell or cell receptor adhesion phenotypes to allow detailed studies of cytoadhesion interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Azasi
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - J Alexandra Rowe
- Ashworth Laboratories, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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18
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Oleinikov AV. Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum Proteins on the Surface of Infected Erythrocytes as Targets for Novel Drug Discovery. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2022; 87:S192-S177. [PMID: 35501996 PMCID: PMC8802247 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922140152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Specific adhesion (sequestration) of Plasmodium falciparum parasite-infected erythrocytes (IEs) in deep vascular beds can cause severe complications resulting in death. This review describes our work on the discovery, characterization, and optimization of novel inhibitors that specifically prevent adhesion of IEs to the host vasculature during severe malaria, especially its placental and cerebral forms. The main idea of using anti-adhesion drugs in severe malaria is to release sequestered parasites (or prevent additional sequestration) as quickly as possible. This may significantly improve the outcomes for patients with severe malaria by decreasing local and systemic inflammation associated with the disease and reestablishing the microvascular blood flow. To identify anti-malarial adhesion-inhibiting molecules, we have developed a high-throughput (HT) screening approach and found a number of promising leads that can be further developed into anti-adhesion drugs providing an efficient adjunct therapy against severe forms of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Oleinikov
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33428, USA.
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19
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Piatti L, Howard CC, Zheng Y, Bernabeu M. Binding of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Red Blood Cells to Engineered 3D Microvessels. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2470:557-585. [PMID: 35881375 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_43] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
P. falciparum-infected red blood cell (iRBC) sequestration in the microvasculature is a pivotal event in severe malaria pathogenesis. In vitro binding assays using endothelial cell monolayers under static and flow conditions have revealed key ligand-receptor interactions for iRBC sequestration. However, mechanisms remain elusive for iRBC sequestration in specific vascular locations, which prevents further development of effective therapies. New models are needed to better recapitulate the complex geometry of blood flow in human blood vessels and organ-specific vascular signatures. Recent advances in engineering 3D microvessels in vitro have emerged as promising technologies to not only model complex human vascular structures but also allow for precise and step-wise control of individual biological and biomechanical parameters. By designing networks with different branching structures and change of vessel diameter along the flow path, these models recapitulate pressure and flow changes occurring in vivo. Here, we describe the methodology employed to build 3D microvessels using soft lithography and injection molding techniques, as well as the protocol to fabricate capillary-size vessels through collagen photoablation. Furthermore, we describe the methodology of using these models to study malaria and narrate necessary steps for perfusion of P. falciparum through 3D microvessels and different options to quantify P. falciparum-iRBC binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Piatti
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Caitlin C Howard
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Maria Bernabeu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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20
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Molecular mechanisms of hematological and biochemical alterations in malaria: A review. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 247:111446. [PMID: 34953384 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a dangerous disease that contributes to millions of hospital visits and hundreds of thousands of deaths, especially in children residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Although several interventions such as vector control, case detection, and treatment are already in place, there is no substantive reduction in the disease burden. Several studies in the past have reported the emergence of resistant strains of malaria parasites (MPs) and mosquitoes, and poor adherence and inaccessibility to effective antimalarial drugs as the major factors for this persistent menace of malaria infections. Moreover, victory against MP infections for many years has been hampered by an incomplete understanding of the complex nature of malaria pathogenesis. Very recent studies have identified different complex interactions and hematological alterations induced by malaria parasites. However, no studies have hybridized these alterations for a better understanding of Malaria pathogenesis. Hence, this review thoroughly discusses the molecular mechanisms of all reported hematological and biochemical alterations induced by MPs infections. Specifically, the mechanisms in which MP-infection induces anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, dyslipidemia, hypoglycemia, oxidative stress, and liver and kidney malfunctions were presented. The study also discussed how MPs evade the host's immune response and suggested strategies to limit evasion of the host's immune response to combat malaria and its complications.
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21
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Azasi Y, Low LM, Just AN, Raghavan SSR, Wang CW, Valenzuela-Leon P, Rowe JA, Smith JD, Lavstsen T, Turner L, Calvo E, Miller LH. Complement C1s cleaves PfEMP1 at interdomain conserved sites inhibiting Plasmodium falciparum cytoadherence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2104166118. [PMID: 34035177 PMCID: PMC8179237 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104166118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoadhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) to the endothelial lining of blood vessels protects parasites from splenic destruction, but also leads to detrimental inflammation and vessel occlusion. Surface display of the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) adhesion ligands exposes them to host antibodies and serum proteins. PfEMP1 are important targets of acquired immunity to malaria, and through evolution, the protein family has expanded and diversified to bind a select set of host receptors through antigenically diversified receptor-binding domains. Here, we show that complement component 1s (C1s) in serum cleaves PfEMP1 at semiconserved arginine motifs located at interdomain regions between the receptor-binding domains, rendering the IE incapable of binding the two main PfEMP1 receptors, CD36 and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR). Bioinformatic analyses of PfEMP1 protein sequences from 15 P. falciparum genomes found the C1s motif was present in most PfEMP1 variants. Prediction of C1s cleavage and loss of binding to endothelial receptors was further corroborated by testing of several different parasite lines. These observations suggest that the parasites have maintained susceptibility for cleavage by the serine protease, C1s, and provides evidence for a complex relationship between the complement system and the P. falciparum cytoadhesion virulence determinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Azasi
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852
| | - Leanne M Low
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852
| | - Ashley N Just
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sai S R Raghavan
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian W Wang
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paola Valenzuela-Leon
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852
| | - J Alexandra Rowe
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph D Smith
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Resesarch, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Thomas Lavstsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Turner
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852;
| | - Louis H Miller
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852;
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22
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Chesnokov O, Visitdesotrakul P, Kalani K, Nefzi A, Oleinikov AV. Small Molecule Compounds Identified from Mixture-Based Library Inhibit Binding between Plasmodium falciparum Infected Erythrocytes and Endothelial Receptor ICAM-1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115659. [PMID: 34073419 PMCID: PMC8198633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific adhesion of P. falciparum parasite-infected erythrocytes (IE) in deep vascular beds can result in severe complications, such as cerebral malaria, placental malaria, respiratory distress, and severe anemia. Cerebral malaria and severe malaria syndromes were associated previously with sequestration of IE to a microvasculature receptor ICAM-1. The screening of Torrey Pines Scaffold Ranking library, which consists of more than 30 million compounds designed around 75 molecular scaffolds, identified small molecules that inhibit cytoadhesion of ICAM-1-binding IE to surface-immobilized receptor at IC50 range down to ~350 nM. With their low cytotoxicity toward erythrocytes and human endothelial cells, these molecules might be suitable for development into potentially effective adjunct anti-adhesion drugs to treat cerebral and/or severe malaria syndromes. Our two-step high-throughput screening approach is specifically designed to work with compound mixtures to make screening and deconvolution to single active compounds fast and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Chesnokov
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33428, USA
| | | | - Komal Kalani
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University (FIU), Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Adel Nefzi
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University (FIU), Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Andrew V Oleinikov
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33428, USA
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23
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Wichers JS, Tonkin-Hill G, Thye T, Krumkamp R, Kreuels B, Strauss J, von Thien H, Scholz JAM, Smedegaard Hansson H, Weisel Jensen R, Turner L, Lorenz FR, Schöllhorn A, Bruchhaus I, Tannich E, Fendel R, Otto TD, Lavstsen T, Gilberger TW, Duffy MF, Bachmann A. Common virulence gene expression in adult first-time infected malaria patients and severe cases. eLife 2021; 10:e69040. [PMID: 33908865 PMCID: PMC8102065 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum(P. falciparum)-infected erythrocytes to host endothelium through the parasite-derived P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) adhesion proteins is central to the development of malaria pathogenesis. PfEMP1 proteins have diversified and expanded to encompass many sequence variants, conferring each parasite a similar array of human endothelial receptor-binding phenotypes. Here, we analyzed RNA-seq profiles of parasites isolated from 32 P. falciparum-infected adult travellers returning to Germany. Patients were categorized into either malaria naive (n = 15) or pre-exposed (n = 17), and into severe (n = 8) or non-severe (n = 24) cases. For differential expression analysis, PfEMP1-encoding var gene transcripts were de novo assembled from RNA-seq data and, in parallel, var-expressed sequence tags were analyzed and used to predict the encoded domain composition of the transcripts. Both approaches showed in concordance that severe malaria was associated with PfEMP1 containing the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR)-binding CIDRα1 domain, whereas CD36-binding PfEMP1 was linked to non-severe malaria outcomes. First-time infected adults were more likely to develop severe symptoms and tended to be infected for a longer period. Thus, parasites with more pathogenic PfEMP1 variants are more common in patients with a naive immune status, and/or adverse inflammatory host responses to first infections favor the growth of EPCR-binding parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Stephan Wichers
- Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
- Centre for Structural Systems BiologyHamburgGermany
- Biology Department, University of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | | | - Thorsten Thye
- Epidemiology and Diagnostics, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
| | - Ralf Krumkamp
- Epidemiology and Diagnostics, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-RiemsHamburgGermany
| | - Benno Kreuels
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, GermanyHamburgGermany
- Department of Medicine, College of MedicineBlantyreMalawi
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Jan Strauss
- Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
- Centre for Structural Systems BiologyHamburgGermany
- Biology Department, University of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Heidrun von Thien
- Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
- Centre for Structural Systems BiologyHamburgGermany
- Biology Department, University of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Judith AM Scholz
- Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Schöllhorn
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Iris Bruchhaus
- Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
- Biology Department, University of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Epidemiology and Diagnostics, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-RiemsHamburgGermany
| | - Rolf Fendel
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of TübingenTübingenGermany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Tim W Gilberger
- Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
- Centre for Structural Systems BiologyHamburgGermany
- Biology Department, University of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Michael F Duffy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Anna Bachmann
- Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
- Centre for Structural Systems BiologyHamburgGermany
- Biology Department, University of HamburgHamburgGermany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-RiemsHamburgGermany
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24
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Adams Y, Olsen RW, Bengtsson A, Dalgaard N, Zdioruk M, Satpathi S, Behera PK, Sahu PK, Lawler SE, Qvortrup K, Wassmer SC, Jensen AT. Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 variants induce cell swelling and disrupt the blood-brain barrier in cerebral malaria. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20201266. [PMID: 33492344 PMCID: PMC7833209 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is caused by the binding of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) to the brain microvasculature, leading to inflammation, vessel occlusion, and cerebral swelling. We have previously linked dual intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)- and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR)-binding P. falciparum parasites to these symptoms, but the mechanism driving the pathogenesis has not been identified. Here, we used a 3D spheroid model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to determine unexpected new features of IEs expressing the dual-receptor binding PfEMP1 parasite proteins. Analysis of multiple parasite lines shows that IEs are taken up by brain endothelial cells in an ICAM-1-dependent manner, resulting in breakdown of the BBB and swelling of the endothelial cells. Via ex vivo analysis of postmortem tissue samples from CM patients, we confirmed the presence of parasites within brain endothelial cells. Importantly, this discovery points to parasite ingress into the brain endothelium as a contributing factor to the pathology of human CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rebecca W. Olsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Bengtsson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanna Dalgaard
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mykola Zdioruk
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Praveen K. Sahu
- Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India, Ispat General Hospital, Rourkela, India
| | - Sean E. Lawler
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Klaus Qvortrup
- Core Facility for Integrated Microscopy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Samuel C. Wassmer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anja T.R. Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Jabbarzare M, Njie M, Jaworowski A, Umbers AJ, Ome-Kaius M, Hasang W, Randall LM, Kalionis B, Rogerson SJ. Innate immune responses to malaria-infected erythrocytes in pregnant women: Effects of gravidity, malaria infection, and geographic location. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236375. [PMID: 32726331 PMCID: PMC7390391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy causes maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and maternal innate immune responses are implicated in pathogenesis of these complications. The effects of malaria exposure and obstetric and demographic factors on the early maternal immune response are poorly understood. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cell responses to Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes and phytohemagglutinin were compared between pregnant women from Papua New Guinea (malaria-exposed) with and without current malaria infection and from Australia (unexposed). Elicited levels of inflammatory cytokines at 48 h and 24 h (interferon γ, IFN-γ only) and the cellular sources of IFN-γ were analysed. RESULTS Among Papua New Guinean women, microscopic malaria at enrolment did not alter peripheral blood mononuclear cell responses. Compared to samples from Australia, cells from Papua New Guinean women secreted more inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 and IFN-γ; p<0.001 for all assays, and more natural killer cells produced IFN-γ in response to infected erythrocytes and phytohemagglutinin. In both populations, cytokine responses were not affected by gravidity, except that in the Papua New Guinean cohort multigravid women had higher IFN-γ secretion at 24 h (p = 0.029) and an increased proportion of IFN-γ+ Vδ2 γδ T cells (p = 0.003). Cytokine levels elicited by a pregnancy malaria-specific CSA binding parasite line, CS2, were broadly similar to those elicited by CD36-binding line P6A1. CONCLUSIONS Geographic location and, to some extent, gravidity influence maternal innate immunity to malaria.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Australia/epidemiology
- CD36 Antigens/genetics
- Erythrocytes/immunology
- Erythrocytes/parasitology
- Erythrocytes/pathology
- Female
- Gravidity/immunology
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate/genetics
- Interferon-gamma/genetics
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Interleukin-6/genetics
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/parasitology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/parasitology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/pathology
- Malaria, Falciparum/epidemiology
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology
- Middle Aged
- Papua New Guinea/epidemiology
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Plasmodium falciparum/pathogenicity
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/immunology
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/parasitology
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/pathology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/parasitology
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Jabbarzare
- Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Madi Njie
- Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony Jaworowski
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexandra J. Umbers
- Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Maria Ome-Kaius
- Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Wina Hasang
- Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise M. Randall
- Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Rogerson
- Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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26
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Pereira DMS, Carvalho Júnior AR, Lacerda EMDCB, da Silva LCN, Marinho CRF, André E, Fernandes ES. Oxidative and nitrosative stresses in cerebral malaria: can we target them to avoid a bad prognosis? J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 75:1363-1373. [PMID: 32105324 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently a global effort to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality. However, malaria still results in the deaths of thousands of people every year. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium spp., parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Treatment timing plays a decisive role in reducing mortality and sequelae associated with the severe forms of the disease such as cerebral malaria (CM). The available antimalarial therapy is considered effective but parasite resistance to these drugs has been observed in some countries. Antimalarial drugs act by increasing parasite lysis, especially through targeting oxidative stress pathways. Here we discuss the roles of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen intermediates in CM as a result of host-parasite interactions. We also present evidence of the potential contribution of oxidative and nitrosative stress-based antimalarial drugs to disease treatment and control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eunice André
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Soares Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-graduação, Universidade CEUMA, São Luís, MA, Brazil.,Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.,Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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27
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Witmer K, Fraschka SA, Vlachou D, Bártfai R, Christophides GK. An epigenetic map of malaria parasite development from host to vector. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6354. [PMID: 32286373 PMCID: PMC7156373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite replicates asexually in the red blood cells of its vertebrate host employing epigenetic mechanisms to regulate gene expression in response to changes in its environment. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing in conjunction with RNA sequencing to create an epigenomic and transcriptomic map of the developmental transition from asexual blood stages to male and female gametocytes and to ookinetes in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. Across the developmental stages examined, heterochromatin protein 1 associates with variantly expressed gene families localised at subtelomeric regions and variant gene expression based on heterochromatic silencing is observed only in some genes. Conversely, the euchromatin mark histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) is abundant in non-heterochromatic regions across all developmental stages. H3K9ac presents a distinct pattern of enrichment around the start codon of ribosomal protein genes in all stages but male gametocytes. Additionally, H3K9ac occupancy positively correlates with transcript abundance in all stages but female gametocytes suggesting that transcription in this stage is independent of H3K9ac levels. This finding together with known mRNA repression in female gametocytes suggests a multilayered mechanism operating in female gametocytes in preparation for fertilization and zygote development, coinciding with parasite transition from host to vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Witmer
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
| | - Sabine A Fraschka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dina Vlachou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Richárd Bártfai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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28
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Lee WC, Russell B, Sobota RM, Ghaffar K, Howland SW, Wong ZX, Maier AG, Dorin-Semblat D, Biswas S, Gamain B, Lau YL, Malleret B, Chu C, Nosten F, Renia L. Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes induce secretion of IGFBP7 to form type II rosettes and escape phagocytosis. eLife 2020; 9:e51546. [PMID: 32066522 PMCID: PMC7048393 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In malaria, rosetting is described as a phenomenon where an infected erythrocyte (IRBC) is attached to uninfected erythrocytes (URBC). In some studies, rosetting has been associated with malaria pathogenesis. Here, we have identified a new type of rosetting. Using a step-by-step approach, we identified IGFBP7, a protein secreted by monocytes in response to parasite stimulation, as a rosette-stimulator for Plasmodium falciparum- and P. vivax-IRBC. IGFBP7-mediated rosette-stimulation was rapid yet reversible. Unlike type I rosetting that involves direct interaction of rosetting ligands on IRBC and receptors on URBC, the IGFBP7-mediated, type II rosetting requires two additional serum factors, namely von Willebrand factor and thrombospondin-1. These two factors interact with IGFBP7 to mediate rosette formation by the IRBC. Importantly, the IGFBP7-induced type II rosetting hampers phagocytosis of IRBC by host phagocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenn-Chyau Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Bruce Russell
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Radoslaw Mikolaj Sobota
- Systems Structural Biology Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Khairunnisa Ghaffar
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Shanshan W Howland
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Zi Xin Wong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Alexander G Maier
- Biomedical Sciences and Biochemistry, Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Dominique Dorin-Semblat
- Université de Paris, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, UMR_S1134, BIGR, INSERMParisFrance
- Institut National de la Transfusion SanguineParisFrance
| | - Subhra Biswas
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Benoit Gamain
- Université de Paris, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, UMR_S1134, BIGR, INSERMParisFrance
- Institut National de la Transfusion SanguineParisFrance
| | - Yee-Ling Lau
- Department of ParasitologyFaculty of Medicine, University of MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Benoit Malleret
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Cindy Chu
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical MedicineMahidol UniversityMae SotThailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical MedicineMahidol UniversityMae SotThailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Laurent Renia
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
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29
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Stringent Selection of Knobby Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes during Cytoadhesion at Febrile Temperature. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020174. [PMID: 31991814 PMCID: PMC7074740 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the erythrocyte membrane induced by Plasmodium falciparum invasion allow cytoadhesion of infected erythrocytes (IEs) to the host endothelium, which can lead to severe complications. Binding to endothelial cell receptors (ECRs) is mainly mediated by members of the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family, encoded by var genes. Malaria infection causes several common symptoms, with fever being the most apparent. In this study, the effects of febrile conditions on cytoadhesion of predominately knobless erythrocytes infected with the laboratory isolate IT4 to chondroitin-4-sulfate A (CSA), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and CD36 were investigated. IEs enriched for binding to CSA at 40 °C exhibited significantly increased binding capacity relative to parasites enriched at 37 °C. This interaction was due to increased var2csa expression and trafficking of the corresponding PfEMP1 to the IE surface as well as to a selection of knobby IEs. Furthermore, the enrichment of IEs to ICAM-1 at 40 °C also led to selection of knobby IEs over knobless IEs, whereas enrichment on CD36 did not lead to a selection. In summary, these findings demonstrate that knobs are crucial for parasitic survival in the host, especially during fever episodes, and thus, that selection pressure on the formation of knobs could be controlled by the host.
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30
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Arakawa C, Gunnarsson C, Howard C, Bernabeu M, Phong K, Yang E, DeForest CA, Smith JD, Zheng Y. Biophysical and biomolecular interactions of malaria-infected erythrocytes in engineered human capillaries. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay7243. [PMID: 32010773 PMCID: PMC6968943 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay7243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microcirculatory obstruction is a hallmark of severe malaria, but mechanisms of parasite sequestration are only partially understood. Here, we developed a robust three-dimensional microvessel model that mimics the arteriole-capillary-venule (ACV) transition consisting of a narrow 5- to 10-μm-diameter capillary region flanked by arteriole- or venule-sized vessels. Using this platform, we investigated red blood cell (RBC) transit at the single cell and at physiological hematocrits. We showed normal RBCs deformed via in vivo-like stretching and tumbling with negligible interactions with the vessel wall. By comparison, Plasmodium falciparum-infected RBCs exhibited virtually no deformation and rapidly accumulated in the capillary-sized region. Comparison of wild-type parasites to those lacking either cytoadhesion ligands or membrane-stiffening knobs showed highly distinctive spatial and temporal kinetics of accumulation, linked to velocity transition in ACVs. Our findings shed light on mechanisms of microcirculatory obstruction in malaria and establish a new platform to study hematologic and microvascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Arakawa
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Celina Gunnarsson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Caitlin Howard
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Maria Bernabeu
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Kiet Phong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Eric Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Joseph D. Smith
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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31
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Jensen AR, Adams Y, Hviid L. Cerebral Plasmodium falciparum malaria: The role of PfEMP1 in its pathogenesis and immunity, and PfEMP1-based vaccines to prevent it. Immunol Rev 2020; 293:230-252. [PMID: 31562653 PMCID: PMC6972667 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium continues to be a major health problem worldwide. The unicellular Plasmodium-parasites have the unique capacity to infect and replicate within host erythrocytes. By expressing variant surface antigens Plasmodium falciparum has evolved to avoid protective immune responses; as a result in endemic areas anti-malaria immunity develops gradually over many years of multiple and repeated infections. We are studying the role of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) expressed by asexual stages of P. falciparum responsible for the pathogenicity of severe malaria. The immunopathology of falciparum malaria has been linked to cyto-adhesion of infected erythrocytes to specific host receptors. A greater appreciation of the PfEMP1 molecules important for the development of protective immunity and immunopathology is a prerequisite for the rational discovery and development of a safe and protective anti-disease malaria vaccine. Here we review the role of ICAM-1 and EPCR receptor adhering falciparum-parasites in the development of severe malaria; we discuss our current research to understand the factors involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and the feasibility of developing a vaccine targeted specifically to prevent this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ramstedt Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Infectious DiseasesRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
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32
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de Azevedo-Quintanilha IG, Vieira-de-Abreu A, Ferreira AC, Reis PA, Silva TI, Nascimento DDO, Campbell RA, Estato V, Weyrich AS, Bozza PT, Zimmerman GA, Castro-Faria-Neto HC. Integrin αDβ2 influences cerebral edema, leukocyte accumulation and neurologic outcomes in experimental severe malaria. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224610. [PMID: 31869339 PMCID: PMC6927624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease of major worldwide clinical importance that causes a variety of severe, or complicated, syndromes including cerebral malaria, which is often fatal. Leukocyte integrins are essential for host defense but also mediate physiologic responses of the innate and adaptive immune systems. We previously showed that targeted deletion of the αD subunit (αD-/-) of the αDβ2 integrin, which is expressed on key leukocyte subsets in mice and humans, leads to absent expression of the integrin heterodimer on murine macrophages and reduces mortality in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (P. berghei ANKA). To further identify mechanisms involved in the protective effect of αD deletion in this model of severe malaria we examined wild type C57BL/6 (WT) and αD-/- mice after P. berghei ANKA infection and found that vessel plugging and leukocyte infiltration were significantly decreased in the brains of αD-/- animals. Intravital microscopy demonstrated decreased rolling and adhesion of leukocytes in cerebral vessels of αD-/- mice. Flow cytometry analysis showed decreased T-lymphocyte accumulation in the brains of infected αD-/- animals. Evans blue dye exclusion assays demonstrated significantly less dye extravasation in the brains of αD-/- mice, indicating preserved blood-brain barrier integrity. WT mice that were salvaged from P. berghei ANKA infection by treatment with chloroquine had impaired aversive memory, which was not observed in αD-/- mice. We conclude that deletion of integrin αDβ2 alters the natural course of experimental severe malaria, demonstrating previously unrecognized activities of a key leukocyte integrin in immune-inflammatory responses that mediate cerebral involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriana Vieira-de-Abreu
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André C. Ferreira
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia A. Reis
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tathiany I. Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Danielle de O. Nascimento
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Robert A. Campbell
- Department of Internal Medicine and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Vanessa Estato
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrew S. Weyrich
- Department of Internal Medicine and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Patrícia T. Bozza
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guy A. Zimmerman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Hugo C. Castro-Faria-Neto
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Tuikue Ndam N, Tornyigah B, Dossou AY, Escriou G, Nielsen MA, Salanti A, Issifou S, Massougbodji A, Chippaux JP, Deloron P. Persistent Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Women With an Intent to Become Pregnant as a Risk Factor for Pregnancy-associated Malaria. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 67:1890-1896. [PMID: 29733338 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnant women are more susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum than before pregnancy, and infection has consequences for both mother and offspring. The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant woman in areas of transmission receive intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) starting in the second trimester. Consequently, women are not protected during the first trimester, although P. falciparum infections are both frequent and harmful. Methods A cohort of nulligravid women was followed up during subsequent pregnancy. Malaria was diagnosed by means of microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Parasites were genotyped at polymorphic loci. Results Among 275 nulligravidae enrolled, 68 women became pregnant and were followed up during pregnancy. Before pregnancy, P. falciparum prevalence rates were 15% by microscopy and 66% by polymerase chain reaction. Microscopic infection rates increased to 29% until IPTp administration, and their density increased by 20-fold. Conversely, submicroscopic infection rates decreased. After IPTp administration, all types of infections decreased, but they increased again late in pregnancy. The risk of infection during pregnancy was higher in women with a microscopic (odds ratio, 6.5; P = .047) or submicroscopic (3.06; P = .05) infection before pregnancy and was not related to the season of occurrence. Most infections during pregnancy were persistent infections acquired before pregnancy. Conclusions Microscopic and submicroscopic malaria infections were frequent in nulligravid women from south Benin. During the first trimester of pregnancy, microscopic infections were more frequent, with a higher parasite density, and mainly derived from parasites infecting the woman before conception. Preventive strategies targeting nonpregnant women with a desire for conception need to be designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France.,Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon
| | - Bernard Tornyigah
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France.,Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon
| | | | - Guillaume Escriou
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Morten A Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Denmark
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Denmark
| | - Saadou Issifou
- Centre de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Achille Massougbodji
- Centre de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Jean-Philippe Chippaux
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France.,Centre de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Philippe Deloron
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
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Lennartz F, Smith C, Craig AG, Higgins MK. Structural insights into diverse modes of ICAM-1 binding by Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20124-20134. [PMID: 31527263 PMCID: PMC6778195 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911900116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A major determinant of pathogenicity in malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is the adhesion of parasite-infected erythrocytes to the vasculature or tissues of infected individuals. This occludes blood flow, leads to inflammation, and increases parasitemia by reducing spleen-mediated clearance of the parasite. This adhesion is mediated by PfEMP1, a multivariant family of around 60 proteins per parasite genome which interact with specific host receptors. One of the most common of these receptors is intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is bound by 2 distinct groups of PfEMP1, A-type and B or C (BC)-type. Here, we present the structure of a domain from a B-type PfEMP1 bound to ICAM-1, revealing a complex binding site. Comparison with the existing structure of an A-type PfEMP1 bound to ICAM-1 shows that the 2 complexes share a globally similar architecture. However, while the A-type PfEMP1 bind ICAM-1 through a highly conserved binding surface, the BC-type PfEMP1 use a binding site that is more diverse in sequence, similar to how PfEMP1 interact with other human receptors. We also show that A- and BC-type PfEMP1 present ICAM-1 at different angles, perhaps influencing the ability of neighboring PfEMP1 domains to bind additional receptors. This illustrates the deep diversity of the PfEMP1 and demonstrates how variations in a single domain architecture can modulate binding to a specific ligand to control function and facilitate immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Lennartz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, OX1 3QU Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, OX1 3QU Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alister G Craig
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew K Higgins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, OX1 3QU Oxford, United Kingdom;
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35
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Olsen RW, Ecklu-Mensah G, Bengtsson A, Ofori MF, Kusi KA, Koram KA, Hviid L, Adams Y, Jensen ATR. Acquisition of IgG to ICAM-1-Binding DBLβ Domains in the Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 Antigen Family Varies between Groups A, B, and C. Infect Immun 2019; 87:e00224-19. [PMID: 31308082 PMCID: PMC6759304 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00224-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is an important malaria virulence factor. The protein family can be divided into clinically relevant subfamilies. ICAM-1-binding group A PfEMP1 proteins also bind endothelial protein C receptor and have been associated with cerebral malaria in children. IgG to these PfEMP1 proteins is acquired later in life than that to group A PfEMP1 not binding ICAM-1. The kinetics of acquisition of IgG to group B and C PfEMP1 proteins binding ICAM-1 is unclear and was studied here. Gene sequences encoding group B and C PfEMP1 with DBLβ domains known to bind ICAM-1 were used to identify additional binders. Levels of IgG specific for DBLβ domains from group A, B, and C PfEMP1 binding or not binding ICAM-1 were measured in plasma from Ghanaian children with or without malaria. Seven new ICAM-1-binding DBLβ domains from group B and C PfEMP1 were identified. Healthy children had higher levels of IgG specific for ICAM-1-binding DBLβ domains from group A than from groups B and C. However, the opposite pattern was found in children with malaria, particularly among young patients. Acquisition of IgG specific for DBLβ domains binding ICAM-1 differs between PfEMP1 groups.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Protozoan/biosynthesis
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Erythrocytes/immunology
- Erythrocytes/parasitology
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Ghana
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin G/biosynthesis
- Infant
- Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/genetics
- Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/immunology
- Malaria, Cerebral/genetics
- Malaria, Cerebral/immunology
- Malaria, Cerebral/parasitology
- Malaria, Cerebral/pathology
- Malaria, Falciparum/genetics
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology
- Malaria, Falciparum/pathology
- Male
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Plasmodium falciparum/pathogenicity
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Protein Binding
- Protein Domains
- Protozoan Proteins/classification
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Seasons
- Severity of Illness Index
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca W Olsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gertrude Ecklu-Mensah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Anja Bengtsson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael F Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo A Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo A Koram
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja T R Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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36
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Avril M, Benjamin M, Dols MM, Smith JD. Interplay of Plasmodium falciparum and thrombin in brain endothelial barrier disruption. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13142. [PMID: 31511575 PMCID: PMC6739390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49530-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent concepts suggest that both Plasmodium falciparum factors and coagulation contribute to endothelial activation and dysfunction in pediatric cerebral malaria (CM) pathology. However, there is still limited understanding of how these complex inflammatory stimuli are integrated by brain endothelial cells. In this study, we examined how mature-stage P. falciparum infected erythrocytes (IE) interact with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and thrombin in the activation and permeability of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) monolayers. Whereas trophozoite-stage P. falciparum-IE have limited effect on the viability of HBMEC or the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines or chemokines, except at super physiological parasite-host cell ratios, schizont-stage P. falciparum-IE induced low levels of cell death. Additionally, schizont-stage parasites were more barrier disruptive than trophozoite-stage P. falciparum-IE and prolonged thrombin-induced barrier disruption in both resting and TNFα-activated HBMEC monolayers. These results provide evidence that parasite products and thrombin may interact to increase brain endothelial permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Avril
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Max Benjamin
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Joseph D Smith
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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37
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Kumar V, Behl A, Sharma R, Sharma A, Hora R. Plasmodium helical interspersed subtelomeric family-an enigmatic piece of the Plasmodium biology puzzle. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2753-2766. [PMID: 31418110 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06420-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) refurbishes the infected erythrocytes by exporting a myriad of parasite proteins to the host cell. A novel exported protein family 'Plasmodium Helical Interspersed Subtelomeric' (PHIST) has gained attention for its significant roles in parasite biology. Here, we have collected and analysed available information on PHIST members to enhance understanding of their functions, varied localization and structure-function correlation. Functional diversity of PHIST proteins is highlighted by their involvement in PfEMP1 (Pf erythrocyte membrane protein 1) expression, trafficking and switching. This family also contributes to cytoadherence, gametocytogenesis, host cell modification and generation of extracellular vesicles. While the PHIST domain forms the hallmark of this family, existence and functions of additional domains (LyMP, TIGR01639) and the MEC motif underscores its diversity further. Since specific PHIST proteins seem to form pairs with PfEMP1 members, we have used in silico tools to predict such potential partners in Pf. This information and our analysis of structural data on a PHIST member provide important insights into their functioning. This review overall enables readers to view the PHIST family comprehensively, while highlighting key knowledge gaps in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Ankita Behl
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Rachana Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Aanchal Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Rachna Hora
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
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38
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Takano R, Kozuka-Hata H, Kondoh D, Bochimoto H, Oyama M, Kato K. A High-Resolution Map of SBP1 Interactomes in Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes. iScience 2019; 19:703-714. [PMID: 31476617 PMCID: PMC6728614 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of malaria parasites depends on host erythrocyte modifications that are facilitated by parasite proteins exported to the host cytoplasm. These exported proteins form a trafficking complex in the host cytoplasm that transports virulence determinants to the erythrocyte surface; this complex is thus essential for malaria virulence. Here, we report a comprehensive interaction network map of this complex. We developed authentic, unbiased, highly sensitive proteomic approaches to determine the proteins that interact with a core component of the complex, SBP1 (skeleton-binding protein 1). SBP1 interactomes revealed numerous exported proteins and potential interactors associated with SBP1 intracellular trafficking. We identified several host-parasite protein interactions and linked the exported protein MAL8P1.4 to Plasmodium falciparum virulence in infected erythrocytes. Our study highlights the complicated interplay between parasite and host proteins in the host cytoplasm and provides an interaction dataset connecting dozens of exported proteins required for P. falciparum virulence. We used shotgun proteomics to identify SBP1-interacting factors System validation showed complex interplay between parasite and host proteins Our system can be used to explore protozoan parasite virulence in erythrocytes
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Takano
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kozuka-Hata
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kondoh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroki Bochimoto
- Health Care Administration Center, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masaaki Oyama
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kato
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan.
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39
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Jaskiewicz E, Jodłowska M, Kaczmarek R, Zerka A. Erythrocyte glycophorins as receptors for Plasmodium merozoites. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:317. [PMID: 31234897 PMCID: PMC6591965 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3575-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycophorins are heavily glycosylated sialoglycoproteins of human and animal erythrocytes. In humans, there are four glycophorins: A, B, C and D. Glycophorins play an important role in the invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) by malaria parasites, which involves several ligands binding to RBC receptors. Four Plasmodium falciparum merozoite EBL ligands have been identified: erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 (EBA-175), erythrocyte-binding antigen-181 (EBA-181), erythrocyte-binding ligand-1 (EBL-1) and erythrocyte-binding antigen-140 (EBA-140). It is generally accepted that glycophorin A (GPA) is the receptor for P. falciparum EBA-175 ligand. It has been shown that α(2,3) sialic acid residues of GPA O-glycans form conformation-dependent clusters on GPA polypeptide chain which facilitate binding. P. falciparum can also invade erythrocytes using glycophorin B (GPB), which is structurally similar to GPA. It has been shown that P. falciparum EBL-1 ligand binds to GPB. Interestingly, a hybrid GPB-GPA molecule called Dantu is associated with a reduced risk of severe malaria and ameliorates malaria-related morbidity. Glycophorin C (GPC) is a receptor for P. falciparum EBA-140 ligand. Likewise, successful binding of EBA-140 depends on sialic acid residues of N- and O-linked oligosaccharides of GPC, which form a cluster or a conformational structure depending on the presence of peptide fragment encompassing amino acids (aa) 36–63. Evaluation of the homologous P. reichenowi EBA-140 unexpectedly revealed that the chimpanzee homolog of human glycophorin D (GPD) is probably the receptor for this ligand. In this review, we concentrate on the role of glycophorins as erythrocyte receptors for Plasmodium parasites. The presented data support the long-lasting idea of high evolutionary pressure exerted by Plasmodium on the human glycophorins, which emerge as important receptors for these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Jaskiewicz
- Laboratory of Glikobiology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland. .,Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland.
| | - Marlena Jodłowska
- Laboratory of Glikobiology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Radosław Kaczmarek
- Laboratory of Glikobiology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agata Zerka
- Laboratory of Glikobiology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
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40
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Binding Heterogeneity of Plasmodium falciparum to Engineered 3D Brain Microvessels Is Mediated by EPCR and ICAM-1. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.00420-19. [PMID: 31138740 PMCID: PMC6538777 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00420-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria research has been hindered by the inaccessibility of the brain. Here, we have developed an engineered 3D human brain microvessel model that mimics the blood flow rates and architecture of small blood vessels to study how P. falciparum-infected human erythrocytes attach to brain endothelial cells. By studying parasite lines with different adhesive properties, we show that the malaria parasite binding rate is heterogeneous and strongly influenced by physiological differences in flow and whether the endothelium has been previously activated by TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine that is linked to malaria disease severity. We also show the importance of human EPCR and ICAM-1 in parasite binding. Our model sheds new light on how P. falciparum binds within brain microvessels and provides a powerful method for future investigations of recruitment of human brain pathogens to the blood vessel lining of the brain. Cerebral malaria is a severe neurological complication associated with sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) in the brain microvasculature, but the specific binding interactions remain under debate. Here, we have generated an engineered three-dimensional (3D) human brain endothelial microvessel model and studied P. falciparum binding under the large range of physiological flow velocities that occur in both health and disease. Perfusion assays on 3D microvessels reveal previously unappreciated phenotypic heterogeneity in parasite binding to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-activated brain endothelial cells. While clonal parasite lines expressing a group B P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) present an increase in binding to activated 3D microvessels, P. falciparum-IE expressing DC8-PfEMP1 present a decrease in binding. The differential response to endothelium activation is mediated by surface expression changes of endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). These findings demonstrate heterogeneity in parasite binding and provide evidence for a parasite strategy to adapt to a changing microvascular environment during infection. The engineered 3D human brain microvessel model provides new mechanistic insight into parasite binding and opens opportunities for further studies on malaria pathogenesis and parasite-vessel interactions.
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Meta-analysis of Plasmodium falciparum var Signatures Contributing to Severe Malaria in African Children and Indian Adults. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.00217-19. [PMID: 31040236 PMCID: PMC6495371 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00217-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical presentation of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria differs between children and adults, but the mechanistic basis for this remains unclear. Contributing factors to disease severity include total parasite biomass and the diverse cytoadhesive properties mediated by the polymorphic var gene parasite ligand family displayed on infected erythrocytes. To explore these factors, we performed a multicohort analysis of the contribution of var expression and parasite biomass to severe malaria in two previously published pediatric cohorts in Tanzania and Malawi and an adult cohort in India. Machine learning analysis revealed independent and complementary roles for var adhesion types and parasite biomass in adult and pediatric severe malaria and showed that similar var profiles, including upregulation of group A and DC8 var, predict severe malaria in adults and children. Among adults, patients with multiorgan complications presented infections with significantly higher parasite biomass without significant differences in var adhesion types. Conversely, pediatric patients with specific complications showed distinct var signatures. Cerebral malaria patients showed broadly increased expression of var genes, in particular group A and DC8 var, while children with severe malaria anemia were classified based on high transcription of DC8 var only. This study represents the first large multisite meta-analysis of var expression, and it demonstrates the presence of common var profiles in severe malaria patients of different ages across distant geographical sites, as well as syndrome-specific disease signatures. The complex associations between parasite biomass, var adhesion type, and clinical presentation revealed here represent the most comprehensive picture so far of the relationship between cytoadhesion, parasite load, and clinical syndrome.IMPORTANCE P. falciparum malaria can cause multiple disease complications that differ by patient age. Previous studies have attempted to address the roles of parasite adhesion and biomass in disease severity; however, these studies have been limited to single geographical sites, and there is limited understanding of how parasite adhesion and biomass interact to influence disease manifestations. In this meta-analysis, we compared parasite disease determinants in African children and Indian adults. This study demonstrates that parasite biomass and specific subsets of var genes are independently associated with detrimental outcomes in both childhood and adult malaria. We also explored how parasite var adhesion types and biomass play different roles in the development of specific severe malaria pathologies, including childhood cerebral malaria and multiorgan complications in adults. This work represents the largest study to date of the role of both var adhesion types and biomass in severe malaria.
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Chesnokov O, Merritt J, Tcherniuk SO, Milman N, Oleinikov AV. Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes can bind to host receptors integrins αVβ3 and αVβ6 through DBLδ1_D4 domain of PFL2665c PfEMP1 protein. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17871. [PMID: 30552383 PMCID: PMC6294747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36071-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Major complications and mortality from Plasmodium falciparum malaria are associated with cytoadhesion of parasite-infected erythrocytes (IE). The main parasite ligands for cytoadhesion are members of the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family. Interactions of different host receptor-ligand pairs may lead to various pathological outcomes, like placental or cerebral malaria. It has been shown previously that IE can bind integrin αVβ3. Using bead-immobilized PfEMP1 constructs, we have identified that the PFL2665c DBLδ1_D4 domain binds to αVβ3 and αVβ6. A parasite line expressing PFL2665c binds to surface-immobilized αVβ3 and αVβ6; both are RGD motif-binding integrins. Interactions can be inhibited by cyloRGDFV peptide, an antagonist of RGD-binding integrins. This is a first, to the best of our knowledge, implication of a specific PfEMP1 domain for binding to integrins. These host receptors have important physiological functions in endothelial and immune cells; therefore, these results will contribute to future studies and a better understanding, at the molecular level, of the physiological outcome of interactions between IE and integrin receptors on the surface of host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Chesnokov
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Jordan Merritt
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Sergey O Tcherniuk
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Neta Milman
- Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew V Oleinikov
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
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Comprehensive analysis of antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 domains. Vaccine 2018; 36:6826-6833. [PMID: 30262245 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Acquired antibodies directed towards antigens expressed on the surface of merozoites and infected erythrocytes play an important role in protective immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), the major parasite component of the infected erythrocyte surface, has been implicated in malaria pathology, parasite sequestration and host immune evasion. However, the extent to which unique PfEMP1 domains interact with host immune response remains largely unknown. In this study, we sought to comprehensively understand the naturally acquired antibody responses targeting different Duffy binding-like (DBL), and Cysteine-rich interdomain region (CIDR) domains in a Ugandan cohort. Consequently, we created a protein library consisting of full-length DBL (n = 163) and CIDR (n = 108) domains derived from 62-var genes based on 3D7 genome. The proteins were expressed by a wheat germ cell-free system; a system that yields plasmodial proteins that are comparatively soluble, intact, biologically active and immunoreactive to human sera. Our findings suggest that all PfEMP1 DBL and CIDR domains, regardless of PfEMP1 group, are targets of naturally acquired immunity. The breadth of the immune response expands with children's age. We concurrently identified 10 DBL and 8 CIDR domains whose antibody responses were associated with reduced risk to symptomatic malaria in the Ugandan children cohort. This study highlights that only a restricted set of specific domains are essential for eliciting naturally acquired protective immunity in malaria. In light of current data, tandem domains in PfEMP1s PF3D7_0700100 and PF3D7_0425800 (DC4) are recommended for extensive evaluation in larger population cohorts to further assess their potential as alternative targets for malaria vaccine development.
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Networks of genetic similarity reveal non-neutral processes shape strain structure in Plasmodium falciparum. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1817. [PMID: 29739937 PMCID: PMC5940794 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04219-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens compete for hosts through patterns of cross-protection conferred by immune responses to antigens. In Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the var multigene family encoding for the major blood-stage antigen PfEMP1 has evolved enormous genetic diversity through ectopic recombination and mutation. With 50-60 var genes per genome, it is unclear whether immune selection can act as a dominant force in structuring var repertoires of local populations. The combinatorial complexity of the var system remains beyond the reach of existing strain theory and previous evidence for non-random structure cannot demonstrate immune selection without comparison with neutral models. We develop two neutral models that encompass malaria epidemiology but exclude competitive interactions between parasites. These models, combined with networks of genetic similarity, reveal non-neutral strain structure in both simulated systems and an extensively sampled population in Ghana. The unique population structure we identify underlies the large transmission reservoir characteristic of highly endemic regions in Africa.
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Jaskiewicz E, Peyrard T, Kaczmarek R, Zerka A, Jodlowska M, Czerwinski M. The Gerbich blood group system: old knowledge, new importance. Transfus Med Rev 2018. [PMID: 29540278 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Antigens of the Gerbich blood group system are expressed on glycophorin C (GPC) and glycophorin D (GPD), minor sialoglycoproteins of human erythrocytes. GPC and GPD help maintain erythrocyte shape of and contributes to the stability of its membrane. There are six high-prevalence Gerbich antigens: Ge2, Ge3, Ge4, GEPL (GE10), GEAT (GE11), GETI (GE12) and five low-prevalence Gerbich antigens: Wb (GE5), Lsa (GE6), Ana (GE7), Dha (GE8), GEIS (GE9). Some Gerbich antigens (Ge4, Wb, Dha, GEAT) are expressed only on GPC, two (Ge2, Ana) are expressed only on GPD, while others (Ge3, Lsa, GEIS, GEPL, GETI) are expressed on both GPC and GPD. Antibodies recognizing GPC/GPD may arise naturally (so-called "naturally-occurring RBC antibodies") or as the result of alloimmunization, and some of them may be clinically relevant. Gerbich antibodies usually do not cause serious hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTR); autoantibodies of anti-Ge2- or anti-Ge3 specificity can cause autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Jaskiewicz
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland; Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland.
| | - Thierry Peyrard
- Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine (INTS), Département Centre National de Référence pour les Groupes Sanguins (CNRGS), Paris, France; UMR_S1134 Inserm Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France; Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Radoslaw Kaczmarek
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agata Zerka
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marlena Jodlowska
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Czerwinski
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland; Faculty of Physiotherapy and Physical Education, Opole University of Technology, Opole, Poland
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Carrington E, Otto TD, Szestak T, Lennartz F, Higgins MK, Newbold CI, Craig AG. In silico guided reconstruction and analysis of ICAM-1-binding var genes from Plasmodium falciparum. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3282. [PMID: 29459671 PMCID: PMC5818487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21591-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum variant surface antigen PfEMP1 expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes is thought to play a major role in the pathology of severe malaria. As the sequence pool of the var genes encoding PfEMP1 expands there are opportunities, despite the high degree of sequence diversity demonstrated by this gene family, to reconstruct full-length var genes from small sequence tags generated from patient isolates. To test whether this is possible we have used a set of recently laboratory adapted ICAM-1-binding parasite isolates to generate sequence tags and, from these, to identify the full-length PfEMP1 being expressed by them. In a subset of the strains available we were able to produce validated, full-length var gene sequences and use these to conduct biophysical analyses of the ICAM-1 binding regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilidh Carrington
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Malaria Gene Regulation Lab, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Sir Graeme Davies Building, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Tadge Szestak
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Frank Lennartz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Matt K Higgins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Chris I Newbold
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Alister G Craig
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
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Tuikue Ndam N, Moussiliou A, Lavstsen T, Kamaliddin C, Jensen ATR, Mama A, Tahar R, Wang CW, Jespersen JS, Alao JM, Gamain B, Theander TG, Deloron P. Parasites Causing Cerebral Falciparum Malaria Bind Multiple Endothelial Receptors and Express EPCR and ICAM-1-Binding PfEMP1. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:1918-1925. [PMID: 28863469 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) mediates the binding and accumulation of infected erythrocytes (IE) to blood vessels and tissues. Specific interactions have been described between PfEMP1 and human endothelial proteins CD36, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR); however, cytoadhesion patterns typical for pediatric malaria syndromes and the associated PfEMP1 members are still undefined. Methods In a cohort of 94 hospitalized children with malaria, we characterized the binding properties of IE collected on admission, and var gene transcription using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results IE from patients with cerebral malaria were more likely to bind EPCR and ICAM-1 than IE from children with uncomplicated malaria (P = .007). The level of transcripts encoding CIDRα1.4 and CIDRα1.5 domain subclasses was higher in patients with severe disease (P < .05). IE populations exhibiting binding to all 3 receptors had higher levels of transcripts encoding PfEMP1 with CIDRα1.4 and Duffy binding-like (DBL)-β3 domains than parasites, which only bound CD36. Conclusions These results underpin the significance of EPCR binding in pediatric malaria patients that require hospital admission, and support the notion that complementary receptor interactions of EPCR binding PfEMP1with ICAM-1 amplifies development of severe malaria symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- UMR 216, Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le développement, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de pharmacie, Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, DHU Risques et Grossesse, France
| | - Azizath Moussiliou
- UMR 216, Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le développement, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de pharmacie, Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, DHU Risques et Grossesse, France
| | - Thomas Lavstsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Claire Kamaliddin
- UMR 216, Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le développement, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de pharmacie, Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, DHU Risques et Grossesse, France
| | - Anja T R Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Atikatou Mama
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le paludisme associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance, Université d'Abomey-Calavi
| | - Rachida Tahar
- UMR 216, Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le développement, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de pharmacie, Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, DHU Risques et Grossesse, France
| | - Christian W Wang
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jakob S Jespersen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jules M Alao
- Département de pédiatrie, Hôpital Mère-enfant de la lagune, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Benoit Gamain
- Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Inserm, INTS, Unité Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, France
| | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Philippe Deloron
- UMR 216, Mère et enfant face aux infections tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le développement, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de pharmacie, Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, DHU Risques et Grossesse, France
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Lennartz F, Adams Y, Bengtsson A, Olsen RW, Turner L, Ndam NT, Ecklu-Mensah G, Moussiliou A, Ofori MF, Gamain B, Lusingu JP, Petersen JEV, Wang CW, Nunes-Silva S, Jespersen JS, Lau CKY, Theander TG, Lavstsen T, Hviid L, Higgins MK, Jensen ATR. Structure-Guided Identification of a Family of Dual Receptor-Binding PfEMP1 that Is Associated with Cerebral Malaria. Cell Host Microbe 2017; 21:403-414. [PMID: 28279348 PMCID: PMC5374107 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is a deadly outcome of infection by Plasmodium falciparum, occurring when parasite-infected erythrocytes accumulate in the brain. These erythrocytes display parasite proteins of the PfEMP1 family that bind various endothelial receptors. Despite the importance of cerebral malaria, a binding phenotype linked to its symptoms has not been identified. Here, we used structural biology to determine how a group of PfEMP1 proteins interacts with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), allowing us to predict binders from a specific sequence motif alone. Analysis of multiple Plasmodium falciparum genomes showed that ICAM-1-binding PfEMP1s also interact with endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), allowing infected erythrocytes to synergistically bind both receptors. Expression of these PfEMP1s, predicted to bind both ICAM-1 and EPCR, is associated with increased risk of developing cerebral malaria. This study therefore reveals an important PfEMP1-binding phenotype that could be targeted as part of a strategy to prevent cerebral malaria. Structural basis for P. falciparum PfEMP1 binding to endothelial receptor ICAM-1defined A sequence motif derived from structure predicts group A PfEMP1 binding to ICAM-1 These ICAM-1-binding PfEMP1s also all bind to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) Expression of dual ICAM-1- and EPCR-binding PfEMP1 is associated with cerebral malaria
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Lennartz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QU Oxford, UK
| | - Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Bengtsson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rebecca W Olsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Turner
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicaise T Ndam
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75013 Paris, France; Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d'Aboméy Calavi, 01 BP 526 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Gertrude Ecklu-Mensah
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Azizath Moussiliou
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d'Aboméy Calavi, 01 BP 526 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Michael F Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Benoit Gamain
- UMR_S1134, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Inserm, INTS, Unité Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, 75013 Paris, France
| | - John P Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, 11101 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jens E V Petersen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian W Wang
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofia Nunes-Silva
- UMR_S1134, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Inserm, INTS, Unité Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jakob S Jespersen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Clinton K Y Lau
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QU Oxford, UK
| | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Lavstsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthew K Higgins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QU Oxford, UK.
| | - Anja T R Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Metwally NG, Tilly AK, Lubiana P, Roth LK, Dörpinghaus M, Lorenzen S, Schuldt K, Witt S, Bachmann A, Tidow H, Gutsmann T, Burmester T, Roeder T, Tannich E, Bruchhaus I. Characterisation of Plasmodium falciparum populations selected on the human endothelial receptors P-selectin, E-selectin, CD9 and CD151. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28642573 PMCID: PMC5481354 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04241-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum to evade the immune system and be sequestered within human small blood vessels is responsible for severe forms of malaria. The sequestration depends on the interaction between human endothelial receptors and P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) exposed on the surface of the infected erythrocytes (IEs). In this study, the transcriptomes of parasite populations enriched for parasites that bind to human P-selectin, E-selectin, CD9 and CD151 receptors were analysed. IT4_var02 and IT4_var07 were specifically expressed in IT4 parasite populations enriched for P-selectin-binding parasites; eight var genes (IT4_var02/07/09/13/17/41/44/64) were specifically expressed in isolate populations enriched for CD9-binding parasites. Interestingly, IT4 parasite populations enriched for E-selectin- and CD151-binding parasites showed identical expression profiles to those of a parasite population exposed to wild-type CHO-745 cells. The same phenomenon was observed for the 3D7 isolate population enriched for binding to P-selectin, E-selectin, CD9 and CD151. This implies that the corresponding ligands for these receptors have either weak binding capacity or do not exist on the IE surface. Conclusively, this work expanded our understanding of P. falciparum adhesive interactions, through the identification of var transcripts that are enriched within the selected parasite populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Galal Metwally
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine-Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | | | - Pedro Lubiana
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lisa K Roth
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Stephan Lorenzen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schuldt
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Witt
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Bachmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henning Tidow
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Gutsmann
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, Germany
| | - Thorsten Burmester
- Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Grindel, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Zoological Institute, Department of Molecular Physiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Iris Bruchhaus
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.
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50
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Abstract
Of the five Plasmodium species that infect humans, infection with P. falciparum is the most lethal, causing severe malaria syndromes, that result in over half a million annual deaths. With parasites becoming increasingly resistant to artemisinin there is an urgent need for new preventative and therapeutic options, for which understanding of the mechanisms that cause death and disability in malaria is essential. The recent discoveries that certain variants of P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) expressed on infected erythrocytes are intimately linked to the precipitation of severe malaria syndromes and that these PfEMP1 variants contain EPCR binding domains provides new opportunities to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of severe malaria. EPCR is known for its essential role in the protein C (PC) system and for its ability to support the cytoprotective effects of activated protein C (APC) that result in vascular and tissue protective effects in many organ systems of the body, including the brain, lung, kidney, and liver. Observations that binding of PfEMP1 to EPCR results in an acquired functional PC system deficiency support the new paradigm that EPCR plays a central role in the pathogenesis of severe malaria. Thus, targeting of the PfEMP1-EPCR interaction and restoring the functionality of the PC system may provide new strategies for the development of novel adjuvant therapies for severe malaria.
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